Big Boy’s central PA stop, museum visits & more: 9 non-festival things to do this weekend
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Big Boy 4014 will stop in Altoona July 8–10 with free public viewing events.
- Penn’s Cave offers guided all-water cavern tours and a 60-minute wildlife park tour.
- DelGrosso’s has 30 rides and access to Laguna Splash; all-day pass $39.
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Centre County festival weekend 2026
It’s that time of year in Centre County — tents, food trucks and stages are popping up for events like the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and the People’s Choice Festival. Find full coverage below.
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Not in the mood for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts this year? No problem. Whether you aren’t a fan of crowds, the July heat or street fairs in general, central Pennsylvania has plenty for everyone to enjoy during Arts Fest weekend.
Below are some of the top activities to check out within an hour’s drive of State College.
Big Boy
What: The world’s largest operational steam locomotive is visiting central Pennsylvania while Arts Fest takes over downtown State College streets. Big Boy 4014, which is making its way from coast to coast in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, will be stopping in Altoona from July 8-11.
Where: Rail line between the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the Amtrak Train Station (July 8) Shuttles to the viewing site will be available at Altoona Curve Baseball stadium (July 9-10).
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 8-10
Cost: Free at public viewing events
Info: www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule
Bellefonte Art Museum
What: The Bellefonte Art Museum features exhibits from poets, painters, jewelers and more across seven exhibits showcasing the history and creative visions of central Pennsylvanians. The third floor Underground Railroad exhibit highlights the role former Bellefonte residents played in sheltering escaped enslaved people during the 19th century.
Where: 133 N. Allegheny St., Bellefonte
When: noon-4:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Cost: Free to visit
Info: bellefontemuseum.org
Penn State All-Sports Museum
What: Visitors can tour the fourth-largest football stadium in the world as it undergoes a $700 million renovation. Afterward, browse the history of Penn State athletics in the adjacent PSU All Sports Museum, which features exhibits and information about all Penn State indoor and outdoor varsity sports, including track and field, gymnastics, basketball, football, ice hockey and much more.
Where: Beaver Stadium, University Park
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from July 10-12
Cost: $25 per stadium pass
Info: gopsusports.com/museum
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
What: Go on a guided all-water tour of Penn’s Cave and see centuries-old stalactite and stalagmite columns in the limestone cavern. Afterward, glimpse the local wildlife on a 60 minute Farm-Nature-Wildlife Park Tour.
Where: 222 Penns Cave Road, Centre Hall
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. all week
Cost: $45.50 for adults, $44.50 for seniors and $29.50 for children, with combo packages available
Info: www.pennscave.com
Bald Eagle State Park
What: Experience the great outdoors at Bald Eagle State Park, with 14.5 miles of hiking trails, fishing spots, picnic tables and modern and rustic camping spaces.
Where: 149 Main Park Road, Howard
When: Open from sunrise to sunset all week
Cost: Free, barring space and equipment rentals
Info: www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/bald-eagle-state-park
The Arboretum at Penn State
What: Stroll through the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, including nine unique garden varieties of the Arboretum at Penn State. From native plant species and wildlife recreations to more tropical plant varieties, the arboretum combines local and exotic plant life with reflection spaces for visitors to sit and observe.
Where: East Park Avenue and Bigler Road, University Park
When: Open from sunrise to sunset all week
Cost: Free to visit
Info: arboretum.psu.edu
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland
What: Visit more than 40 species and engage in interactive wildlife experiences at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland. Visitors can walk through the animatronic dinosaur park to learn about some of the earliest reptile species, visit Komodo dragons and other large island-dwelling reptiles in recreated habitats, walk through Parakeet Landing and interact with dozens of budgies and more.
Where: 18628 US-15, Allenwood
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week
Cost: $18-$22
Info: reptiland.com
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park and Laguna Splash Water Park
What: Visitors can enjoy 30 classic amusement park rides, including bumper cars, a free fall tower, a mousetrap rollercoaster, a pirate ship and more. Afterward, guests can cool off in the splash park, which includes several water slides and pools catered to guests of all ages.
Where: 4352 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Tipton
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Cost: $39 per all day pass
Info: www.mydelgrossopark.com
Woodward Cave and Campground
What: Looking for a different outdoor excursion? Visit Woodward Cave, a 400 million-year-old cavern that is a critical bat habitat in Pennsylvania. Visitors can tour the cave, camp out for the evening or simply visit the summer farmers market for fresh produce.
Where: 147 Woodward Cave Drive, Woodward
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all week
Cost: $12-$19 per person
Info: woodwardcave.com
