Check out Arts Fest, People’s Choice and other Centre County events happening in July
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Festival week in Centre County
We have you covered as you’re planning trips to the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, the People’s Choice Festival and more.
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3:30 p.m. June 30 update: The Kids on Wheels Parade originally included in this article has been canceled due to “limited resources for safety and security,” Centre Region Parks & Recreation posted on Facebook. Those who planned to participate are invited to email a photo of their decorated “wheels” to blee@crcog.net by 8 a.m. July 5 for a chance to win a CRPR swag bag.
There is no shortage of events in July, starting with the first Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley on July 2 and the full return of the Central PA 4th Fest two days later. Not long after comes Centre County’s traditional festival week, with the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts opening with Children and Youth Day on July 12 and the People’s Choice Festival returning to the Grange fairgrounds starting July 13.
Here’s a look at some of the other happenings as summer heats up in Centre County.
Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival
When: through July 2
Where: Grange fairgrounds, Centre Hall
What: The festival runs June 28-July 2. There’s an “open jam” each night after the featured band performs. The July 1 schedule includes Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Larry Stephenson Band and Remington Ryde, while July 2 features a gospel jam, church service with Billy Lee Cox and Remington Ryde.
More information: remingtonrydefestival.com
An American Celebration concert
When: 3 p.m. July 4
Where: Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte
What: The Bellefonte Community Band and State College Area Municipal Band will perform patriotic music in honor of Independence Day. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket. The concert will be canceled in the event of rain.
More info: bellefonteband.net
Cardboard Regatta
When: July 8
Where: Welch Pool, State College
What: Participants can build their own boats out of cardboard, paperboard and duct tape and race them at the pool. Prizes will be awarded for fastest boat, boat design, best costume and best sinking. Entries cost $15. Pre-judging begins at 8:30 a.m. For the complete rules and to register, visit the CRPR website.
More info: www.crpr.org/special-events
Philipsburg Heritage Days
When: July 11-15
What: The Philipsburg community will hold its annual summer celebration with the theme Be True To Your School, which highlights the accomplishments of the Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District. Heritage Days begins with Vesper services on July 11. P-O choir, band and drama students are scheduled to perform. A watermelon eating contest, baking contest and flower show are also on tap. The week leads up to the Grand Parade at 2 p.m. July 15 and music at the Cold Stream Dam Pavilion ahead of fireworks.
More information: philipsburgheritagedays.com.
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
When: July 12-16
Where: Downtown State College and the Penn State campus
What: The 57th annual State College summertime staple launches July 12 with the Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale for young artists along with the procession and community sing-along, and gets fully underway July 13 with the Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition. In addition to the artists from across the country displaying their work, there will be food vendors, musical entertainment, street painting, races, BookFestPA and a craft beverage expo.
More information: arts-festival.com
AstroFest
When: 8:30-11:30 p.m. July 12-15
Where: Davey Lab, Penn State campus
What: Penn State’s astronomy department holds this event each night of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Visitors can stop by the lab for presentations on topics such as black holes and life in the universe, children’s activities, demonstrations and tours of the solar system. Children can earn stamps by attending activities and receive astronomy-themed prizes. If the weather is clear, the rooftop observatory will be open to view the stars.
More information: facebook.com/PennStateAstronomy/
People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts and Crafts
When: July 13-16
Where: Grange fairgrounds, Centre Hall
What: The festival returns to Grange Park for the second year and offers on-site camping. About 200 artists — all from Pennsylvania — will show their items along with food and wine vendors. There will be musical entertainment throughout the festival and activities for children.
More information: peopleschoicefestival.com
Art in the Orchard
When: July 13-15
Where: Way Fruit Farm, 2355 Halfmoon Valley Road, Port Matilda.
What: Way Fruit Farm’s 3rd annual Art in the Orchard will take place July 13-15. Artists, crafters and food trucks will set up on the farm grounds and in the orchards. There will also be live music.
More information: wayfruitfarm.com/artintheorchard
Pedal, Splash and Dash Youth Triathlon
When: July 22
What: Future Ironmen ages 6-11 can push themselves to their limits with this swimming, biking and running event. The course length varies by age, with swimming in Welch Pool, biking on the path from the pool to Blue Course Drive and running on the State High field above the pool. Participants must have the appropriate attire and equipment for each state of the event and parents/guardians should be available to help with race transitions. There is a $20 entry fee. For the full course guidelines and to register, visit CRPR’s website.
More information: www.crpr.org/special-events
Millheim SummerFest
When: July 29-30
What: The community music festival formerly known as WalkFest returns at the end of the month. In addition to live music, visitors can check out local food and drinks.
More information: facebook.com/EPVCBA/
This story was originally published June 29, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
