What’s going on this weekend in Centre County? Plenty, even without Penn State football
During fall weekends in Happy Valley, Penn State football is king. But this weekend is a little different.
This weekend serves as the first bye week for the Penn State football team, meaning it’s one of just two weekends until December without a game. That also means there are more events in Centre County than usual this weekend — since most businesses and organizations aren’t foolhardy enough to compete against Nittany Lions football, especially when they’re playing at home inside one of the world’s largest stadiums.
Here’s a closer look at some select events through Sunday, in no particular order, although you can find dozens more on the Centre Daily Times’ Events Calendar.
Pop Up Ave — 200 block of Allen Street (State College); 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday — This popular annual event features 42 vendors, ranging from handcrafted/reworked clothing (Go State Designs) to bottled hot sauce (BurnSesh Hot Sauce) to good eats (The Cakeshop by Tati) to a whole lot more. A full list of the vendors can be found at popupave.com, and Saturday will also feature a beer garden with Boal City Brewing and Antifragile Brewing Company.
5th Annual Happy Valley Latin Festival — MLK Plaza and 100 block of Fraser Street (State College); 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday — This free, all-ages event is designed to celebrate Latin heritage and was started by the owner of Juana’s Venezuelan Cuisine, Adianez “Ady” Martínez. A press release from the festival promises an “immersive cultural experience featuring live Latin music performances from regional and visiting artists, interactive art installations, and a curated selection of craft vendors showcasing authentic handmade goods.” And, of course, there’ll be food that celebrates traditional Latin cuisine. For more information, visit HappyValleyLatinFestival.org.
Maker Faire Happy Valley — Axemann Brewery, 2042 Axemann Road (Bellefonte); 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday — There’s a lot going on at this two-day event but, at its heart, it describes itself as a place for “makers” to share what they’ve built, how it works and why it matters. (Admission is free, and it’s for all ages.) The faire is “part science fair, part show-and-tell, part art class.” There’ll be tours of Axemann Brewery, a combat robotics competition and a place to screen-print your own shirt/poster. The event flyer even says there’ll be a real working train you can ride on, and those interested can learn how to solder and wire a light-up badge. For more information, including free shuttles, visit HappyValley.MakerFaire.com.
6th Annual Oktoberfest at Axemann Brewery — Axemann Brewery, 2042 Axemann Road (Bellefonte); 5-10 p.m. Friday — Live music will be performed by the Bavarian Stompers, while there will be a special keg tapping, German food, door prizes and a steinholding competition. Tickets are $15 at the door ($10 in advance), and those with tickets will receive a free Axemann stein.
Boalsburg Heritage Museum’s Annual Oktoberfest — 304 E. Main St. (Boalsburg); 3-7 p.m. Saturday — This fundraiser will feature The Little German Band while attendees enjoy the music under tents in the museum garden. Tickets are $50 for adults, and that includes two free beverages (e.g. beer and wine) and free German food like bratwurst, pretzels, potato salad, cabbage and desserts. Tickets can be purchased online with the help of a QR Code. (Those younger than 10 are free, and those aged 10-15 are $15.)
Memorial “Woof Walk” — Grounds of Pennsylvania Military Museum, 51 Boal Ave. (Boalsburg); 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday — Organizers hope this becomes an annual dogwalking event. It was created to honor Kayte Derhammer, a 29-year-old dog lover and mother-to-be who was killed in a crash last year. Funds raised here will go to Kayte’s K-9s, a recently founded organization in memory of Kayte. (Those interested can simply Venmo @KaytesK9s. Dogwalkers are asked to donate $30.) The event will consist of three waves of interested pet owners walking their dogs, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. There will be treats, water stations, a basket raffle, vendors, and more. Those without dogs are still welcome to take part by simply bringing themselves and walking with the group.
“With a Little Help From Our Friends” Benefit Concert — Arena Bar & Grill, 1521 Martin St. (State College); 6-11 p.m. Saturday — This annual concert is made to benefit the youth mental wellness program of the Jana Marie Foundation, a local nonprofit that promotes mental health and suicide prevention. General admission starts at $20 and can be purchased online. Seven bands are expected to take part, including Big Red & Zoe Makenna, Ken Baxter, Luke Goes Electric, Area 38, Free Range, Cajons and Cojones, and Groove Society.
First Responders Appreciation Day — Way Fruit Farm, 2355 Halfmoon Valley Road (Port Matilda); 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday — Stop by the farm to see a craft market, food vendors, a bunny barn and apple picking. On Saturday only, there’ll also be fire/ambulance/police vehicles and face painting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food vendors include Pappy’s Popcorn, Ice House Cafe, Dubbs Grub and Scott’s Roasting.
Downtown Floral Watercolor Workshop Series — 236 E. Calder Way (State College); 6-8 p.m. Friday — This is a beginner-friendly, flower-filled watercolor workshop hosted by Rooted Farmstead (with Kaleidoscope PA), and this particular class is the final scheduled one for a series that began in July. The watercolor class will take place during the sunset, and the cost starts at $25, which includes painting supplies and instruction. Flowers are an additional $15.
