What to know about the free America250PA concert coming to State College this summer

State College is one of five Pennsylvania cities hosting a free concert this summer as part of the state’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Country artist Cole Swindell will headline the show at the Bryce Jordan Center on May 23.

FULL STORY: State College part of free America250 concerts across Pennsylvania. What to know

Here are key takeaways:

• The “Commonwealth Concert Series” kicks off in State College on May 23, with Cole Swindell headlining and Gabby Barrett and the Benny Havens Military Band also performing. Tickets are free but required for entry.
• Four more free concerts follow through June 27 in Erie, Hershey, Wilkes-Barre and Pittsburgh, featuring artists including The Fray, The Avett Brothers, Lady A, En Vogue, Nelly and Third Eye Blind.
• The concerts are funded by a $675,000 grant from the Marketing to Attract Marquis Events program, with $57.5 million set aside in the state’s last two budgets for the overall America250 celebration.
• Centre County will host additional America250PA events this summer, including a patriotic joint concert by the Bellefonte and State College community bands on July 3, the Philipsburg Heritage Days festival from July 8-11 and the Centre County Grange Fair from Aug. 21-29.
• Tickets will be available to the general public starting at noon April 17 at Ticketmaster.com. They will be limited to Pennsylvania residents through May 1. Visit america250pa.org for more information.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.

This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 8:21 AM.