Happy Mother’s Day weekend, and congratulations to the newest Penn State graduates! There’s much to celebrate, and much to do, in Happy Valley this weekend.
Check out our Mother’s Day Guide to find articles, events, projects, gift ideas, dining specials and more.
Throughout the weekend, Penn State will be celebrating its newest alumni with commencement ceremonies across campus.
And today is the first Friday in May, which means it’s First Friday in Downtown State College, with music, art, a free movie and more.
We’ve compiled the highlights from the upcoming weekend’s community events in the State College area for you to enjoy.
FRIDAY
First Friday
The monthly Downtown State College celebration is 5-9 p.m. Webster’s Cafe will have special guest speakers; Lila Yoga is hosting a Global Dance Party; Kitchen Kaboodle will be offering samples of a special collaboration between Tait Farm and Elk Creek Cafe, and much more. Check out the full schedule at firstfridaystatecollege.com.
Free Movie at the Downtown Theatre Center
For both First Friday and National Mental Health Month, the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center is hosting a free screening of the acclaimed Disney Pixar feature “Inside Out,” at 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5:45 p.m.)
Penn State Commencement
Graduation ceremonies will be happening at the Bryce Jordan Center, Pegula Ice Arena and Eisenhower Auditorium throughout the weekend. Details on when and where for each ceremony are here. For parking and traffic info in the borough and on campus, check here.
Friday Farmers’ Market Returns
The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns for another season starting Friday. The market will be open 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. every Friday until November on Locust Lane.
Birding Cup
The 19th annual Shaver’s Creek Birding Cup, which awards prizes for the most bird species spotted in a 24-hour period, will take place beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday and lasting until 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. Each year approximately 20 teams and 100 birders participate in the competition, which raises more than $12,000 annually for Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. More info.
Special Promos at Penn State Baseball
The Diamond Lions host a rare late-season, non-conference series with TCU on Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. There is a full slate of special promotions including Noisemaker Night (with the Red Land Little League World Series U.S. Championship team on hand for autographs), Graduation Day, and Ice Cream Sunday. Check out all the details.
Penn State Softball Wraps Regular Season
The Nittany Lion Softball team concludes its regular season with a three game set vs. Illinois at Beard Field. First pitch Friday is at 6:30 p.m., Season Ticket Holders and Hawaiian Day is Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday’s start is 1 p.m., with the team celebrating Senior Day. More info.
SATURDAY
Bellefonte Cancer Awareness Day
The Bellefonte community hosts its 5th annual Cancer Awareness Day starting at 8 a.m. at the Bellefonte Little League Fields, 735 N. Penn St. The event has raised more than $25,000 and all of this year’s proceeds will go to the DC8 Fund established in honor of former Bellefonte Little League player Dylan Crunick who passed away from a rare form of childhood cancer. The day will have wings, cotton candy, popcorn, auction items, signed sports gear, a baseball throw game, and of course some good old baseball games.
Potters Guild Mother’s Day Show
The 6th Annual Potters Guild Mother’s Day Show is Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at 824 Pike Street in Lemont. Bring mom, or go to shop for one, and enjoy food and refreshments as you enjoy the work of talented artists.
Friends School Fun Fair
State College Friends School hosts a family-oriented day of games, prizes, live entertainment, silent auction, food and baked goods, arts and crafts and animal friends. Admission is free. Game and food tickets available at door. Proceeds benefit State College Friends School Scholarship Fund. Best suited for families with children 3 to 12. Rain date is May 14, and pets are not permitted.
Native Plant Festival
Celebrate the arrival of spring, the return of wildflowers, and the beginning of another gardening season at the Central Pa. Native Plant Festival and Sale from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the PA Military Museum grounds in Boalsburg
Mother’s Day Wine & Cupcakes
All weekend Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery will be offering complimentary cupcakes and wine tasting. Plus, all moms receive a free logo wine glass. Bring a snack or picnic and enjoy the ambience of the pond-side picnic tables and covered decks, or enjoy local cheese and crackers, honeys and jams. No reservations required. Hours of operation on Saturday are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday from 12:30-4 p.m.
Gardener’s Open House
Tait Farm hosts its annual event celebrating the heart of the gardening season. An abundant selection of tomato, pepper and other vegetable seedlings will be available, as well as a great selection of annuals and perennials. Open at 10 a.m.
SUNDAY
Check out our Mother’s Day Guide
Mother’s Day Concert
Dr. Ned Deihl, principal conductor, and up to 80 volunteer members of the State College Municipal Band perform a free Mother’s Day Concert at 3 p.m. at Mount Nittany Middle School.
Pitch, Hit & Run
Rescheduled from May 1. Scotts & Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit & Run is a free, national program that offers boys and girls ages 7-14 the chance to showcase their baseball and softball abilities. The local edition is at 2 p.m. at Oak Hall Regional Park. The event is intended to encourage youth participation and emphasize the fun element of the sport. Boys and girls compete together in four age groups: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. Age is determined as of July 17, 2016. A birth certificate is required for age verification. For more information contact Jeff Hall at CRPR (814-231-3071).
If all that isn’t enough for you, there’s more happening in State College. Check out our calendar page to explore the weekend’s events, and feel free to add your own if it isn’t listed. For more entertainment options, check out our Movie listings and our Bar Tour page.
