Fall Fun Abounds In Happy Valley
Planning a trip to State College this fall for Homecoming, catching up with fellow Lettermen, or just to take in foliage? There's no shortage of fall fun in Happy Valley. In fact, we found seven that may interest Alumni returning who are returning, just in case you're having trouble coming up with ideas: So, go on and check out the following list of festivals, football games and autumn activities to add to your Nittany calendar this season!
Beaver Stadium, University Park
Oh boy, the best season apart from fall—sorry, fall—is football season and it’s finally here! The Nittany lions have already roared through their first game with a win against Appalachian State, 45-38. The rest of the home games are against the Kent State Golden Flashes, Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan State Spartans, Iowa Hawkeyes, Wisconsin Badgers and the Maryland Terrapins. A tailgate under the Saturday sun is the perfect way to spice up your autumn weekends! Come on up to Beaver Stadium and help spread that blue and white fever, for the love of Old State, September 15 and 29, October 13 and 27and November 10 and 24.
Way Fruit Farm, Port Matilda, PA
What’s autumn without autumn in a cup, aka, apple cider? Way Fruit Farm knows the drink of the season, and is celebrating the taste of fall both literally and metaphorically by hosting an Apple Cider Demonstration Day on October 1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. From October 2–3, also 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Way Fruit Farm will present their Fall Festival where apples make an appearance in both an apple slingshot stand, as well as apple dumpling baked goods. A petting zoo and free wagon ride to the farm’s pumpkin patch is also provided.
P.S. Looking for hard apple cider? Look no further than Otto’s Pub and Brewery. They are selling Keewaydin Cider, an apple cherry cider that has a fantastic blend of tart cherry and crisp apple flavors.
Allen Street, State College
When you think “fall fun,” do you have a picture in your head of a bounce house and a tumble bus? Pony rides and live music, perhaps? Or maybe a pumpkin patch where children are given free pumpkins to take home and decorate? For the 19th consecutive year, the 200 block of Allen Street is offering an annual downtown fall festival on October 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
The State Theatre, State College
After spending the day at the Annual Downtown Fall Festival, walk on down to the State Theatre where Lady Grey and her Lovelies will be waiting to start your spooky October the right way. The cabaret is October 6, in the attic of the State Theatre, with show-times both at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and tickets priced at $23. Make sure to come dressed in costumes or apparel reflecting either dreams or nightmares—and leave the little ones at home as this kind of entertainment is for 18 and up!
Village of Aaronsburg, Penns Valley
Now that your October 6 plans are all filled out, why not make a weekend if it with the Dutch Fall Festival on October 7. Up in Penns Valley, the Dutch Fall Fest has been a tradition since 1976. This year, the celebration of the Pennsylvania Dutch is brought to you through educational and cultural showcases, local food vendors as well as live entertainment from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Arboretum, University Park
The annual arboretum pumpkin festival is, and forever will be, a gem in Happy Valley. On October 19, from 6 p.m.–9 p.m., the Jack-O-Lantern display will host hundreds of carved pumpkins glowing in the dark night, making for a fabulous fall ambiance. If you want to participate, register your pumpkin at the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. that same Friday. On October 20, from 4 p.m.–6 p.m., live music will be playing at the Overlook Pavilion, food vendors will be on site and the children’s garden will feature corn-husk-doll-making.
Snider Agricultural Arena
So, there you are, with Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 plans, why not round it out and make plans for October 21, too! The Horticulture Club at Penn State is here to help! Half the fun of fall is appreciating the beauty that is the nature around you, whether it be while you’re driving on the highway and the trees on the hills are glowing under the sun or just noticing the diverse shapes of different leaves. The PSU Horticulture show will offer a free show that explores Penn State’s landscape as well as plants that can be bought to brighten up any room of choosing. Be sure to also get a cool glass of apple cider during the event, which runs from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
