The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts and Crafts are annual traditions and the highlight of a Penn State summer. Central Pennsylvania 4th Fest is a daylong Independence Day celebration featuring a fireworks show that is consistently rated among the biggest and best in the United States.

No matter what you like, you’ll find it here. Film festivals (The State Theatre, Summer Movies at the HUB), live theatre (Penn State Centre Stage, State College Community Theatre), music (Music at Penn’s Woods, Summer’s Best Music Fest ), visual arts (Palmer Museum of Art, HUB-Robeson Galleries, Center for Arts and Crafts), and museums (Matson Museum of Anthropology, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum, Frost Entomological Museum, Penn State All-Sports Museum) — it’s all here in Happy Valley.

One of the best things about central Pennsylvania is the large number of outdoor recreation opportunities. In summer, you can visit Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center or Stone Valley Recreation Area, plus any number of state parks within a short driving distance. Tussey Mountain, a popular ski area in winter, offers a full range of summer activities such as fishing, golf, and go-carts.

The Office of Student Activities offers a wide range of events and opportunities to get involved in campus life. Join a club or organization, or take advantage of social activities and entertainment presented by the Student Programming Association.