The Altoona Mens Chorus (Mannerchor) will celebrate its 60th anniversary from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Unter Uns Club in Altoona. Courtesy photo

Friday, Sept. 5

The 34th annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival will be held from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Mass at 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 7. At the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh.

The event features live music and dance, a marketplace, Pittsburgh Steelers activation on 9/6, Celtic Wellness, Carrie Furnace mini tours, Irish dogs, children’s activities, cultural displays and demonstrations, food and drink, and much more. Additional details available at www.pghirishfest.org.

First Friday will be celebrated in downtown Bedford from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. The theme is Touchdown Friday. There will be extended shop hours, live music, promotions and light refreshments.

Saturday, Sept. 6

Cresson Catholic Community Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at the festival grounds, 7911 Admiral Peary Hwy., Cresson.

There will be hayrides, food, a beer tent, basket raffle, bake sale, kids games, rummage sale, silent auction, fancy booth, games of chance and more.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, Felix and the Hurricanes will entertain from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by Strings Radio from 4:30 to 7 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 7, a 9/11 ceremony will be held at 12:30 p.m., followed by Charlene’s School of Dance at 1 p.m. and Rose and the Jammers from 2 to 5 p.m.

Cresson Lake Playhouse will host Back to the 80s night at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Get ready to tease that hair, dust off the neon and turn up the boombox as the Cresson Lake Playhouse, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto, rewinds the clock for an electrifying outdoor concert featuring favorite CLP performers, along with fresh new talent ready to rock the retro world.

The stage will be set outside, behind the barn at CLP (weather permitting) for a night of music, memories and fun. Expect powerhouse vocals, the biggest hits of the decade, and a full-on celebration of the era that brought us unforgettable singalongs.

The event is free; donations accepted to support the arts at CLP. Those attending should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating and wear your best 80s attire — from shoulder pads to scrunchies, neon, jelly bracelets, acid-wash jeans and big hair.

Themed drinks and treats will transport attendees straight back to the decade of glam and jams.

This is more than just a concert–it’s a chance to connect with friends, sing your heart out and relive the decade that defined a generation.

The Johnstown Super Cruise Committee will host the 16th Annual Antique & Classic Car & Motorcycle Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship Church, 3429 Elton Road, in the Richland Township area of Johnstown. All antiques, classics, tuners, rat rods, trucks and newer vehicles and motorcycles are welcome. Dash plaques will be available for the first 150 vehicles. $10 cruise vehicle registration fee. Free admission for the general public. Rain date is Saturday, Sept. 13.

There will be a basket raffle, door prizes, games, food vendors, auto displays, military displays, and the Jennerstown Speedway pace truck. Music will be performed by the Three Of Hearts.

Proceeds benefit the Laurel Highlands Vietnam Veterans Of America Chapter 364.

Wine Festival will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Conservancy, 80 Hickory St., Johnstown. All proceeds go toward continued improvements at the gardens and conservatory, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A wine festival ticket entitles you to a free glass upon entry and free samplings from some of the best Pennsylvania wineries and distilleries plus craft beers, craft vendors, food and live music throughout the day with the Kenny Blake Trio from Pittsburgh and George Byich on acoustic guitar. Bottles of wine can be purchased from the wineries at the event. A wine valet service will be offered to attendees. Tickets are available at the gate for $35 each. Designated driver tickets will be available only at the entrance gate for $10 each. A drivers license/photo ID must be presented at the gate upon entry.

Sunday, Sept. 7

Hollidaysburg Area Arts Council’s Music in the Burg concert series is coming to an end with the last concert at 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at Canal Basin Park featuring Coal Aly. They are an 11-piece cover band based in State College. Featuring three vocalists and a five-piece steel rail horn section, they play a wide variety of music from Stevie Wonder to ABBA to Amy Winehouse.

Then and Now: Historical Bus Tours with Michael Farrow will explore the Columbia Park, Mansion Park and Knickerbocker Development areas. Tours take place on Sunday, Sept. 7, with the first time slot at 1 p.m. and the second time slot at 3:30 p.m. Guests will leave from the Baker Mansion History Museum at the start of both tours. Tickets are $35 per guest, which includes a seat on the bus and a complimentary tour brochure. Each bus tour has a limit of 25 passengers. Tickets can be ordered online at www.blairhistory.org or by calling 814-942-3916.

Musical Safari with Afrika Yetu and featuring the Wacongo Dance Co. will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the corner of Main and Market streets, Johnstown, part of Johnstown’s Gallery on Gazebo Center for the Arts. This is a free event with traditional rhythms, a drum circle and a kids’ corner. Jada’s Jazz Cafe and others will be on site.

Rhapsody Series begins at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the recital hall at the Penn State School of Music. The free event features “Then and Now,” a joyful program presented by the voice faculty and pianist Parker Konkle. Each singer will pair a piece meaningful to them at the start of their career with one that represents their present artistic journey. Rachel Copeland, Dawn Pierce, Norman Spivey and Ted Christopher share their stories through music and reminiscence, offering audiences a glimpse into the personal side of teaching and performance. The recital lasts about an hour without intermission, creating an immersive listening experience that highlights Penn State faculty and their collaborators.

On tap this month

The Bill Perbetsky Jay T. Vonada Quintet will be performing from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the Millworks in Harrisburg as part of the CPFJ Jazz Walk.

The State College Food Bank will host “A Great Big Fight to End Hunger,” a special benefit concert presented by Valhalla Business Advisors, featuring Grammy Award-winning band A Great Big World. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at The State Theatre in downtown State College. The evening will be a powerful combination of music, connection, and community impact, bringing together supporters and neighbors to help fight hunger in Centre County. All proceeds from the concert will directly support the State College Food Bank’s mission of providing food security to individuals and families in need.

Known for their chart-topping hits like “Say Something” and “Hold Each Other,” A Great Big World has inspired audiences around the globe with their music and message of hope. This performance will be an intimate, unforgettable experience for all who attend. Tickets are $51 plus fees and are available through The State Theatre box office and online at https://thestatetheatre.org/events/a-great-big-world/. Seating is limited.

The Altoona Volunteer Sportsmen’s Association will hold shotgun shoots at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 19. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the events are open to the public. Cost is $15 to shoot six rounds. Located at 1448 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Altoona (about 1.5 miles from the Allegro Restaurant heading toward the Horseshoe Curve). Visit the FB page: Altoona Volunteer Sportsmen’s Association for more details.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona is hosting the exhibit, All My Life’s a Circle, a heartfelt tribute to the life and work of Barbara Hollander — beloved artist, educator and former SAMA Altoona Site and Education Coordinator. The exhibition will run through Oct. 5 in the Pechter and Detwiler Galleries. SAMA Altoona is at 1210 11th Ave., Altoona. For more information, call 814-515-1375.

Farmers Markets in Bedford are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays in the Bedford Squares. The markets feature flowers, baked goods, veggies and more.

An exhibition of work by Penn State Altoona alumni is on display until Sunday, Sept. 21, in the McLanahan and Sheetz galleries of the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. The galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and before and during all performances. A closing reception for the artists will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Titelman Study of the Center.

For more information, call 814-949-5452 or visit the Penn State Altoona website at www.altoona.psu.edu.

Historical Headscratchers Trivia will be held at Levity Brewing Co. in Altoona at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. Trivia questions will test guests’ knowledge of local, state, national and world history. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. The event is free and open to the public; donations to the BCHS are welcome.

The Ulysses Owens Jr. Big Band will revive the traditional jazz ensemble format with an energetic Penn State debut at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in Eisenhower Auditorium, University Park.

Tickets are $52 for adult, $14 for University Park students, $19 for those 18 and younger. For tickets, visit https://am.ticketmaster.com/psuarts/buy. Avoid the $4-per-ticket online service fee by calling 814-863-0255; or buying in person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Outdoor concert featuring Felix & The Hurricanes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept, 10, in the back Railyard at the Old Canal Inn. The Bar and Grill is open at 5 p.m. Old Canal Inn is at 1004 Broad St., Hollidaysburg. The event is free. For information and cancellations, check out the Facebook page or contact The Old Canal Inn at 814-695-9995.

The State Theatre will feature Griffin House at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at The Attic at The State Theatre, 130 West College Ave., State College. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

The State Theatre will feature Robbie Fulks at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at The Attic at The State Theatre, 130 West College Ave., State College. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

JANDAR Productions Presents Eddie Griffin and Friends at the Bryce Jordan Center, 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. Get ready to kick off Penn State Football weekend the right way–with a night of nonstop laughs–just before the Nittany Lions take on Villanova. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.

The Altoona Mens Chorus (Männerchor) will celebrate its 60th anniversary from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Unter Uns Club in Altoona. This is a public event; free of charge, that also features the Little German Band from State College on stage from 6 to 8 p.m.

A native plant sale will be held at Nature Works Park from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13. Penn State Master Gardeners of Blair County and EcoTopian Earth Care will be on hand for the third annual event. From 10 a.m. to noon, learn how to make a fall wreath with a free workshop,

while supplies last.

Paranormal Encounters at the Baker Mansion with JABA Paranormal Investigations will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Tickets are $45 per guest and can be found online at www.blairhistory.org or by calling 814-942-3916. The event is limited to 30 guests overall.

Nature Journaling will be featured from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at White Oak Hall at Fort Roberdeau.

The Juniata Valley Audubon Society will be on hand for a guided nature walk to discover plants, wildlife and other natural treasures to inspire creativity. Back inside, use color pencil and watercolors to bring those observations to life in personalized journal pages. Admission is free; donations welcome. Participants should dress for the weather and bring your own magnifying glass if you have one. Fort Roberdeau is at 383 Fort Roberdeau Road, Altoona.

The Pittsburgh-based performance group Squonk will perform at 10 a.m. Sept. 15 at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown.

The troupe, known for its whimsical, high-energy music performances, will present “Brouhaha.” Their latest work transforms a public outdoor space into a joyous, participatory concert powered by their giant musical contraption: the Squonkcordion.

At each performance, the audience becomes part of the show, invited to play the Squonkcordion themselves.

Tickets range from $20-$29, plus fees. Visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/160062DBC78B7D03

The State Theatre will feature Ari Hest & Chris Trapper at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at The Attic at The State Theatre, 130 West College Ave., State College. Tickets start at $37 and can be purchased online at

thestatetheatre.org.

Free outdoor concert featuring Shallow 9 will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 in the back Railyard at the Old Canal Inn, 1004 Broad St.,

Hollidaysburg. The bar and grill open at 5 p.m. Information and cancellations can be found on The Old Canal Inn Facebook page or call 814-695-9995.

Black History is American History, Sept. 19 bus trip. The bus will leave Altoona at 6 a.m. and return about 10 p.m. This day trip to Washington, D.C., will explore the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture. All proceeds benefit the Blair County African American Heritage Festival. Tickets are $80 for adults, $50 for children. ($87.15 and $55.05 with fees) Food is not provided. Space is limited. For tickets: https://centralpaticket.com/events/black-history-is-american-history-bus-trip-9-19-2025

Fall Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Marian Heights on the Garvey Manor Campus, 183 Laurel Lane. There will be crafts, food, music and kids’ activities.

“Presidents and UFOS Part 2” will be presented on the outdoor screen at the Mountain Lion Observatory, Fort Roberdeau, on Saturday, Sept. 20. Parking opens at 7 p.m., with the program from 7:30 to 9 p.m. A skywatch will follow the show. Parking and admission is free; a $5 donation is suggested. The fort is at 383 Fort Roberdeau Road, Altoona.

N-Scale Model Train Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Blair County Convention Center. Admission for one day is $8; two-day admission is $12. Children 12 and younger are admitted free of charge.

Arts Altoona and Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art will host the first-ever

Altoona Reel Film Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts at Penn State Altoona. The event is open to the public. All experience levels, styles, and genres are welcome for submission and student submissions are discounted. Short film categories include drama, comedy, action/adventure, thriller/horror, experimental, documentary, student narrative, and student documentary. Those interested in sponsoring the event should contact info@artsaltoona.org.

The Center for the Performing Arts will host its third annual Move Mix Festival at the Eisenhower Auditorium at Penn State, University Park, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 25.

Registration is required for this free, family-friendly block party featuring food, dance and jazz. Visit Move Mix Festival online for more details and to register.

Food trucks will flank the building starting at 5 p.m., and a DJ will provide entertainment on the patio starting at 5:30 p.m. Limited seating will be available, but visitors are welcome to bring a folding or camp chair.

Kikora Franklin, a dance professor in the Penn State School of Theatre, will join Mojah Dance Theatre of Atlanta for their performance of “Move Mix: Join the Mojah Movement.” Mojah is a celebratory, stylish fusion of modern, jazz and West African dance techniques.

The State Theatre will feature Iris DeMent at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Ave., State College. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

The State Theatre will host An Evening with David Sedaris at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Ave., State College. Tickets start at $67.50 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

Get your tickets now

Kooman & Associates presents Storytellers on Stage, featuring Taylor Adams, at 7 p.m. Oct. 28, an event to benefit the Altoona Area Public Library. For one unforgettable evening, acclaimed bestselling thriller author Taylor Adams steps out from behind the page and onto the Benzel Stage at the Historic Mishler Theatre. Adams has captured readers worldwide and his book “No Exit” has been adapted into a HULU original movie. This is your chance to go behind the scenes of thrillers you couldn’t put down and hear directly from the mind that crafted them. The event features an evening where suspense comes alive, secrets unfold and every word might be The Last Word. Tickets are available at the Mishler Box Office starting for $25 each, plus $2 online processing fee and at mishlertheatre.org. All ticket sales benefit the Altoona Area Public library.

The 2025 Freedom Fund Gala will be held at the Heritage Discovery Center on Saturday, Nov. 15. Doors open at 3 p.m. This annual fundraising event supports the mission of the NAACP and honors those who uplift the community, pays tribute to past members whose legacies continue to guide us and features a powerful keynote from Dr. Ron Darbeau, Chancellor of Penn State Altoona. Connect with local leaders, change makers, and neighbors who share a vision for a more just and vibrant Blair County. Come together to celebrate progress, reflect on our journey, and build momentum for the future. Tickets for the Gala are $45 per person, and can be purchased at the Blair County branch of the NAACP office, at 1331 12th Ave., or by

contacting the Gala Chairperson, Harriett L. Gaston at hlg5@psu.edu or 814-502-2520. Attire is semi-formal. Tickets can also be purchased at

https://centralpaticket.com/events/blair-county-branch-of-the-naacps-2025-freedom-fund-gala-11-15-2025.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, an engaging, articulate and passionate scientist and pop-culture communicator for the modern age, will return to the Eisenhower Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2. Tickets are available online, by phone at 814-863-0255, or in person, weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium.