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.

The Ganister Station 20th Anniversary Fall Festival will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1384 Juniata River Rd, Williamsburg, there will be music, food and fun for all ages, apple cider and a photo slideshow highlighting moments from the past 20 years.

Penn State Altoona will host The Great Dubois Circus at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. As part of Family Weekend, the event is free and open to the public. Dubbed the “world’s most unique two-person circus show,” Great Dubois features juggling, hula hooping, magic, stunts and comedy appropriate for all ages.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Hollidaysburg Heritage Guided Tours, with the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library, is offering rare guided tours of Highland Hall at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Highland Hall is on Walnut Street in Hollidaysburg. Courtesy photo

The Downtown State College Improvement District invites the community to the 24th Annual Downtown Fall Fest, taking place on the 200 block of Allen Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

As a cherished fall tradition, the Youth Service Bureau continues its integral role, organizing over a dozen free children’s activities hosted by local nonprofit organizations. There will be face painting, a fun house, a photo station and more. Nittany Balloons will have custom balloon animals, and Monster D returns with personalized cartoon drawings. Free pumpkins, courtesy of Martin’s Garden Center, will be distributed to children, who can decorate them with supplies provided by Growing Tree Toys.

A tasty lineup of local food vendors will be on-site, including Juana’s, Belly Busters, Kona Ice, and Rebelz Cuisine. Tempest Productions will offer pop-up theatre performances in the Bill Welch Plaza throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere.

For more information about Fall Fest, visit the Facebook page.

The State Theatre will present Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

Bedford’s Fall Foliage Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12, in downtown Bedford. Hundreds of craft and food vendors, live entertainment and more will be held throughout the downtown. Parking is available at the Bedford Fairgrounds and Olde Bedford Village; shuttles will transport visitors to the downtown. Limited parking is available in town.

Spring Dam Brewing, in partnership with Off Pitt Street Productions will be holding a murder mystery event “Scared to Death!” on Saturday, October 4th at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include heavy hors d’ouerves and one complimentary cocktail/beer/beverage per ticket. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are extremely limited and must be purchased in advance by calling Spring Dam Brewing Co. at 814-729-7057.

Johnstown Zombie Crawl will be held in Johnstown on Saturday, Oct. 4. Registration at Balance Restaurant will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. At 6:15 p.m., the Zombie Thriller Flash Mob will be held on Main Street, in front of Balance Restaurant, in downtown Johnstown.

You in Flood City, a nonprofit that promotes unique experiences in the Johnstown area, will host the 10th annual event to promote the city’s extraordinary, safe, abundant nightlife in the downtown district. Participants are encouraged to dress in zombie garb and enjoy Halloween-themed specials and live entertainment at nine participating downtown venues including Balance Restaurant, Stone Bridge Brewing Company, Lucy’s Place, Catholic War Veterans, Turner Hall, Rocky’s Tavern, Fetz’s Sports Pub, Harrigan’s Café and Wine Deck and Game Plan on Market.

New this year, zombies are encouraged to participate in a flash mob at 6:15 p.m., following registration. The modified and shortened Thriller dance will be led by Althea Stephenson, owner of Althea Stephenson Zumba, under the string lights on Main Street in front of Balance Restaurant.

Those interested in participating can find the video tutorial on the 10th Annual Johnstown Zombie Crawl Facebook Event Page.

Sunday, Oct. 5

Apple Cider and Craft Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Muskrat Beach, Prince Gallizin State Park. The festival features over 100 vendors of handmade crafts, food vendors, cider pressing demonstrations, live music, educational displays, chainsaw carving, hay rides, petting zoo and much more.

Parking and admission are free with donations collected by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin to help with park improvement projects. Pontoon shuttles offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Killbuck Boat Launch.

The Altoona Brass Collective will be hosting a free fall concert on Sunday, Oct. 5 starting at 3 p.m. at Heritage Plaza in

Downtown Altoona.

The annual fall foliage ride on the Ghost Town Trail, Ebensburg, will be held Sunday, Oct. 5. The event aims to highlight the recreational resource with a fun, healthy, family-friendly activity.

Riders may first drop their bikes off at the Ebensburg Trailhead (Young Peoples Community Center), then drive to where they plan to end their ride (Vintondale, Dilltown or Saylor Park), park their car and catch a bus back to the Ebensburg Trailhead. The bus will begin picking up at designated trail parking in Saylor Park at 12:30 p.m., Dilltown at 1 p.m. and Vintondale at 1:30 p.m. The bus will then return to the Ebensburg Trailhead with an intended event start time of 2 p.m. Walkers are also welcomed to participate.

To ensure that everyone has a seat on the bus, registration is required and will be accepted through Wednesday, Oct. 1. Call or email Danea Koss at 814-472-8414 or dkoss@ebensburgpa.com to register.

On tap this month

A Taste of Ireland — The Irish Music & Dance Sensation will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Centre, Johnstown, and at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at the Mishler Theatre, Altoona. The hit show features an international cast of Irish dance champions, many known for starring roles in Lord of the Dance and Riverdance. The production, which combines Irish charm with sensational talents, features high-octane dances set to reimagined classics such as “Danny Boy,” accompanied by technical wizardry and live music.

Tickets for the Mishler show are $36 to $65 and are available by calling 814-944-9434 or order online at mishlertheatre.org.

Tickets for the Johnstown show are $50 to $88 and can be purchased at https://1stsummitarena.com/event/a-taste-of-ireland/.

“Forever Seger-The Silver Bullet Experience” will be performing Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band’s biggest hits at the Palace Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. Tickets are $33, $43, $48, and $75 and can be purchased online at:

www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling the ticket office at 724-836-8000. The Palace Theatre is at 21 W. Otterman, Greensburg.

Phil Wickham — Air1 Worship Now Tour will be coming to the Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. The tour will include Phil Wickham, Charity Gayle, Josh Baldwin and Benjamin William Hastings, delivering powerful nights of worship across the country. Tickets are now on sale at ticketmaster.com.

Blair Concert Chorale will open its 2025-26 season with a concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 14th and 12th Streets, Tyrone. The Chorale will perform a full program of pieces celebrating The Beatles. General admission tickets are available for purchase at Thompson’s Pharmacies (Chestnut Avenue and Hollidaysburg), online through Everbrite or by emailing blairconcertchorale@gmail.com. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

Light and Life — A Visual Voyage, an exhibition of photographs by members of the Greater Johnstown Camera Club, will be held at the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Gallery, Community Arts Center, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown. The exhibit will run through Oct. 25. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

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 Bedford County Historical Society is holding its 35th Annual Quilt Show & Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, Oct. 4-12. The show wraps up at 4 p.m. Oct. 12. Admission is $2 per person. The Quilt Show will be held in the second story of the barn, 6441 Lincoln Hwy, (Rte. 30, west of Bedford). Awards will be given for the Pioneer Challenge Quilt, People’s Choice, Best of Show Hand-quilted, Best of Show Machine-quilted, and Judge’s Choice, as well as in the individual categories. Raffle tickets for the queen size bed quilt, Into The Wind, are on sale at the society. Tickets are $2 each, or six for $10. For more information about the Quilt Show, contact the Society at 814-623-2011, email bedfordhistory@embarqmail.com, or visit the website at www.bedfordpahistory.com.

Juniata Presents, Juniata College’s signature cultural programming series, returns for the 2025-26 season with a lineup of bold and unforgettable performances close to home.

— The season opens with Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in Rosenberger Auditorium at the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $20, with $12 for seniors and youth, and free admission for Juniata students with ID.

Founded by the legendary Alvin Ailey Jr., Ailey II continues his pioneering mission to bring modern dance to audiences worldwide. Known for its “off-the-charts energy” and “Wow factor aplenty,” the company offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class dance close to home.

— The holiday season brings Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. Audiences will be transported to the Scottish Highlands and Irish coast with Gaelic carols, lively Irish tunes, and familiar Christmas melodies performed on fiddle, highland pipes, harp, and more. U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion Seán Heely and a cast of acclaimed Celtic musicians celebrate tradition, virtuosity, and seasonal cheer in a performance for the whole family.

— Continuing the season, Aquila Theatre presents “The Hound of the Baskervilles” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. This classic Sherlock Holmes mystery unfolds on England’s fog-shrouded moors as Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the chilling death of Sir Charles Baskerville. Renowned for its bold, innovative approach to classical theater, Aquila Theatre delivers suspense, wit, and thrilling storytelling that will captivate audiences of all ages.

All performances take place in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts, creating a shared space where neighbors, families and students come together to enjoy the arts.

For tickets or more information about the 2025-26 season of Juniata Presents, visit www.juniatapresents.com.

Ghosts & Goblins 2025 at Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks, Huntingdon, will be held Oct. 10-Nov. 1. Now in its 42nd year, Ghosts & Goblins treats guests to 90 minutes of chills and thrills, including tours through crystal caverns, a haunted woodland trail, and a spooky hayride.

Daytime Family Tours are held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays in two stunning caverns — one with lighthearted Halloween fun, the other in its natural beauty — plus a family hayride and the popular Local Legends Trail. Daytime Tours include gem panning for children.

Nighttime Terror Tours are held from 6 to 9:40 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and feature a brand-new cavern storyline each year, followed by the haunted trail and hayride for maximum scares.

Gift shop, picnic pavilions, party rooms and gem panning are available. Special rates, group tours, corporate groups and birthday parties available Friday night and Saturday daytime. Guaranteed tour time with advance tickets are on sale at www.lincolncaverns.com or by phone 814-643-0268.

Hollidaysburg Heritage Guided Tours, with the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library, is offering rare guided tours of Highland Hall at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Highland Hall is on Walnut Street in Hollidaysburg. Tours take about 1.5 hours. Tickets are $12 per person, and must be purchased in advance. For tickets, call or visit the library: 1 Furnace Road, Hollidaysburg, 814-695-5961. All proceeds benefit the Library.

Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Eisenhower Auditorium at Penn State University Park. Tickets are $39 for adults, $14 for a University Park student, and $22 for a person 18 and younger. Tickets are available for purchase online. Avoid the $4 fee by purchasing over the phone at 814-863-0255 or in person, weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium.

The event features a full-length screening of the beloved movie, accompanied by live performances of a unique on-stage musical ensemble of top Hollywood studio musicians, Polynesian rhythm masters and vocalists.

Ticketholders are invited to an Arts Family Engagement Program pre-show activity from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, outside the Chemical Engineering Building along Shortlidge Road. The pre-show activity is free and open to all “Moana” ticketholders.

“Ghosts The Musical” will be staged Oct. 17-19 at the Mishler Theatre. All seats are $22 plus box office fees. Tickets are available by calling 814-944-9434 or order online at mishlertheatre.org.

See why “Ghosts The Musical” has thrilled and chilled audiences locally, regionally and nationally. It’s creepy, haunted rollicking fun for the whole family. The show is part of P&J Productions 20th anniversary season.

The second annual Carve Away Hunger Family Event is being held from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. This event is sponsored by the Mainline Trailblazers Troop 814 and will be held at Cresson Township Veteran’s Park. The event is being held to raise awareness of hunger and will include a scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving contest, games, basket raffle, vendors and more. Nonperishable items will be collected for the two local food pantries. The event is free to attend.

The Friends of the Altoona Area Public Library will hold its Fall Used Book Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. The $5 bag day is from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27. There are no Sunday hours. Friends members’ pre-sale is from 5:30 to 8 p.m, Thursday, Oct. 23.

The book sale offers very affordable books of all kinds from adult fiction, children’s books, bestsellers to classics, non-fiction such as travel, art, history, home repair, genealogy, health, science, crafts, language and true crime books. The sale also includes puzzles, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, patterns, games and more.

All money raised benefits the library.

Halloween at Greenwood Furnace State Park will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the park. Enjoy an evening of Halloween themed games and activities. Trick-or-Treating will be held in the campground along with a campsite decorating contest.

Red White & Boo will be held Oct. 25 at the Duncansville VFW. Doors open at 5 p.m. For information and tickets, visit https://centralpaticket.com/events/red-white-boo-10-25-2025-205998

Real American Freestyle, the first unscripted pro wrestling league showcasing elite athleticism, will host its second-ever event, RAF02, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College. Olympians Mason Parris and Kyle Snyder face off in a can’t-miss heavyweight showdown. Tickets are at ticketmaster.com and the event will stream live on Fox Nation.’

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.

Simply Queen tribute band will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Tickets range from $33 to $75 and are available at the theatre box office, online at www.thepalacetheatre.org or call 724-836-8000.

Get your tickets now

The Humane Society of Cambria County will host a Gala Fur Ball from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Sunnehanna Country Club.

This fundraiser includes a red carpet arrival, cocktail hour, 4-course meal, live auction and dancing. Pittsburgh’s high energy Bachelor Boys Band will keep the dance floor hopping, while Moore and Moore will provide smooth tunes during cocktails. Think long dresses, suits, tuxes and gowns. Classy, fun and lively.

Tickets are $125 per person; seating is limited. All proceeds benefit the hundreds of needy animals who depend on the humane society for care and to help them find permanent homes.

The live auction will feature 10 items and experiences, not found at your usual fundraiser, including private condos in Puerto Vallarta and Orlando; a villa stayover and immersion experience with elephants; golf outings; private gourmand chef dinner for six; a cocktails party for 10; a diamond earring, spa and fashion package; a personalized painted portrait of your pet plus a professional photography sitting; a Wine Collector’s case of incredible bottles; and more.

For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/humane-society-of-cambria-countys-fur-ball-gala-tickets-1335839374529 or call the HSCC at 814-535-6116 to place your order.

The Big 4 of Grunge will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at McGarvey’s Bar & Grill. Tickets can be purchased at https://centralpaticket.com/events/the-big-4-of-grunge-mcgarveys-11-15-2025

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.

“A Motown Christmas,” starring The Motortown All-Stars and featuring former members of The Miracles, The Contours, and the music and memories of Motown’s Legendary Artists, is coming back to the Benzel Stage at the Historic Mishler Theatre. The show will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 24. Tickets range from $53 to $68 and can be purchased online at https://mishlertheatre.org/

A Motown Christmas is a powerful family-oriented show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics. This show features those famous Motown trademarks — dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies all performed in that memorable, soulful Motown style.

Agnostic Front with Raw Brigade will be featured at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at McGarvey’s Bar & Grill. Tickets are at: https://centralpaticket.com/events/agnostic-front-with-raw-brigade-violent-way-mcgarveys-12-20-2025

Ongoing events

Saturday Card Club, 10 a.m. First Saturday of each month. SAMA-Ligonier. $5 a session. Registration is not required, but can be made by calling 724-238-6015 or emailing ligonier@sama-art.org.

Model Train Open House, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday. Alto Model Train Museum Association, 1117 Ninth Ave., Altoona. Visits can be arranged by calling 814-942-2676.

Yoga in the Museum, 10:30 a.m. to noon, first Sunday of every month at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona. Arya Yoga Studio will lead participants while surrounded by artwork for an hour-long session of yoga, and time afterward to reflect and enjoy the other galleries available at the museum. Guests will receive a free drink token to be used at Levity Brewing. Guests must bring their own mat. Cost: $15 donation to the museum.

Art Trivia, 7 to 9 p.m., third Tuesday of the month, at Levity Brewing, 411 11th Ave, Altoona. Show off your knowledge of all things art and compete against other teams in this fast-growing event. No registration required; just show up. Donations welcome but required.

Tired of crafting alone? Crafternoon is held from 1 to 3 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona. In this free event, crafters of all mediums are invited to bring their current craft to the museum and work on it with other like-minded artists. SAMA Altoona is in the Brett Building, 1210 11th Ave., Altoona.

Preschool Storytime and Craft Hour for young art enthusiasts and their families is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona. This event is ideal for ages 3-6 and children must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free; no registration required.

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona is in the Brett Building, 1210 11th Ave., Altoona. Hours are noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The museum is an accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. Donations are accepted to help support SAMA’s free and low-cost educational services, cultural event programming, and regional artistic exhibitions. For more information, visit https://www.sama-art.org or call (814) 946-4464 or email altoona@sama-art.org and like us on Facebook and Instagram @SAMAaltoona.