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Saturday, July 25
Heritage Johnstown will host the Ameriserve Flood City Music Festival on Saturday, July 25, at Peoples Natural Gas Park, Johnstown. Headlining acts are Greensky Bluegrass and The Disco Biscuits. Single-day passes start at $75. For more information and to purchase passes, visit floodcitymusic.com.
Feel the heat of the forge and hear the ring of hammers during Compass Inn Museum's Hammer-In, a lively celebration of blacksmithing, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25. The Ligonier Valley Historical Society will host skilled smiths from the Pittsburgh Area Artists Blacksmith Association at The Compass Inn, Laughlintown. Visitors will be able to watch blacksmiths shaping glowing metal into tools, hardware and decorative pieces using modern and historic techniques. Tickets are $14. For more information, visit compassinn.org/eventcalendar/hammer-in.
Join Bill Arde from the Central Pennsylvania Observers Club for a Night Sky Watch, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Blacksmith Shop at Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon. The program will include a telescope clinic, an introductory presentation on astronomy and an outdoor night sky tour with an electronic telescope. If you have a telescope or binoculars, bring them and we will help you to set them up to use. Bring a chair and a flashlight. The event is free.
Blue Knob State Park, Imler, will present an educational program on reptiles and amphibians from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 25, in the Buck Hill Amphitheater. The program is free.
Juniata Civic Association will host Community Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Pavilion, 206 W. 12th Ave., Altoona. For more information, including information for craft vendors and sponsors, email juniatacivic@gmail.com or follow the Juniata Civic Association Facebook page.
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona will present "A Mother and Child Reunion," a memorial exhibition honoring the artwork of Joan Marie Seltzer and her son, Michael Harris Seltzer. A complimentary public exhibition celebration will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at SAMA Altoona. To register and for more information, visit sama-art.org, call 814-946-4464 or email altoona@sama-art.org.
Sunday, July 26
Indie folk band The Lone Bellow will bring its "What a Time to Be Alive" tour to The State Theatre, State College, at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 26. Tickets are $45 and are available at tickets.thestatetheatre.org
Join disc golf enthusiast Eric Keim from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26, to play a 9-hole round of disc golf and learn some eco facts along the way, at Chappell's Field, Blue Knob State Park, Imler. The program is free. Come alone or bring family and friends for some friendly competition.
Miss Melanie & Groove Society will perform funk, soul and R & B at the South Hills School of Business and Technology Summer Music Picnic Series at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at 480 Waupelani Drive, State College. Admission and parking are free. The Summer Music Picnic Series is held rain or shine and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs. Grounds open at 4 p.m. and the music lasts until 7:30 p.m. Food from Dogs on the Run will be available. For more information, call 814-234-7755 or visit southhills.edu/music-picnic/.
The Blair County Antique Auto Club will host the Cresson Car Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26, on Front Street in Cresson. Gates open and registration starts at 10 a.m. Judging starts at 1 p.m. Registration is $20 per vehicle. Admission for spectators is free. For more information on the Show or BCAAC, see their FaceBook page, BlairCountyAntiqueAutoClub.
Coming up
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is excited to welcome young artists this summer for five days of hands-on creativity, imagination and artistic exploration led by teaching artist Emily Russell. Designed for children and teens who love to create, SAMA's summer camps encourage students to experiment with new materials, techniques, and ideas while having fun in an inspiring museum setting. The camp will run from Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31, at The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in the Brett Building at 1210 11th Ave., Altoona. The first camp for children aged 6 to 9 will run from 9 a.m. to noon each day and the second camp for students 10 to 14 will run from 1 to 4 p.m. daily. The cost is $125 per child. For more information or to register, visit Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art or call the museum at 814-946-4464.
Ligonier Valley Historical Society and Compass Inn Museum will host Stagecoach Adventurers -- Time Travelers Summer Day Camp from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 27-31 for students who have completed second through fifth grade. For more information, visit compassinn.org/stagecoach-adventurers
Cresson Lake Playhouse invites audiences to experience the hilarious, high-energy musical "Mean Girls," at the historic Cresson Lake Barn Theatre. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through Saturday, Aug. 8, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, Aug. 2. Tickets start at $16 and can be purchased by calling 814-472-4333 or visiting cressonlake.com.
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Bedford's Summer Painting Workshops series continues with "Explore the Wonders of Watercolor," a three-session watercolor workshop led by Susan Bragg from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, in the historic Anderson House at 137 E. Pitt St., Bedford. Participants will build skills in color mixing, shapes, shadows, substrates and abstract watercolor exploration. Designed for all experience levels, the workshop encourages creativity and confidence in a supportive environment. The cost is $30 per class, and participants must be 18 or older. Students are required to bring their own supplies, and a recommended supply list will be emailed upon registration. For more information or to register, visit sama-art.org/bedford
McGarvey's Bar and Grill, 623 N. Fourth Ave., Altoona, will host Comedy Night with Ashley Gutermuth and Mark Riccadonna at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. For tickets and more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5zxdyyya
The Mountain Playhouse is proud to be a part of Somerset County's 25/250 celebration with a special production of "Come From Away," a Broadway Musical centered around the events of 9/11. Performances will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, Thursday, Aug. 6 and Friday, Aug. 7, and at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Somerset High School Auditorium. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased by calling 814-629-9220 or online at app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mntpl
The Upstate Music Fest is proud to announce an exciting celebration of live music, arts and community, bringing together outstanding performers, local talent, vendors and music fans for an unforgettable experience. The festival will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and noon Saturday, Aug. 8 at Expo I Building, Clearfield fairgrounds. For tickets and more information, visit theupstagemusicfest.com.
Jay T. Vonada will be performing from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 7 at the Bellefonte for Arts and Crafts Fair. For a complete schedule of fair events, visit https://bellefontefair.org/schedule-of-events/
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art will host an awards celebration of the 2026 Biennial Exhibition from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at SAMA Bedford. Cost to attend is $25 per person. Appetizers and refreshments will be available to be enjoyed for all who attend. Registration is required by Aug. 5 and can be made by contacting the museum at 814-589-3020 or emailing bedford@sama-art.org.
Iron Bridge Dinner Theater, Tyrone, is thrilled to present "Drinking Habits," a classic farce that promises laughter and intrigue. The show will be performed from Thursday, Aug. 13, through Tuesday, Aug. 18. Tickets are priced at $38 for the Dessert Theatre. For tickets, call 814- 505-2551.
The Hollidaysburg Area Arts Council will present Music in the Burg, a free summer concert series at Canal Basin Park, Hollidaysburg, with alternate rain location at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High Auditorium. The Altoona Symphony Orchestra will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
Experience the wonder and excitement that is the Centre County Grange Fair from Friday, Aug. 21, through Saturday, Aug. 29. With a 152-year history, the fair is a home-away-from-home to families in 1,000 tents and 1,500 RVs. It is the only remaining tenting fair in the nation. For more information, visit grangefair.com
Join Penn State Extension forestry educator, Cathryn Pugh, for Plants in the Park 2026, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Penn Roosevelt State Park, Huntingdon. Meet at the CCC Monument. During a leisurely walk through a state park, participants will discover common plants and learn the basics of plant identification. The program is free and registration is recommended but not required. To register, visit extension.psu.edu/plants-in-the-park
The Shawnee Valley Volunteer Fire Company will hold its 66th annual street fair and ox roast from Thursday, Sept. 3, through Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Shawnee Valley VFC Pavilion Grounds, 1485 Market St., Schellsburg. The food stands and raffle tent will open at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, and Friday, Sept. 4, and noon Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6. Other events include the firemen's parade with float contest, live music, a cornhole tournament and more. For more information and a full schedule of events, see the fire company's Facebook page.
Burgi's Low Life Riders will host their Annual Charity Ride, a 100+ mile ride through Central PA, on Sunday, Sept. 6. Registration is $25 and runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. All riders will receive a meal ticket. The starting location will be Roundhouse Harley Davidson, where the after party will also be held. For more information, call 814-943-8975 or see the Burgi Low Life Facebook page.
The 35th Annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival will be held on Sept. 11, 12 and 13 at The Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Pittsburgh. Tickets are available now at pghirishfest.org.
A public exhibit of 13 hand-embroidered panels of America's Tapestry project will be displayed at Seton Hill University Arts Center from Saturday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 27.
Get your concert tickets now!
Rockin' the Yard 2026 is moving to Lakemont Park. Gates open at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. and the headliners will perform at 8 p.m. for the following dates:
■ Friday, July 31: The Ledbetters -- Pearl Jam Tribute with Return To Oz
■ Friday, Aug. 7: The Amish Outlaws -- Lancaster's finest with Felix & the Hurricanes
■ Friday, Aug, 21: Return to Paradise -- Styx Tribute with Jimmy Mowery
For tickets and more information, visit rockintheyard.org.
Musikfest, the nation's largest free music festival, will be held from July 31 through Aug. 9, in Bethlehem. For tickets and more information, visit artsquest.org/musikfest/
The Keystone Big Band will perform 18-piece swing music at the South Hills School of Business and Technology Summer Music Picnic Series at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at 480 Waupelani Drive, State College. Admission and parking are free. The Summer Music Picnic Series is held rain or shine and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs. Grounds open at 4 p.m. and the music lasts until 7:30 p.m. Food from Dogs on the Run will be available. For more information, call 814-234-7755 or visit southhills.edu/music-picnic/.
Richard Marx will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at The Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Tickets start at $59 and are available at westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling 724-836-8000.
Remember Jones brings Joe Cocker and Leon Russell's Mad Dogs & Englishmen to The State Theatre, State College, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6. Tickets are $55 and are available at tickets.thestatetheatre.org.
La Fiesta Band will perform a blend of salsa, cumbia, merengue and more at the South Hills School of Business and Technology Summer Music Picnic Series at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at 480 Waupelani Drive, State College. Admission and parking are free. The Summer Music Picnic Series is held rain or shine and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs.
Smile Empty Soul with Revis, Fiction Parade & Mashbrotato will perform at McGarvey's Bar & Grill, Altoona, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. Tickets are $18 and are available at https://tinyurl.com/3evm8bxb
Modern bluegrass singer Dan Tyminski will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at The State Theatre, State College. Tickets are $53 and can be purchased at tickets.thestatetheatre.org
"Live and Let Die," the music of Paul McCartney, will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Mishler Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434.
"Taylor's Story," a Taylor Swift tribute experience, will come to The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Tickets start at $37 and can be purchased online at westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling 724-836-8000.
Jazz on 16 Strings will perform at the South Hills School of Business and Technology Summer Music Picnic Series at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at 480 Waupelani Drive, State College. Admission and parking are free. The Summer Music Picnic Series is held rain or shine and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs.
The Po' Ramblin Boys will bring their Grammy-nominated bluegrass to The Attic at The State Theater, State College, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.thestatetheatre.org/event
Tickets to "Elvis Lives," an Elvis tribute performed by Bruno Nesci, are on sale for the performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Tickets start at $37. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/k2k9byu2
Porch Party will perform folk, blues and country at the South Hills School of Business and Technology Summer Music Picnic Series at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at 480 Waupelani Drive, State College. Admission and parking are free. The Summer Music Picnic Series is held rain or shine and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Chris Canterbury will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, in the Attic at the State Theatre, State College. Tickets are $35. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit tickets.thestatetheatre.org.
Country-blues singer Tim Easton will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, in the Attic at The State Theatre, State College. Tickets are $41. To purchase tickets, visit tickets.thestatetheatre.org
Ongoing events across the area
What does it mean to be American? The Palmer Museum of Art, University Park, is examining that question in the special exhibition "Dreaming American Futures," on view through Nov. 29. The major juried exhibition is mounted in response to the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and includes artwork from 50 contemporary artists chosen from the Penn State and local communities.
First Friday events will be held in Downtown Bedford the first Fridays of August, September and October. There will be extended shopping hours, food specials and light refreshments at participating locations and live music. For more information, visit downtownbedford.com/events.html.