Friday, July 18

The Lycoming Arts and the River Valley Film Festival will be held July 18-20 and features 18 independent films ranging from narrative shorts, features, documentaries and music videos.

Opening night will feature a Williamsport First Friday style event, closing West Fourth Street in Downtown Williamsport from Hepburn to Elmira. What is dubbed Red Carpet Friday will start at 5 p.m. and feature film-themed vendors, food, and music, to celebrate the art of film and welcome the filmmakers to the City of Williamsport. There will also be a Red Carpet for the filmmakers, and photo ops.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, seven screenings take place throughout the day. Closing out the fest on Documentary Sunday will be three screenings beginning at 11 a.m. To wrap this event, filmmakers will be judged and awards given for standard Grand Jury & Audience Awards and also the Millionaire Award for highest audience rating overall.

Tickets can be purchased at https://filmfreeway.com/, which features the full lineup of films and their descriptions.

The State Theatre will feature The Montvales at 8 p.m. Friday, July 18, at The Attic at The State Theatre, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $34 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps at 7 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Blue Knob State Park’s Buck Hill amphitheater. George Barner, park naturalist at Shawnee State Park, will be on hand to talk about how the CCC helped build Bedford County. Blue Knob had a CCC Camp from 1939-42.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona will present 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 July 18-Oct. 5 in the Pechter and Detwiler Galleries. An artist reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 26. Cost is $15. Lunch a la Art will be held from noon to 2 p.m Thursday, Aug. 21. Cost is $15. SAMA Altoona is at 1210 11th Ave., Altoona. For more information, call 814-515-1375.

Duncansvile Community Days will be held Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, at Duncansville Memorial Park. There will be food, vendors, music,, kids games, pony rides, a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, cow bingo and bingo. Friday is Family Luau Out Night with Hawaiian dancers from 5 to 6 p.m. and Ricky Lee from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday is 80s day with the Duncansville Police Department Corn Hole Tournament from noon to 4 p.m., entertainment on the baseball stage. Main stage entertainment will be by Steve Oswalt and Ben Eberhart at 5 p.m. and the band Bone Jacked from 7 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 19

Folk and Arts Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, at the Bottle Works Arts on Third Avenue, Johnstown. The festival opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and the day’s entertainment includes the Johnstown Concern Ballet, Evergreens, Rusty Shackles, Essential Machine and Screech Owl. On Sunday, the festival opens at noon and includes the Irish Pretenders, Coltt Winter Lepley, Matt Otis & the Sound. The festival wraps up at 7 p.m. There will be food and arts vendors, along with demonstrations and more both days.

HoopsFest 2025, Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament, will be held Saturday, July 19, in downtown Altoona. Hosted annually by Joshua House, the event brings together thousands from across the region for a day filled with high-energy basketball, family fun and a message of hope.

This year’s theme, “Forged,” is rooted in Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The message reflects how community, mentorship, and shared challenges refine individuals and help build stronger, more unified relationships.

HoopsFest proceeds support Christian nonprofits and community outreach projects throughout Altoona and Blair County.

There will be a Kids Zone and a variety of food vendors.

Team check-in will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Game play starts at 9 a.m. Kids Zone is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shooting contests start at 12:10 p.m., with the dunk show featuring Dominic Gonzales at 12:25 p.m. Founder of HoopsFest, Jim Kilmartin, will be the keynote speaker at 12:45 p.m. Game play resumes at 1:15 p.m.

Stampede Rodeo will hold one show in Ebensburg at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the American Legion fairgrounds. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. There will be Western and food vendors. Kids sheep riding is at 6:30 p.m., with signups from 5 to 6 p.m.

Events include bull riding, barrel racing, spectator bull hockey and entertainment by Dave “Showtime” Meyer & Don’t Tell the Bishop. For more information and tickets, visit www.stampedebullriding.com.

The State Theatre will feature The Steel Wheels at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased online at

thestatetheatre.org.

The Moore Brothers will play for the Central Labor Council from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Unter Uns Musical and Entertainment Society, 1401 Van Buren Ave., Altoona. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cover charge is $5. Carry in snacks are permitted.

Bayou County – The Music of Creedence Clearwater Revival, 7:30 p.m. July 19. The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $33, $43, $48, and $75 and can be purchased online at https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling 724-836-8000.

Music on the Patio will feature DAVIDE from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Heidelberg Country Club, 812 Frankstown Rd, Altoona. No cover charge needed. Food by Rob’s Catering will be available.

Bat Night will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Greenwood Furnace State Park.

Join park staff and Lincoln Caverns for an evening learning about bats. The program will begin with a presentation at the blacksmith shop. Activities will include bat box building, games and a bat count.

All ages are welcome.

Join Bayou County on a musical journey celebrating the timeless hits of Creedence Clearwater Revival coming to The Palace Theatre. This CCR Tribute concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Greensburg’s Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are$33, $43, $48, and $75 and can be purchased online at https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling 724-836-8000.

Tom Keller, furbearer biologist for the state Game Commission, will teach the history, genetics, adaptations and lifestyle of the eastern coyote and how it relates to members of the Canidae family, wolves, dogs and foxes. The program will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Buck Hill amphitheater at Blue Knob State Park.

Sunday, July 20

The Bedford County Fair kicks off Sunday, July 20, and continues through Saturday, July 26. A demolition derby will be held at 4 p.m. in front of the grandstand. The Fair Queen contest begins at 5 p.m. and a cornhole tournament at 6 p.m. Monday is half price family day, with admission $7 a person. Kids tractor pull is at 5 p.m. and the baked goods auction at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday is senior day, with those 65 and older admitted free with a Medicare card until 2 p.m. Bullride Mania rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday features a second Bullride Mania rodeo at 7:30 p.m., while a demolition derby is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday.

Friday includes a lumberjack competition at 2:30 p.m., a woodcarving auction at 5 p.m. and dirt track racing at 7:30 p.m

The fair wraps up Saturday, July 26, with a livestock sale at 9 a.m., horseshoe pitching contest at 10 a.m. and track and tractor pulls at 5 p.m.

Regular admission is $15 per person; $5 parking. The one-price admission includes all exhibits, grandstands show and

midway rides.

The fairgrounds are at 729 W. Pitt St., Bedford, along Route 30. More information can be found at bedford-fair.com.

Sunday on the Lawn Concert with Lauren & Joe will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at the Baker Mansion History Museum. Admission is free and open to the public; donations are welcome. For more information on the Baker Mansion’s 2025 concert lineup, visit www.blairhistory.org/events.

A scavenger hunt will be held for children and adults at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 20, at the Buck Hill Amphitheater, Blue Knob State Park. Participants will have fun and learn about the found objects during this program.

On tap this month

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.

Picnic at the Spring train excursions are offered by the Everett Railroad at 11:30 a.m. July 23 and 30, and Aug. 6, 9 and 13. Participants are invited to pack a picnic basket and take the train to the Spring Dam in Roaring Spring. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, $14 for youth and free for those under 2 years of age. Don’t want to pack your own picnic? Boxed lunches are $14 and include a small sub, water, chips and a cookie in an Everett Railroad souvenir cooler bag. A Kids Uncrustable lunch is $10. For information or tickets, visit everettrailroad.com.

The Blacksmith Shop at Greenwood Furnace is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 29. Visitors can learn about the village, built around an inferno, through displays on Greenwood Furnace and ironmaking. Greenwood Furnace is at 15795 Greenwood Road, Huntingdon.

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.

The Live After 5 concert series, presented by the Downtown State College Improvement District, will continue each Wednesday through Aug. 27. The series brings the heart of downtown alive every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza.

This free, family-friendly event showcases the best in regional musical talent and encourages the community to experience the unique charm of Downtown State College.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early or stay late to enjoy the vibrant dining scene, explore local shops and experience the rich arts and culture that define Downtown State College.

For more information, contact Jeffries at 814-238-7004 or visit the https://downtownstatecollege.com/live-after-5-2/.

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County will host the 2025 juried exhibition of the Allied Artists of Johnstown Summer Show through Friday, July 25, in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center gallery, with open admission to the public, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. A $5 donation is suggested.

More information about CACCC’s exhibits can be found at www.caccc.org.

The Altoona Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Discovery Outreach Program continues at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24, with “Journey on the Danube.” The Gerhart Chamber Ensemble will perform a Europe-inspired program at the C2 Trolley House at Lakemont Park.

The Community Summer Band will provide free outdoor concerts for its 34th season in honor of former members Vin Dandrea and Bill Crownover, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at Sharrar House in Mt. Union (rain location, Mt. Union high school); Thursday, July 24 at Blair Park in Huntingdon (rain location Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church) and Friday, July 25 on the lawn of the Memorial Library in Alexandria (rain location, JV high school). For outdoor concerts, audience members should plan to bring chairs or blankets for seating.

The State Theatre will feature Albert Cummings at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $26 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, 80 Hickory Street in the Hornerstown neighborhood of Johnstown, will hold a concert featuring the Johnstown Reed Band at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, as part of its Sandyvale Summer Concert series. The concert is free and open to the general public. For more information, visit www.SandyvaleMemorialGardens.org or contact president/event coordinator Diana Kabo at 814-242-5101.

Public Sky Watch Nights will be held at the Mt. Lion Observatory, 383 Fort Roberdeau Road Altoona, on Friday, July 25; and Saturday, Aug. 23. Parking opens at 8 p.m. and sky watches officially conclude by 10 p.m. but may last longer if viewing conditions are ideal and Starlight Astronomy Club members stay to host.

Night Sky Watches will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, and Saturday, Aug. 16, at Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Road, Huntington.

A telescope clinic, introductory presentation on astronomy, and outdoor night sky tour with an electric telescope will be hosted by Bill Arden from the Central Pennsylvania Observers Club. Meet at the park office.

Music on the Patio will feature Music Man from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Heidelberg Country Club, 812 Frankstown Rd, Altoona. No cover charge needed. Food by Rob’s Catering will be available.

39 Tigers Present “The Play That Goes Wrong” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at McGarvey’s Bar and Grill, 623 N. Fourth Ave., Altoona.

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society has received a substantial bequest and is putting on a performance of “The Murder at Haversham Manor” — a 1920s murder mystery play, similar to “The Mousetrap,” which has the right number of parts for its members.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner.

Tickets for the show are $20 plus fees; dinner and the show is $40 plus fees. https://centralpaticket.com/events/39-tigers-present-the-play-that-goes-wrong-7-26-2025

The Hollidaysburg Community Band will present a concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the Canal Basin Bandshell. Bring your own seating. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Grace Bible Church on

Logan Boulevard.

Sunday on the Lawn Concert with The American Mood will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the Baker Mansion History Museum. Admission is free; donations are welcome. For more information on the Baker Mansion’s 2025 concert lineup, visit www.blairhistory.org/events.

“Shrek the Musical” will be staged July 31-Aug. 11 at Cresson Lake Playhouse, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. each day, except for Sunday, Aug. 3, when the show will be performed at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $16 to $24 (including all fees) and can be purchased by calling 472-4333 or online 24/7 at www.cressonlake.com. Group rates available.

This is the tale of an unlikely hero who embarks on a life-changing adventure alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a spirited princess. Add in a short-tempered villain and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you have a chaotic situation that calls for a true hero. Fortunately, one is ready to step up … and his name is Shrek.

Jay T. Vonada Quartet will perform at Pine Grove Hall, 101 E. Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 31. The group includes Vonada on trombone, Clay Wulbrecht, keyboard; Bob Hart, bass; and Kevin Lowe, drums.

Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, 80 Hickory Street in the Hornerstown neighborhood of Johnstown, will hold a concert featuring vocalist Christine Olivares and pianist Brandon Olivares at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, as part of its Sandyvale Summer Concert series. The concert is free and open to the general public. For more information, visit www.SandyvaleMemorialGardens.org or contact president/event coordinator Diana Kabo at 814-242-5101.

The State Theatre will feature TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $44 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

Old-Fashioned Skills Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Greenwood Furnace State Park.

Learn all about skills from the par through demonstrations and hands-on activities including atlatl, stone sling, blacksmithing, primitive bow making, Native American tools and artifacts, and flintknapping.

The Houtzdale Lions Club will hold their Houtzdale Cruise In from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at 76 Emery Avenue, Houtzdale. Registration is $5 or bring $10 or more in school supplies. The event is open to all types of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Awards for People’s Favorite and Padre’s Favorite will be held at 4 p.m. The event benefits the Houtzdale Lions Cub and Moshannon Valley Elementary PTO. For more information, email HoutzdaleLions@gmail.com.

Bingo will be played from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at Celebration Villa of Altoona. Cost is $10. This monthly event is part of Celebration Villa’s commitment to support the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, contact John Imler at 814-695-8425 or email jimler@celebrationvillasl.com.

Upcoming stage productions

P&J Productions presents: P&J Productions All-Star Anniversary Show, Celebrating 20 Years of P&J shows, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Mishler Theatre, Altoona. This musical revue features vocalists, dancers and a multimedia presentation.

Tickets $16, plus box office handling fees, and can be ordered by calling 814-944-9434 or order online at mishlertheatre.org.

Upcoming concerts

Jim Lauderdale will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at The Attic, State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave.,State College. Tickets are $48, if purchased in advance, $53 on show day, and can be purchased at thestatetheatre.org/.

Country artist Jason Aldean’s Full Throttle tour will bring the “Try That in a Small Town” singer to the Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown on Aug. 9. Tickets are at livenation.com.

No. 1 Chicago Tribute – Brass Transit, 6 p.m. Aug. 10. The Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Tickets $39-$79. thepalacetheatre.org.

Live and Let Die! The Music of Paul McCartney, 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, at the Mishler Theatre. Visit mishlertheatre.org for tickets or call the Mishler Box Office at

814-944-9434.

The Beach Boys Tribute – Beach Party Boys, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg. The show is fast paced and interactive with a focus on lots of nostalgia. The authentic look, musical instruments and detailed harmony of The Beach Boys are reproduced with a bang-on representation of the real deal. Audiences will be singing along to their favorite songs like “Barbara Ann,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Little Deuce Coupe” and “Good Vibrations.” Tickets are $33, $44, $49 and $75. For tickets: https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org/

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.

Games Night, noon-4 p.m. Last Saturday of every month. Gallery on Gazebo, 140 Gazebo Park, Johnstown. Free.

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.