Today, Aug. 8

Pennsylvania Lumberjack Championships and Outdoor Show will be held Aug. 8-10 at Camp Living Waters Conference Center, Schellsburg. The competition weekend, featuring world-class professional lumberjacks from throughout the U.S. and the world, draws thousands of spectators to Central Pennsylvania. Admission is free.

Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, with woodchopping and sawing qualifying rounds from 4 to 6:30 p.m. U.S. Title crosscut finals are at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.

Gates and vendors open at 9 a.m. Saturday, with flights scheduled for the championship woodchopping and sawing from noon to 7 p.m. Live music by Main Road will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Gates and vendors open at 9 a.m. Sunday, with the Dr. Jacob Hershberger Memorial 5K at 10 a.m. semi-final flights will run from noon to 2:45 p.m., with the woodchopping and sawing finals set for 3 to 4:45 p.m. The awards ceremony is slated for 5 p.m.

The 33rd Annual Portage Area Summerfest will be held Aug. 8-10 at McCormick Park, Portage. Activities will include live music, kids activities, fireworks, and more. For a schedule of activities and live music performances, visit www.portagesummerfest.com or visit the Portage Summerfest Facebook page.

Kat Claar’s exhibition at the Bedford Arts Cooperative in downtown Bedford titled: “Everything Ends and Often Too Soon” will open on Friday, Aug. 8, with a free, in-person reception at 7 p.m. The exhibition will include a collection of sculptures and installation work meant to be viewed multiple times throughout the show’s run as the flowers deteriorate. “Everything Ends and Often Too Soon” will be on display for the month of August, and the Bedford Arts Cooperative will host a series of workshops and opportunities for the public to interact with the art installation. The Bedford Arts Cooperative is located at 110 West Pitt Street, STE 2 (behind/underneath OIP Pizza Shop.) For more information or to schedule a visit, call/text: 814-310-1987 or email: bedfordartscooperative@gmail.com.

Learn about local trees through a scavenger hunt at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at the Buck Hill Amphitheater, Blue Knob State Park. Participants will also make a tree leaf booklet. This program is geared for all ages.

Saturday, Aug. 9

Claysburg Community Days will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at Claysburg Community Park. This is the 49th community days celebration. There will be food booths, kids games, entertainment and more each day. The Little Miss Claysburg pageant is at 11:45 a.m. Saturday. Entertainment at 2:30 includes Mountain City Grass, followed by Shining Starz Twirl and Dance Academy at 5 p.m. and Felix and the Hurricanes at 7 p.m.

Sunday’s events begin with a community worship service at 10:30 a.m., followed by Joy Drummers at noon, the Claysburg American Legion Band at 1 p.m and Laura and Joe’s Acoustic Jukebox at 2:30 p.m.

Admission and parking are free.

Fort Roberdeau will host Revolutionary War Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and Sunday, Aug. 20. See the Revolutionary War in action. American patriots stand guard over the Lead Mine Fort while British loyalists and Native American allies wait for an opportunity to attack. This dynamic, story based on true events begins Saturday morning and continues through Sunday afternoon, featuring reenactments each afternoon that bring to life the tension, strategy and courage of 18th century frontier warfare.

Become immersed in 18th century field camp life as you visit the Patriot and Loyalist encampments, where reenactors in full period clothing portray daily life as it would have been on the Pennsylvania Frontier. Learn how soldiers and settlers lived, cooked, trained, and prepared for battle in a time of great uncertainty and revolution. Interact with historical interpreters, ask questions, and experience demonstrations that reveal the hardships and resilience of those who shaped our nation.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and stay through the afternoon. Be sure to bring your own lawn chair for comfortable viewing as the action unfolds. The concession stand will be open.

Admission is free; $5 parking donation suggested.

For more information, visit www.fortroberdeau.org.

Picnic at the Spring train excursions are offered by the Everett Railroad at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 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.

Ron Barlick will lead a program about shapes found in the natural world at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Buck Hill Amphitheater at Blue Knob State Park. Barlick will take participants from the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio of 1.618 to the amazing angles, triangles, rectangles and spirals found in nature.

Music on the Patio with Joe Caroff will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Heidelberg Country Club, 812 Frankstown Road, Altoona. There is no cover charge. Food available by Rob’s Catering. Open to the public.

Sunday, Aug. 10

Newburg Volunteer Fire Department is holding a spaghetti dinner from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 10 to benefit Wes Clemens, who has been hospitalized since June 16. In addition to the dinner there will be a basket raffle, with all proceeds benefiting the Clemens family. Cost of the meal is $10. The fire department is at 2808 Washington Ave., Altoona.

The first Pet Party will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 at 705 Chestnut St., Johnstown.

The event will be held in the green space next to the shared donation and sorting facility of Cinnamon’s Closet and the Cambria County Clothing Boutique. The event is open to the public and will feature adoptable pets, community resources, and local organizations supporting animal welfare and family services.

Adoptable cats from Project Meow of Portage will be onsite and available for adoption.

Newburg Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, Aug. 10 and Aug. 24. Doors open at noon, first ball called at 1 p.m. Cost is $25 and includes 12 regular games. Three specials and jackpot specials can be added for $10. You do not need to be a member to play. Bingo is held at 2805 Washington Ave., Altoona.

Chicago’s No. 1 Tribute Group “Brass Transit” will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman, Greensburg. Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased online at www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling the ticket office at 724-836-8000.

Brass Transit is a dynamic, crowd-pleasing, studio-tight powerhouse and billed as the world’s foremost Chicago tribute.

Learn about fish and create a fish stamp craft during a program about water quality and trout streams at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Buck Hill Amphitheater.

On tap this month

“Shrek the Musical” will be staged through 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.

The State Theatre will feature John Gorka at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at The Attic at The State Theatre, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $37 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

The Richland Community Days Festival will be held Aug. 15-16 at the corner of Schoolhouse Road and Theater Drive in Richland Township, by the Richland Township Building and Richland High School. There will be entertainment on two stages, a parade at 7 p.m .Friday, fireworks on Saturday a children’s area both days, along with inflatable rides, the PA Army National Guard climbing wall, PA Air National Guard tactical air traffic control center, games, food, craft and business vendors. A classic car cruise will be held Saturday.

A church service will be held with Liberty Grace Church at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Admission and parking are free. All proceeds benefit East Hills Recreation Commission.

For more information, visit www.rcdays.com or check is out on Facebook.

The State Theatre will feature Molly Tuttle at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

Free smores and a movie — “Inside Out 2” — will be offered at Canoe Creek State Park on Saturday, Aug. 16. Smokes will be available at 7:30 p.m. at the campfire. The movie begins at 8:45 p.m. at Pavilion 2. Those attending are urged to bring snacks, refreshments, flashlights, chairs, blankets and bug spray. This is a drug-, alcohol- and smoke-free event.

The Altoona Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Nick Palmer, will hold a free outdoor concert in Hollidaysburg on Aug. 16.

Music in the Burg: ASO Family Summer Celebration will be held at 6 p.m. at Canal Basic Park.

Sponsored by the Hollidaysburg Area Arts Council, the concert begins with the Altoona Youth Orchestra, led by directors Kelly Detwiler and Stephanie Everett. The youth will perform two pieces that showcase the area’s upcoming talent.

The ASO will then take the stage and perform a variety of familiar tunes, including medleys from Broadway and Disney’s “Moana,” and some patriotic favorites.

Selections from the musical “Les Miserables,” Mendelsohn’s Symphony No. 4, and Holst’s beloved “The Planets,” will give attendees a small preview of what the symphony has in store for Season 97.

John Williams’ iconic scores from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Jaws,” and even a little something from this year’s surprise hit, “A Minecraft Movie” will be included in the concert.

In the event of inclement weather, the rain location for the concert will be the Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School auditorium.

Other dates in the Summer Outreach series include:

6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, “Rockin’ the Night Away”: A high-energy musical evening featuring classic rock and pop hits at Sugar Run Brewing Co., Duncansville.

4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, “America’s Pastime”: Rock out with the ASO and the Altoona Curve at People’s Natural Gas Field, Altoona.

Night Sky Watch will be held at 7:30 p.m. 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.

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 State Theatre will show “The Grateful Dead Movie” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

“Taylor’s Story” with Shannon, a Taylor Swift tribute artist, will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman, Greensburg. Tickets start at $33 and can be purchased online at www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling the ticket office at 724-836-8000.

With a passion for storytelling and a voice that echoes the emotion and authenticity of Taylor Swift’s music, Shannon delivers a performance that goes beyond mere mimicry. With dedication to the craft and attention to detail, audiences will experience the magic of a Taylor Swift concert, complete with the energy, charisma, and flair that has made Taylor a global phenomenon.

Shannon’s background in country music as a recording artist and seasons entertainer serves as the perfect foundation for her electrifying stage presence, ensuring that each performance of “Taylor’s Story” is a theatrical spectacle that transports the audience into the heart of Taylor Swift’s world.

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.

Beach Boys Tribute “Beach Party Boys” will celebrate their 10th year of touring by performing at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman, Greensburg. Tickets start at $33 and can be purchased online at www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling the ticket office at 724-836-8000.

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21-23 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 24. 24 at the Church in the Middle of the Block, 217 Fifth Ave., Altoona. Doors open a half hour before each performance. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for seniors/students.

Tickets are available at thingsunseen.booktix.com or at the door (cash and card accepted).

The State Theatre will feature John Brown at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at The Attic at The State Theatre, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

Elvis Lives, a spectacular Elvis tribute show performed by Bruno Nesci, will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman, Greensburg. Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased online at www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org or by calling the ticket office at 724-836-8000.

Public Sky Watch Night will be held at the Mt. Lion Observatory, 383 Fort Roberdeau Road Altoona, on 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.

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.

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.

Jay & Clay will be performing Thursday August 28 at Titan Hollow in Bellefonte from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Come out for some great food and live music

Jay T. Vonada – Trombone

Clay Wulbrecht Jazz – Keyboard

Titan Hollow

2042 Axemann Road, Bellefonte PA 16823

814-424-7728

Bedford En Plein Air is a weekend-long celebration of art, nature, and culture presented in collaboration with the historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa.

It will take place Aug. 29-31, across the resort grounds and the greater Bedford community. Registered artists and day-of participants will check in at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Bedford at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29.

The weekend concludes with a Wet Sale from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, held at Omni Bedford Springs. Featuring a cash bar and original works created throughout the weekend, the Wet Sale offers guests a chance to purchase fresh, one-of-a-kind artwork directly off the easel. With no admission fee, it’s the perfect opportunity for seasoned collectors and new art lovers alike to take home a piece of the experience.

Artists interested in participating in the En Plein Air Weekend to compete for cash awards are encouraged to stop by the Museum, contact bedford@sama-art.org or call 814-589-3020. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is required for participating artists.

For more information, contact Site Director, Scott Riner 814-946-4464 or sriner@sama-art.org.

The State Theatre will feature William Matheny at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at The Attic at The State Theatre, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

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.

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.

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/.