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Saturday, Aug. 1
Blue Knob State Park, Imler, will present an educational program about nature symbols of Pennsylvania from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in the Buck Hill Amphitheater. Come and see whitetail deer, brook trout, ruffed grouse and other interesting mounts. The program is free.
Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon, will present a Nature Table from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 16, in the breezeway of the Beach House. Stop by and learn about the various animals that live in the water and on land. The program is free. For more information, visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.
Sunday, Aug. 2
Acoustic Express will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, as part of the Baker Mansion's Sunday on the Lawn Concert series. Admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information, visit blairhistory.org/events or Baker Mansion's social pages.
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.
Blue Knob State Park, Imler, will present an education program about the amazing traces our Pennsylvania animals leave behind from 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Buck Hill Amphitheater. The program is free.
Coming up
Jay T. Vonada will be performing from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 7, at the Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Fair. For a complete schedule of Fair events, visit bellefontefair.org/schedule-of-events/
Join Park intern, Morgan, for an introduction to backpacking at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon. The program will include various types of gear and instruction on how and what to pack. Registration is required by Friday, Aug. 7. To register, email Morgan Bintz at mbintz@pa.gov. The program is free.
The Altoona Brass Collective will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, as part of the Baker Mansion's Sunday on the Lawn Concert series. Admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information, visit blairhistory.org/events or Baker Mansion's social pages.
Stop by the Blacksmith Shop at Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon, to learn about the art and history of early American blacksmithing with park volunteer, Don Maurer, from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. The program is free. For more information, visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.
The Baker Mansion will host a Victorian Gardening Tea with the Blair Garden Club at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. The event will feature an afternoon tea experience with homemade hors d'oeuvres, selected teas and a special presentation on the history of the Baker Mansion's gardens and Victorian gardening practices by the Blair Garden Club. Tickets are $20 and are available now at blairhistory.org/events or over the phone at 814-942-3916.
Firewheel Music will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, as part of the Baker Mansion's Sunday on the Lawn Concert series. Admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information, visit blairhistory.org/events or Baker Mansion's social pages.
Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon, will host an Old Fashioned Skills Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Join us to celebrate America with a day of historical demonstrations and artifacts. The blacksmith shop will be open to observe blacksmithing on a newly repaired forge. The program is free. For more information, visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.
The Blair County Historical Society will present "The History of Lakemont Park" with Jim Lowe as part of their History Speaks: A BCHS Lecture Series, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Admission is free and open to the public, but donations to the Blair County Historical Society are welcome. For a complete lineup of the Blair County Historical Society's remaining lectures for the 2026 season, visit blairhistory.org/events.
Jared Frederick will lead a Civil War Altoona Historic Walking Tour at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, starting outside of Levity Brewing Co., Altoona. The tour will explore Altoona and Blair County's many connections to the Civil War. Tickets are $10 and are available at blairhistory.org/events.
Baker Mansion will host a living history weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30. "A Mansion Divided: The Baker Family and Blair County in the Civil War," will feature living history displays, tintype photography, rare artifact exhibits and a special concert by the 46th PA Regiment Band at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30. All outdoor activities are free but standard admission rates apply for tours of the Baker Mansion and the artifact exhibits outside. For more information, visit blairhistory.org/events.
The Indiana Ballroom Dance Club welcomes dancers to kick off the 2026-27 dance season. Their Homecoming themed semi-formal will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Elks in Indiana. The cost for nonmembers is $15 per person to dance and the dinner buffet is available for an additional $32. Reservations and pre-payment is required by Tuesday, Aug. 25, and can be sent to: IBDC, P.O. Box 233, Indiana, PA 15701. For more information, email indianaballroomdance@gmail.com or 1686mam@gmail.com.
Split State will present "Dear Evan Hansen," at The Lamp Theatre, Irwin. The performances will be at 8 p.m. Sept. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19, and at 3 p.m. Sept. 13. Tickets are $25 and are available at lamptheatre.org.
Ongoing events across the area
Baker Mansion is open for the 2026 season with tours available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit blairhistory.org.
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Altoona, is proud to present Conversations with Light, an exhibition of photographs by Skip Allen, on view through Sunday, Oct. 4. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art is located in the Brett Building at 1210 11th Ave., Altoona. The hours of operation are noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
The East Broad Top Railroad is back in motion. Trains run Friday through Sunday. Typical departures are 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit eastbroadtop.com/ride/
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. The exhibition is open through and will remain on view through Sunday, Oct. 4. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art is located in the Brett Building at 1210 11th Ave. The hours of operation are noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit sama-art.org, call 814-946-4464 or email altoona@sama-art.org.
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.
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Bedford is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of its Biennial Exhibition for 2026. This exhibition, a celebration of contemporary art and worldwide talent, runs through Oct. 18. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art is located at the historic Anderson House at 137 E. Pitt St., Bedford. The hours of operation are noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The museum is open to the public free of charge. We suggest a $5 admission donation to help support SAMA's free and low-cost educational services, cultural event programming, and regional artistic exhibitions. For more information, visit sama-art.org, call 814-589-3020 or email bedford@sama-art.org.
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.
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art is pleased to present "Under a Glowing Sky," an exhibition of paintings by acclaimed American artist Philip Koch. The exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, Oct. 4. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art is located in the Brett Building at 1210 11th Ave., Altoona. The hours of operation 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. We suggest a $5 admission donation to help support SAMA's free and low-cost educational services and cultural event programming.For more information, visit sama-art.org or call 814-946-4464.
The Downtown State College Improvement District's 2026 season of First Friday brings an evening of art, music, shopping and dining back to the heart of downtown through December. Validated parking is available at the Pugh, Fraser and Beaver garages. For updates and a full list of participating businesses, visit FirstFridayStateCollege.com
History and nature lovers have a new reason to explore Central Pennsylvania with the launch of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal Driving Trail, a self-guided, 125-mile scenic route that winds through six counties along the Juniata River. This immersive trail showcases the legacy of one of America's most remarkable engineering feats -- the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal system -- and invites travelers to experience the past while enjoying the beauty of the present. The tour can be found at JuniataRiverCanalTour.com.
"Hope Springs Eternal: The Holocaust Project" is proud to announce the arrival of the internationally acclaimed exhibition, "Let Me Be Myself -- The Life Story of Anne Frank." The exhibition will be hosted from March through June at the Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center, Johnstown. For more information regarding gallery hours, visit hopespringseternalproject.com or contact the Heritage Discovery Center at 814-539-1889.
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Bedford is pleased to announce its 50th Anniversary Exhibition, open from noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at the historic Anderson House, 137 E. Pitt St., Bedford. Suggested admission is $5. This special exhibition will feature a curated selection of works from SAMA's permanent collection, celebrating five decades of art and culture. Visitors will view iconic works including Andy Warhol and selections by local metal sculptor, Kurt Bonello. For more information, visit sama-art.org, call 814-589-3020 or email bedford@sama-art.org.
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.
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.
Preschool Storytime and Craft Hour for young art enthusiasts and their families is held from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays 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. SAMA 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.
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.
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, 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 information, visit rockintheyard.org.
Musikfest, the nation's largest free music festival, will be held through Aug. 9, in Bethlehem. For tickets and more information, visit artsquest.org/musikfest/
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. 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/.
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. 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 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