Happy Valley, Penn State to host 2026 State Games of America

Happy Valley and Penn State will host the 2026 State Games of America, an Olympic-style amateur sports festival that features thousands of athletes and supporters from across the country. Opening Ceremonies are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31, and are open to the public. Credit: The National Congress of State Games. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State and Happy Valley will welcome more than 8,000 amateur athletes and supporters of all ages as the region hosts the 2026 State Games of America and Pennsylvania Senior Games.

Held July 24 through Aug. 2, the biennial event will bring together participants representing State Games programs from across the country to compete in 50 sports. The State Games of America, one of the nation’s largest Olympic-style, amateur sports festivals, is jointly hosted by the Keystone State Games in partnership with the National Congress of State Games, Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Penn State.

"The games represent an incredible opportunity to showcase everything that makes Happy Valley special, from our world-class venues and passionate volunteers to the welcoming community that defines this region," said Eric Engelbarts, president and CEO of Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. "We're excited to welcome thousands of athletes and their families to experience not only elite competition, but the hospitality and sense of community that make Happy Valley a destination unlike any other.”