The Centre County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Wednesday, Aug. 14, as Tourism Appreciation Day in Centre County. The Tourism Appreciation Day date was selected on the eighth month of the year and 14th day of the month to reflect the county’s area code, 814.

An event coming up in September is looking to grow the love! The Another World Music Festival is back for its 2nd annual all-weekend-long festival with plenty of bands and music groups from here in the 814 and from all across the Commonwealth.

The 4th Annual Harvest Open is back in State College, running from August 31 to September 1, 2024. Hosted by the Centre County Disc Golf Association, this event will unfold at the stunning Harvest Fields Disc Golf Course in Boalsburg. What makes this year particularly special is that the Harvest Open will be Centre County's first-ever B-Tier disc golf event, attracting players from across the region and beyond.

Arts, culture and entertainment are impacting the Centre County economy in big ways, according to the results of a new study commissioned by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA). Conducted by EConsult Solutions, the study quantifies the current economic impacts from arts, entertainment and cultural events; associated visitor activity; employment; and operations of the county’s creative industries.

Rich Engler proudly presents Jim Messina and his band on Sunday July 28th at Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre. The show begins at 3 p.m. EST. Also starring on the same show is Pure Prairie League. Presented in part with the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.

A national, Olympic-style event that takes place every other year is heading to Happy Valley in 2026. The State Games of America, which involve 30 states and more than 30 sports, will host their biennial six-day sporting event from July 28-Aug. 2, 2026, in Centre County at multiple venues to be determined.

The Tussey Mountainback, a relay and ultramarathon footrace now in its 25th year and known for its signature 50-mile loop in Central Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest, will introduce a 100-mile ultramarathon race option at this year’s event. The Tussey Mountainback race weekend is set for Oct. 25–27.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA) made two significant tourism announcements at the HVAB’s annual State of Tourism Breakfast on July 9 at the Wyndham Garden State College. More than 140 people attended the annual event, which reinforced tourism’s role as an important economic driver in the county.

The Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA) today announced the addition of Marie Hardin, Dean of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State, to its Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome Dean Hardin to Board,” said HVSEA Executive Director Eric Engelbarts. “Over the past year, we’ve developed an incredibly talented and respected group of individuals to guide the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance’s mission and vision forward. Today’s announcement cements a strong foundation of support.”

After a successful run in 2023, the Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley Triathlon will make a comeback to Centre County on Sunday, June 30, as part of a three-year contract with just one year remaining. However, if Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley continues to see major success and participation in the area, it could soon become an annual tradition in the area.

IRONMAN 70.3 PA Happy Valley returns to State College this weekend, but the race isn’t the only thing to explore! Dive into these exciting events happening throughout the weekend as we build up to race day!

After a successful inaugural event, Namastadium is returning to Happy Valley! The event will feature a yoga class held on the Panzer Stadium field on Saturday, July 13. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and class begins at 9 a.m.

The Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to join our team. This position will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth communication and coordination with the board of directors, managing financial records using QuickBooks, and providing general office support. The ideal candidate will be organized, proactive, and capable of handling multiple tasks efficiently.

Elected officials, and community and business leaders joined representatives of Hospitality Asset Management Company (HAMCO) today to break ground for HAMCO’s new Tru by Hilton. The 98-room hotel will be located next to G.M. McCrossin Inc. along the Benner Pike near the I-99 interchange between State College and Bellefonte.

Happy Valley is gearing up to provide an unforgettable experience for more than 1,000 high-school student athletes, coaches and athletic administrators when it hosts the PIAA Spring Sport Championships Festival June 13-15. This marks the second year of the four-year commitment with the PIAA.