ArtsFest

ArtsFest aka the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts… a classic must-​do for those in State College during July each year. So much to see and do! See amazing art from all over the country, enjoy a wide variety of music and dance, eat street food all during the hottest, most humid week of the year. Children’s Day is always on Wednesday, fun face-​painting time for the kiddies. You can lay down some serious $$$ for great art or have a great time listening to music on the lawn. It’s a must see, but don’t loose your children like my Mom lost me back in 1974ish. hahaha

Annual event in downtown State College. There are tons of artists booths to wander through. On the expensive end for a grad student budget (i.e., I could afford a little wooden spoon for $ 6 or a mounted photograph for $ 15). If I could go back in time, I’d buy some pottery on the Children’s Day (Day 1) because surely those would’ve been cheaper. There is also a People’s Choice Arts Festival in Boalsburg during the same time. I heard they have more local artists and things are generally more affordable. Gotta check that out next year.
There are also different performers and artists; check out the website for the schedule. The funnest part for kids has got to be the water structure that’s built on S. Allen Street. Where’s the one for adults?!
Lastly and most importantly, the food: This year there were booths with Funnel Cakes ($ 5), gyros (good but paying $ 8 for one makes it taste less good), greek food (including a salad), fried seafood, fried rice. There are also nonprofit/​fundraising groups stationed throughout the area offering drinks and snacks for a donation.