Explore State College through its distinct cultural attractions: self-guided tours focus on the history of its neighborhoods, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts brings together art and performances, and Discovery Space puts science and mathematics center stage. When choosing what to visit, consider which of these perspectives you want to shape your stay: historic districts, a festival featuring art and music, an evening at a museum, or exhibits that encourage experimentation. Each format has a different emphasis, offering a distinct way to experience the city.
Explore neighborhood history on a self-guided tour
The self-guided tours share the history of the neighborhoods and the properties that have contributed to it. They take you through State College’s Homes-Foster/Highlands Historic District and College Heights Historic District. This part of the trip focuses on the connection between neighborhoods and properties rather than a single exhibition topic or stage program. If you want to make local history a focus, the tours offer a distinctive experience alongside the festival, museum and science exhibits.
Art and culture at the festival
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is a recurring tradition in State College and is connected to the Penn State campus. The five-day festival features a juried Sidewalk Sale & Exhibition with more than 300 artists from across the United States, as well as over 60 performances by regional touring and local bands. Other features include sidewalk chalk art, with artists at work, and an annual banner competition and exhibition. There is also a 5K and a 10-mile race with the Nittany Valley Running Club, Schlow Library’s BookFest, and a dedicated Children & Youth Day to kick things off. Unlike an evening at a museum, the festival combines exhibitions with sidewalk art and musical performances; its program also extends beyond visual art.
An evening program at the Palmer Museum of Art
During extended Thursday hours, the Palmer Museum of Art’s evening program often includes pop-up tours and gallery conversations, Art After Hours, Creative Studio Sessions, workshops, and talks by artists. Alongside the multi-day festival, the museum offers a program of conversations, tours and workshops. If you want to include art in your stay, the two offerings differ in both their time frame and the kinds of activities they feature.
Science and marine life at Discovery Space
Discovery Space focuses on science and mathematics. More than 45 exhibits are designed to encourage play, exploration and, in particular, experimentation; each relates to a scientific or mathematical concept. This sets it apart from the historic tours and arts offerings: here, the focus is on scientific and mathematical topics and approaches. Discovery Space’s Marine Life Center is home to starfish, hermit crabs and marine fish, including a juvenile California round stingray. It adds examples of marine life to the center’s exhibits.
Plan around event dates
If you’re traveling for a particular event or program, the specific date matters too. Festival details may change from year to year, so check the dates and program. Before visiting the Palmer Museum of Art, check current opening hours and programming. The Marine Life Center may close temporarily for occasional maintenance, so confirm its opening hours before your visit. This helps you distinguish between offerings tied to event dates and those where a possible temporary closure should be taken into account.
Explore more destinations: Bellefonte, Port Matilda, Pine Glen, Centre Hall, Spring Mills, Pine Grove Mills
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