Good morning, State College.

Today, the 58th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts offers live performances, art sales, chalk mural events and a craft beverage expo with a $5 cover at Sidney Friedman Park — events run from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at multiple local venues.

The annual Arts Festival is underway in State College and will run until Sunday.

Families and artists enjoy art displays, live music and vendor booths along Pattee Mall and Pollock Road — adding a lively, colorful touch to the community event.

Charlie Watson, an IST alumnus from 2024 who was active in the Nittany AI Alliance, has been hired as its first AI solutions architect and now guides students in using real-world AI skills—his experience as a student helped shape his new role.

Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute received a three-year, $650,000 grant from the William T.

Grant Foundation to join with the Office of Children, Youth and Families and work to improve college access for foster youth. The project will build on the Fostering Lions Program to use research to help these young people succeed.

Former Penn State wrestler Carter Starocci was named the 2025 Big Ten Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year on Thursday — he became the fourth Penn Stater to win the award.

Penn State men’s basketball added a new recruit when Dionycius Bakare announced his commitment on Monday—he impressed with strong play at The Phelps School and on the EYBL circuit with his leaping, 3-point shot, and drive to the basket.

His skills could help boost the Nittany Lions as he prepares for his college career.

Penn State men's lacrosse signed midfielder Chase Robertson and attacker John Jude Considine from the transfer portal on Thursday afternoon—Robertson earned second-team All-ASUN honors at Utah while Considine returned after a season-ending injury at Hobart, joining Spencer Hughes as the team builds on its Final Four run.

Bo Nickal will face two-time All-American Jacob Cardenas in his first Real American Freestyle match on August 30th at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland—Nickal, a three-time national champion from Penn State who competed in the UFC, will return to competition following his most recent loss.

Open Gym

Beat the evening heat and have the kids burn off some energy at CEG's Summer Tuesday night Open Gyms! Open for ages 1–18, but please note that ages 1–5 require a parent or guardian to stay with them. 6:15pm–7:30pm at Centre Elite Gymnastics, 177 Champion Drive, Suite 200, State College, PA 16803. $5/members, $10/non-members.

The Rocket Blasters Live

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Allen Street Pizza — No cover charge — Experience a mix of classic and modern Top-40 Rock hits spanning decades from The Beatles to Lady Gaga.

Live Music: Anchor&Arrow Performance

6-9 p.m. — HiWay Pizza Pub — Free entry — Enjoy high-energy performances from Happy Valley’s FUNked-Up duo, combining soul, funk, rock, and jazz.

Albert Cummings Live

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying blues of renowned guitarist Albert Cummings.

All About the Importers

6:00 PM — Allen Street Grill — $31 to $50 — Explore the art of importing flavors from the world’s best food and drink to local establishments.

Boalsburg Farmers Market

2-6 p.m. — Pennsylvania Military Museum — Free entry — Explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties every Tuesday afternoon.