Downtown State College celebrated our First Friday event on October 5. This monthly event promotes art and entertainment for community members and visitors to enjoy, as well as exclusive offers and discounts at local businesses.

This month’s First Friday featured a live acoustic set by Chris Good at MLK plaza and modern jazz group Urban Fusion, who played their smooth tunes outside of The Tavern. There was also various art displays throughout the town, including the “Is it Hereditary?” exhibit at Art Alliance Gallery Downtown, which featured artwork from different generations of families.

More art and food could be found at Webster’s Cafe and Bookstore, as well as artwork from Karen Zwigart on display at the Expect More store in Kish bank. The State Theatre also featured live music, dance and art and a performance by folk band Totem Pole as part of the theatre’s 80th anniversary celebration which will continue throughout the month of October.

Participants could “channel their inner artist” at Woskob Family Gallery which featured different art-making stations and at The Makery which offered fall crafts such as pumpkin decorating and macrame weaving.

A silent auction was held at Appalachian Outdoors where visitors could also learn more about Skydive Happy Valley. The night concluded with a show by the Central PA Dance workshop, who performed a variety of cultural dances and invited crowd members to learn some of the steps.

This event wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and engagement from our downtown businesses. Thank you to those who participated and welcomed the State College community, as well as those who attended the event and enjoyed any part of what First Friday has to offer. We are thankful for the constant growth and support from our community and seeing both familiar and new faces each month.

If you were unable to attend this First Friday event, take a look at some of our favorite moments from the night. We look forward to seeing you for our next Military Appreciation First Friday event on November 2 from 5 – 8 p.m.