A new year is upon us, and that means Happy Valley will be offering new events for you to go to. From sports to entertainment to everything in-between, the year 2026 promises to be a memorable one.

Below is just a sampling of the different activates available this upcoming year!

Feb 28 and March 1, 2026 

Happy Valley Comic and Collectibles Convention - www.happyvalleycomiccon.com 

The Happy Valley Comic and Collectibles Convention (HVC3) is a vibrant celebration of comics, gaming, and pop culture, taking place at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre. The event is a high-energy gathering for collectors, cosplayers, gamers, and fans of all ages, offering a wide range of activities and experiences. Attendees can expect panels, meet talented creators, and explore an expansive artist alley filled with unique artwork and merchandise. The convention also features costume contests, Magic: The Gathering tournaments, and Pokémon card play, making it a comprehensive event for comic and collectibles enthusiasts. 

March 7 and 8, 2026

B1G Wrestling Championships - bjc.psu.edu/b1g-wrestling-championships-5

Penn State, the longtime powerhouse of college wrestling and reigning national champion, will host the 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships at the Bryce Jordan Center. The tournament begins Saturday, March 7, and will bring the excitement of one of the nation’s toughest conferences to a hometown crowd. 

May 16 and 17, 2026

UTMB World Series - happyvalleysportsandentertainmentalliance.com/rothrock-by-utmb

Rothrock by UTMB™ is the newest stop on the UTMB World Series and the second event on the Eastern side of the United States, joining Grindstone Running Festival by UTMB®. The inaugural edition will take place May 16–17, 2026 in Rothrock State Forest, just outside State College, Pennsylvania (Happy Valley).

The event features 50km and 25km distances that build on the legacy of the Rothrock Trail Challenge, established in 2009. That race became known for its rugged, community-driven atmosphere and its iconic tagline: “For those about to Rothrock, we salute you!” The 25km course continues along the classic Rothrock Trail Challenge route, while the new 50km course expands the adventure across even more of the forest’s wild terrain.

June 14, 2026 

IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley - happyvalleysportsandentertainmentalliance.com/ironman-703-pa-hv

Athletes will take on the challenge of a 1.2-mile swim in the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park, followed by a scenic 56-mile bike ride through the rolling hills of Centre and Clinton Counties. The race concluded with a 13.1-mile run across the Penn State University campus, looping through Beaver Stadium—home of the Nittany Lions.

July 24 to August 2, 2026

State Games of America - National Congress of State Games - stategames.org

The State Games of America is part of the National Congress of State Games (NCSG), a membership organization comprised of 30 Summer State Games and 10 Winter State Games organizations. The NCSG is a member of the United States Olympic Committee’s Multi Sport Organizational Council. The mission of the NCSG is to support State Games member organizations in the promotion of health, fitness and character building through multi-sport competitions and physical activities all across the USA.

Need even more to do? Check out the Upcoming Events at the Bryce Jordan Center or check out the Penn State Men's and Women's Ice Hockey schedules to check out a game. For a complete list of all the events happening in Happy Valley, make sure you visit the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau's Events page!

No matter what your interest is, Happy Valley has an event you can go to!