We did it, everyone: We made it to the last week of the semester, and finals are just around the corner.
This year has been difficult for many, and we all need a break, so give yourself a pat on the back â and check out these weekend activities.
Weekend Weather Forecast: April 30 - May 2Â
For many, itâs the last weekend on campus, meaning we need to make the most of our time here before we go home for the summer.
Luckily, the weather this weekend, as of Thursday night, is in our favor. Via AccuWeather, warm days and cool nights will make for the perfect last weekend in Happy Valley.
This yearâs event will also include a Q&A session following the screenings.
Blue and White Film Festival Vice President Joseph Molloy said filmmakers seem to be appreciative of the festival being back.
âI think a lot of people are just glad we re having it this semester,â Molloy (sophomore-film production) said.
Lilly Adams, who will have two films featured in this yearâs festival, said one positive from the virtual format is her parents being able to attend the event.
âPeople [who] can t usually make [the festival], or can t make the drive, or can t make the trip are able to come, even though it s through their computer â which is not a detriment,â Adams (senior-film production) said. âIt s more of a unifying thing that everyone can come.â
May is just around the corner, and hoping to start the month off with community engagement, the Downtown State College Improvement District is organizing the May Day Art & Garden Walk this weekend.
The organization is teaming up with local businesses to showcase art and flowers from 5-8 p.m. Friday and from 12-5 p.m. Saturday throughout the streets and plazas of town.
Lee Anne Jeffries, the executive director of Downtown State College Improvement District, said her goal is to bring more people downtown, which she said has been difficult to accomplish during the pandemic.
After organizing a holiday art walk in December, Jeffries said the retail advisory committee proposed a similar event in the spring.
From Findlay Commonsâ cuisine to downtown restaurantsâ dishes, many Penn State students resort to certain meals for finals week to stay fueled and focused.
Lucas Balda said he enjoys some of the restaurants downtown, such as American Ale House and Outback Steakhouse.
â[My favorite meal] would most likely be the chicken wings from Outback Steakhouse or the fried chicken sandwich with fries from American Ale House,â Balda (sophomore-finance) said. âSomething about either of those meals make up for any bad day you are having.â
He recommended also trying Five Guys or Taco Bell for something quick but not too âgreasyâ or needlessly expensive.
The Downtown State College Improvement District will host its first May Day Art & Garden Walk on Friday and Saturday.
The event brings together more than a dozen local artists and artisans, displaying their work throughout downtown businesses. Local businesses and organizations also will be offering special May Day experiences.
“Following the success of our holiday art walk last year, we thought a similar spring event would be well received,” Downtown State College Improvement District executive director Lee Anne Jeffries says. “We decided to plan for the weekend of the first of May and focus the theme on spring renewal, so May Day was a natural fit. Other communities enjoy May Day by hanging fresh flower arrangements on their doors, so we thought we would start this annual tradition downtown and get the community involved.”