Penn's Woods Music Festival

02/13/2026

After many years of extraordinary music-making, the Penn State School of Music will conclude Penn’s Woods Music Festival. This decision reflects a renewed focus on initiatives that most directly support student learning, professional preparation, and artistic development.

For decades, PWMF brought world-class musicians and unforgettable performances to our community, made possible by the dedication of artists, staff, donors, and audiences who believed in the power of music to connect and inspire. We are deeply grateful for the festival’s legacy and the relationships it fostered.

As we look ahead, we do so with appreciation for PWMF’s lasting impact and a commitment to carrying its spirit forward through new programs and collaborations that serve our students and community.

Read more:
https://www.psu.edu/news/arts-and-architecture/story/penn-state-school-music-conclude-penns-woods-music-festival

06/23/2025

The 2025 Penn’s Woods Music Festival has come to a close!

06/22/2025

The banners are up and the fantastic crew is working in the heat to get ready for a great concert tonight 6:00 in the gardens 7:00 on the lawn! And there is a tent this year for shade!!! Come on out - parking and concert are free!!

06/22/2025

The backdrop for this evening’s concert at The Arboretum at Penn State as Altoona Brass closes another amazing season of Penn's Woods Music Festival.

The weather will be warm so bring water and enjoy the comfort of the surrounding gardens as we fill the air with music.

06/21/2025

🎭 Tonight, music and theater share the stage at PWMF! “Strings, Sonnets & Shakespeare” features the Allegria Ensemble performing Dvořák’s American Quartet, paired with the debut of "Love Hurts," a dramatic exploration of Shakespearean heartbreak from Firebird Theatre’s Firefly Rep. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind evening celebrating words, music, and emotion.

FIREFLY REP is a new initiative within Penn State Center Stage, is reviving professional summer theatre in State College. Firefly Rep promises to provide vibrant, high-quality performances to the heart of central Pennsylvania and aims to become a destination for theatre lovers from across the region. As the curtain rises on this exciting new chapter, the Penn State Centre Stage endeavors to build a summer season that will showcase incredible performances and provide the community with unforgettable cultural experiences.

📍 Recital Hall, 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: pwmf.psu.edu

06/21/2025

We’re off to a fantastic start! Full house on a beautiful evening! Gilad Hekselman Danya Stevens Josh Davis and Mark Ferber -

06/20/2025

Music blooms in the Arboretum!

Join us on June 22 for a FREE outdoor concert featuring the Altoona Brass Collective at The Arboretum at Penn State. Bring your blankets and enjoy an evening of brass in the beautiful outdoors. You can also enjoy beverages and treats from University Wine Company and The Cakeshop by Tati!

The Altoona Brass Collective (ABC) is a dynamic brass ensemble based in central Pennsylvania, formed in 2017 by a group of musicians passionate about brass instruments and live performance. Comprising educators, administrators, and freelance performers, many of whom are alumni of institutions like Clarion University, Duquesne University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University, and Slippery Rock University, the ensemble is self-governing and collectively operated. ABC's unique sound is showcased through a repertoire entirely arranged by its members, encompassing classic wind band pieces, jazz, and rock, reflecting their commitment to musical excellence and community engagement.

📍 The Arboretum at Penn State, 7:00 PM
🎟️ Free Admission | Free Parking

06/20/2025

The Penn's Woods Music Festival kicks off tonight! Join us for an inspired weekend of artistry and connection featuring chamber music, jazz, brass, and the magic of Shakespeare. Details: https://pwmf.psu.edu
Penn State School of Music Penn's Woods Music Festival

06/20/2025

The wait is over! Tonight, the Penn’s Woods Music Festival kicks off with an evening of jazz featuring Josh Davis (jazz festival director) Gilad Hekselman and Dayna Stephens.

📍 Olsan Stone Terrace, 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: pwmf.psu.edu

06/19/2025

Headed to Jazz on the Terrace tomorrow evening? Come a little early for Happy Half Hour and enjoy a glass of wine or slushy for purchase on the Olsan-Stone Terrace!

06/18/2025

Our incredible summer music festival begins on FRIDAY! 🤩

The 2025 Penn’s Woods Music Festival returns June 20–22 with a bold new weekend format featuring chamber music, jazz, brass and original Shakespeare settings — reimagined as a vibrant, intimate celebration of live performance and creative connection.