UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn’s Woods Music Festival returns to Penn State this summer with an exciting new format: one inspired weekend of live music, connection and creativity. From June 20–22 audiences will experience a vibrant mix of chamber music, jazz, brass and original settings of Shakespeare’s sonnets — crafted for a deeper, more intentional creative experience.
After 17 years as a two-week summer staple, the festival boldly enters a new chapter by concentrating its programming into a single, powerful weekend. Festival organizers have refined and redesigned the experience to foster intimate connection, artistic excellence and a true celebration of live performance.
Looking ahead, the festival is also embarking on a broader renewal, said Ann Marie Stanley, director of the Penn State School of Music. Organizers are exploring new collaborations and directions for 2026, signaling an exciting future for the festival's evolving mission and vision.
Festival Schedule
Friday, June 20
Jazz on the Terrace
7 p.m. Olsan Stone Terrace at the Music Building (rain location: Recital Hall). his concert will not be livestreamed. General Admission: $34 adult / $14 student (includes all fees)
Featuring New York City acclaimed jazz artists Gilad Hekselman, guitar, Dayna Stephens, saxophones and EWI, and Penn State’s Joshua Davis, bass.
Saturday, June 21
Strings, Sonnets and Shakespeare
7 p.m., Recital Hall, Music Building. This concert will not be livestreamed.
Enjoy the Allegria Quartet performing Dvořák’s American Quartet and Love Hurts: Shakespeare’s funniest romantic feuds and sonnets set to original music by Firefly, a new professional faculty-led troupe from Penn State’s Centre Stage.
- Reserved Admission: $34 adult / $14 student.
- Dessert Reception Combo: $44 adult / $19 student. Includes pre-concert strawberry and lemon desserts, Prosecco, and Penn State Creamery ice cream. Combo tickets must be purchased by June 18.
Sunday, June 22
Music in the Gardens: Altoona Brass Collective
7 p.m. in the Arboretum at Penn State (rain location: Recital Hall).
Formed in 2017, the Altoona Brass Collective (ABC) brings together accomplished musicians from across Central Pennsylvania who share a passion for brass instruments, exceptional music, and the power of live performance. Every piece in ABC’s repertoire is written specifically for the ensemble, showcasing their unique sound and musical versatility.
Free admission — Bring a blanket or lawn chair and celebrate summer with bold, joyful sounds in a natural setting.
Tickets
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Online at pwmf.psu.edu (includes $4 service fee per ticket)
- In person (no fee): Eisenhower Auditorium Box Office, Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- By phone (no fee): 814-863-0255 during box office hours
- At the door: Recital Hall Box Office opens at 6 p.m. before each concert
Student Rush Tickets: Limited number of free tickets are available 45 minutes before each concert (while supplies last).