Penn State’s most exciting weekend rapidly approaching! Nothing says springtime like dusting off that George Foreman grill, defrosting the burgers and hot dogs and enjoying a fun-filled Blue and White Weekend in Happy Valley, which kicks off Friday, April 15 with the carnival at 6 p.m.

With all of the festivities occurring, the most exciting events on the Blue and White Weekend lineup will actually happen following the free scrimmage game on Saturday April 16.

The Beaver Stadium 5K Run/Family Fun Walk, benefitting Special Olympics Pennsylvania, will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 17 on the stadium side of Curtain Road across from the Bryce Jordan Center. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and continues to 9:30 a.m.

Another big addition to this exciting weekend will be the carnival nearby the stadium extending to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Blue and White Weekend is more than just tailgating and getting a chance to look at the 2011 football team. With the 5K Run, and the carnival extension, this isn’t just another “drunkfest weekend.” It’s transforming into a family oriented event, and there are plenty of things to do for the entire Penn State family.

You should also check out StateCollege.com’s page full of tailgating recipes.

There are numerous events in conjunction with the Blue and White Game. The Penn State baseball, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse and women’s tennis teams also will be competing at home. Here’s the schedule for Blue and White weekend at Penn State:

Friday, April 15
Music – 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Carnival – 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
WingFest – 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
PSU Baseball – 6:35 p.m.
Penn State Idol Finals – 7:00 p.m.
LowJack – 7:45 p.m.-9:15 p.m.
Fireworks – 9:15 p.m.

Saturday, April 16
Carnival – 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Booths – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Student Acts – 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Blue – White Parade – 10:45 a.m.
Stadium Autograph Session – 12:30 p.m.
Lionettes Dance Team – 12:45 p.m.
Blue Band – Cheerleaders – 1:00 p.m.
Blue – White Game – 2:00 p.m.
Go Go Gadget – 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
PSU Baseball – 5:00 p.m.
Men’s Lacrosse – 7:00 p.m.
Fireworks – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 17
Special Olympics 5K Run – 10 a.m.
Carnival – 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Women’s Lacrosse – 1:00 p.m.
PSU Baseball – 1:05 p.m.