Finals are over, grades are in, and this year’s seniors are officially alumni. Summer 2015 is indeed upon us. You might have plans to spend summer with an internship, job, or simply catching up with family and friends (read: binge watching Netflix and eating copious amounts of home-cooked meals). But no matter how busy you are, there are still plenty of opportunities to visit the happiest of valleys. Even if you’re only able to stay for a few days, the trip to your second home is always worth it. Here are seven perfect excuses to visit to Penn State this summer!

1. Arts Fest

If you’re only going to come back to State College once this summer, it has to be for Arts Fest. It’s one of the biggest summer weekends, a magical time where students and alum come back to the best place on earth. Arts Fest 2015 is July 9 through July 12. If you’re interested in walking around campus to see all the beautiful art exhibits, or simply drinking with friends, this is the weekend to do it. It always turns out to be beautiful weather surrounded by beautiful sculptures, portraits, pottery, and sketches. As most people already know, it’s the best excuse to come back and spend a weekend outdoors, walking and partying around the best college town.

2. 4th Fest

One of the best firework shows in the country, 4th Fest is a great opportunity to visit campus. The event is held on July 4 (duh) and includes a parade to honor heroes, a 4k race, and live music — this year featuring country superstar Craig Morgan. It is the perfect mix between an outdoor party and a fun family event. The night concludes with the firework show which you don’t want to miss.

3. State College Spikes Game

Why not come back and cheer on State College’s minor league baseball team this summer during their first home game? Tickets can be purchased for their home opener which takes place on June 19 against Williamsport at 7:05 p.m. The game is perfect for meeting up with friends or making it a family trip. Plus, there are home games nearly every week. So no matter when you have a week of vacation, you can still enjoy America’s favorite pastime at the best university on the planet.

4. Summer’s Best Music Fest

On June 6, the live music starts playing bright and early at 11 a.m. There are over a dozen artists performing, including country music artist Jo Dee Messina. Along with the music, there will also be a kids zone and an ice cream festival. The music will play throughout the day, concluding at 9 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to listen to some live music and get a bite to eat downtown.

 5. Summer Jazz Celebration

From Thursday, July 23 to Saturday, July 25, downtown State College, Penn State’s campus, and various parts of Bellefonte will be humming with basses and saxophones. Jazz PA is rolling into town! Bringing in names like Gene Bertoncini and Jay Anderson, jazz musicians will band together local talent in entertaining Centre County. Events will be spread throughout the area, with some performances last year occurring in places like the Palmer Museum and Webster’s Bookstore and Cafe. Any jazz fan, or lover of music, would enjoy this weekend in State College.

6. Tussey Mountain’s Wing Fest

From the beginning on Thursday, July 16 to the finals on Thursday, August 27, local restaurants from around Happy Valley will square off in a Battle of the Wings, if you will. At Wing Fest, each restaurant will has its own booth, boasting its selection of wings, while participants can try wings from each place and give their tickets to whichever wing they think is the best. This takes place on Tussey Mountain, which has a gorgeous summer overlook of State College, and there’s local live music and beer involved. What more could you possibly want?

7. Skydive Happy Valley & The Sky’s the Limit Hot Air Balloon Rides

Feeling adventurous? Why not make a trip back with some friends to let some adrenaline run? Whether you want to experience a peaceful hot air balloon ride or jump out from a plane, either is available and ready for students to experience.

Summer is the perfect excuse to come back to campus and spend time in the good old Happy Valley. The campus looks beautiful in full bloom, and it’s always nice to visit after being away. And there are so many awesome reasons to come back! See you soon!