The bye week. That curious break in the Penn State football season where Saturdays lose their sparkle. After months of perfecting your tailgating routine, grilling up your favorite snacks, and sporting your blue and white gear, you find yourself with a weekend that feels a bit quieter.

While the usual rhythm of gamedays, filled with excitement and camaraderie, is on pause, this break is a great opportunity. It’s a chance to reflect on the thrilling victories and nail-biting moments that have defined the season so far. Think about what you’ve loved most and what you’re eagerly anticipating in the upcoming games.

As you enjoy this time off, embrace the chance to recharge. Use this bye week to build anticipation for the next kickoff, knowing the excitement will return soon. Bye weeks might feel different, but they also remind us of the joy and passion football brings to our lives, making each game day even more special when it arrives.

Here are a few things to do during this bye weekend that you might not normally take advantage of.

Explore Campus

Start your weekend at Old Main, a beautiful historic building perfect for photos. Don’t miss the Nittany Lion Shrine nearby either. Snap a classic picture with the iconic statue and learn about its history.

If you love art, visit the Palmer Museum of Art for free exhibitions featuring well-known artists. It’s a great way to appreciate creativity and spark interesting conversations.

Visit The Arboretum

For a relaxing outing, head to the Penn State Arboretum. The Children’s Garden is perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic, while the Observation Garden showcases stunning fall colors. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment or having fun with family, it’s a lovely place to unwind.

Attend A Cultural Event

This weekend offers some fun events! On Friday, stop by the Crafty Kit Distribution at the Center for Arts & Crafts from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the HUB. Grab a kit and get creative, crafting can be a fun activity to do with family or friends!

Also on Friday, check out the CAPS Resource Table from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the HUB for valuable mental health resources. From 5 to 7 p.m., join the Spiritual Wellness Series: Harvest Labyrinth Walk at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. It’s a calming experience to enjoy some fall treats and take a moment to reflect.

On Sunday, don’t miss the NCNW Induction Ceremony at HUB 132 Flex Theater, celebrating new members of the National Council of Negro Women from 1 to 5 p.m.

Catch A Game

Even if football isn’t playing, you can still cheer for other Penn State teams. On Friday, cheer on the field hockey team as it takes on Michigan at 4 p.m. Later that evening, head to Pegula Ice Arena for the women’s hockey game against Dartmouth at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, women’s hockey faces off against Dartmouth again at 2 p.m. for the annual Pink Game to promote breast cancer awareness.

Sunday is packed with action! Start your day with the men’s lacrosse match against Drexel at 11 a.m. at Panzer Stadium. Then, catch the field hockey team as it competes against Michigan State at noon.

Wrap up the weekend with women’s volleyball for Alumni Day and the Dig Pink game as it takes on Minnesota at 2 p.m. Finally, don’t miss the men’s lacrosse game against Lafayette College at 3 p.m.

Local Hikes

If you enjoy the outdoors, consider hiking the Mount Nittany Trail for breathtaking views. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and spend some time outside. Alternatively, explore Rothrock State Forest on the Bald Eagle Trail, known for its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

Visit Downtown State College

Take a trip downtown to enjoy the local scene. Visit Webster’s Bookstore Cafe to grab a coffee and browse books, or check out shops like The Art Alliance Gallery for unique gifts and local crafts. 

Volunteer

Explore opportunities to give back to the community by volunteering. Consider working with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to sort food or help with distributions. Another option is Habitat for Humanity, where you can work on building projects and help those in need.

Relax & Recharge

Make sure to take some time for yourself! Treat yourself to a spa day or find a local yoga class to unwind and recharge.

Study Or Catch Up On Projects

Use some time at Pattee and Paterno Libraries to catch up on schoolwork or work on group projects. It’s a good space to focus and collaborate with others.

Socialize & Connect

Spend time with friends by hosting a game night featuring your favorite board games or visiting Irving’s for a casual outing with coffee and bagels. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy good company.

Attend Workshops Or Classes

Look for workshops from Career Services on topics like resume writing or interview tips. You can also find local classes in pottery or cooking to learn something new and have fun while doing it.

Parents & Family Weekend

With Parents and Family Weekend happening, it’s the perfect time to showcase Penn State to your loved ones. Share your favorite campus spots, enjoy local events, and make memories together. Whether it’s participating in fun activities or simply enjoying good food, the weekend is a great opportunity to strengthen those connections and appreciate the community around you.

Game Night: Penn State Style

Gather your friends and family for a game night! Whether it’s board games, card games, or video games, turn the evening into a friendly competition. Bonus points if you create a makeshift trophy for the winner because nothing says “friendly rivalry” like a poorly crafted prize that will gather dust on their shelf.