Though winter temperatures still linger, preparations are already underway for the 2026 Maple Harvest Festival at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, where the Sugar Shack will soon be filled with the scent of boiling sap and fresh maple syrup.

Timed-entry tickets for the annual community tradition go on sale at noon on February 25 and must be purchased online through the Shaver’s Creek website. Tickets are required for both festival admission and general center entry during festival hours.

The Maple Harvest Festival will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22. The two-day event brings together local residents and members of the Penn State University community to celebrate the arrival of spring and the centuries-old craft of maple sugaring.

In the weeks leading up to the festival, crews will identify and tap maple trees across the property, collecting sap that will be boiled down in the Sugar Shack. Penn State students play an active role in the process, preparing to demonstrate the science and tradition behind maple syrup production for visitors.

In addition to learning about the maple sugaring process, attendees can enjoy live music, wildlife programs, a climbing wall, and stacks of pancakes served with real maple syrup. The festival has become one of Shaver’s Creek’s signature events, offering a mix of hands-on education and family-friendly entertainment.

This year’s celebration has added significance this year with Shaver’s Creek’s 50th anniversary. The center is marking the milestone with a yearlong series of community events that highlight its history and continued impact.

Laurie McLaughlin, program director at Shaver’s Creek and the festival’s overseer, said the Maple Harvest Festival offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect generations of students, staff, and community members.

“Maple Harvest Festival is one of our signature programs for the community,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “All the hard work and preparation is so worth it when we see the community enjoying the event; connecting with each other and the natural world. We have always been a place for students to learn and grow and a place for them to try out their craft of teaching and working with others. It brings such joy to see this in action and celebrate with those who have been a part of this special place through the years.”

The festival began in 1984 as a small gathering of maple syrup enthusiasts. Since then, it has grown into a major spring event. In 2025, more than 1,780 visitors attended over the two-day span. The event was supported by 219 volunteers and staff members, as well as 16 Penn State students. Together, festivalgoers consumed 7,272 pancakes.

More information about the Maple Harvest Festival and other upcoming programs can be found on the Shaver’s Creek website.