Y’all had so much fun at our first Townie Takeover at Downtown Champs in May that we’re doing it again! This time, we’re taking over Bill Pickle’s Tap Room for one last locals-centric party before the students head back to town.
Our second takeover event, part of a series we’re affectionately calling Summer is for the Locals, is coming to Pickle’s on Friday, July 25, from 4-7 pm. Entry is free and all are welcome. (Though this event will be most enjoyed by adult townies!)

New to town? Come introduce yourself! We’d love to meet you and are here to help you get settled and connected in State College.
Join us for a laidback neighborhood BBQ!
If you’re downtown during the semester, you know that Pickle’s is a student nightlife hotspot, especially on Tuesday Country Nights. So before things on Allen Street start buzzing with student energy again, we’re throwing a big neighborhood BBQ to enjoy that “free rein” feeling of downtown in the summer one more time.

Tuesday night during the semester at Pickle’s Country Night. (Whether any locals will be dancing on the bar this Friday remains to be seen…)
Who is this event for?
Rediscover State College exists to help those making the move to town. Our concierge service, blog, podcast, and newsletter are all aimed at keeping future residents in the loop about what’s going on around town and offering ways to make the actual move itself more streamlined and less stressful.
But we also love to help those who are new to town get plugged in and find their people – and stir up lots of local pride while we’re at it! (Our merch line was created with that purpose in mind.)
This event is for locals old and new, with a special invitation to those who are newer around town. If that’s you, we hope you’ll come introduce yourself and let us know if there’s anything we can do to help you get settled and connected!
A Note on the Littlest Townies: While this happy hour event will not feature kid-specific activities, all are welcome to join in the fun with adult supervision from 4-7 pm. Pickle’s will transition to 21+ after 7 pm.
What to Expect: Food and Drinks
Did you know that Pickle’s does (really great) BBQ? If you haven’t tried it yet, this is your chance! During the event, the bar will host a free BBQ sampling station where the community can taste test fan favorites from the menu. Sample pulled pork, brisket, char-grilled wings, and mac and cheese with cornbread, coleslaw, and potato salad on the side! Once you’ve decided on your favorite(s), feel free to grab a friend and a seat for dinner! There will also be a refreshing list of alcoholic and zero-proof drink specials. (Oh, and we heard that free Kentucky Coffee samples will be floating around. A frozen bev with a combo of Kentucky Bourbon, coffee liquor, soft serve vanilla ice cream, and Rothrock coffee? Sign us up…!)

Guests will get to sample Pickle’s BBQ menu during the event!
What to Expect: Things to Do
- For the mingle-y among us, we’ll have a fun activity that’ll get you connecting with other locals. (Participants will be entered to win a goodie bag stuffed with local merch!)
- We’ll be raffling off a Searwood 600 Pellet Grill (retail value $999, graciously donated by Weber), with all proceeds going to the State College Food Bank! Tickets may be purchased with cash or via Venmo/PayPal. Drawing will take place at 6pm at the event. Must be present to win. Winner must take grill from the event or pickup from Pickle’s shortly after.
- The Rediscover State College team will have our apparel for sale, including our recently dropped summer items.
- And if you’re new to town, our team will be on hand to answer any questions or to provide an intro to other awesome locals who are there at the event too!
On a summer Friday evening, the Pickle’s vibe will be relaxed and welcoming. Come and stay or come and go and bring your friends!
Entry is free, all are welcome, and we hope you’ll come celebrate with us… while summer is still for the locals!
Planning to join us? RSVP on Facebook!

