– by Jodie Dello Stritto
If you missed celebrating the people, the businesses, and the natural assets of Bellefonte last year when Under the Lights took a short hiatus, secure your tickets now for this year’s event on October 11, which promises to be even more magical than the year’s past.
Bellefonte Under the Lights 2024 will illuminate Historic Bellefonte’s Talleyrand Park, transforming it into an enchanted gathering space for friends, neighbors, and families to enjoy delicious local food and great local company. Kathleen Ammon, Community & Programming Manager for Downtown Bellefonte, Inc., said. At the same time, the location change was born from necessity—construction near the waterfront will make it too inaccessible for an event of this magnitude—organizers are delighted with the new spot in the park, in the grassy area adjacent to Big Spring Spirits.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to bring the same ambiance to this new location, which will still offer the views and soothing sounds of Spring Creek, with the added ambiance of the event’s signature soft outdoor café lighting, enhanced by the surrounding trees”
– Kathleen Ammon, Community & Programming Manager for Downtown Bellefonte, Inc.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to bring the same ambiance to this new location, which will still offer the views and soothing sounds of Spring Creek, with the added ambiance of the event’s signature soft outdoor café lighting, enhanced by the surrounding trees,” Ammon said. “We expect it to be absolutely breathtaking, especially at dusk and when the sun sets.”
As always, Under the Lights will feature a wide selection of entirely local food vendors, eager to bring their best dishes to this special evening of communal, outdoor dining. The progressive-style dinner allows guests to choose their own culinary adventure from food and beverage providers and to select from various dining areas, including long tables and high tops.
“One of the most wonderful aspects of Under the Lights is that the format promotes socializing among guests,” Ammon said. “As people move between food and beverage vendors and mingle with the crowd, they run into colleagues, neighbors, and friends, and even meet new people. It is the true definition of a community event and all of us at DBI, our sponsors organizations and our dedicated volunteers are so excited to bring it back this year. We hope to welcome a record crowd.”
The Menu
Your favorite vendors are back plus some new ones offering an elevated and uniquely local selection of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks. Guests with dietary restrictions or preferences will even find vegan and gluten-free choices.
Appetizers range from traditional favorites like soft pretzel bites with Otto’s Roger’s Almost Famous Hot Mustard (The Hofbrau/Otto’s) to creative plates like ginger pear squash bisque made with local pears and squash and house-made crème fresh (Taproot Kitchen).
Main courses include hearty options like braised beef short ribs with savory parmesan bread pudding and roasted Brussels sprouts (Dubbs Grubb) and unique creations like a smoked picanha sandwich, finely sliced smoked tri-tip sirloin with spinach and mustard on a gluten-free Brazilian cheese bread (Brazilian Munchies).
Save room for a rich slice of opera cake (The Cakeshop by Tati) or coffee crème brulee (Sweets of Gold), or one of the many other delectable options.
Drinks include local craft beers (Axemann and Otto’s), specialty cocktails just for the occasion (Big Spring Spirits and Happy Valley Nomadic Spirits), cider (Good Intent), and a variety of non-alcoholic options like Italian soda (Mamma Lucrezia’s) and coffee, tea and lemonades (Bee Knees Coffee).
Check out the full menu HERE.
Event Details & Ticket Information:
Bellefonte Under the Lights will take place on Friday, October 11, in Talleyrand Park.
Get your tickets today at: https://downtownbellefonteinc.com/events/bellefonte-under-the-lights/
General Admission is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission includes one of each course: appetizer, entree, and dessert, plus a beverage of your choice. Additional course and beverage tickets can be made while purchasing tickets or at the event.
VIP HOUR: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
**A limited number of VIP Tickets are available for this special portion of the evening**
VIP ticket holders have the exclusive option of:
-early entrance to the event starting at 4 p.m.
-access to the dinner vendors starting at 5:00 p.m.
-private gathering area in the sculpture garden and exclusive seating
-enjoy the sounds of a local musician in the sculpture garden
*VIP ticket price includes general admission
