Arts & Culture
In the First Frontier Blair County’s mountain towns, creativity flows as naturally as the trails that connect them. From galleries and public art to live performances that light up the historic Mishler Theatre, the arts and culture scene offers endless ways to be inspired.
Just as each path leads to a new view, every stage, canvas, and exhibit opens a window into the spirit of the community—where tradition and imagination meet in the heart of the outdoors.
Arts & Culture
Allegheny Ukulele Soiree
One of the premier ukulele festivals in the East Coast/Mid-Atlantic region. The Allegheny Ukulele Soiree brings top talent from all over the country to Altoona for one special weekend each year. Players of all abilities are welcome, including beginners!
Altoona Community Theatre
Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) is the resident theatre company of the Historic Mishler Theatre located in downtown Altoona, producing four Mainstage productions annually in September, November, February, and May. The mission of Altoona Community Theatre is to produce quality live theatre that entertains and uplifts audiences and provides opportunities for creative expression, collaboration, and skill development.
Altoona Symphony Orchestra
The ASO, America’s longest continuously performing community orchestra, presents audiences with high-quality orchestral music throughout Central Pennsylvania and remains committed to community and educational outreach. They often perform at Mishler Theatre, an elaborate Beaux-Arts theatre, built in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
ArtsAltoona
ArtsAltoona is a nonprofit organization with the mission to connect people with the arts to strengthen our communities. They operate out of the ArtsAltoona Center, a multi-purpose community arts center in Altoona.
Historic Mishler Theatre/Blair County Arts Foundation
In sincere gratitude to the people who made this playhouse possible and with every wish for its forever grand success such were the words of Isaac Mishler more than a century ago! The Mishler Theatre stands today not only as a significant historical and architectural landmark , but also as a testament to the commitment of an entire community to preserving and protecting its rich legacy. Rising from the ashes of a devastating fire and escaping a wrecking ball that would have created a parking lot, this “gem” of a playhouse remains at the center of the community’s performing arts. The Mishler Theatre offers area residents and its visitors wonderful theatrical performances, magnificent orchestral concerts, stunning ballets, and outstanding appearances of nationally recognized performing artists. Issac Mishler’s dream of a perfect playhouse has been fully realized and has helped shape the cultural landscape of the region.
Hollidaysburg Community Band Inc.
Comprised of dedicated volunteer musicians, from Hollidaysburg and its surrounding areas, the band has a common interest in playing great music, improving musical skills and having fun. Catch a performance at the Canal Basin Park!
‘Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art brings over 7,500 works of American art to rural Pennsylvania with the nation’s longest-running museum satellite system. There are five museum facilities in the system located in the cities of Altoona, Bedford, Johnstown, Ligonier and Loretto. Each serves its distinct community by displaying everchanging exhibitions and hosting award-winning educational programs and special events. SAMA welcomes visitors of all backgrounds and levels of art and art history knowledge. Whether it is your first visit to a museum or your 50th there is something new to see here! View artworks by internally known artists like Andy Warhol and discuss fine art with local aspiring artists and legends from your community. There is no required fee to visit SAMA. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from noon until 4:30 p.m. Please consider making a $5 donation per visitor upon arrival to allow us to continue to bring art to our rural communities.
The Blair Concert Chorale
The Blair Concert Chorale is a community choir based in Blair County. Its mission is to foster an appreciation and awareness of quality music. Visit their website for details on shows and ticket information.
Things Unseen Theatre
A small theatre company, producing shows that are entertaining, controversial and socially relevant. Their venue, the church in the middle of the Block Cultural Center, provides an intimate and beautiful setting for audiences.
