Downtown Youngstown enters packed schedule through early next week
Downtown Youngstown leans into the holidays this week with live shows, hockey, family outings and celebrations stretching today through Tuesday, giving residents and visitors plenty of reasons to head downtown.
Thursday
The weekend starts today with a burst of energy at Penguin City Brewing Company, where Youngstown Pizza Reviews kicks things off with “Merry Chrustmas, Hoppy Holidays LIVE!” from 7 to 9 p.m. The show brings free pizza, free beer, prizes and local celebrity guests for a lively start to the city’s holiday stretch.
Friday
The momentum continues at the Covelli Centre as the Youngstown Phantoms take on the Omaha Lancers at 7:05 p.m., giving fans a fast start to a hockey-filled weekend.
Nearby, the Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University lights up the evening with “Let It Snow,” a family-friendly holiday music show filled with bright winter imagery at 8 p.m. Admission is free, with doors opening about 30 minutes before showtime.
Saturday
Saturday delivers one of the fullest event lineups of the season.
The day begins at 2 p.m. with “The Alien Who Stole Christmas,” a playful journey through winter’s evening sky that follows St. Nick and Mr. Freep across the solar system at the Ward Beecher Planetarium. The planetarium follows up with another showing of “Let It Snow” at 8 p.m., again free and first come, first served.
Across downtown, Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers celebrates its 8th Anniversary Holiday Party from noon to 10 p.m. with live music by Humbles County from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Covelli Centre heats up again Saturday night as the Phantoms and Lancers meet for the Christmas Game at 6:05 p.m., while Penguin City Brewing Company hosts live MMA from 6 to 11 p.m.
Sunday
Sunday brings a full day of family-friendly festivities and hometown sports.
Penguin City Brewing Company opens the morning with Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon, featuring photos with Santa, a breakfast buffet, crafts, games and activities for kids. Adults are $30, children are $20, and age 2 and under are free.
From there, the afternoon offers two major events at 2 p.m.
At the Covelli Centre, Deep Freeze Skating Club presents Merry and Bright, an afternoon of holiday tunes and performances. Tickets are $10 per person, children five and under are free, and tickets can be purchased at the door or via will-call form.
On the YSU campus, the Penguins host Thiel in men’s basketball at the Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center.
Tuesday
The events wrap with a classic holiday performance as The Glenn Miller Orchestra brings its Holiday Concert to Stambaugh Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. The legendary big band fills the stage with swing-era favorites and Christmas standards performed by its eighteen-member ensemble.
Ongoing at the Arms Family Museum, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society continues its 17th annual Memories of Christmas Past exhibit. The historic Wick Avenue home is transformed into a holiday wonderland filled with vintage decor, ornaments and toys. The exhibit is open through Dec. 31, with museum hours from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and extended hours on select dates. Admission includes same-day entry to the Tyler History Center.
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, a partner in advancing downtown redevelopment, continues to help connect businesses and organizations so local retailers, restaurants and bars can prepare for the city’s growing schedule of events.