Free events in Altoona, PA

Weekly open free play is available at any open gaming table. All point levels are welcome, and any army is allowed.

This weekly, free Commander event features Companion sanctioned play. Proxies or counterfeit cards are not permitted. Special formats like Commander Party and other Wizards promoted games are included within this event, so no separate entry or additional notice is needed.

Saturday Trivia Night at the Bavarian Aid Society invites friendly competition with play that is always free, and both members and guests are welcome. Form a team with family or friends and take on a broad range of questions posed by “The Professor,” Jim Price. Prizes go to the three highest scoring teams, with different prizes offered each month. The kitchen serves favorites such as burgers, wings, sandwiches and more. Afterward, enjoy an hour of classic rock favorites. The Bavarian Aid Society is smoke free.

Held each week, this Heroclix Organized Play event begins with a relaxed session for casual play, trading, instruction, Q&A, and demonstrations, then transitions into a tournament. Constructed events are free. Sealed events cost the price of the boosters used to play. Special events such as qualifiers or those with special prizing may include additional fees. For detailed rules and formats, consult the official Heroclix rules.

Baker Mansion History Museum presents the eighth installment of the Sunday on the Lawn concert series, featuring The Altoona Brass Collective. Admission is free and open to the public, and donations are welcome. For information on the rest of the series, check the museum’s social pages.

Gootzy Gaming hosts a biweekly Monday gathering centered on youth and families who enjoy Pokémon. There is no entry fee, and play follows the Standard Constructed format. The focus is on fun, learning, and a welcoming atmosphere rather than high-stakes competition. Participants are expected to keep the environment positive for kids, and anyone causing disruptions may be asked to leave. Kids and parents who take part can access special league pricing on booster packs each week. As an official Pokémon Organized Play location, knowledgeable staff are available to teach the game and provide demos for newcomers. Free parking is available in private lots behind the building, with additional street parking nearby. Accessible parking is offered behind the building or directly in front, and accommodations can be arranged with the store if needed. The venue is entirely peanut and tree nut free, so items containing those allergens should not be brought inside. Snacks and beverages are available on site.

Connect with others at a no-cost peer support group offered with NAMI and HOPE Drop-In. This gathering meets twice each month and provides a welcoming space to share experiences and receive encouragement. After the group concludes, a hot meal is served at the building.

Teams face off at Buccinese Society’s free trivia night, led by quizmaster Jim Price, also known as The Professor. Non-members are welcome, and each week features fresh categories and new questions. Prizes await the three highest scoring teams. The kitchen offers weekly specials alongside desserts, sandwiches, salads, wings and more, and the venue is smoke free.

A hybrid NAMI Connection peer support group offers a free, peer-led space for adults living with a mental health condition. Participants can attend online or in person. The group provides a welcoming, judgment-free setting to share experiences, listen to others, and build hope. Sessions emphasize practical benefits like stronger coping skills, a sense of shared strength and humor, and increased self-forgiveness. No registration is required.

Enjoy a free summer movie night at Lakemont Park with a family-friendly outdoor screening of Luca, rated PG. Bring family and friends, along with blankets and chairs, and relax beneath the night sky. This event was moved from its original July date.