EVENTS
America250: Bells Across PA
America250PA is marking the 250th anniversary with Bells Across PA—a larger-than-life public art experience that turns the state into something you don’t just visit, but explore.
MY AMERICA: AN ILLUSTRATED EXPERIENCE
The Heinz History Center has partnered with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators for a show featuring 63 original works by 35 illustrators. The exhibit uses the power of illustration to reflect on the ideals associated with the American Revolution.
Somerset 250
The Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association Convention, Somerset County will be hosting a series of events that celebrate and honor these momentous occasions. Throughout the events, we will come together as a community to honor the heroes who so bravely fought for freedom at both the formation of our country and when it faced unprecedented challenges in our more recent past.
Cooks Farm 250th Celebration
A fantastic celebration of living history marking the 250th anniversary of the Colonel Cook Farm. Enjoy live reenactments, historical vendors, food, and entertainment while exploring the old mansion and experiencing moments from the Civil War and French and Indian War. Listen to period music, enjoy a turkey leg or apple dumpling, and browse unique finds and early holiday gifts.
DRAKE DAY: CELEBRATE AMERICA 250!
Celebrate the 167th anniversary of Edwin L. Drake striking oil in Titusville on August 27, 1859, along with the 250th birthday of America! The birth of the petroleum industry in Pennsylvania and its subsequent growth into a global enterprise is a hallmark in American history and innovation
Gettysburg Brewfest & Trail 5K
The Gettysburg Brewfest consists of over 40+ beer, cider, and canned cocktail samples throughout the event for those 21 years and older. The Trail 5K event is a 3.1-mile race course on stone farm roads, grass farm paths, and through farm woods, exclusively on the Historic Daniel Lady Farm’s 200 plus acre property. This beautiful trail race is open to both runners and walkers of all ages.
Frontier Family Days: Huzzah to America 250
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Historic Hanna’s Town’s iconic Frontier Family Days, featuring the theme of Revelry and Revolution. Discover Hanna’s Town’s role during the American Revolution through lively court reenactments, militia encampments, living history demonstrations, historical displays, vendors, children’s activities, live music, and more.
Washington County Fair
The Washington County Fair returns in 2026 with another year of family-friendly fun and entertainment. Enjoy classic fair favorites including rides, games, delicious food, animal exhibits, live music, and more. Bring the whole family to experience the excitement, traditions, and community spirit that make this annual event a favorite in Washington County.
Old Economy: Heritage Grape Festival
Celebrate the agricultural heritage of the Harmony Society at Old Economy Village’s Grape Harvest Festival. Discover how grape cultivation, winemaking, and communal labor shaped daily life in one of early America’s most innovative communities. Enjoy a fun and educational experience for all ages while exploring history, agriculture, and the spirit of collaboration that defined the Harmonists.
Crawford County Fair
Held every August in Meadville, Pennsylvania, the Crawford County Fair is one of the largest agricultural venues east of the Mississippi River and is believed to be one of the oldest county fairs in Pennsylvania. Celebrate the traditions of agriculture and community with livestock exhibits, family-friendly entertainment, food, activities, and plenty of fair fun for all ages.
Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
Step back in time at the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, where history, fantasy, and fun for all ages come together. Enjoy live entertainment, artisan demonstrations, unique vendors, themed experiences, and delicious food.
250th Anniversary Celebration of the Dobbin House
Experience 250 years of history at the Dobbin House! This iconic home, Gettysburg’s oldest building, was completed and consecrated by Reverend Alexander Dobbin in 1776, and now marks 250 years of history and 50 years of dedicated stewardship. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a full day of immersive activities!
25th ANNUAL SEPTEMBER 11 OBSERVANCE - FLIGHT 93
The 25th Annual September 11 observance includes the reading of the names of the Flight 93 passengers and crew members. The Bells of Remembrance will ring in their honor. The ceremony is open to the public and includes remarks, keynote speakers, music and concludes with a public wreath laying ceremony at the Wall of Names.
Luke Bryan Farm Tour - In Latrobe, PA!
Luke Bryan returns to Pennsylvania on September 17, 2026, with the 2026 Farm Tour at 1846 Farms in Latrobe, PA. Get your tickets to one of country music's most iconic annual concert events — held on a working family farm with live music, food, beverages, merchandise, and on-site parking. It has become a tradition for country music fans, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to rural venues across America each fall.
2026 Cook Forest Chainsaw Carvers' Round-Up & Auction
Come see carvers in action as they create beautiful works of art from a simple log. Stay for the auctions to bid on and purchase some of these beautiful pieces! The Sawmill Craft Market will be open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Raffle tickets are available for purchase for your chance to win a Chainsaw Carved Bench!
PA Bavarian Oktoberfest
Dust off your lederhosen and celebrate at the Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest! Named one of the Top Ten Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation, this German-inspired festival features traditional food and drinks, a food court with German and American cuisine, children’s activities, carnival rides, games, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Grab your stein and head to Canonsburg for a little taste of Germany right here in Washington County!
Peanut Butter Festival
Celebrate the splendor of autumn in New Bethlehem, PA, at the annual New Bethlehem Peanut Butter Festival. Held over three days in September, this family-friendly event embraces the vibrant colors and crisp air of fall, offering a delightful array of activities for all ages. Enjoy live stage entertainment, a craft show, and a classic car cruise, along with a variety of food vendors featuring delicious peanut butter-themed treats.
Living history cast iron cooking
Celebrate Pennsylvania’s 250th birthday as you walk back in time to observe, and possibly sample, historical cast iron cooking from our nation’s past. This is a one time only new park event that you will NOT want to miss!
Old Economy: Roots of Community Garden Day
Celebrate community, cultivation, and care at an America 250 Garden Day at Old Economy Village. Step into the historic gardens and explore how the Harmony Society used gardening not only to sustain their community but to foster collaboration, creativity, and connection. Bring the whole family for a day of exploration, learning, and connection—experience the joy of gardening and see how tending the land can bring people together across generations.
EQT Washington & Greene Counties' Covered Bridge Festival
The Washington and Greene Counties Tourism Promotion Agencies invite you to take part in a celebration of their rich histories and beautiful countrysides. Each of the festival locations offer a charming atmosphere and an array of activities including handmade arts and crafts, homestyle foods, historical re-enactments, crafting demonstrations and delightful entertainment. The Covered Bridge Festival is regarded as a signature event in the area and the official start to the fall season.
33rd annual MCCONNELLS MILL HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Step back in time and experience life at McConnells Mill State Park during the years when the gristmill harnessed the power of Slippery Rock Creek to grind wheat for bread. Tour the historic mill, visit a Civil War encampment, enjoy art and craft demonstrations, and listen to live music while celebrating the craftsmanship, industry, and traditions of the past.
Hickory Apple festival
Festival go-ers of all ages are welcome to the Hickory Apple Festival. It is free admission and offers entertainment for all with bounce houses, petting zoo, animal show, face painting, and characters. Demonstrations include rope making, mini bale making, blacksmithing, chainsaw sculpting, and more! On the stages, you'll find musical entertainment and apple themed contests. Don't forget to get yourself a loaf of our homemade brick oven bread, slow cooked bean soup, fresh ground cornmeal, homemade apple crisp, hand-dipped candy/carmel apples and all of our other fan favorites! We're a rain or shine event and would love to have you join us! Check out our Facebook page Hickory Apple Festival for all of the most recent updates.
The Autumn Leaf Festival
Experience the Splendor of Autumn in a Picturesque Small Town Setting! It is one of the largest daytime festivals in Pennsylvania, attracting over half a million people each year. Held over nine days, the celebration features unique events such as the Tournament of Leaves Parade, a massive craft show and sale, an automotive light and sound competition, an antique tractor show, and cultural and community nights from Penn West Clarion University.
Houston Pumpkin Festival
The Houston Pumpkin Festival is a three-day community tradition in Houston, Pennsylvania. Located at the American Legion Post #902 Picnic Grounds, the festival features family fun for all ages including over 175 food and craft vendors, children's games and activities, a parade, and many pumpkin related contests. Admission into the festival is FREE! Proceeds from the festival benefit the Houston Volunteer Fire Company.
Old Economy: Forging a Nation Blacksmithing Day
Discover the power of craft and community at Blacksmithing Day at Old Economy Village. Step into the forge and explore how blacksmithing supported the daily life of the Harmony Society, shaping tools, hardware, and infrastructure essential to one of early America’s most innovative communal societies. Bring the family to witness history in action and experience the art, science, and legacy of blacksmithing in early American life.
Harvest Festival - Greene County Historical Society
Experience a beloved Greene County tradition during the 55th Annual Harvest Festival at the Greene County Historical Society Museum. This family-friendly fall festival celebrates local history, heritage, and community with two days filled with delicious food, live demonstrations, historical reenactments, educational exhibits, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Guests can also enjoy free self-guided tours of the museum while exploring the rich stories and artifacts that preserve Greene County’s past.
Whiskey Rebellion Dinner
The Whiskey Rebellion Dinner has become the must-attend Washington County Event. The dinner is the Bradford House's main fundraiser. The evening includes a reception featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and a cocktail, a silent auction, and a sit-down dinner. A Suntory representative will be describing the whiskey flight. The dinner menu is TBD.
2026 Cook Forest Gingerbread Tour
As part of the annual Gingerbread Tour from Cook Forest to Historic Brookville, that draws thousands of visitors. Our bountiful craft market boasts more than 85 local artisans displaying their hand-crafted items in addition to the vendors setting up for the weekend. All work is juried to ensure the highest quality and craftsmanship. Indoor and outdoor event, weather dependent. We will represent over 100+ artists for the event.
Old Economy: Hearth & Harvest Day
Warm up with the sights, smells, and stories of the Harmony Society’s community kitchen at Cooking Day at Old Economy Village. This hands-on experience highlights the ingenuity and teamwork that sustained the Harmonists and offers visitors of all ages a taste of history—connecting food, culture, and community in the 19th century.































