Oil Heritage Festival 2026 – Venango Area Chamber of Commerce

July 22nd through July 26th

Click here for the OHF Home Page where you’ll find forms, flyers, and more!

Click here for a printable PDF of the festival schedule!

This webpage is updated daily, if you don’t see an event, it may not be confirmed yet. Please check back or call the Chamber with any questions! (814) 676-8521

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

Samuel Justus Charitable Trust

Jack Rowley Charitable Trust

Henry and Beverly Suhr

Find more sponsors following the schedule.

FESTIVAL HEADQUARTERS

201 Center Street, Oil City, PA 16301

Hours:
Wednesday, July 22nd: 6 PM – 9 PM
Thursday, July 23rd: 12 PM – 4 PM
Friday, July 24th: 12 PM – 6 PM
Saturday, July 25th: 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday, July 26th: 12PM – 4 PM

Oil Heritage Festival T-Shirts

New Oil Heritage Festival merch is here! We’re excited to partner with Hometown Hype, who has created two exclusive designs for this year’s Oil Heritage Festival! These limited designs capture the spirit of the festival and America’s 250th birthday celebration.

Please note: These shirts are made to order, so they won’t be available for purchase at the festival. If you’d like one, be sure to place your order directly through Hometown Hype. They’ll even ship it straight to your door!

Order yours here: https://stores.inksoft.com/ohf26
Get your 2026 Oil Heritage Festival gear and wear it with pride during festival week!

Parking on Oil City’s North Side

SATURDAY, JULY 18

Oil Heritage Festival Tennis Tournament
July 16-18, Oil City High School Tennis Courts
$15 Registration fee. Divisions may include: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Junior Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles. Proceeds will benefit the Oil City Arts Council.
Click HERE for the application!

Ikes’ 100th Anniversary EnviroBash/Outdoor Show
July 18 • 11:30 am to 7 p.m.
Waltonian Park, Franklin (396 Monarch Park Road, Franklin, PA 16323)
An event for everyone from 5 to 105. Join the Oil City IWLA as they celebrate 100 years with a fun-filled day at Waltonian Park! Explore hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and live demonstrations focused on nature, wildlife, conservation, and outdoor recreation. Enjoy programs from organizations like the PA Game Commission, Allegheny College’s Creek Connections, and more, plus live animals, chainsaw artists, and family-friendly experiences for all ages. Food vendors and live music will round out this exciting outdoor celebration.

Oil Heritage Festival Softball Tournament
July 18 • Mitchell Fields
One pitch tournament, hosted by the Oil City Softball Association

MONDAY, JULY 20

Junior Olympics
July 20 • Registration at 5:30 PM, Event starts at 6:00 PM
OCHS track & Football Field (10 Lynch Blvd, Oil City)
• Ages 3-12, (3-4; 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-12) Age groups may need to be divided differently depending upon enrollment in each age group. This will be determined after registration.
• Pre-registration is preferred but not necessary. Forms can be emailed to pshontz@verizon.net or csalvo@mail.ocasd.org. Deadline for pre-registration: July 19 at 5 PM
• Registration form available as a PDF by clicking here
• Gold, silver and bronze medals awarded for each event/age group/boys and girls.
• Rain date: Tuesday, July 21st. In the event of inclement weather both days, the event will be canceled and not rescheduled. If you are unsure, call the Chamber Office at (814) 676-8521.
• A picnic will be provided for participants and families following the event!

TUESDAY, JULY 21

Artist Interviews Watch Party
Robert W. Rhodes Center, 217 Frame Hall, 1801 W 1st Street, 6 – 8 PM
Come meet artists who creatively engage with Oil City and enjoy some refreshments. Hear
stories about their involvement in Oil City and the contributions they make to our community.
View videos, by Devan Zagar of 7 Foot Productions, spotlighting the creative professionals
committed to Oil City. Afterwards, join the artist in a roundtable discussion hosted by Arts Oil City.
Click HERE for more information!

Elks Club Chicken Barbeque
Oil City Elks Club #344, 111 Sycamore Street
$15 per dinner, only 250 dinners available!
BBQ chicken, baked beans, and potato salad!
All pre-orders will be entered into a drawing to win $100!
Text (814) 673-4505 to pre-order!
To view the informational flyer, click HERE!

100 Seneca Turns 100 Centennial Celebration!
100 Seneca Street, 2nd Floor Mezzanine, 3:00 PM
Help us celebrate 100 years of history, business, and community at this landmark building in downtown Oil City!
Click HERE for more information!

Music on the Square
Town Square, 7 PM – 9 PM
Artist: RACHE
Sponsored by the Oil City Main Street Program

Youth Alternatives, Inc. Tiny Tots Contest
Oil Heritage Festival Headquarters (201 Center Street), 6 – 9 PM
Enter by July 13th: Submit WALLET sized photo with age and birthday, as well as the following parent information: name, number, address, and email.
Email to kristine.odell@yavenangocounty.org or drop information off at 1 Graff Street, Oil City
Donate to vote on the 2025 Tiny Tot prince and princess!
To see the official Tiny Tots Flyers with all the information, click HERE!

“Artscape” Walking Tour: Artist Reception and Kick-Off Party
Clifford’s Carpets, 19 E 1st Street
7 – 10 PM
The art show has taken on a new form this year! Extending from Oil Heritage Festival all the way to Bridgefest (July 22nd – August 16th), the “Artscape” Walking Tour has art on every corner of Oil City! Participating locations include the following:
Baked Goods from Heaven, Clifford’s Carpets, Core Goods, Sage and Saints, TAGG Gallery, The Exchange, The Fallen Shoppe, the Library (youth and children’s art), William’s Travel, and Woods and River Coffee
Click HERE for the 2026 Artscape application!

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Oil City Library Basement, 2 Central Avenue, 9 AM – 7 PM

Oil City Curb Market
Central Avenue Plaza, 11 AM – 5 PM

Touch-a-Truck
Central Avenue Plaza, 11 AM – 2 PM
Sponsored by the Oil City Library

YWCA Spaghetti Supper
Oil City YWCA, 109 Central Avenue, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
$15 Adults (12 and up), $12 Children (ages 4 -12), Free for kids under 4
Includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, and dessert! Available for eat in, take-out, or drive-thru. Don’t miss this festival tradition and support the efforts and programs of the Oil City YWCA. Tickets are available at the YWCA.

Children’s Fun Fair
Central Avenue Plaza, 5 PM – 7 PM
Free activities for children of all ages! Featuring the Tree Family Party Piggies!
Hosted by Community Services of Venango County

YMCA Younger Days Carnival
Oil City YMCA Parking Lot, 7 Petroleum Street, 5 – 7 PM
Free games and activities for children and families!
New this year: Dunk Tank and $6 Meal Deal

FLEX Ice Cream Social
Central Avenue Plaza, 5 PM – 7 PM

Oil City’s Front Porch Contest Winner Announcement
Central Avenue Plaza, prizes awarded during the Ice Cream Social
Judging occurs on July 15th and 16th
Winners are announced during the FLEX Ice Cream Social
Categories:
1st Place: Best of Show
2nd Place: Most Creative
3rd Place: Best Curbside Appeal
To apply, click HERE!

Children’s Parade
Central Avenue Plaza
5 PM Line up, 5:15 PM step off
Hosted by Child Development Centers

Children’s Parade: Winner Announcement
Central Avenue Plaza
6:00 PM

Oil City Night Market
Lindon Alley (Near Clifford’s Carpets, East 1 Street Between Central Ave & State Street)
6 – 10 PM
A vibrant, inclusive space showcasing handcrafted artisan wares on the South Side of Oil City.
Music by Iris Heather

OHF Queen Crowning
Central Avenue Plaza, 6:45 PM
Rain Location: Christ Episcopal Church

Open Skate at the YMCA Dek
Oil City Scenic Rivers YMCA Dek Hockey Facility, 2 Summit Street
7:30 – 9:30 PM
All ages! Music, lights, outdoor inline skating! $6 per person, bring your own skates or rent a pair for $4. This is not a hockey event. Inline skating / rollerblading only.

Movie Night at Library Hall
Oil City Library, Library Hall, (2 Central Avenue), 7:00 PM Showtime
Free movie night: The Super Mario Movie
Concessions will be available!

“Artscape” Walking Tour
Various locations, operating during business hours.
Walk Oil City at the following locations to see and support local artists!
Baked Goods from Heaven, Clifford’s Carpets, Core Goods, Sage and Saints, TAGG Gallery, The Exchange, The Fallen Shoppe, the Library (youth and children’s art), William’s Travel, and Woods and River Coffee

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Oil City Library Basement, 9 AM – 5 PM

Oil City Elks #344 1st Annual Oil Heritage Cornhole Tournament
Town Square, 5 – 10 PM
Registration starts at 4 PM
$20 buy-in per person, blind draw for teams
Food and drink concessions!
Play for a purpose! Half of all tournament proceeds will be awarded to the winning teams (1st, 2nd, 3rd), while the other half will benefit the Oil City Main Street Program and its efforts to strengthen our downtown community.
To see the flyer, click HERE!

First Friday
Seneca Street, 5 PM – 9 PM
Seneca Street will be closed from Billy’s down to The Transit Building. Sip and savor your stroll down Seneca Street and visit local vendors, artists, crafters, and businesses.

City of Oil City Children’s Pool Party
James A. Nelles Pool
Ages 0-6 swim from 12 – 3 PM for FREE!
Ages 7-12 swim from 3 – 6 PM for FREE!

Youth Alternatives Annual Barrel Race
James A. Nelles Pool, 6 PM
$5 per ticket (barrel) or 3 for $10

Youth Alternatives Tiny Tot Winners Announcement
Justus Park, 6:45 PM

Boy Scout Troop 17 Pork Chop Dinner
Hasson Park, 5 – 7 PM, Dine-in or take-out, $12
Come out and support your local Boy Scout Troop 17! Enjoy the scenic views of Hasson park while sinking your teeth into delicious pork chops and other sides.

Concerts in the Park
Justus Park, 5 – 6:30 PM
OPENER: The Bus Brothers
Justus Park, 7 – 10 PM
HEADLINER: Refuge
Enjoy good eats in the park from: Deets Sugar House, Venango Snow, Mitch-Hill Dairy, and Big Sky Farms Market.

Fireworks Display
Presented by the Oil City VFW, 10 PM
Fireworks will be visible from Justus Park

“Artscape” Walking Tour
Various locations, operating during business hours.
Walk Oil City at the following locations to see and support local artists:
Baked Goods from Heaven, Clifford’s Carpets, Core Goods, Sage and Saints, TAGG Gallery, The Exchange, The Fallen Shoppe, the Library (youth and children’s art), William’s Travel, and Woods and River Coffee

Oil City Firefighters 5K
110 Petroleum Street, 9 AM
Registration at 8 AM in the Morrison Funeral Home parking lot
Pre-registration is $20 and day-of registration is $25
Come out and support your local firefighters while enjoying a fun run/walk through Oil City. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome!
To pre-register, click HERE!

Ike’s Youth Fishing Derby
Waltonia Park (396 Monarch Park Road, Franklin, PA 16323)
Bait provided, Bring fishing poles! Age groups: 5/6, 7-9, 10-12
Registration will open at 8:15 AM, Lines in the water at 9 AM
Prizes for first fish caught, and by age group for largest and most fish caught!
Organized by the Oil City Izaak Walton League

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Oil City Library Basement, 9 AM – 3 PM

VFW Breakfast
2 Relief Street, 10 AM – 12 PM
Adults $12, kids $7, and 4 and under FREE!
There will be a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, and this event is open to the public.
Hosted by the Oil City VFW Auxilary

Silent Film Day at the Venango Museum
Venango Museum, 210 Seneca Street, 10 AM – 4 PM
Regular museum admission applies!
Visitors are invited to drop in throughout the day to experience the early days of cinema, featuring continuous silent film screenings (without live accompaniment), live demonstrations of the museum’s historic Wurlitzer theater organ, originally from Oil City’s Latonia Theater, and opportunities to learn how the instrument works. Complimentary popcorn will be available, and behind-the-scenes access to the organ’s pipe chamber will be offered upon request.

Children’s Bike Rodeo
Parking lot between CATA and PennDOT, 11 AM – 1 PM
Register your child in the Bike Rodeo today for some fun for the whole family!
Click HERE for the link!
Lunch provided by State Rep. R. Lee James

Oil Heritage Festival Craft & Vendor Show
Town Square, Downtown Oil City, 11 AM – 4 PM
Application form linked here
The Oil Heritage Festival Craft Show features a wide variety of handmade and locally produced goods, alongside informational vendors and home show-style exhibitors. Whether you’re shopping, gathering ideas, or learning more about local services, the Craft Show is a worthwhile stop during the festival.

Oil Heritage Festival Parade
The area’s LARGEST parade!
Step off at 5 PM
Find registration form here: ONLINE or PDF
Theme: America’s 250th Birthday Party!
*Parade Route: Begins at West First and Orange Street, goes down West First Street to State Street, goes over the Veterans bridge, goes the wrong way down Seneca Street, and ends at the intersection of Seneca Street and Clifford Street

Concerts in the Park
Justus Park, 6 – 7:30 PM
OPENER: Samantha Sears
Heart & Soul Celebration, 7:30 – 8:00 PM
Justus Park, 8:15 – 10 PM
HEADLINER: Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers
Enjoy good eats in the park from: Deets Sugar House, Venango Snow, Mitch-Hill Dairy, and Big Sky Farms Market.

Fireworks Spectacular
10 PM
Presented by Kellner Fireworks, fireworks will be shot from behind the bandshell in Justus Park

3rd Annual Model Car Show
247 Seneca Street, 11 AM – 3 PM
$10 for 2 entries, $1 each individual
1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners for each of the following categories:
Truck, Car, Movie, Racing, Commercial Vehicles
Click HERE for more information!
Hosted by Wye Bridge Hobbies

Oil Heritage Car & Motorcycle Cruise-In
Seneca Street, 12 PM – 4 PM
$5 entry fee, free t-shirts to first 100 participants

Live Music: Mostly Brass
Justus Park, 2 PM
Come out to Justus park with a chair and a smile to enjoy some good music and beautiful views!
Sponsored by the Oil City VFW

Oil Heritage Festival Basket Raffle Drawing
Festival HQ, 4:30 PM

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS