Annual Oil Heritage Festival

2024 will mark the 46th anniversary of the annual Oil Heritage Festival, proudly hosted by the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce. The festival honors the area's rich heritage that resulted from the discovery of petroleum and the "oil boom" that occurred along Oil Creek in the mid-1800s. In that oil fueled the Industrial Revolution and the modernization of America's transportation industry, our region is frequently referred to as "the valley that changed the world."

The Annual Oil Heritage Festival, held on the 4th weekend of July each year, depicts our distinctive heritage by incorporating many heritage related events into one of Western Pennsylvania's major festivals. Volunteers from civic and social organizations help to sponsor wonderful events designed to provide fun and entertainment for people of all ages.

Schedule of Events

Elks Club Chicken Barbecue
Sycamore Street, 4 pm - 8 pm, featuring barbecued chicken and pork
The Elks Club will also be hosting an Everything Sale, inside the Elks Club on July 27th and 28th from 10 AM - 7 pm

Oil Heritage Festival Junior Olympics
Oil City High School Track, 5 pm registration, 6 pm start
-Pre-registration is preferred but not necessary. Click here for the registration form.
-Registration opens at 5 pm, Event begins at 6 pm
-A picnic dinner will be provided to participants and their families after the event
-Ages 3 - 12, two divisions, boys and girls in each group - age groups will be broken down closer to the event
-In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. If you are unsure, call the Venango Chamber Office at (814) 676-8521 or check here.

6 pm: Oil Heritage Art Shows: Reception & Grand Opening - Entry Form
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street)

6 pm - 9 pm: Oil Heritage Art Shows - Entry Form
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street) and Graffiti Gallery (228 Seneca Street)

7 pm - 9 pm: Music on the Square: Tom Petty Tribute Band - Town Square

Youth Alternatives, Inc. Tiny Tots Contest
Children Ages 1-3, Deadline to enter Friday, July 19
Voting at HQ Wednesday - Friday until 4 pm
Winners will be announced Friday, July 26 6:45 pm before the evening concert
Find more information on registering here