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

9 am - 5 pm: Friends of the Library Book Sale - Oil City Library Basement

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

City Of Oil City Children's Pool Party
James A. Nelles Pool
Ages 0-6 from 12 pm - 3 pm, Ages 7-12 from 3 pm - 6 pm, FREE

5 pm - 9 pm: Oil Heritage Festival Craft Show - PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street)

Boy Scout Troop 17 Pork Chop Dinner
Hosted by Boy Scout Troop 17
First Presbyterian Church (215 East Bissell Avenue)
5 pm - 7 pm, Take-Out only, $12 per meal

Youth Alternative's Annual Barrel Race
James A. Nelles Pool, 6 pm
$5 per ticket (barrel) or 3 for $10

YMCA Open Skate
Hasson Heights Dek Hockey Facility, 6-8 pm
Ages 8-14, $5 Admission, $5 Skate Rentals
Find flyer here

6 pm - 9 pm: Venango Region Catholic School Festival - St. Stephen's School Parking Lot

Food Vendors and Local Restaurants
Enjoy food from local food vendors in the parking lot or local restaurants during the evening concerts!
Deets Sugar House and Venango Snow look forward to seeing you!
Local restaurants include: Billy's, McNerney's, Bud's Pizza, Double Play, Baked Goods from Heaven, Famoore's, Villa Italia, The Marvic Tavern, Woods & River, Open Door Café, Core Goods, Pizza Hut, Four Star Pizza, Domino's Pizza, McDonald's and more!

5 pm - 6:30 pm: Concerts in the Parking Lot: Best Intentions - PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street)
7 pm - 10 pm: Concerts in the Parking Lot: Count The Years - PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street)