Annual Oil Heritage Festival

About the Event

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 - 4 pm: Oil Heritage Festival Craft Show - PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street)
Find the registration form here

9 am - Oil City Firefighters 5K Run/Walk
Race begins on West First and Reed Street,
Pre-registration: $20, Day of registration: $25. Pre-registration deadline is July 24.
Registration form linked here

9 am - 3:30 pm: Friends of the Library Book Sale - Oil City Library Basement

Ike's Children's Fishing Derby
Waltonia Park
Registration 8 AM, Fishing 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Bait provided, Bring fishing poles
Age groups: 5/6, 7-9, 10-12
Prizes for each age group!

Oil Valley Disc Society Disc Golf Tournament
Hasson Park Course, Tee-off 9 AM, Entry Fee $30
13th Annual Oil Heritage Disc Golf Tournament, Best shot doubles, BYOP (Bring Your Own Partner), Prizes for Closest to the Pin, with a cash prize awarded to 1st place team
-Registration available online at: discgolfscene.com/tournament/13th_Annual_Oil_Heritage_Doubles_Tournament_2024
-In-person registration will also be available on the day of the event starting at 8:00 AM at the park (cash only)

Bike Rodeo
Parking lot between CATA and PennDOT Office, 11 AM Registration
Activities 11:30 am - 1 pm involving bike safety, giveaways, and more!
Hot dog lunch provided by R. Lee James
Prizes donated by CATA

Oil Heritage Art Shows - Entry Form
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street) and Graffiti Gallery (228 Seneca Street), 12 pm - 6 pm Entry form linked here (PDF)

"Legends of the Oil City Gridiron" Mural Official Celebration
Pathways Adolescent Center, 358 North Seneca Street, 1 pm
Come see Oil City's newest mural! Designed and created by local artist Deac Mong and featuring players and coaches from the Oil City Oilers Football Team.

Oil Heritage Festival Parade
The area's LARGEST parade!
Step off at 5 pm
Find registration form here

Due to the closure of the Veterans Bridge during the festival, this year's parade will be held on West Third Street, starting at Mitchell Avenue and ending at Central Avenue. Please see the registration form for complete route information and answers to frequently asked questions. We are confident this change will have little effect on the overall experience of the parade and we encourage your participation.

3 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 looks 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!

5:45 pm - 7 pm: Concerts in the Parking Lot: The Bus Brothers - PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street)
7:30 pm - 10 pm: Concerts in the Parking Lot: Lawyers, Guns, & Money - PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street)
10 pm: Fireworks Spectacular

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