February
Feb. 7 — Nature Art Showcase and Sale, 5 to 7 p.m., lobby of Barrow-Civic Theatre in downtown Franklin; free public display; including free public “Meet the Artists” reception; original artwork depicting outdoor recreation, natural resources and landscapes; acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings; traditional and digital photography; stained glass; woodcarvings, 3-D items blending nature’s own materials and wide-ranging art media; most exhibit entries can be purchased on-site; conducted by Council on Greenways and Trails with Penn Soil RC&D Council; for more info, see nwpagreenways.org or call Marilyn Black at 814-671-2058
Feb. 8 — Franklin On Ice, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fountain Park
Feb. 8 — Nature Art Showcase and Sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., lobby of Barrow-Civic Theatre in downtown Franklin; free public display; original artwork depicting outdoor recreation, natural resources and landscapes; acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings; traditional and digital photography; stained glass; woodcarvings, 3-D items blending nature’s own materials and wide-ranging art media; most exhibit entries can be purchased on-site; conducted by Council on Greenways and Trails with Penn Soil RC&D Council; for more info, see nwpagreenways.org or call Marilyn Black at 814-671-2058
Feb. 8 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Emlenton, hike toward Rockland and back; 6 miles total
Feb. 8 — Pithole Cabin Fever Party, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Historic Pithole City, 14118 Pithole Rd, Pleasantville; if there is snow, take a sled; free admission, donations welcome; drakewell.org/events
Feb. 15 — Snowman in the Forest Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., River Pavilion by the playground on River Road, approximately one mile up-river from the Route 36 Cooksburg Bridge, Cook Forest; chili cook-off; carriage rides, sledding, snowman building, ice skating (ice skates available); snowshoe interpretive hike within the old growth forest along Cook Trail, meet at the new River Pavilion; happy dog contest; event sponsored by the Cook Forest Vacation Bureau
Feb. 19 — Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, Cross Creek Resort, Titusville; reception at 5 p.m., dinner and presentation from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 19-March 12 — Beginner Fly Tying Classes, 6:30 p.m., Emerging Technology Center, 191 Howard St., Franklin; four classes; lasts approximately two and half hours each Wednesday evening; all materials and tools will be provided for use with individual instruction; classes are limited to 12 individuals; anyone 12-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult; cost for all classes, $50; pre-registration required along with a non-refundable deposit of $20; checks should be made payable to Keystone Fly Fishers, 1021 Bredinsburg Road, Franklin, PA 16323; keystoneflyfishers1@gmail.com; Facebook, Keystone Fly Fishers; 814-673-5478
Feb. 21-23 — Community Playhouse, Inc. Honky Tonk “Bringing Back Broadway,” Oil City Moose Club on Halyday Run Road; Feb. 21-22, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 23, 2 p.m.; $15 with optional dinner $30 served from 6:15-6:45 p.m. Feb. 21-22 only; reservations, call 814-677-7469
Feb. 25 — Keystone High School Choral Pop’s Concert, high school auditorium (time to be determined)
March
March 1 — Otter Watch, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., Park Office, Cook Forest State Park; take binoculars and spotting scopes for a driving tour to otter hotspots along the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River
March 1 — Oil Country Bluegrass Festival, 11 a.m., Oil City Moose Lodge No. 78, 541 Halyday Run Road, Oil City; theme: Sweet 16; two 50/50 raffles; guitar, mandolin and banjo raffles; basket raffles; food; cash bar; free and open to the public; proceeds benefit CASA of Venango County and the Oil City Arts Council
March 6 — Wisdom & More: T.C. Joy Radiators, doors open at 5:30 p.m. for social hour, followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m., Drake Well Museum and Park; Dr. Rhonda Clark will present on T.C. Joy Radiators of Titusville; admission, $5 for members of Friends of Drake Well and $10 for non-members
March 8 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Route 66 in Vowinckel; shuttle to Amster Springs; hike back; 6 miles total
March 9 — Pennsylvania’s Birthday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Drake Well Museum and Park; celebrate Pennsylvania’s 344th birthday; free admission
March 13 — Third Annual Women in Business Expo, 5 to 7:30 p.m., The Haskell House, Clarion
March 13 — Wisdom & More: Whale Oil, doors open at 5:30 p.m. for social hour, followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m., Drake Well Museum and Park; researcher Jamie Jones will present on the whale oil industry and how it was affected by Drake Well’s success in August 1859; admission, $5 for members of Friends of Drake Well and $10 for non-members
March 13-15 — Keystone High School musical “Mamma Mia!”; high school auditorium (time to be determined)
March 13-15 — Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School musical, 7 to 8 p.m.
March 13-15 — Oil City High School musical “Bye, Bye Birdie,” 7:30 p.m., high school auditorium
March 15 — Polar Bear Float, kayak trip, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., meet at the Park Office, conducted by Cook Forest State Park; $25 per boat (participants may take their own or one will be supplied) with check or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; participants must have dry suit or dry top/bottom combination, cold weather boots, waterproof gloves, waterproof stow bag, complete change of clothes; pre-register by March 10 by contacting the park office at 814-744-8407
March 20 — Wisdom & More: 19th Century Fashion, doors open at 5:30 p.m. for social hour, followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m., Drake Well Museum and Park; historian Cynda Sites will present on 19th century fashion and etiquette; admission, $5 for members of Friends of Drake Well and $10 for non-members
March 22 — Clarion Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner, 5:30 to 9 p.m., The Clarion Moose
March 27 — Wisdom & More: Oil and Gas Development in the U.S., doors open at 5:30 p.m. for social hour, followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m., Drake Well Museum and Park; renowned author and scholar Daniel Raimi will present “Oil and Gas Development in the United States: Where have we been and where are we going?”; admission, $5 for members of Friends of Drake Well and $10 for non-members
March 29 — Eagle Watch, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cook Forest park office; take binoculars and spotting scopes for a driving tour to eagle hotspots along the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River
April
April 4 — Marienville Variety Show, 7 p.m., East Forest School, 120 W. Birch St., Marienville; songs, skits, jokes and family fun; theme, “Occupations”; for more information, call 814-758-7181
April 6 — Franklin High School Madrigal concert, 4 p.m., high school auditorium
April 12 — Easter Egg Hunt, set-up at 9:30 a.m., start at 11 a.m., Fountain Park, Franklin (rain date, April 14, set-up at 4 p.m., start at 6 p.m.)
April 12 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Environmental Center; shuttle to Route 66; hike back; 8 miles total; short shuttle to Forest Road and hike back; 4 miles total
April 16 — Oil City Community Clean-Up Day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (details subject to change)
April 19 — Peter Cottontail Express, 1 p.m. departure time; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; 814-676-1733
April 25 — Oil City Uncorked, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., South Side (details subject to change)
April 25 — Friday Night Music on the Square, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Town Square in Oil City (details subject to change)
April 26 — Free Music in the Alley, 6 to 7 p.m., Oil City’s South Side (details subject to change)
May
May 1 — Rocky Grove High School spring choir concert, 7 p.m., high school auditorium
May 3 — ATV & UTV Safety Class, 8 a.m., MACA Building, 149 MACA Dr., Marienville; to register, call 814-758-7181
May 3 — Franklin Curb Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D
May 3-4 — May Garden Mart, Fountain Park, Franklin; May 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; May 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 4 — Engine Start Up Day, Drake Well Museum and Park; some of the engines in the outdoor exhibits will come out of winter hibernation, including the steam engine inside the Drake Well replica; presentation by Norm Shade on the Bessemer Gas Engine Company and its successor, the Cooper-Bessemer Company; regular admission applies
May 6 — Franklin Senior High band concert, 7 p.m., high school auditorium
May 8 — Oil City Middle School spring chorus concert, 7 p.m., high school auditorium
May 8 — Rocky Grove High School spring band concert, 7 p.m., high school auditorium
May 9 — 11th Annual Clarion Cheers, Beers & Wine Walk, 5 to 8 p.m., early bird starts at 4 p.m., downtown Clarion
May 10 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Tadler Trailhead at Clear Creek State Park; shuttle to Gateway Lodge; hike back; 8 miles total; or drop-off for a short 4 miles
May 10 — Oil City Area School District’s Swing Out, 7:30 p.m., high school auditorium
May 11 — Mother’s Day Special, 1 p.m. departure time; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; 814-676-1733
May 13 — Franklin Elementary/Junior High band concert, 7 p.m., high school auditorium
May 15 — St. Stephen School spring concert, 6:30 p.m., school gymnasium
May 15 — Franklin Junior/Senior High choir concert, 7 p.m., high school auditorium
May 18 — North Country Trail kayak, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Gravel Lick; shuttle to Cook Forest launch; 4 mile trip
May 20 — Oil City Middle School spring band concert, 7 p.m., high school auditorium
May 22 — Oil City High School spring band concert, 7:30 p.m., high school auditorium
May 23-24 — Mayfest, Route 208 in Fryburg; theme: From the Past... Rewind
May 29 — Keystone High School commencement, 7 p.m., high school football field, weather permitting
May 29 — Redbank Valley High School graduation, 7 to 8 p.m.
June
June 1 — Franklin High School graduation, 6 p.m., Franklin High School football stadium
June 3 — Cranberry High School graduation, 7 p.m., high school gymnasium; ticket only
Thursdays June through August — Curb Market, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Avenue Plaza, Oil City; 814-677-3152, Ext. 101 (details subject to change)
June 4, 11, 18, 25 — Curb Market Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D, Franklin
June 5, 12, 19, 26 — Thursday Night Concerts, 7 p.m., Bandstand Park, Franklin
June 6, 13, 20, 27 — Alfresco Fridays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Bella Cucina & Benjamin’s Roadhouse, Franklin
June 6 — Oil City Area High School commencement, 6 p.m., Oil City High School football stadium
June 6 — Friday Night Music on the Square, 7 to 9 p.m., Town Square in Oil City (details subject to change)
June 7, 14, 21, 28 — Curb Market Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D, Franklin
June 14 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Deer Creek; hike to Station Road and back; 5 miles total
June 14-15 — Blues & Barbecue, Bandstand Park, Franklin
June 15 — Father’s Day Special, 11 a.m. departure time; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; 814-676-1733
June 25-July 23 — Taste of Talent, Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Bandstand Park, Franklin
June 27 — Penny Carnival, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fountain and Bandstand parks and 12th Street Island, Franklin
June 28 — Liberty Fest Parade, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Liberty Street, Franklin; ice cream social and band concert after the parade in Bandstand Park, Franklin
June 30 — Pet Show, 5:30 p.m., Bandstand Park, Franklin
July
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 — Curb Market Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D, Franklin
July 2 — Cranberry Fireworks Display, at dusk, Cranberry Mall in Cranberry
July 3 — I Love Clarion Celebration, 5 to 10 p.m., location to be announced; sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water and Penn Highlands Healthcare
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 — Thursday concerts, 7 p.m., Bandstand Park, Franklin
July 4 — St. Joseph’s 86th Annual 4th of July Celebration, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Joseph Church parish grounds, Route 66, Lucinda; includes dinner, drawings, games of skill and chance, music; 814-226-7288; www.stjoseph4thofjuly.com; Facebook @stjoseph4thofjuly
July 4 — Marienville July 4th Celebration, 1 to 10 p.m., MACA Park; food, raffles, auction, swimming, softball, volleyball, parade at 4 p.m., music by TRIXX at 7 p.m., fireworks by Rizers at 10 p.m.; for more information, call 814-758-7181
July 4 — Fireworks/band, 5 to 10 p.m., Riverfront Park, Franklin
July 4 — Friday Night Music on the Square, 7 to 9 p.m., Town Square in Oil City (details subject to change)
July 5, 12, 19, 26 — Curb Market Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D, Franklin
July 5 — St. Joseph’s 11th Annual 5K Run/Walk, 8 a.m., Lucinda Train Station, 1040 Lander Dr., Lucinda; 814-226-7288; www.stjoseph4thofjuly.com; Facebook @StJoesLiberty5K
July 5 — Veterans/Military Special, 11 a.m. departure time; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; 814-676-1733
July 11-13 — Emlenton Summer Festival; according to summerfestival.emlentonpa.com/
July 12 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Environmental Center; shuttle to Gravel Lick; hike back; 6 miles total
July 20-26 — Clarion County Fair, Redbank Valley Municipal Park; according to clarioncountyfair.com/
July 23 — Wednesday Music on the Square for Oil Heritage Festival, 7 to 9 p.m., Oil City; presented by Oil City Main Street Program (details subject to change)
July 23-27 — Oil Heritage Festival, all day, Oil City
July 23-27 — Oil Heritage Festival Art Show, Oil City; in conjunction with Oil Heritage Week; local and regional artists display their artwork throughout the city at multiple venues; applications accepted children through adult
July 24-26 — St. Stephen School Festival, school parking lot
July 26 — Christmas in July, 11 a.m. departure time; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; 814-676-1733
July 27 — Tiki Train, 11 a.m. departure time; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; 814-676-1733
August
Aug. 1 — Taps on Tracks, doors open at 4:30 p.m., train departs at 6 p.m.; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; ages 21 or over; everyone must present photo ID at check-in; advance reservations required; limited seating; 814-676-1733
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 — Alfresco Series Friday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Benjamin’s Roadhouse and Bella Cucina, Franklin
Aug. 1 — Friday Night Music on the Square, 7 to 9 p.m., Town Square in Oil City (details subject to change)
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 — Curb Market Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D, Franklin
Aug. 2 — Taste of Talent semifinals, 7 p.m., Bandstand Park, Franklin
Aug. 3 — Taste of Talent finals, 4 p.m., Bandstand Park, Franklin
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 — Curb Market Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D, Franklin
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28 — Thursday Night Concerts, 7 p.m., Bandstand Park, Franklin; Ronnie’s Tribute will be held Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
Aug. 9 — Speeder Rides, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. departure times; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; no one under age 12; appropriate footwear required; space is limited and reservations are required; 814-676-1733
Aug. 9 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Route 322; shuttle to Deer Creek; hike back; 7 miles total; or shuttle to Meyers Road and hike back; short 3 miles total
Aug. 10 — Drake Day, Drake Well Museum and Park; celebrate the anniversary of Edwin L. Drake striking oil in Titusville on Aug. 27, 1859
Aug. 15 — Bridgefest, Center Street Bridge (details subject to change)
Aug. 16 — Rock in River Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Riverfront Park, Franklin
Aug. 16 — Bridgefest, Veteran’s Bridge; presented by Oil City Arts Council
Aug. 17 — The Drake Well Marathon & a half, 7 a.m. start; run along shaded streets and creek banks; all proceeds benefit Friends of Drake Well, Inc.; for more information and to register, visit https://rddwm6.wixsite.com/thedrakewellmarathon
September
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24 — Curb Market Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D, Franklin
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 — Curb Market Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Parking Lot D, Franklin
Sept. 7 — Grandparent’s Day Special, 11 a.m. departure time; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; 814-676-1733
Sept. 7 — Marienville Community Picnic, 2 to 5 p.m., MACA Building, 149 MACA Dr., Marienville; take a dish to share; for more information, call 814-758-7181
Sept. 12 — Allegheny River Music & Arts Festival, 6 to 9 p.m.; indoor events on the Northside and Southside of Oil City as well as the Oil Region Venango Campus (details subject to change)
Sept. 13 — Fall Gas Up, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Drake Well Museum and Park; experience the engines and equipment that powered Pennsylvania’s oil fields; displays will include operating and stationary antique engines, farm and oil field equipment, tractors, models and more; admission, $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for children ages 3-11; members of Friends of Drake Well are free; entrance into Drake Well Museum and its outdoor exhibits is included with admission; the museum will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; collectors may take engines and equipment to display at the event; exhibitor registration will take place the day of the event, no pre-registration is required
Sept. 13 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Highland; shuttle to Gravel Lick; hike back; 5 miles total; picnic
Sept. 13 — Pet Fest, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bandstand Park, Franklin
Sept. 13 — Allegheny River Music & Arts Festival, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Justus Park Center Stage in Oil City; arts, crafts and music on north and south sides (details subject to change)
Sept. 19 — Oil City Uncorked, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Oil City’s Northside (details subject to change)
Sept. 19 — Friday Night Music on the Square, 7 to 9 p.m., Town Square in Oil City (details subject to change)
Sept. 20 — Cranberry Festival, all day, Cranberry Mall in Cranberry
Sept. 21 — North Country Trail kayak, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Parker; shuttle to Dotter Road to launch; 8 miles total
Sept. 26-28 — Marienville Oktoberfest; crafts and food vendors, raffles, auction, entertainment, parades, contests; for more information, 814-758-7181
October
Oct. 3-5 — Applefest, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; Fountain and Bandstand parks, Franklin
Oct. 4 — Historic Pithole City Lantern Tours, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; visitors will walk the former streets of the oil boomtown and meet some of Pithole’s most famous historical figures along the way; tour departs every 10 minutes, with each tour lasting approximately 90 minutes; visitors should arrive early, wear weather-appropriate clothing and take a flashlight; tours cover steep hills and semi-rugged terrain; guests should wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking; tours are walking only; golf carts and other vehicles are not provided; tickets go on sale Sept. 1; drakewell.org/events
Oct. 11 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Brenniman; shuttle to Sarvey Mill; hike back; 5 miles total
Oct. 11 — Annual Autumn Leaf Festival Wells Fargo Gala, 5 to 10 p.m., The Haskell House, Clarion
Oct. 18-25 — Autumn Leaf Festival, Clarion
Oct. 24 — Downtown trick-or-treat, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., 1200 block of Liberty Street
Oct. 25 — Halloween Train, 11 a.m. departure time; Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, Titusville; train boarding at 409 S. Perry St., Titusville; 814-676-1733
November
Nov. 8 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Fern Road; shuttle to Station Road; hike back; 4 miles total
Nov. 21 — Franklin Chamber’s Wine Walk, 5 to 9 p.m., downtown Franklin
Nov. 22 — Light Up Night, 6 p.m., Liberty Street, Franklin
Nov. 29 — Small Business Saturday, Oil City; kicks off the Small Business Bingo Contest that runs through Dec. 13 (details subject to change)
Nov. 30 — Artists Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Oil City; open to the public; approximately 50 artists, craftspeople, creative professionals and emerging artists; local and regional artists will have open studios and pop-up shops in businesses across the downtown area; examples of products include painting, photography, jewelry, prints and cards, art puzzles, wood working, textiles, mixed media art, decorative arts and crafts, handmade candles and home furnishings, comic art and graphic novels, knitted and crocheted clothing items and novelties, furniture and found object 3D art, ceramics, local authors with novels, illustrated books, fantasy and poetry; start at The National Transit Building, 206 Seneca St., second floor or any participating business; maps and a directory will be available on Facebook at ArtsOilCity a few days before and at all participating venues
December
Dec. 5-7 — Oil City’s Christmas Past, various downtown venues; Friday Night Parade and lighting of the Oil City Rotary tree (details subject to change)
Dec. 5 — Jingle Bell Run (5K Run/Walk), 9 a.m., starts at Town Square in Oil City (details subject to change)
Dec. 6 — Fourth Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Parade, 6 p.m., downtown Clarion
Dec. 13 — Old Fashion Christmas Retail, downtown stores in Franklin
Dec. 14 — North Country Trail hike, 10 a.m.; Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail; meet at Environmental Center; hike Hefren Trail; 4 miles total; potluck and Christmas party to follow
Dec. 31 — First Night Oil City, 5 p.m. to midnight, North and South Sides in Oil City; family friendly entertainment events including bands, puppets, drum circle, artists, ice sculptures, etc.; including fireworks at 7 p.m.
