2026 Cook Forest Living History Weekend
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-24 | Cook Forest State Park, 100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA, 16217, United States
Please join us for a fun filled weekend of living history as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday as we journey through various historical eras of the United States: French & Indian War, Colonial Period, Revolutionary War, and Civil War. Living historian and master story-teller Paul Stillman, historical interpreters Dave Clark and John King, and Grammy nominated singer-song writer-storyteller, Ray Owen, with special guest appearances from President Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin, will take us through noteworthy periods of American history through first person character portrayals, hands-on demonstrations, and song.
Friday, May 22 from 8:00-9:00pm
‘An Evening with President Lincoln and the First Lady’
Please bring your chairs and blankets and meet at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater for an evening with Mr. & Mrs Lincoln, learning how they met before his tumultuous presidential career. Conducted by John King, lifetime member of Association of Lincoln Presenters, and 2013 look-alike contest winner at the Shriver House Museum in Gettysburg.
Saturday, May 23 from 9:00-10:30am
‘Lincoln’s Inaugural Trip to Washington’
Join President Abraham Lincoln and the First Lady as they reminisce about his trying cross country inaugural railroad trip across America to become the 16th President of the United States. Please bring your camp chairs and meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
Saturday, May 23 from 11:30am-12:30pm
Paul Stillman and Dave Clark as ‘The North Meets South’
Come see the Civil War through a New York regimental line soldier and a rebel of the Army of Northern Virginia. Please bring your camp chairs and meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
Saturday, May 23 from 1:00-2:00pm
M. Luthringer as a ‘1750s French Marine’
We are looking for a few good men to learn how to march and fight for King Louis. Be prepared to make your mark. Two opposable teeth required. Vive le Roi!!! Please meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
Saturday, May 23 from 3:00-4:30pm
Paul Stillman as a ‘Seneca Indian’
A Native American visits us from the past on his trip from New York as he travels south along the historic Olean Trail. Please bring your camp chairs and meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom where he will be preparing for his trip.
Saturday, May 23 from 8:00-9:00pm
‘An Evening with Ben Franklin’ by Paul Stillman
One of the founding fathers of our country. Science, glass music, and philosophy are only part of Doctor Franklin’s life. Join the elderly statesman as he reminisces about his involvement in the French & Indian forts of the 1750’s. Please bring your chairs & blankets and meet at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater.
Sunday, May 24 from 1:00-2:00pm
Paul Stillman and Dave Clark as ‘Patriot Meets Loyalist: Friends No More!’
It was called a Revolutionary War, but it was also a civil war; family against family, friend against friend. Please bring your camp chairs and meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
Sunday, May 24 from 2:30-330pm
Paul Stillman as a ‘Colonial Craftsman’
Learn how things were made during the early part of the 18th century during a quill and bamboo pen fabrication workshop. Please bring your camp chairs at meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
Sunday, May 24 from 4:00-5:30pm
‘Colonial Life as a Child’ by the Noel Family
Join the Noels as they discuss educational practices of Colonial America, the daily chores of children, and the games they played. You will have the opportunity to write with a quill pen, gather eggs and the day’s water supply, walk on stilts, play graces, trap ball, and dress up. Bring your kids and camp chairs to the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom for a Colonial education experience with your kids in mind.
Sunday, May 24 from 8:00-9:30pm
Ray Owen, GRAMMY nominated singer, songwriter, and storyteller, will be presenting ‘Hats Off to America’ at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater.
Take a musical journey through history with a crew of colorful characters wearing an array of period hats that step out of history and onto the stage. A spirited American odyssey that ventures from the steam engine to the search engine, the Buffalo chips to the microchips, engaging the past to enlighten our future. Don’t forget your chairs and blankets!
More Events in Cook Forest State Park

Audubon Society: Piney Tract Tour
2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 41°08’49.0″N 79°29’57.0″W
On Saturday, May 23, Michael Leahy will show participants some of the highlights around a very special place in Clarion County – State Game Land #330, known as Piney Tract. Piney Tract is a 2,300-acre reclaimed strip mine located in central Clarion County that holds arguably the densest population of Henlow’s Sparrows and other grassland breeding birds in Pennsylvania and likely, the eastern United States. It has been designated as a Global Important Bird Area (#21).
We will walk a couple of areas here and then drive to a couple of other areas nearby to look for other birds. Some sparrow species to be expected are Henslow’s, Savanah, Grasshopper, Clay-colored and possibly Vesper Sparrows. Northern Harrier, Kestrel, Bobolink, Prairie Warbler, and Eastern Meadowlark are fairly common. Breeding populations of Upland Sandpiper and Short-eared Owls have been documented

Cook Forest: Memorial Day Forest Sound Bath Experience
2026-05-23 13:30 - 14:30 | Cook Forest State Park, 100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA, 16217, United States
The Hush & Hum Meditation Center will be hosting a one hour session of crystal and Himalayan singing bowls in Cook Forest State Park on May 23rd, 2026. Space is limited, so be sure to reach out as soon as possible! The exact meeting location will be sent to registrants ahead of the event.
Reserve your spot by emailing hushandhumsoundbaths@gmail.com

Cook Forest: "Once in a Blue Moon" Chakra Experience
2026-05-31 21:00 - 22:00 | Cook Forest State Park, 100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA, 16217, United States
The Hush & Hum Meditation Center will be hosting a one hour session of crystal and Himalayan singing bowls in Cook Forest State Park on May 31st, 2026. The event will be focused on your chakras in honor of the second full moon, which is a rare occurrence.
Space is limited, so be sure to reach out as soon as possible! The exact meeting location will be sent to registrants ahead of the event.
Reserve your spot by emailing hushandhumsoundbaths@gmail.com

42nd Annual Cook Forest Herb & Fiber Festival
2026-06-06 - 2026-06-07 | Sawmill Center for the Arts, 140-170 Theatre Lane, Cooksburg, 16217, United States
June 6-7, Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm & Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm.
This marks the 42nd year for this signature festival that draws hundreds of people looking to start their gardens and get closer to nature. There will be baskets, bedding flats, perennials, annuals, herbs, garden artists, and more.
Annual soup luncheon fundraiser will be on Sat, June 6 from 11:30-2.

Clarion Summer Fest: The BIG Outdoors
2026-06-06 | Downtown Clarion, Main Street, 730 Main Street, Clarion, PA, 16214, United States
This festival is great fun for adults and kids alike. For more action-packed weekends in Clarion during the summer, the town’s Main Street welcomes visitors to enjoy pop-up shops featuring local businesses and an exciting lineup of events, which in the past has featured a planetarium show, scavenger hunt, yoga in the park, and outdoor concert. Each summer month has its own unique theme, ensuring you’ll always find something new and exciting to do. More information to come as we grow closer to the date!

Keystone Trails Association (KTA) North Country Trail Slackpack
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-14 | Cook Forest State Park, 100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA, 16217, United States
Join the Keystone Trails Association for a long weekend of hiking, paddling, and adventure in the heart of Cook Forest and the Clarion River region. The KTA Clarion Slackpack is a three-day, fully supported event featuring some of the most scenic trails in western Pennsylvania, with accommodations at the beautiful Cabins at Cook Forest.
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Friday kicks things off at noon with an 8-mile moderate-to-difficult one-way North Country National Scenic Trail hike along the Tobecco Trail, guided by volunteers from the North Country Trail Association Clarion Chapter. The trail winds through stunning scenery before wrapping up around 5:00 pm with a short shuttle to a local winery and food stop — the perfect way to celebrate day one.
Saturday starts with a continental breakfast before a guided 3-mile loop hike along the Liggett Trail, led by KTA staff and volunteers. After wrapping up by noon, the afternoon shifts to the water for a 4-mile kayak on the Clarion River. A packed lunch is provided, and the evening offers an optional group dinner in downtown Clarion.
Sunday closes out the weekend with a challenging 5.2-mile one-way hike on the North Country National Scenic Trail from Gravel Lick to the Log Cabin Environmental Center. Expect breathtaking views of the fire tower and old-growth forest before heading home. Continental breakfast is provided to fuel the final day.

22nd Annual Cook Forest French & Indian War Encampment
2026-06-13 - 2026-06-14 | Sawmill Center for the Arts, 140-170 Theatre Lane, Cooksburg, 16217, United States
Cook Forest State Park will host a series of living history events depicting life during the French & Indian War. Highlights of this full two-day encampment include woodland natives, cannon and musket firing, cooking, primitive skills, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, pottery, children’s games, sutler camp, renown living historians, French & Indian War Era artisans, and live tactical engagements. Every battle is different! Take a walk back in time along the Black Bear Trail by the Sawmill Center for the Arts during open camp hours to view British, Colonial, French, and Native American re-enactors as they portray lifestyles of the 18th century.
Saturday, June 13
1000am-600pm Event Open
1000am-1100am Blacksmithing Demonstration – by ‘Friends of Dennis Murray, across from Sawmill Craft Market
1000am-400pm Cooking Demonstration – by Geoffrey Domowicz, Compagnie LeBoeuf chef, along Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site
1030pm-500pm French & Indian War Era Art & Demonstrators – Meet with distinguished artists, authors, artisans, and demonstrators in the Old Sawmill Classroom
1030pm-500pm Sutler Row Demonstrators – Want to meet with skilled artisans to make a trade or purchase? Looking to get into the hobby and need clothing & accoutrements? Meet tinsmiths, cordwainers, leather workers, cooks, gunsmiths, clothiers, weapons outfitters, and gourd makers in the long field on your right as you come into the main Sawmill entrance.
1100am-1130am Cannon & Musket Firing Demonstration – by the camp Corps of Artillery, located in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
1130am-1200pm Peril in the Forest – Tactical engagement in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
100pm-130pm American Indian Relations: French vs English – Witness a high spirited discussion between British & French forces on the differences between how they managed their relationships with various American Indian tribes. By the camp Corps of Reenactors, along the Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site.
100pm-200pm Dances of the 18th Century – Join us at the Sawmill Theater to learn about one of early America’s lost social pastimes, dancing. We will demonstrate some of these dances and invite you to participate at the end to learn George Washington’s favorite dance! By Addisen Noel & the Hickory Creek Dancers
200pm-300pm 18th Century Children’s Games – by the Noel family, Compagnie LeBoeuf, along Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site
300pm-500pm Blacksmithing Demonstration – by ‘Friends of Dennis Murray’, across from Sawmill Craft Market
330pm-400pm Cannon & Musket Firing Demo – by the camp Corps of Artillery, located in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
400pm-430pm Peril in the Forest – tactical engagement in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
800pm-900pm Echoes of Excellence: Harpsichord Music from the Courts of King Louis the XIV & XVI – by Aaron Grabowski, Compagnie LeBoeuf artillerist & musician, at the Sawmill Theater
Sunday, June 14
900am-330pm Event Open
900am-930am 18th Century Sunday Service – by Rick Sanguigni of ’Friends of Dennis Murray’, located in the main encampment site along Black Bear Trail
930am-1100am Blacksmithing Demonstration – by ‘Friends of Dennis Murray’, across from Sawmill Craft Market
930am-300pm French & Indian War Era Art & Demonstrators – Meet with distinguished artists, authors, artisans, and demonstrators in the old Sawmill Classroom
930pm-300pm Sutler Row Demonstrators – Want to meet with skilled artisans to make a trade or purchase? Looking to get into the hobby and need clothing & accoutrements? Meet tinsmiths, cordwainers, leather workers, cooks, gunsmiths, clothiers, weapons outfitters, and gourd makers in the long field on your right as you come into the main Sawmill entrance.
1015am-1045am 18th Century Children’s Games – by the Noel Family, Compagnie LeBoeuf, along the Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site
1130am-1200pm In defense of the Homeland – Morning surprise tactical assault at the main encampment site along Black Bear Trail
1230pm-100pm Citizen’s Drill – We’re looking for a few good men to fight for King Louis! Opposable teeth required. By Nick Bolla, Compagnie LeBoeuf, meet at the water tower in the main encampment site near Black Bear Trail
1230pm-200pm Blacksmithing Demonstration – by ‘Friends of Dennis Murray’, across from Sawmill Craft Market
1230pm-115pm An Afternoon with Ben Franklin – Join one of the founding fathers of our country as he reminisces about science, philosophy, and his involvement in the French & Indian forts of the 1750’s. By Paul Stillman, living historian from Historically Speaking, at the Sawmill Theater.
200pm-230pm Cannon & Musket Firing Demonstration – by the camp Corps of Artillery, in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
230pm-300pm Peril in the Forest – tactical engagement in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom

Friends of Cook Forest: Women's Hike Series
2026-06-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Log Cabin Environmental Learning Center
Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health. Moderate level hiking. Approximately 2 hours long. Open to all women (ages 14 & up). Please meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom. For more information, please contact Meredith Reinhart at (814)-319-4621.

Seed to Supper | Penn State Master Gardeners Workshops
2026-06-18 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-16 18:30 - 20:30 | YMCA, 499 Mayfield Road, Clarion, PA
Learn to grow the food your family eats! Seed to Supper is a hands-on, beginner friendly gardening program that teaches adults how to grow fresh, healthy vegetables on a budget. Participants will learn essential gardening skills from planning and planting to garden care and harvest.
Participants must commit to attending all five classes. Register by calling 814-802-1022 or emailing hhg5050@psu.edu

2026 Wolf's Corners Fair
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-04 | Wolf’s Corners Fairgrounds, 119 Fairground Lane, Tionesta, PA
Wolfs Corners Fair is the biggest little fair in northern Clarion County with a rich heritage spanning back over 75 years. The fair is always held over the week of the 4th of July and boasts many unique activities. The longest running tradition at the fair has been the draft horse pulls held every year since our inception. Throughout our existence, we have added the midway, amusements, games, tractor/truck pulls, and the Youth and Ag program to our fair schedule, along with many other attractions and featured events. One of the most popular events of the fair is the demolition derby, antique tractor pull and show, and ATV drag races.

Freedom Festival Fireworks
2026-07-03 | Gumtown Park, 301 Water Street, New Bethlehem, PA, 16242, United States
Celebrate the 4th of July in America’s 250th year in New Bethlehem with a night to remember, featuring family fun and fireworks to wrap up the evening.

44th Annual I Love Clarion Celebration
2026-07-03 12:00 - 19:00 | PennWest Memorial Stadium, 23 W Main St, Clarion, PA, 16214
Kickoff the 4th of July celebrations with the “I Love Clarion” celebration, hosted by the Clarion Area Chamber of Commerce. Doors will open at 5pm with food, games, live entertainment followed by fireworks. This event will be held at PennWest University Memorial Stadium. More information to come as we grow closer to the date.

Clarion Summer Fest: HomeGrown
2026-07-11 | Downtown Clarion, Main Street, 730 Main Street, Clarion, PA, 16214, United States

2026 Cook Forest Woodcarvers' Festival
2026-07-11 10:00 - 2026-07-12 17:00 | Sawmill Center for the Arts, 140-170 Theatre Lane, Cooksburg, 16217, United States
July 11-12, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm & Sunday 10 am -3 pm.
This festival features carefully hand-carved creations which are judged by professional carvers. These impressive works of art are displayed throughout the weekend, and many are available for purchase. You can vote for your favorite carving, and we will award a People’s Choice at noon Sunday.
Demonstrations and a woodcarving class will round out the event.

Friends of Cook Forest: Women's Hike Series
2026-07-12 17:00 - 19:00 | River Pavilion, 218 River Cabins Rd, Cooksburg, PA
Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health. Moderate level hiking. Approximately 2 hours long. Open to all women (ages 14 & up). Please meet at the River Pavilion. For more information, please contact Meredith Reinhart at (814)-319-4621.

Fisher Fiddle Camp: A Folk Music Festival
2026-07-15 - 2026-07-18 | North Old State Road, North Old State Road, Fisher, PA
The Fisher Fiddle Camp is a four day experience and festival for musicians of all levels and spectators of all ages who enjoy traditional bluegrass, including genres like old-time, Irish, and Celtic music. The new location features open fields, a large barn, farmhouse gathering spaces, and on-site camping, creating an immersive setting for a full week of music. Spectators are welcome each evening for jam sessions, with the festival culminating on Saturday, July 18th with performances all day long, so bring your camping chairs! Food trucks will be on site. The landscape will charm you as much as the music!
Learn from expert musicians, participate in jam sessions, connect with fellow music enthusiasts, and experience the vibrancy of folk music fostered in an intimate setting. Camp attendees will learn from incredibly talented national musicians in the folk music industry, including: Rachel Eddy, Emma Borders, Stephanie Green, Seth McCall, Trish Imbrogno, and Nicholas Landon. Various workshops will focus on the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, guitar, accordion, harmonica, song writing, music theory, the Nashville numbering system, vocal harmony, and more.
FREE entry, but advanced registration is required— register soon to reserve a free t-shirt commemorating this year’s music festival! Donations are encouraged, but not expected.
Confirm your attendance by reaching out to fisherfiddlecamp@gmail.com. Exact address will be disclosed at a later date.

2026 East Brady Area River Fest
2026-07-24 - 2026-07-25 | East Brady, Kelly's Way, East Brady, PA, 16028
Join us for the annual celebration of life along the Allegheny River at the East Brady Area Riverfest. Schedule to arrive in the coming months!

2026 Clarion County Fair
2026-07-26 - 2026-08-01 | Redbank Valley Municipal Park, 137 Park Rd, Fairmount City, PA, 16224, United States
Celebrate with us and be a part of this cherished local tradition that has thrived for over seven decades.

Animal Shows and Agricultural Exhibits: Explore a showcase of local livestock and agricultural achievements.
Grandstand Events: Enjoy a variety of performances and competitions in the historic grandstand.
Arts and Crafts Displays: Visit the former dance hall, now home to local arts and crafts vendors.
Carnival Rides and Games: Have fun with family-friendly rides and games.
Live Entertainment and Parades: Experience exciting parades and live performances throughout the week.

View the full schedule here
Questions? Call (814) 365-5179 or email info@ClarionCountyFair.com

Clarion Summer Fest: The Arts
2026-08-08 | Downtown Clarion, Main Street, 730 Main Street, Clarion, PA, 16214, United States
This festival is great fun for adults and kids alike. For more action-packed weekends in Clarion during the summer, the town’s Main Street welcomes visitors to enjoy pop-up shops featuring local businesses and an exciting lineup of events, which in the past has featured a planetarium show, scavenger hunt, yoga in the park, and outdoor concert. Each summer month has its own unique theme, ensuring you’ll always find something new and exciting to do.

2026 Knox Horsethief Days
2026-08-09 - 2026-08-16 | Downtown Knox, Knox, PA, 16232, United States
Knox, Pennsylvania, brings history and excitement together in its unique annual Horsethief Days Festival, a celebration inspired by the town’s colorful past.
The schedule will be released in the coming months!

Foxburg Hickory Championship
2026-08-13 00:00 - 2026-08-15 00:00 | Foxburg Country Club, 369 Harvey Rd, Foxburg, PA, 16032
Travel back in time to the 135+ year old hickory style of golf, which will likely feature a feather, pre-1900s style, and two gutty events. Last year’s competition hosted international players on the local and vastly historic Foxburg Country Club golf course. More information to come as we approach the dates.

Friends of Cook Forest: Women's Hike Series
2026-08-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Ridge Campground, Leeper, PA
Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health. Moderate level hiking. Approximately 2 hours long. Open to all women (ages 14 & up). Please meet at the Nuthole Pavilion at the Ridge Campground. For more information, please contact Meredith Reinhart at (814)-319-4621.

2026 Cook Forest Chainsaw Carvers' Festival
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20 | Sawmill Center for the Arts, 140-170 Theatre Lane, Cooksburg, 16217, United States
September 18-20, 10 am – 5 pm.
Come see carvers in action as they create beautiful works of art from a simple log. Stay for the auctions to bid on and purchase some of these beautiful pieces!
Auctions on Saturday at 4 pm and Sunday at 3:30 pm.

Peanut Butter Festival
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20 | Gumtown Park, 301 Water Street, New Bethlehem, PA, 16242, United States
Celebrate the splendor of autumn in New Bethlehem, PA, at the annual New Bethlehem Peanut Butter Festival. Held over three days in September, this family-friendly event embraces the vibrant colors and crisp air of fall, offering a delightful array of activities for all ages.
Enjoy live stage entertainment, a craft show, and a classic car cruise, along with a variety of food vendors featuring delicious peanut butter-themed treats. The festival also features a 5K race, Jeep Invasion, parade, and children’s activities, ensuring fun for everyone. Join us for a weekend of excitement and community spirit, surrounded by the stunning autumn landscape of Clarion County.
More information to come as the date approaches!

America250 Living History Cast Iron Cooking in Cook Forest State Park
2026-09-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Cook Forest State Park Office, 100 PA Rt. 36, Cooksburg, PA
Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday as you walk back in time to observe, and possibly sample, historical cast iron cooking from our nation’s past. State Park educators from North Central and Western PA will be dressed in period clothing preparing period dishes that relate back to their park from our nation’s founding to the late 1800’s. This is a one-time only new park event that you will NOT want to miss! Located at our River Cabin area, just upstream from our new River Pavilion along River Road about 1 mile up-river from the RT36 Cooksburg Bridge.

Friends of Cook Forest: Women's Hike Series
2026-09-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Cook Forest State Park, 100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA, 16217, United States
Enjoy an evening nurturing your mental and physical health. Moderate level hiking. Approximately 2 hours long. Open to all women (ages 14 & up). Please meet at the State Park Office in Cook Forest. For more information, please contact Meredith Reinhart at (814)-319-4621.

The Autumn Leaf Festival
2026-10-03 - 2026-10-11 | Downtown Clarion, Clarion, PA, 16214, United States
Experience the Splendor of Autumn in a Picturesque Small Town Setting!
The Autumn Leaf Festival is a globally award-winning event and a staple of Clarion County, tracing its origins back to 1953. It is one of the largest daytime festivals in Pennsylvania, attracting over half a million people each year. Held over nine days, the celebration features unique events such as the Tournament of Leaves Parade, a massive craft show and sale, an automotive light and sound competition, an antique tractor show, and cultural and community nights from Penn West Clarion University. Enjoy the stunning autumn colors while experiencing entertainment for all ages. Locals and visitors alike flock to this one-of-a-kind festival in the scenic Appalachian Mountains.
More information to come as we reach closer to the 2026 date!

2026 Cook Forest Gingerbread Tour
2026-11-06 - 2026-11-08 | Cook Forest State Park, 100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA, 16217, United States
November 6-8, Friday & Saturday 9 am – 5 pm & Sunday 9 am – 3 pm.
As part of the annual Gingerbread Tour from Cook Forest to Historic Brookville, that draws thousands of visitors. Our bountiful craft market boasts more than 85 local artisans displaying their hand-crafted items in addition to the vendors setting up for the weekend. All work is juried to ensure the highest quality and craftsmanship. Indoor and outdoor event, weather dependent. We will represent over 100+ artists for the event.
