Hello Johnstown!


It’s the last full week before the school year kicks off, and the Johnstown area is buzzing with live music, festivals, giveaways, family fun, and delicious food. Whether you want to dance to disco, paddle a lake, enjoy a rooftop celebration, or score some back-to-school goodies, there’s plenty happening in our backyard.

Community shoutout: Huge congratulations to the West Suburban Little League Softball Team — 2025 Little League Softball World Series Champions! 🥎🏆 Your hard work, teamwork, and grit have made Johnstown proud.

🌟 Highlight Events

Thu 8/14 – 6:00 PM – Sip & Savor – Gallery on Gazebo
Enjoy live music by Walt & Jackie in the piazza with appetizers, wine, and a warm summer atmosphere.

Fri 8/15 – 6:00 PM – Champions Night Parade & Rally
Celebrate our hometown champions with a parade through downtown and rally at Sargent’s Stadium.

Fri–Sat 8/15–16 – Richland Community Days
A two-day festival with live music, parade, fireworks, food vendors, car show, and family fun.

Sat 8/16 – 12:00 PM – Back to School with Bluey! – Joulynn’s Storybook
Meet Bluey and pick up free school supplies for kids, while they last.

Sat 8/16 – 1:00 PM – Back to School Bash – Bella’s Pizza Building (Windber)
Free book bags & school supplies, pizza & drinks for kids, $5 haircuts (first 20 covered), two $100 clothing gift-card giveaways, portraits by Fama Photography, event photos by Livingston Lens, and DJ Heidi keeping the dance party going.

Sat–Sun 8/16–17 – Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival
Free two-day bluegrass music festival with bands, artisan vendors, and family activities at Laurel Hill State Park.

📅 Full Event List

Thursday, August 14

6:00 PM – Sip & Savor – Gallery on Gazebo – Live music by Walt & Jackie with wine and appetizers.

6:30 PM – Bag Charm Bar – Ponfeigh Distillery – Create a custom bag charm with a drink included.

Friday, August 15

9:00 AM – Downtown Johnstown Farmers Market – Fresh produce, crafts, and more in Central Park.

4:00 PM – Richland Community Days – Day one with music, vendors, and a 7 PM parade.

5:00 PM – Jackie’s Garden Works Green Roof Anniversary Celebration – Rooftop dinner, drinks, and music.

5:30 PM – Live Music Friday: RIGHTeousNow – Harrigan’s Café & Wine Deck – Acoustic duo on the wine deck.

6:00 PM – Champions Night Parade & Rally – Celebrate our champions downtown.

7:00 PM – George Byich – Asiago’s Tuscan Italian – Live music in the bar.

7:00 PM – Praise & Worship Night – Roxbury Bandshell – Community worship music.

Evening – Superman & Weapons – The Silver Drive-In – Drive-in double feature.

Saturday, August 16

9:00 AM – BYOKayak – Slatelick Launch – Guided paddle with a park naturalist.

10:00 AM – Painting in the Park – Open-air art for all ages.

12:00 PM – Back to School with Bluey! – Joulynn’s Storybook – Meet Bluey and get school supplies.

12:00 PM – Richland Community Days – Day 2 – Car show, vendors, music, and fireworks.

1:00 PM – Back to School Bash – Bella’s Pizza Building (Windber)
Free book bags & school supplies, pizza & drinks for kids, $5 haircuts (first 20 covered), two $100 clothing gift-card giveaways, portraits by Fama Photography, event photos by Livingston Lens, and DJ Heidi keeping the dance party going.

1:00 PM – The Grand Halle Royal Ball – Princess performances, crafts, and dancing.

2:30 PM – ForbesStock – Forbes Trail Brewing – Music and food trucks.

Time TBD – Back to School Backpack Giveaway – Derby Global Methodist Church – Free backpacks and supplies.

Evening – Superman & Weapons – The Silver Drive-In – Double feature.

6:30 PM – 2 B’s Acoustic – Tap 814 Speakeasy – Live acoustic favorites.

8:00 PM – Disco Night – Windber Slovak Educational Club – Dance the night away.

10:00 PM – Knott Yet – Windber Hotel – Classic rock covers.

Sunday, August 17

10:00 AM – $1 Scoops & School Supplies – I Scream Ice Cream – Sweet treats and supplies giveaway.

12:00 PM – Vintage Merry Mushroom Paint-and-Sip – Artistry From Scratch – Paint vintage mushroom canisters.

6:00 PM – Roxbury Bandshell Summer Concert: Strings & Bellows – Acoustic folk/variety duo.

5:00 PM – FTT Unplugged Debut – Solomon Run Firemen’s Club – Acoustic debut set.

All Day – Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival – Bluegrass, vendors, and family fun.

🎯 Hidden Gem of the Week:
Wooly’s Celtic Pub – Cozy Irish pub in downtown Johnstown known for its friendly atmosphere, live music, and one of the best burgers in town. Stop in, grab a pint, and treat yourself to their signature burger.

📬 Submit Your Event

Hosting something in or around Johnstown? Let us help spread the word!
Fill out our quick form here 👉 Submit an Event

🏥 Small Business Spotlight: Vantage Physical Therapy

If you’ve lived in the area for a while, chances are you or someone you know has been helped by the team at Vantage Physical Therapy. With multiple locations across the region, Vantage has built a reputation for delivering personalized, high-quality care. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or just trying to move better and feel stronger.

Their expert team takes the time to listen, personalize your care, and help you reach your recovery goals. Don’t wait for those aches and pains to get worse. Call today to schedule your appointment.

➡️ Learn more at: vantageptonline.com
📍 Local, trusted, and focused on your recovery.

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Refer 5 friends to the newsletter, and you (or a small business of your choice) will get featured in an upcoming issue of Johnstown Insider. It’s free, easy, and helps more people discover what’s happening in our region.

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