Johnstown Insider – Weekend of July 31-August 3, 2025

Hello Johnstown! This weekend brings everything from outdoor concerts and folklore fests to a swampy green ogre live on stage. Whether you're looking to hang out in the park, dance downtown, or let the kids float through a movie, we’ve got you covered.

Community shoutout: Big thanks to the organizers and volunteers, especially the YMCA crew inflating floaties and the cryptid hunters setting up at Bottle Works. 💚

7:30 PM – Shrek The Musical (Thu–Sun @ Cresson Lake Playhouse) – Everyone’s favorite ogre is live on stage all weekend. Big costumes, big voices, and bigger laughs. Four performances to choose from.

10:00 AM – Squonkapalooza (Sat @ Bottle Works) – A delightfully strange celebration of Pennsylvania’s tearful folklore creature. Expect music, vendors, oddities, and Squonk-themed cosplay.

5:00 PM – First Friday (Fri @ Central Park) – Live music from Toy, food trucks, and family fun take over downtown. Free to attend and always a great crowd.

7:00 PM – Mill Rats Baseball (Thu @ The Point) – Take in a classic summer evening at the ballpark as the Mill Rats face off against the Champion City Kings. Local food, beer, and great views.

5:30 PM – Music on the Patio – Acoustic music, free snacks, and arts & crafts on the Cambria Library patio. Family friendly and totally free.

5:30 PM – Book Signing: “The Arbiters” – Author Brook Lenker shares his new novel at Classic Elements with a reading, Q&A, and signing.

6:00 PM – Float & Flix – See below in hidden gem of the week.

6:00 PM – April’s Picks Wine Dinner at Franklin Street Bar & Grill (104 Franklin St, Johnstown) – Enjoy a farewell dinner with four paired courses curated by April, the longtime sommelier. Tickets are around $65 per person for this special evening.

7:00 PM – Sandyvale Summer Concert – Unwind with live music under the trees at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens. Bring a chair and relax.

7:00 PM – Mill Rats Game – Catch baseball under the lights as the Mill Rats take on Champion City.

7:00 PM – Harry Potter Trivia at 814 Lanes & Games / Bites & Brews (1140 Frances St, Johnstown) - Test your wizard know-how with trivia honoring Harry’s birthday. Play solo or in teams via Kahoot, enjoy themed rounds, and grab wings at 5-for‑$5 specials while you play. Fun for all ages

7:30 PM – Shrek The Musical – Opening night of this hilarious, heartwarming musical adventure.

9:00 AM – Johnstown Farmers Market – Local farmers, bakers, and artisans fill Central Park with fresh produce and handmade goods. Coffee and lunch options nearby.

5:00 PM – First Friday – Toy brings upbeat energy to this summer’s First Friday. Downtown businesses stay open late with special deals and vendor tents.

6:00 PM – Smooth Sound Band – Head to Ebensburg’s Penn Eben Park for smooth live music in a laid-back summer atmosphere. Free and family friendly.

7:30 PM – Shrek The Musical – Friday night performance of the hit musical with a cast of fairy tale misfits and toe-tapping numbers.

All Day – Miss PA USA Preliminaries – Preliminary rounds of the 2025 pageant take place at Richland Performing Arts Center. Final crowning Saturday night.

9:00 AM – Ebensburg Farmers Market – Local produce, baked goods, and more at Penn Eben Park.

10:00 AM – Brunch at 814 Bites & Brews (inside 814 Lanes & Games, 1140 Frances St) – Weekend brunch done right: waffles, iced coffee flights, mimosa specials, and savory bites served every Saturday & Sunday from 10 AM–1 PM. Grab a friend and brunch local.

10:00 AM – Painting in the Park – Bring your supplies and create outdoors with other local artists in Central Park.

10:00 AM – Squonkapalooza – Art, speakers, vendors, and folklore oddities at this one-of-a-kind festival.

7:30 PM – Shrek The Musical – Saturday night showing of the musical adventure continues.

12:00 PM – Flower Fest at Floral Fields (1146 Munster Rd, Portage, PA) – Stroll fields of sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos while sampling from 20+ vendors. Live music, food, and 'u‑pick' flower experiences. Ticketed event.

2:00 PM – Shrek The Musical (Matinee) – A final chance to see Shrek and Donkey save the day (and the princess).

2:00 PM – Leave No Trace for Kids – Kids learn about nature, stewardship, and hiking responsibly in Stackhouse Park.

3:00 PM – Stacy & the Rejects at Jim & Jimmie’s (3900 Somerset Pike, Johnstown) – Dance-rock party time with Johnstown’s own 70s-through-today favorites. Expect top-40 and classic hits with lots of energy. Free admission and a fun Sunday vibe.

5:00 PM – Roxbury Bandshell Concert – A summer tradition: live music in the historic Roxbury Bandshell to close out the weekend.

💎 Hidden Gem of the Week
6:00 PM – Float & Flix – This poolside movie night at the Y is like a drive-in for floaties. Fun, fresh, and not something you’ll find anywhere else nearby.

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Precious Metals & Diamond Company – Located in the heart of downtown Johnstown, this family-owned jeweler has been serving the region for over 30 years. Whether you're shopping for custom engagement rings, vintage estate jewelry, or want to sell your gold and silver, Precious Metals offers expert service with a personal touch. They also do repairs, appraisals, and specialty orders. Stop in and see why they’re a trusted name in sparkle.

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