Hello Johnstown! This weekend has a little bit of everything. Live music to keep the nights moving, historic church tours to explore our roots, creative gatherings to spark inspiration, and yes… Baconfest to satisfy every craving. From culture to community to comfort food, it’s all happening right here in our backyard. Let’s dive in!

🎉 Community Shoutout

Shout out to the Johnstown firefighters, as well as all the community volunteer firefighters who participated in the 2,200 step 9/11 stair climb! In full firefighting gear, they honored heroes past and present. A great event for a great cause, thanks to Bold Athletics!

🌟 Highlight Events

Baconfest 2025 – Solomon Run Fire Company Grounds, Johnstown – Two-day food fest with trucks, contests, and live music.

Johnstown Church Tour – Downtown Johnstown – Guided tour of historic churches with transportation and lunch included.

Mariachi Night – El Jalisco Mexican Restaurant, Johnstown – Authentic mariachi band, festive food, and family atmosphere.

RAVE ON: Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly Tribute – Arcadia Theater, Windber – High-energy tribute show to two rock legends.

Sunday Funday Brunch – Stonebridge Brewing Co., Johnstown – Monthly brunch with creative menu items and cocktails to match.

💙 This Week’s Events Brought to You By:

Back pain. Shoulder aches. That old knee injury that keeps flaring up.

You don’t have to live with it.

Vantage Physical Therapy’s expert team helps you move better, heal stronger, and stay active in the moments that matter. Request your appointment today.

💡 Exclusive for Johnstown Insider subscribers: Get 25% off Thorne supplements - fuel your health, recover faster, and feel your best all week long.

🌟 Full Event List

Thursday, September 18

10:00 AMPA CareerLink Awareness Days & Fall Job Fair – St. Paul’s Presbyterian, Somerset – Free career fair connecting job seekers with regional employers.

5:00 PMBusiness After Hours – 814 Lanes & Games, Johnstown – Chamber networking with free bowling and light refreshments.

5:00 PMOktoberfest Kickoff – Whitehorse Brewing, Berlin – Seasonal beers, German food, and games through the weekend.

5:30 PMCreative Comic Adventures – Bottle Works, Johnstown – Kids ages 7–12 design characters and create comic panels.

6:00 PMCharm Bar + Pumpkin Painting – Ponfeigh Distillery, Somerset – Craft your own charms and seasonal pumpkins with friends.

6:45 PMGraffiti Night: American Graffiti – Silver Drive-In, Johnstown – Cruise-in with classic cars and drive-in movie.

7:00 PMTrivia Night – Harrigan’s Bar & Lounge, Johnstown – Free weekly trivia, prizes for top three teams.

Friday, September 19

5:00 PMBaconfest 2025 (Day 1) – Solomon Run Fire Company Grounds, Johnstown – Food trucks, kids’ zone, contests, and live country music.

6:00 PMJoshua Ben – Green Gables, Jennerstown – Acoustic set at Green Gables Friday night music series.

6:00 PMWolf Tones – Baconfest Stage, Johnstown – Rock favorites on stage at Baconfest Friday night.

6:45 PMThe Conjuring: Last Rites + Weapons – Silver Drive-In – Horror double feature under the stars.

7:00 PMDave Howsare & Nev Hostetler – Asiago’s, Johnstown – Acoustic duo performing live during dinner service.

7:30 PMThe Wild Hymns – VOMA, Johnstown – Central PA folk duo returns with soulful original songs.

9:00 PMBo Moore Acoustic – Windber Hotel – Live acoustic favorites in Windber’s historic hotel.

5:00 PMMariachi Night – El Jalisco Mexican Restaurant, Johnstown – Authentic mariachi music with festive food and drinks.

6:00 PMFall Florals Craft Workshop – Highland Library, Johnstown – Hands-on craft class to design your own fall florals.

6:30 PMStreet Tractor Meet – Tractor Supply, Johnstown – Truck and tractor meet hosted by TriState Truck Mafia.

10:00 PMDJ John Dennis – Woodside Bar & Grill, Johnstown – Dance party with DJ John Dennis spinning late night.

Saturday, September 20

8:00 AMBaconfest Breakfast – Solomon Run Fire Company Pavilion, Johnstown – Morning kickoff meal with pancakes, sausage, and bacon.

8:00 AMMiddle Taylor Township Yard Sales – Cambria County – Dozens of households join for community-wide yard sales.

9:00 AMJohnstown Church Tour – Depart downtown Johnstown – Guided tour of historic churches with lunch included.

10:00 AMMask Art – FREE Arty Party – Community Arts Center, Johnstown – Create and decorate your own mask, registration required.

10:00 AMPumpkin Season Opening Day – Speigel’s Rolling Hills Farm, Boswell – Pumpkin patch opens with hayrides, cider, and fun.

10:00 AMSouth Fork VFD 1st Annual Car & Bike Show – South Fork – Car and motorcycle show with trophies and food.

10:00 AMA Soul Wilds Day Retreat – Guiding Point Health Center, Johnstown – Full-day retreat focusing on mind and body wellness.

11:00 AMNew Germany Arts & Crafts Festival – Summerhill – Arts, crafts, vendors, and live entertainment.

11:00 AMBaconfest 2025 (Day 2) – Solomon Run Fire Company Grounds, Johnstown – Day two with food, contests, and live performances.

12:00 PMWitches Boot Workshop – Rusty Musket Distilling, Boswell – Craft a Halloween-themed witches boot, includes first drink.

5:00 PMEven the Odds – Rusty Musket Distilling, Boswell – Rock band live with craft cocktails and spirits.

6:30 PMGeorge Byich – Tap814 Speakeasy, Johnstown – Acoustic set inside Johnstown’s speakeasy bar.

7:30 PMRAVE ON: Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly Tribute – Arcadia Theater, Windber – Tribute show featuring classic hits live.

8:00 PMFrom The Top – Polish Falcons, Windber – Full band returns for a night of live music.

9:00 PMDay Ja Vu – Westwood Bar & Grill, Johnstown – Rock covers and party tunes at Westwood.

10:00 PMTwenty-Three – The Windber Hotel – High-energy set from local band Twenty-Three.

10:00 PMMETRO Band – Woodside Bar, Johnstown – Local favorite rock band returns to Woodside.

Sunday, September 21

11:00 AMSunday Funday Brunch – Stonebridge Brewing Co., Johnstown – Monthly brunch with unique menu and cocktails.

11:00 AM2nd Annual Johnstown BMX Car Show – Highland Park, Johnstown – Registration 11 AM, trophies awarded at 3 PM.

1:00 PMFall Charcuterie Workshop – Moonshine Mine Distillery, Ebensburg – Build your own charcuterie board with expert guidance.

4:30 PM“80s Night” Cruise-In – Valley Dairy, Scalp Ave, Johnstown – Themed cars, DJ, and retro music all evening.

🔎 Hidden Gem: Ryan’s Artisan Goods

Tucked away on Broad Street, Ryan’s Artisan Goods is a family-owned café and bakery that has quickly become a local favorite. Known for their artisan breads, handmade desserts, and famous smash burgers, Ryan’s keeps it real with no fillers or preservatives — just fresh, flavorful food made from scratch.

Stop in for a coffee, a burger stacked high, or one of their rotating specials. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, or just a sweet treat, Ryan’s is one of Johnstown’s tastiest hidden gems.

📍 424 Broad Street, Johnstown, PA

🏢 Small Business Highlight: NyKo's Restaurant

Nestled on Scalp Avenue, NyKo’s Restaurant offers an eclectic menu blending sushi, Asian fusion, and classic American-Italian — something for every palate.

From specialty rolls like their NyKo’s Roll to seared scallops, ribeye, and herb-crusted rack of lamb, every dish comes with thoughtful presentation and flavors that make dinner feel like an experience.

📍 935 Scalp Ave, Johnstown, PA
☎️ (814) 254-4099

📬 Submit Your Event

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

🧩 Help Us Grow + Get Featured

Love Johnstown Insider? Help us grow the local movement!
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.

Keep Reading

No posts found