A family-friendly fixture in the Apollo community since 1949, VALarena hosts various open skate nights, private parties, and other seasonal skating and non-skating events. The roller rink was recently purchased by a family and renamed VALarena Sk8 Land.
Arts on the Allegheny aims to enrich the cultural life of Western Pennsylvania by presenting free, high-quality entertainment at the John P. Murtha Amphitheatre in Kittanning and other venues. The well-attended summer concert series features local vendors and big-name performers for both residents and visitors to enjoy on land or anchored out in the Allegheny River.
2o22 Schedule:
Saturday, July 23 – Better Than Ezra and The Wait – 7 PM, Kittanning Riverfront Park
Saturday, August 27 – The Clarks and The Bail Jumpers – 7 PM, Kittanning Riverfront Park
A staple in Armstrong County for over 50 years, the Belmont Complex has it all — an indoor arena for amateur and high school ice hockey, learn-to-skate programs, and various events during the off-season, an Olympic-sized outdoor community pool and waterslide, and a banquet space for family gatherings, conferences, or meetings. Open daily from the beginning of June to mid-August, the Olympic-sized swimming pool and 150’ waterslide at the Belmont Complex is a wonderful place to spend a summer afternoon with the family. The pool features a beach entry, low dive area, playground, pavilions, and ADA-compliant locker rooms. The banquet room at the Belmont Complex is available for meetings, receptions, or other large events. It seats 200 and has an attached catering kitchen. Available equipment includes a large screen television, DVD player, projection screen and projector, microphone, and a sound system. There are also two pavilions in the pool area available for reservation.
Formerly Scrubgrass OHV Park, Ben Franklin Range has over 65 miles of scenic trails featuring hill climbs, mud pits, and rock crawling gardens. This family-friendly OHV park hosts rides monthly and welcomes all off-road vehicles. The training facility sits on 1,100+ acres and will have the capability to host a variety of training and events.
Blanket Hill Speedway is a family-owned and operated ⅕-mile oval dirt track striving to bring attendees a great night of racing. From May through October, regular Saturday night racing starts at 7 pm, and divisions include 270 Micro Sprint Winged, 270 JR Micro Sprint Winged, 600 Micro Sprint Wingless, 600 JR Micro Sprint Wingless, Modlites, Dwarfs, and Jr Sprints.
The Slovak CU Club in Ford City is a local social club featuring an old-school bowling alley — CU Bowling Lanes — and a banquet hall available for birthday parties, receptions, dinners, and more.
There’s something for everyone in your family at the annual Great Dayton Fair — livestock judging, live music, harness racing, truck and tractor pulls, livestock auction, drag racing, demolition derby, amusement rides, a rodeo, and so much more! Week passes and day passes are available in advance, or you can pay admission upon entry.
Open seven days a week, Edgewood Winery & Event Center has something for everyone. They are known for our wide variety of events and, of course, their wine! They have over twenty wines and locally made liquors, beer, and moonshine. Edgewood Winery is also a gorgeous setting to host your next special event. With a capacity of 130 inside the winery and 80 on the patio, this space is perfect for a baby or bridal shower, anniversary party, wedding, or other special occasions. The cost of the venue includes a bartender for your event, and outside caterers are permitted. There is also a pavilion available.
Bring the family to Falcon Lanes for an evening full of fun, competitive bowling and great food! The bowling alley holds open bowling and glow bowling hours, and you can call to inquire about scheduling glow bowling birthday parties. Bumpers and ramps are available to accommodate bowlers of all ages and skill levels.
Organized by the Ford City Renaissance Community Partnership, this five-day Family FunFest is a great way to kick off summer vacation. The schedule for 2022 includes a first-class carnival midway, games, food vendors, special events throughout the week, a car show, live entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks, and more.
The Fort Armstrong Championship Rodeo, held annually in July at Crooked Creek Horse Park, provides excitement for the whole family. Enjoy all of rodeo’s greatest events, like barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding, and more. There’s also live music and other entertainment throughout the weekend.
2022 marks the beginning of the next 50 years for the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival. This annual event pays tribute to Armstrong County’s heritage along the banks of the Allegheny River in Kittanning. Each August, the four-day festival features a handcrafted artist market, live music, historical entertainment and demonstrations, delicious festival food, and more.
Formerly the Freeport Senior High and then the Freeport Junior High School, the Freeport Event Center is a locally-owned community space that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from concerts and dance recitals to conferences and expos. The venue also offers various rental options for its auditorium, cafeteria hall, kitchen, and office/business space. The Center is perfect for all kinds of different events, such as art shows, concerts, dance recitals, conferences, trade shows, and more.
2022 marks the 28th year for the Freeport International Baseball Invitational, an annual week-long baseball tournament that takes place at James E. Swartz Memorial Field in Freeport and other fields around Armstrong County. The event ends with an all-star game and fireworks on Saturday.
King’s Lanes is a locally-owned bowling alley that has served Kittanning for over 60 years. The facility is available for open bowl, bowling leagues and tournaments, birthday parties, glow bowling, and other special events. There’s also a kitchen on-site with a full menu.
Presented by the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber of Commerce, the Kittanning Boat Races: Riverbration is an annual weekend-long APBA powerboat racing event full of fun, excitement, and thrills for the whole family. This free event offers live entertainment, children’s activities, exhibitors, and other activities.
Lick ‘n’ Putt is the best of both worlds, especially on a hot summer day — ice cream AND mini golf. This staple along the county line is the only place for putt putt in the area and is a family-friendly stop to add to your Armstrong County itinerary.
This multi-use facility is operated under the leadership of the Armstrong Center for Community Learning and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including educational talks, book clubs, kid-friendly classes and story times, youth camps, hikes, outdoor recreation sessions, movie nights, and more. There are three public trails at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek. The You Can Trail is an easy and accessible 0.4-mile loop trail that starts next to the parking lot. It will soon be improved upon with the addition of markers and guides for the visually impaired. The Discovery Trail is an approximately 0.6-mile easy to moderate trail with interpretive stations (trail guide located outside of the ODC front door). It also features poetry throughout the trail. The trailhead is located behind the ODC. The Shrub Swamp Trail can be accessed off of the Discovery Trail or from the Outflow Recreation Area. The 0.8-mile trail provides a gentle walk along the outflow of Crooked Creek Lake and provides a great opportunity to see a wide variety of birds, flowers and wildlife. Dogs are permitted on the trails but should be leashed.
Entertainment comes alive at Paradise Park with the largest covered outdoor pavilion in the area, accommodating up to 2,500 people. Paradise Park hosts a handful of events throughout the year, including concerts, car cruises, community fundraisers, and more. Well-known performers like George Jones, Waylon Jennings, and Hank Williams Jr. have graced the Amphitheater stage. Check their website and Facebook page for information on upcoming events.
Paradise Park is also available to reserve for weddings and offers four packages with varying add-ons. All packages include access to the 14,000 sq. ft. outdoor amphitheater, picnic tables and benches, private bridal party rooms and restroom, wedding decorations, and a fully-equipped bathhouse for guests.
Radioactive Events Center is a family-owned and operated venue and non-profit organization providing a professional platform for artists and musicians to learn, grow, and showcase their talent. They also host a variety of events on-site and in the community.
Renshaw Farms is a local farm and wedding venue that hosts various seasonal events throughout the year. Each summer and fall, Renshaw Farms brings people together for their Sunflower Days and Pumpkin Fest! Pumpkin Fest provides an array of activities over the course of a few weekends in the fall, including hayrides, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, animal park, mini golf, cow roping, yard games, and more. Since 2004, hundreds of couples have started their lives together among the breathtaking views of Renshaw Farms. Your special day will be filled with elegance and the rustic ambiance you expect from a farm wedding. There are multiple locations to exchange your vows, including the climate-controlled barn, gazebo, or in front of the beautiful pond.
Owned and operated by the Orlowski Family since 1949, Star’s Restaurant and Bar serves up American fare for those dining in, eating on the patio, or ordering carryout.
The Creative Cupboard is a small cafe and gift shop featuring local crafters and vendors.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store is a thrift store selling discounted name-brand clothing and a wide variety of household items.
Tuck’s Pizza serves homemade, homestyle food in Apollo and is known for their one-of-a-kind stuffed pizza.
Dolly’s Diner (formerly The Yak) is a vintage diner in North Apollo open seven days a week. Their classic diner menu features breakfast all day.
Enjoy the comforts of home in this cozy rental near Roaring Run Trail, the Kiski River, antique shops, and other local shops. Amenities include complimentary breakfast and internet access.
Opened in 1955, Lackey’s Dairy Queen is a seasonal shop specializing in soft-serve ice cream and signature shakes.
G&G Restaurant is a vintage diner serving homestyle American fare. They’re known for their creative breakfast menu and made-to-order dishes.
Wooden Door Winery’s second location opened in 2017, providing customers with a warm and relaxing atmosphere for enjoying their high-quality wines. The venue space is a beautifully restored 1896 church with a breathtaking main room, balcony, and outdoor seating. It is available for evening rentals for birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, reunions, and more.
Founded on artisan recipes, Vocelli’s Pizza has earned a distinct reputation for quality taste for the serious pizza eater.
Niki’s Quick Six is a fun place to eat and drink. Their menu includes hoagies, wraps, salads, nachos, and seasonal specials, and the bar offers a wide selection of crafts, imports, domestics, wine coolers, and liquors.
Founded in 1908, the Apollo Memorial Library is the oldest library in Armstrong County. It serves the residents of Apollo, North Apollo, and the surrounding areas. The Apollo Memorial Library’s mission is to promote literacy and lifelong learning while meeting changing community needs.
The library is also a certified Passport Acceptance Agency and has partnered with the Armstrong County Treasurer’s Office to be a dog license agent.
The Apollo Area Historical Society was formed to bring together those people interested in the history of the Apollo Area. The Society’s major function is to discover, collect, and preserve materials of historical value to the area.
The Dance CLiK provides a fun, safe, and positive environment for children and adults to learn dance through various classes. Students gain confidence through discipline, encouragement, and self-expression.
Flavio’s Restaurant is a high-end Italian eatery serving a delicious menu. They offer table service and accept reservations for dining.
Central Restaurant and Bar is a restaurant and bar in Apollo open seven days a week. Wednesdays are Mexican night, Thursdays are $0.75 wings, and Friday nights are crab leg nights.
Monday: 7 AM-7 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM-7 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM-7 PM
Thursday: 7 AM-7 PM
Friday: 7 AM-7 PM
Saturday: 7 AM-7 PM
Sunday: 7 AM-2 PM
Founded in 1982, the Roaring Run Watershed Association’s mission is to conserve and protect the Roaring Run Watershed and to provide recreational opportunities for all. Waterfalls, huge boulders, and tree-covered hills make the area ideal for picnicking, hiking, and spending time in nature.
St. Vincent de Paul is a thrift store selling household goods and decor, books, furniture, clothing, and more.
Fox’s Pizza Den is a chain restaurant serving authentic pizzas, salads, nearly world famous “wedgies,” gourmet pizzas, hoagies, and more. All items are hand-made with the finest ingredients.
Hair N’ At Salon is a locally-owned and operated full-service salon since 2015. Owned and operated by Alysha Campbell, a licensed cosmetology teacher, the licensed cosmetologists, nail technician, esthetician, and massage therapist are ready to serve you. Their specialty is custom coloring services. They also offer nail services including acrylics, gel polish and pedicures, eyelash extensions, facials, waxing, and massage therapy including cupping, hot stone, and fascia bars.