American flag and sparklers

Are you visiting Armstrong County for the Fourth of July weekend? While classic hot dogs in the backyard, s’mores around the fire, and sparklers in hand sound like an enjoyable time, you’ll find many more family-friendly activities, events, and places to explore in the area. We’ve put together a list of events and activities to consider while planning your trip to the heart of western Pennsylvania.  

Ford City SummerFest

You’ll find something for the whole family at the 2022 Ford City SummerFest! SummerFest is an annual event celebrating, promoting, and fostering fellowships in the community of Ford City through various activities and events. This year’s event, located at Ford City Park, runs from Thursday, June 30 through Sunday, July 3. Activities and entertainment include live music, a bubble party, environmental education with the Armstrong Conservation District, a car cruise, vendors, and more! Visit the Facebook page for the full schedule of events. 

Float on the River 

If you’re looking for an adventure, hit the Allegheny or Kiski rivers for an afternoon of floating! Bring your own boats to drop in at various launches along the waterway, or rent from one of our local outfitters: The River’s Edge Canoe & Kayak in Leechburg, The Hook Up in Freeport, and Redbank Valley Outfitters in Mayport. 

Take a Ride Along the Trail 

Break out your bicycle for a sunny cruise along beautiful trails in Armstrong County. Armstrong Trail is a 35.5-mile-long trail that runs from Rosston beyond East Brady and is open to walkers, cyclists, and leashed pets. The 21-mile Butler-Freeport Community Trail starts in Laneville and travels north to Butler. In the Roaring Run Watershed, you’ll find the Roaring Run Trail, a 4.8-mile crushed stone rail trail part of the Trans Allegheny Trail system. Rock Furnace is a 1.5-mile spur of the Roaring Run Trail with a moderate grade and a tar-and-chip surface. 

Ford City Firework Spectacular Show

Organized by the Ford City Area Business & Professional Association, the Firework Spectacular Show will be held behind the clock tower on 3rd Avenue in Ford City on Friday, July 1. The show starts at 10 PM — bring a chair or blanket to set up and watch this glorious fireworks display! This show is supported by local donors

Fourth of July Craft and Vendor Family Festival

Edgewood Winery & Event Center in Spring Church is hosting its first 4th of July Craft and Vendor Family Festival on Sunday, July 3, from 12-4 PM! There will be face painting, a bounce house, and pony rides for children. Order food on-site from the food trucks and peruse the craft vendors as you enjoy the holiday weekend!

Swimming at Leechburg Area Pool

Leechburg Area Pool (LAP) is a wonderful place to take the family for a relaxing day spent poolside. LAP is open daily from 12-8 PM and offers daily admission. For the Fourth of July weekend, LAP will be hosting a movie night on Sunday, July 3 and showing Luca starting at 8:30 PM. The movie night is free for members and $5 for non-members, and the concession stand will be open from 8:30-10 PM. 

Treat Yourself to Something Sweet 

There’s nothing better than an ice cream cone on a hot summer day! Luckily for you, Armstrong County is home to many ice cream shops in the region. Stick with a classic soft serve cone from Frosty’s Frozen Delights in Rural Valley or Jordans Soft Serve in Kittanning or unique homemade hard scooped ice cream at Kristin’s Ice Cream Korner (KICK) in Kittanning. Order one-of-a-kind ice cream confections from Widnoon Soft Serve in Templeton or treat your family to an infamous ice cream cake roll from Speedy’s Tasty Treats in Ford City. Find the complete list of shops in the area here

Fish for Free

On Monday, July 4, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is hosting a Fish-for-Free Day! This permits any resident or non-resident to fish Pennsylvania waterways without a license legally. Learn more about fishing regulations on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website. If you need bait or fishing gear, visit Goodman’s Bait & Tackle in Ford City, Steiner’s Outdoors & More in East Brady, The River’s Edge Canoe & Kayak in Leechburg, or Transue’s Tackle in Kittanning. The Hook Up in Freeport also has bait available for pickup.

Declaration of Independence Presentation

On Monday, July 4, Freeport resident Nick Triveri will be reciting the Declaration of Independence at 10 AM at Freeport Riverside Park. Nick will review the history, signers, and sentiment behind this important document before reciting the Declaration in period costume. Bring a lawn chair and refreshments and enjoy this historical presentation. 

To learn more about how you can experience Armstrong County, visit our website or follow along on our Facebook page. Happy Fourth of July!