40th Annual Friendsville Days Festival

We’re excited to announce the return of the of the annual Friendsville Days Festival this summer. This year will be the 40th annual celebration with a theme of river wild to celebrate the beautiful Youghiogheny river that plays such a important and prominent role in the community of Friendsville. This year we are highlighting all things local, which includes local community members and local talent. The festival will be held Friday August 13th and Saturday August 14th at the Friendsville Community Park. There is no admission charge for entry into the event. 

The festival will kick off Friday August 13th at 5:30pm at the Friendsville Community Park with a community dinner followed by live music from 6pm- 9pm by a local favorite, Buffalo Run. They play a mix of bluegrass and Appalachian folk, both original songs and covers. There will be some food and craft vendors set up Friday evening. There will also be a corn hole tournament Friday evening. 

Saturday August 14th at noon we will kick things off with a parade through the town of Friendsville, led by our grand Marshall Friendsville’s very own Ina Hicks. Ina is a local historian and a treasure to the community. 

After the parade on Saturday the activities at the park will commence at 1pm. Food trucks and vendors, craft vendors, a silent auction, inflatables, pony rides and other kids activities will be set up throughout the day Saturday. A cruise-in will also be taking place at the park from 10 am to 6pm. A basketball tournament will take place at the park with a start time of 10am. The Adventure Sports Institute will have a bike obstacle course for kids. set up from 2-5pm and they will provide bikes and helmets. Kevin Dodge and Ammo of  Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology will be providing wildlife and river education. 

A local Friendsville band, Beyond Primitive will take the stage at 1:30 pm on Saturday afternoon. With warm harmonies, they play a blend originals along with oldies and newbies and love when everybody sings along.

From 3pm until 5pm we will invite the community to participate in the Friendsville Days Open Mic. Everyone is welcome to participate in the community showcase. Can you juggle, weave intricate baskets, storytell, and/or sing? Come share your talents at the open mic!

At 5pm we will hold the popular wing eating contest for adults and kids watermelon eating contests’. 

Another local band, Kamp-N-Kompany will close out the musical performances for the festival from 7pm-9:30 pm with a mix of country and classic rock tunes that everyone can dance along to. 

At 9:30 a special performance by fire dancers will take place in front of the park stage. 

The festival will end with the always impressive fireworks display, which will start at 10pm. 

Artwork from poster contest participants will be on display in the park for the duration of the festival. 

On Sunday August 15th a community church service will take place at the pavilion at the park at 11 am.