UPCOMING EVENTS
Winter Academy Virtual Lunch Break
Thursday, January 22, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Stuck inside due to winter weather? Enjoy your lunch break with a virtual presentation on the early petroleum industry and the Oil Region at large. On Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., Sarah Buffington, Museum Curator at Old Economy Village will virtually present "The Harmony Society's Economy Oil Company in Tidioute." Session is FREE but pre-registration is required in order to receive the link to the presentation. Register at ra-phdrakewell@pa.gov.
Winter Academy Virtual Lunch Break
Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Stuck inside due to winter weather? Enjoy your lunch break with a virtual presentation on the early petroleum industry and the Oil Region at large! On Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., the museums of Venango County will present what is going on at their sites in 2026. Session is FREE but pre-registration is required in order to receive the link to the presentation. Register at ra-phdrakewell@pa.gov.
Winter Academy Virtual Lunch Break
Friday, February 27, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Stuck inside due to winter weather? Enjoy your lunch break with a virtual presentation on the early petroleum industry and the Oil Region at large! On Friday, February 27, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., the museums of Crawford County will present what is going on at their sites in 2026. Session is FREE but pre-registration is required in order to receive the link to the presentation. Register at ra-phdrakewell@pa.gov.
Pithole Cabin Fever Party
Saturday, February 7, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tired of being cooped up in the house? Escape to Historic Pithole City and shake off your winter blues with history and fun. If there is snow, bring your sled! FREE Admission, donations welcome. Historic Pithole City is located at 14118 Pithole Road, Pleasantville, PA 16341.
Wisdom & More
Thursdays in March 2026: March 5, 12, 19, and 26
Join us for our annual lecture series, Wisdom & More, held every Thursday evening in March! Series is sponsored by CSR Services, LLC. Stay tuned for more information and a complete schedule of speakers!
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for social hour featuring libations to sample, followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for members of Friends of Drake Well and $10 for non-members.
Charter Day!
Sunday, March 8, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania was created when England’s King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn in March 1681. Celebrate Pennsylvania's 345th "birthday" at Drake Well Museum and Park with FREE admission!! Visitors receive a birthday cupcake (while supplies last)!
Behind the Scenes at Drake Well: Friends of Drake Well Members Only!
Thursday, April 9, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Current members of Friends of Drake Well are invited for a behind-the-scenes look at Drake Well Museum! More details to be announced, stay tuned!
5th Annual Oil Creek 5 & 13 Stacked Trail Races
Saturday, May 16, 2026
5-Mile Race Starts at 7:00 a.m.
13-Mile Race Starts at 8:30 a.m.
Join us at beautiful Drake Well Museum and Park on Saturday morning, May 16, 2026, for these unique trail races which utilize the Gerard Hiking Trail as well as other trails in nearby Oil Creek State Park. The 5-mile race begins at 7:00 AM at the Jersey Bridge, just outside of Drake Well Museum and Park and ends within the main parking area of the Museum. The 13-mile race begins at 8:30 AM in the same parking area and will end there, too. Race times are staged 90 minutes apart, making it possible for participants to run both for a "stacked challenge!" There will be finisher awards for each race distance as well as for those runners who are able to complete both races for the quickest “stacked” finish time. Registration will be opening in November 2025, stay tuned!
Discovery Day Camp: Decades of Oil
July 9, 16, 23 & 30
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join Drake Well Museum and Park for our fun-filled day camp. Children ages 8-12 can participate in this day long, hands-on program and learn about the Oil Region’s rich history and environment. Registration is FREE but required and limited to 25 participants! There are four different dates to choose from - pick the date that works best for you! Registration opens on June 1st. Space is limited for this FREE event. Register at ra-phdrakewell@pa.gov or (814) 827-2797. Sponsored by CSR Services, LLC.
Drake Day
Sunday, August 9, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the anniversary of Edwin L. Drake striking oil in Titusville on August 27, 1859! Attendees at this year’s event will experience what life was like during western Pennsylvania’s oil boom days through various living history activities and presentations. Regular Drake Well admission fees apply for the event: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 11, $8 for senior citizens. Members of Friends of Drake Well receive FREE admission. Admission includes entrance to Drake Well Museum’s indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as all Drake Day activities. More details soon to come.
42nd Annual Fall Gas Up
Saturday, September 12, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visit Drake Well Museum and Park for its 42nd Annual Fall Gas Up, sponsored by the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and experience the engines and equipment that powered Pennsylvania’s oil fields! Displays will include operating and stationary antique engines, farm and oil field equipment, tractors, models, and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and $5 for children ages 3-11; members of Friends of Drake Well are FREE. Entrance into the Drake Well Museum and its outdoor exhibits is included with admission; the museum will be open to visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Any collector is welcome and encouraged to bring engines and equipment to display at the event! Engines ranging in size from small Maytags used to power washing machines to large oilfield engines that pumped multiple wells will be displayed by exhibitors from across the tri-state area. Members of the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society, based in Saegertown, Pennsylvania, will also feature engines, tractors, and related equipment. Exhibitor registration will take place the day of the event, no pre-registration is required.
Historic Pithole City Lantern Tours
Saturday, October 3, 2026
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Join us for the Historic Pithole City Lantern Tours and experience history as it comes to life! Visitors will walk the former streets of the legendary oil boomtown, meeting some of Pithole's most famous historical figures along the way. Tours depart every 10 minutes beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the last tour departing at 9:00 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, wear weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a flashlight. NOTE: the tours cover steep hills and semi-rugged terrain. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking. Tours are walking only; golf carts and other vehicles are not provided. Tickets go on sale September 1, 2026.