Danville, Pa. — Danville will be celebrating its heritage next month with train rides, living history demonstrations, and fireworks during the annual fall festival.
The Danville Business Alliance is thrilled to invite residents and visitors to the Danville Heritage Festival from September 6-8, in conjunction with the 46th Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7. Held the first Saturday after Labor Day, this beloved event is a celebration of Danville’s vibrant community spirit, rich history, and diverse culture, featuring food, shopping, and entertainment that make this community a special place.
“We are excited to bring together our community and visitors for a weekend that truly showcases what makes Danville so unique,” said Rebecca Dressler, executive director of the Danville Business Alliance. “This festival offers something for everyone — from history buffs and art lovers to families looking for a fun day out. It’s a perfect way to experience the charm and hospitality of Danville.”
The festival kicks off on Friday, Sept. 6, at 4 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the dedication of Canal Park, where a new mural celebrating Danville's history and heritage will be unveiled. Over the weekend, attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities and events for all ages, including:
Pediatric Cancer Awareness Kickoff: A meaningful partnership with the Central & Northeastern PA Pediatric Cancer Awareness Committee for their kickoff event, supporting the fight against pediatric cancer.
Train Excursions: A unique way to explore the scenic beauty of the area. Round-trip trains depart the Danville Middle School at 10 a.m. towards Bloomsburg and 1 p.m. towards Northumberland. Tickets can be purchased at Scott’s Floral or the Danville Business Alliance office, or online at visitdanvillepa.org/events .
Live Music: Enjoy performances from talented local bands rocking the Canal Park stage throughout the weekend.
Local Canals Presentation: Discover the historical importance of local canals with a special presentation in Canal Park.
Historical Speakers' Series: Engage with expert speakers at the Thomas Beaver Free Library for a deeper understanding of our region's past.
Montour County Courthouse Tour: Learn about the architecture and history of this historic building with a guided tour.
Living History Demonstrations: Experience as history comes alive with interactive demonstrations.
Ring of Fire: This demonstration explores the process of changing a steam locomotive tire by burning gas to sweat tires off or on the rims.
Guided Walking Tours: Explore Danville’s scenic and historic sites, including the Memorial Park Walking Tour, North Branch Canal Trail, and Eel Dam River Walk.
Montgomery & Boyd House Museum Tours: Discover Danville's local history through museum exhibits.
Foraging for Wild Medicinal Plants: Join Kristin Mikita on a guided foraging event at the Old Grove Farm at Edgemont to learn about foraging for wild medicinal plants as well as their preparations and uses.
Fireworks: End the day with a stunning fireworks display over the Danville/Riverside Bridge that will light up the North Branch Susquehanna River and the night sky.
The 46th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7, will feature over 140 vendors, including a variety of food trucks serving BBQ, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Egyptian cuisine, pizza, sno-cones, ice cream, and baked goods. Craft vendors will showcase handmade items such as upcycled furniture, handcrafted jewelry, spa products, home décor, fine arts, crocheted items, dog accessories, pottery, candles, and more. This outdoor event, held on Mill St. and Lower Mulberry, also includes activities for kids and is a platform for local nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and funds for their causes.
“This event is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of our community’s past, present, and future,” added Dressler. “We want families to come and experience the best of Danville—our history, our culture, our food, and our local artisans and businesses. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create memories with family and friends.”
The festival is free to attend, with food, drink, and shopping available on a pay-as-you-go basis. The festivities are set to take place in the heart of downtown Danville, where streets will be closed to traffic to create a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.
For more information on the Danville Heritage Festival and the 46th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts event, visit www.visitdanvillepa.org/events . Join us for a weekend filled with history, culture, and community spirit as we celebrate all things Danville!
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