Things To Do in Bradford PA

Downtown Bradford PA

🧭 Discover Things to Do in Bradford, PA:
Events, Attractions, and Local Highlights All in One Place

Looking for the best things to do in Bradford, PA? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re searching for Bradford PA attractions for a weekend getaway, new experiences as a resident, or fresh ideas for family fun, this guide is packed with events, entertainment, and ways to get connected in the Bradford area.

At Open Arms Community Church, we’re committed to being at the heart of Bradford—not just on Sundays, but every day of the week. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce to bring you a curated calendar of things to do in Bradford PA, from outdoor adventures and local festivals to faith-based gatherings and community-wide celebrations.

Downtown Bradford PA

🧭 Discover Things to Do in Bradford, PA:
Events, Attractions, and Local Highlights All in One Place

Looking for the best things to do in Bradford, PA? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re searching for Bradford PA attractions for a weekend getaway, new experiences as a resident, or fresh ideas for family fun, this guide is packed with events, entertainment, and ways to get connected in the Bradford area.

At Open Arms Community Church, we’re committed to being at the heart of Bradford—not just on Sundays, but every day of the week. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce to bring you a curated calendar of things to do in Bradford PA, from outdoor adventures and local festivals to faith-based gatherings and community-wide celebrations.

🙌 Events at Open Arms Community Church

More than a church. We’re a community.

At Open Arms Community Church, we believe that church should feel like home. That’s why we host more than just Sunday services. Our calendar is filled with community-wide events designed to encourage connection, spiritual growth, and family fun.

Here are just a few of the things you’ll find happening at Open Arms:

🕘 Join us Sundays at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM at 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA, or explore our upcoming events here on this page.

Plan a Visit

What’s Happening in Bradford?

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Support local. Get connected. Stay informed.

We’ve partnered with the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce to bring you their live event calendar—a comprehensive listing of civic, business, and cultural happenings in and around McKean County. Whether it’s a street fair, ribbon cutting, or community meeting, the Chamber Calendar helps you stay in the know.

Learn More

🏛️ Events from The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce

Events


Favorite Things To Do in

Bradford PA

Favorite Things To Do in

Bradford PA

Bradford is home to some of the most scenic trails in northwestern Pennsylvania, thanks to the work of the Tuna Valley Trail Association. With over 50 miles of well-maintained hiking, biking, and walking trails, the network includes popular paths like Marilla Bridges Trail, Crook Farm Trail, Richard E. McDowell Trail, and Tunungwant Creek Trail. Whether you're looking for a quiet stroll, a family-friendly loop, or a full day of hiking through the woods, these trails offer natural beauty and easy access just minutes from downtown Bradford.

Tuna Valley Trails

Bradford is home to some of the most scenic trails in northwestern Pennsylvania, thanks to the work of the Tuna Valley Trail Association. With over 50 miles of well-maintained hiking, biking, and walking trails, the network includes popular paths like Marilla Bridges Trail, Crook Farm Trail, Richard E. McDowell Trail, and Tunungwant Creek Trail. Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll, a family-friendly loop, or a full day of hiking through the woods, these trails offer natural beauty and easy access just minutes from downtown Bradford.
Just a short drive away, walk the incredible Skywalk over the remnants of the historic railroad trestle. It’s one of the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Skywalks in the World.”

Kinzua Bridge State Park

Just a short drive away, walk the incredible Skywalk over the remnants of the historic railroad trestle. It’s one of the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Skywalks in the World.”
The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, located at 80 East Corydon Street in Bradford, serves as the official tourism hub for McKean County. It provides maps, guides, and personalized recommendations to help you explore the region's rich outdoor recreation, historical sites, and local attractions.

Allegany National Forest Visitors Bureau

The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, located at 80 East Corydon Street in Bradford, serves as the official tourism hub for McKean County. It provides maps, guides, and personalized recommendations to help you explore the region’s rich outdoor recreation, historical sites, and local attractions.
The Allegheny Reservoir (Kinzua Lake) is a sprawling, scenic lake on the PA/NY border, perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, with miles of forested shoreline and stunning views.

Allegheny Reservoir

The Allegheny Reservoir (Kinzua Lake) is a sprawling, scenic lake on the PA/NY border, perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, with miles of forested shoreline and stunning views.
Explore the history of two legendary American brands—Zippo lighters and Case knives—right where they began. The museum features interactive exhibits, historic displays, and a viewing area to watch Zippo repairs in action. Don’t miss the massive flagship store filled with collectibles and gifts.

Zippo/Case Museum

Explore the history of two legendary American brands—Zippo lighters and Case knives—right where they began. The museum features interactive exhibits, historic displays, and a viewing area to watch Zippo repairs in action. Don’t miss the massive flagship store filled with collectibles and gifts.
Willow Bay Recreation Area, just west of Bradford, offers lakeside camping, cozy cabins, hiking trails, and easy access to boating and fishing on the Allegheny Reservoir—perfect for a relaxing outdoor escape.

Willow Bay

Willow Bay Recreation Area, just west of Bradford, offers lakeside camping, cozy cabins, hiking trails, and easy access to boating and fishing on the Allegheny Reservoir—perfect for a relaxing outdoor escape.
Explore the rich history of America’s oil industry at the Penn Brad Oil Museum, where you can see authentic drilling equipment, interactive exhibits, and learn how Bradford helped fuel the world.

Penn Brad Oil Museum

Explore the rich history of America’s oil industry at the Penn Brad Oil Museum, where you can see authentic drilling equipment, interactive exhibits, and learn how Bradford helped fuel the world.
Catch a play or community production and support the local arts scene.

Bradford Little Theatre

Catch a play or community production and support the local arts scene.
Located in the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, this museum celebrates the life and artistry of one of opera’s greatest voices—Bradford native Marilyn Horne.

Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center

Located in the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, this museum celebrates the life and artistry of one of opera’s greatest voices—Bradford native Marilyn Horne.
Marilla Reservoir, just outside Bradford, is perfect for year-round fishing—including ice fishing in winter—and features a scenic one-mile loop trail, plus several other peaceful hiking paths.

Marilla Reservoir

Marilla Reservoir, just outside Bradford, is perfect for year-round fishing—including ice fishing in winter—and features a scenic one-mile loop trail, plus several other peaceful hiking paths.
Historic Downtown Bradford blends small-town charm with rich heritage. Stroll the National Historic District to see unique architecture, browse local shops, and enjoy great dining—all while experiencing the city’s storied oil boom past.

Historic Downtown Bradford PA

Historic Downtown Bradford blends small-town charm with rich heritage. Stroll the National Historic District to see unique architecture, browse local shops, and enjoy great dining—all while experiencing the city’s storied oil boom past.
A hub for family fun! In the summer, enjoy the public swimming pool, playground, disc golf course, and picnic pavilions. In the winter, lace up your skates for the ice rink, complete with seasonal lights and community events.

Callahan Park

A hub for family fun! In the summer, enjoy the public swimming pool, playground, disc golf course, and picnic pavilions. In the winter, lace up your skates for the ice rink, complete with seasonal lights and community events.
Step back in time at this historic site with restored buildings from the 19th century. In the summer, enjoy old-fashioned square dances and festivals that celebrate Bradford’s rich pioneer heritage.

Crook Farm Homestead & Square Dances

Step back in time at this historic site with restored buildings from the 19th century. In the summer, enjoy old-fashioned square dances and festivals that celebrate Bradford’s rich pioneer heritage.
Just across the border in New York, this park features hiking trails, campgrounds, fishing, swimming, and breathtaking nature year-round. Great for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Allegany State Park

Just across the border in New York, this park features hiking trails, campgrounds, fishing, swimming, and breathtaking nature year-round. Great for a day trip or weekend getaway.

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Bradford PA

🕊️ Find a Church Home in Bradford, PA

Bradford is home to a diverse and welcoming faith community, offering a variety of churches where individuals and families can connect, worship, and grow spiritually. Whether you’re new to the area, visiting, or seeking a new church home, you’ll find a congregation that aligns with your beliefs and values.

Explore the church Directory