Celebrate Coal, Community & Heritage at the Pennsylvania Bituminous King Coal Show
For more than 70 years, the Pennsylvania Bituminous King Coal Show has brought generations together in Carmichaels to celebrate the people, traditions, and heritage that helped shape Greene County.
Held each August, this beloved week-long festival is a celebration of community, coal mining history, family fun, entertainment, and local traditions. From carnival rides and delicious food to live music, parades, competitions, and special events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a longtime King Coal Show attendee or experiencing it for the first time, it’s a great opportunity to slow down, enjoy the hospitality of Carmichaels, and discover one of Greene County’s longest-running traditions.
Remembering the Past
The King Coal Show began in the 1950s as a way to recognize the hardworking coal miners and families whose dedication helped build Southwestern Pennsylvania. As mechanization changed the mining industry and mines began to close, local residents recognized the importance of honoring the people and communities shaped by coal.
Four Carmichaels residents, Paul Smith, Ross Allison, Stanley Allison, and Ellis “Parker” Brunette, along with other local organizations, helped establish the festival as a way to celebrate the area’s coal mining heritage and the people who worked in the region’s mines.
More than seven decades later, that tradition continues. The King Coal Show serves as a reminder of Greene County’s coal mining roots while bringing families, friends, and visitors together to celebrate the community’s history and traditions.
The King Coal Association is made up of the Carmichaels Chamber of Commerce, the Carmichaels Lions Club, and the Carmichaels-Cumberland Township Volunteer Fire Company. Together, these community organizations work each year to bring the Pennsylvania Bituminous King Coal Show to life and continue this beloved Greene County tradition for generations to come.
The Pennsylvania Bituminous King Coal Show Today
Today, the King Coal Show has grown into a full week of activities, entertainment, and community traditions. From the opening events to the closing fireworks, each day brings something different to Carmichaels. VIew the 2026 Schedule
The festivities kick off Saturday, August 22, with the official opening during the Sara L. Ruth Memorial Golf Outing. The celebration continues Sunday, August 23, with the crowd-favorite Battle of the Barrel, where local fire departments compete for bragging rights, followed by the Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Queen Pageant, a longstanding tradition celebrating young women and Greene County’s coal heritage.
Throughout the week, the Carmichaels-Cumberland Township Firehall and festival grounds become a hub of activity. From Tuesday through Friday, visitors can enjoy exhibits, vendors, entertainment, food, the King Coal Coloring Contest, and the Baby Contest, along with bingo and music from DJ Dave Plavi. Thomas Family Amusements also brings carnival rides to the festival grounds each evening, with special ride-all-night pricing available. On Friday, August 28, enjoy a free evening performance by The Classics Rock, sponsored by EQT. The fun continues Saturday night with The Shadow Cats, also performing free of charge at the Firehall grounds.
Families can also join in two of King Coal’s cherished traditions. On Wednesday, August 26, the 58th Children’s Pet Parade invites young participants to show off their favorite pets before heading to town square for judging and prizes. Then on Thursday, August 27, the 52nd Bill Gideon Memorial Decorated Bicycle Parade brings participants of all ages together for an evening of creativity and fun. Both parades begin with assembly at the Yoskovich Funeral Home parking lot before making their way to town square for judging and prizes, continuing traditions that have been part of the King Coal Show for generations.
Saturday at the King Coal Show
Saturday, August 29, brings the grand finale of the Pennsylvania Bituminous King Coal Show. The day begins at Wana B Park with the 71st Annual King Coal Charles Workman Memorial Auto/Motorcycle Show, featuring an impressive collection of vehicles and free admission for spectators. The vehicles then join the Charles Workman Memorial Auto/Motorcycle Parade at 3:50 p.m., leading into the day’s main event.
At 4 p.m., the 71st Annual King Coal Parade takes over the streets of Carmichaels. One of the most anticipated events of the week, the parade brings together floats, vehicles, organizations, community groups, and participants for a celebration of Greene County pride and King Coal tradition. It’s a great opportunity to line the streets, cheer on the participants, and experience the community spirit that has made the King Coal Parade a longtime favorite.
The celebration continues Saturday evening at the Firehall grounds with exhibits, vendors, entertainment, food, bingo, DJ Dave Plavi, and carnival rides from Thomas Family Amusements. The Shadow Cats take the stage from 7 to 10 p.m. for a free evening performance, keeping the festivities going after the parade.
The week comes to a spectacular close at 10 p.m. with the King Coal Show fireworks. Families can watch from the Carmichaels Area School District football field, where parking and seating will be available for viewing. It’s the perfect finale to a week celebrating community, history, and tradition.
Make Plans to Experience King Coal
The Pennsylvania Bituminous King Coal Show is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of the people and traditions that have helped make Greene County what it is today.
Join us in Carmichaels, August 22–29, and experience the food, entertainment, family activities, community traditions, and coal mining heritage that have made the King Coal Show a Greene County favorite for more than seven decades.
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