What’s more uniquely Waynesburg than celebrating the rain? Rain Day is Waynesburg’s claim to fame! Held every year on July 29th—rain or shine—this FREE festival brings thousands of people to the heart of downtown Waynesburg for a day packed with fun, tradition, entertainment, and hometown pride!

Rain Day began in the early 1800s and has grown into one of Waynesburg’s most treasured traditions. Today, the Waynesburg Special Events Commission continues that tradition, filling downtown with live entertainment all day long on two stages, arts and crafts, delicious food, children’s carnival games, activities, contests, and so much more!

And, of course, no Rain Day would be complete without the famous Annual Hat Bet! Each year, the Special Events Commission and the Mayor wager a hat with a celebrity to see whether it will rain—or stay dry—on July 29th. Winning hats from years past are proudly displayed at the Waynesburg Borough Office, preserving a little piece of Rain Day history.

There’s something for everyone at Rain Day, including the Baby Rain Day Contest, Umbrella Decorating Contest, Downtown Business Window Decorating Contest, Coloring Contest, Jack McCracken Award, and the crowning of Waynesburg’s very own Mini Miss Rain Drop, Little Miss Rain Drop, and Junior Miss Rain Drop!

But Rain Day is more than just a celebration—it is also a time to remember and honor our community’s history and heroes. Each year, the festivities are silenced for a moment of tribute to the men of Company K, 2nd Battalion, 110th Infantry, a Waynesburg-area battalion that suffered tremendous losses in France during World War I.

Between July 28–29, 1918, Greene County experienced the largest loss of life in a single battle in its military history, with eighteen local soldiers killed or mortally wounded. The first was James Leo Farrell, who was killed on July 28 while preparing for the battle when his headquarters was bombed. In total, 58 Greene County soldiers lost their lives during World War I.

From raindrops and umbrellas to music, food, contests, community traditions, and remembrance, Rain Day brings Waynesburg’s history and hometown spirit together for one unforgettable day.