Last updated: August 31, 2025
Thing to Do
May 31 Anniversary
NPS
Sunday, May 31, 2026 is the 137th anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889.
The Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and is free of charge. The park film, Black Friday will play at quarter after each hour from 9:15 a.m. until 9:15 p.m.
At 4:07 p.m. park rangers will lay commemorative wreaths on the remains of the dam at the time the floodwaters reached Johnstown. The wreath laying will be broadcast live on our Facebook page.
Beginning at 7:00 pm, 2,209 luminaries, will be lit to honor the victims of the flood. They line the remains of the South Fork Dam and around the Visitor Center. Each luminary will have the name of a flood victim written on it and will remain lit until 10:00 pm. Park grounds remain open until the conclusion of the luminaries.
Parking is available at the Visitor Center and South Abutment. A shuttle runs between the Visitor Center and the North Abutment through the duration of the luminaries. Luminaries will also be visible from the Visitor Center area.
No reservations are required for any events on May 31.
The Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and is free of charge. The park film, Black Friday will play at quarter after each hour from 9:15 a.m. until 9:15 p.m.
At 4:07 p.m. park rangers will lay commemorative wreaths on the remains of the dam at the time the floodwaters reached Johnstown. The wreath laying will be broadcast live on our Facebook page.
Beginning at 7:00 pm, 2,209 luminaries, will be lit to honor the victims of the flood. They line the remains of the South Fork Dam and around the Visitor Center. Each luminary will have the name of a flood victim written on it and will remain lit until 10:00 pm. Park grounds remain open until the conclusion of the luminaries.
Parking is available at the Visitor Center and South Abutment. A shuttle runs between the Visitor Center and the North Abutment through the duration of the luminaries. Luminaries will also be visible from the Visitor Center area.
No reservations are required for any events on May 31.
Details
Activity
Museum Exhibits
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Accessibility Information
The Visitor Center and parking lots are accesssible.