Only in WashCo: Traditions, Events & Experiences That Only Happen Here

To some, tradition is everything. In Washington County, PONY Baseball & Softball may very well be included in the definition of “tradition.” The year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the league that has put Washington County on an international map, and those behind the league’s continued growth are celebrating big.

Originally named “Protect Our Neighborhood Youth,” the name of PONY Baseball & Softball was eventually changed to “Protect Our Nation’s Youth” as the league expanded beyond Washington County to a national and eventually an international level after its founding in 1951. Today, more than 40 countries host PONY programs of their own. It all comes back to Washington County once a year during the Printscape PONY League World Series when the best teams from around the world converge on Historic Lew Hays PONY Field to compete for the championship title on the field where it all began.

This year’s World Series returns August 7–12, but those looking to appreciate all 75 years of PONY history should also stop by the museum at PONY’s International Headquarters in Washington next to EQT Park.

In addition to the World Series, another event of historic significance calls Washington County home: The Whiskey Rebellion Festival. The Whiskey Rebellion of 1791–94 was the first major rebellion in the newly formed United States following the Revolutionary War. It escalated to the point that President George Washington led troops to western Pennsylvania to suppress protesters violently opposing a federal tax on whiskey. Today, the spirit of both rebellion and whiskey heritage remains strong in the region through museums and local distilleries that continue traditions passed down through generations.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, the Whiskey Rebellion Festival will return to downtown Washington July 10–11 as another commemoration of our country’s early days with historic reenactments, period exhibitions, demonstrations, children’s activities and plenty of whiskey to toast the spirit of rebellion.

Our nation’s early days are also in the spotlight twice a year at the National Pike Steam, Gas & Horse Association Show, a unique showcase of the evolution of the machines and engines that helped build the nation.

Thousands head to the show each year to see history roar to life as hundreds of vintage steam engines, tractors, cars, construction equipment and other historic forms of machinery are put on display in an event that gets bigger and better every year all thanks to hundreds of volunteers with a shared passion for preserving the history of all things that go. To learn more about the show, read our full blog about this event. 

The National Pike Steam, Gas & Horse Association Show takes place May 16–17 and August 7–9 off Route 40 in Brownsville.

In addition to nationally recognized names like Sarris Candies and 84 Lumber, another iconic company calls Washington County home: All-Clad Metalcrafters. Founded by metallurgist John Ulam in 1971, the company has called Washington County its headquarters even as its signature stainless steel cookware has found its way to the kitchens of home and professional cooks around the world, all the while gaining national notoriety for its high-end quality and durability.

Twice a year, fans of All-Clad from all over the world flock to the county for the brand’s annual All-Clad Factory Sale, where shoppers can snag deals on cookware, bakeware, gourmet accessories, electrics and more for up to 70 percent off just miles from where the brand began more than 50 years ago.

The All-Clad Factory Sale is June 5–6 and December 4-5 at the Washington County Fairgrounds. The 2026 sales will carry an extra air of significance as we recognize American innovation during this milestone year.