WACA
Wildcat Academy of the Creative Arts
EVENTS
THE WILDCAT ADVENTURE
An immersive journey for brave adventurers ages 6–12 and their grownups
Solve puzzles, find clues, and try to find the mysterious creature that lives in Wildcat Woods.
A family experience full of wonder, laughter, and magic! Indoor and outdoor experience.
PRINCESS CASTLE
A funny, immersive experience for families & dreamers of all ages
Step inside a storybook at Wildcat Mansion! Join us for an afternoon of magic, mystery, and make-believe as the halls transform into a real-life royal adventure. Costumes encouraged, imagination required!
SCANDAL AT
WILDCAT MANSION
An Immersive Mystery Experience
Whispers echo through the halls of Wildcat Mansion as Heiress Mildred McIntosh begins to suspect her charming husband is hiding something—or someone. When a trace of perfume clings to her husband after a visit to The Glen Speakeasy, all signs point to the sultry chanteuse in the spotlight. As the night unravels, so does Mildred. Follow the actors through the grand rooms and shadowy corners of the mansion in this immersive, late-night mystery full of secrets, lies, and deception.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
7pm
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
7pm
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
7pm
$25 | 18+
Overnight lodging available. Inquiries to info@wildcatmansion.com
MORE EVENTS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Ice cream social & 2 tours.
​
Venango Historical Society
MIDSUMMER FEST
Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 7PM
Step into a world where legend and imagination come alive. Midsummer Fest at Wildcat Mansion is a magical, family-friendly festival celebrating enchanted creatures, forest folklore and imagination at the historic Wildcat Mansion in northwest PA. Guests of all ages are invited to wander the woodland grounds where enchanted creatures travel in and out of the mansion through portals. Festival includes tours, art and storytelling classes, music and entertainment, food and drinks.
​
Join us for a daylong festival of magic, mischief, and discovery designed especially for families. Explore guided tours revealing the legendary portals in and out of the mansion, take part in hands-on arts and activities, and wander the grounds where surprises may be hiding just beyond your sight. Keep your eyes open—you may catch a glimpse of fairies, trolls, or hobgoblins going about their mysterious business.
​
Food and drink vendors will be on site, or bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic in our pavilion or anywhere on the beautiful grounds.
​
ADULTS $15 | KIDS $10 | FAMILY (up to 6) $40
CREATIVE WRITING & ART CONTEST
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026 | Ages 12-18 | FREE
The Wildcat Academy of the Creative Arts (WACA) is pleased to announce an exciting new Creative Writing and Art Contest for students ages 12–18, inviting young artists and writers to explore imagination, mystery, and storytelling inspired by the prompt:
“You Are Cordially Invited to Wildcat Mansion — A Magical and Mysterious Experience”
​
Participants are encouraged to interpret the premise in their own unique way. Creative writing entrants may choose from seven genres — Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction or Horror — and may submit a short story, play, screenplay, or poem between 5 and 20 pages in length.
​
Art entrants are requested to use one of these mediums:
• Oil or Watercolor
• Collage
• Ink or Pencil Drawing
• Animation
• Sculpture
All entrants and their families are cordially invited to Wildcat Mansion for a special presentation on Sunday, August 16, 1-4 pm
• All artwork will be exhibited and winners will be announced
• Winning stories will be performed by professional actors
• Bar and light snacks will be provided
There is no charge to attend.
This event is a fundraiser for the Wildcat Academy of the Creative Arts (WACA), the nonprofit arm of Wildcat.
​
Submissions may be mailed or dropped off at:
Wildcat
4849 US-322
Franklin, PA 16323
PROGRAM: JOHN WILKES BOOTH'S TIME IN FRANKLIN - SPEAKER JON BERNSTEIN
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 7PM | $10
Jon Bernstein tells the astonishing story of John Wilkes Booth’s time in Franklin in 1864. He lost his life savings in the doomed oil well, spiraled into embitterment and assassinated President Lincoln six months after he left Franklin.
This event is co-sponsored by the Venango Historical Society.