Rich Howells

Scranton PorchFest shares map of 78 homes and businesses participating from March 20-28

Scranton PorchFest shares map of 78 homes and businesses participating from March 20-28

The Scranton PorchFest has published an interactive map that marks all the creative locations participating in this first-ever event on Saturday, March 20 through Sunday, March 28. The annual St. Patrick’s Parade has moved from March to September due to COVID-19, so the theatrical organizers behind the Scranton Fringe Festival started PorchFest to encourage locals […]

 Rich Howells

In lieu of parade, Scranton PorchFest decorates homes with artistic ‘floats’ March 20-28

In lieu of parade, Scranton PorchFest decorates homes with artistic ‘floats’ March 20-28

Over the past year, everyone has had to adjust to doing more at home. Now, even a citywide celebration can happen from the comfort of your front porch. Just a few weeks ago, the first-ever Scranton PorchFest was announced, not long after residents learned that the annual St. Patrick’s Parade was moving from March to […]

 Rich Howells

PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Inaugural Scranton Ice Festival with live music, 02/05-06/21

PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Inaugural Scranton Ice Festival with live music, 02/05-06/21

The ongoing pandemic has put a major strain on small businesses, and the cold and snowy weather hasn’t helped much lately. Last weekend, however, neither seemed to be a factor as downtown Scranton was bustling with activity thanks to the Scranton Ice Festival. This inaugural event came together quickly as the Scranton Area Community Foundation, […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

First-ever Scranton Ice Festival debuts downtown on Feb. 5-7

First-ever Scranton Ice Festival debuts downtown on Feb. 5-7

From a press release: In the hopes of bringing visitors to downtown Scranton to support small businesses during a difficult year and historically slow retail month, a planning committee has formed to host the inaugural Scranton Ice Festival, led by a small grassroots group of community-minded volunteers in partnership with First Friday Scranton, Scranton Tomorrow, […]

 Rich Howells

Wilkes-Barre cancels Fine Arts Fiesta and Cherry Blossom Festival as coronavirus spreads in Pennsylvania

Wilkes-Barre cancels Fine Arts Fiesta and Cherry Blossom Festival as coronavirus spreads in Pennsylvania

Yesterday, the city of Wilkes-Barre canceled both of its free annual springtime events, the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Fine Arts Fiesta, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 43rd annual Cherry Blossom Festival was scheduled for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 at Kirby Park. In previous years, it featured amusement rides and games, […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

Scranton pop rockers Black Tie Stereo and Boastfuls play free Wilkes-Barre Cherry Blossom Festival on April 27

Scranton pop rockers Black Tie Stereo and Boastfuls play free Wilkes-Barre Cherry Blossom Festival on April 27

From a press release: The city of Wilkes-Barre will host the 42nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 with amusement rides and games, food and craft vendors, a pageant, car show, cornhole tournament, and live music and dancing, including sets from two award-winning Scranton pop rock bands. The free […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

NYC brass funk band Lucky Chops headlines free Fine Arts Fiesta in Wilkes-Barre on May 18

NYC brass funk band Lucky Chops headlines free Fine Arts Fiesta in Wilkes-Barre on May 18

From a press release: It was announced this week that high-energy brass funk band Lucky Chops will come from New York City to headline Saturday night of the 2019 Fine Arts Fiesta on Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre on May 18 at 7:30 p.m. The Fine Arts Fiesta, a community celebration of diversity, talent, passion, […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

‘Star Wars’-themed Clarks Summit Festival of Ice includes Comic Con with guests Feb. 16-17

‘Star Wars’-themed Clarks Summit Festival of Ice includes Comic Con with guests Feb. 16-17

The theme of the 2019 Clarks Summit Festival of Ice is “Ice Wars,” a frozen take on “Star Wars,” but if that’s not enough science fiction fantasy for the Abingtons, the annual event will host an Ice Wars Comic Con at Clarks Summit Elementary School on Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17. Promoted by […]

 NEPA Scene Staff

Creating Peeps chicks one of many free kids activities at PeepsFest in Bethlehem Dec. 30-31

Creating Peeps chicks one of many free kids activities at PeepsFest in Bethlehem Dec. 30-31

From a press release: Working at Just Born Quality Confections may be the sweetest job in the Lehigh Valley, and now kids will have the opportunity to get a taste of that fun by role playing as they create Peeps chick rainbow pops at the 10th anniversary of PeepsFest at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem on […]

 Rich Howells

PHOTOS: Lackawanna Arts Festival in Scranton with James Brown Dance Party, Rogue Chimp, and more, 08/04/18

PHOTOS: Lackawanna Arts Festival in Scranton with James Brown Dance Party, Rogue Chimp, and more, 08/04/18

On Saturday, Aug. 4, the area’s largest arts festival, Arts on the Square, returned to Lackawanna County Courthouse Square for the sixth year with a new name during a new weekend of events centered in downtown Scranton. Now called the Lackawanna Arts Festival, the free outdoor event created by ScrantonMade and Lackawanna County moved from […]