Special Events
Steamtown National Historic Site
4 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. 570-340-5200. www.nps.gov/stea
The "Scranton Limited" short train excursions ($5.00, ages 6 and older, plus Park Entrance Fee) begin on April 28 and are scheduled to operate on select days through November 30, 2012 on a first-come basis. Also, Locomotive Cab Rides may be offered on the day you visit ($35, plus Park Entrance Fee, minimum age 16) Reservations are not available for the "Scranton Limited" or Locomotive Cab Rides. Times: Wednesday through Sunday: 10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 12:15 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.; 2:15 p.m.
Everhart Museum of Natural History - "Posing Beauty in African American Culture" Exhibit
1901 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA 18510. 570-346-7186. www.everhart-museum.org
Exhibit on display from February 3 through April 1, 2012. On loan from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Posing Beauty explores contemporary understandings of beauty by framing the notion of aesthetics, race, class and gender within art, popular culture, and polical contexts. This exhibit features approximately 84 works drawn from public and private collections and is accompanied by a book published by W.W. Norton.
"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" Exhibit on display from February 3 through April 1, 2012. Students from throughout Northeast Pennsylvania were invited to submit self portraits and other work as they explored the notion, "what is beauty?"as a means to illustrate how contemporary youth see themselves and their cultural identities.
Scranton Ghost Walk hits the streets.
ScrantonGhostWalk.com, 570-383-9297, Reservations requierd.
Scranton's been called one of the most haunted cities in America!!
Scranton Ghost Walks are scheduled five or more evenings each week. At dusk the ghostly tour of beautiful historic downtown Scranton begins. Because of Scranton's history of tragic deaths, mine disasters, union busting massacres, private police squads, corruption & poverty, many Scranton locations are deemed to be haunted. Most of the locations have been certified by several different local paranormal investigation groups such as Apostles Alley Paranormal and others. The Ghost Walk lasts about 90 minutes. Spooky tales of Scranton's paranormal history are revealed on an exciting, educational and fun historic Ghost Walk. Scranton's haunted stories and legends are blended with bits of human interest and surprising facts about the historic district, covering the most famous spots in the city. The Ghost Walk takes you to historic places with humor and history, emotion and education to where the spookiest supernatural visions have been repeatedly reported with a knowledgeable ghost hunter guide. Some of the sites mentioned or visited during the tour include the Everhart Museum, Lackawanna Station Hotel, Masonic Temple (Scranton Cultural Center), Albright Library, Banshee Pub, Andy Gavins Pub, Farley's Pub, the Jason Miller Statue, the George Washington Statue, Dix Court fire, the Houdini Museum, the Trolley Museum, the John Mitchell Memorial, the Lackawanna Court House and others.
"Haunted! Mind Mysteries & THE Beyond."
The Houdini Museum Theater, Scranton, PA. Psychic Theater's long running theatrical production held over for the fifth consecutive year, "Haunted! Mind Mysteries & THE Beyond." April, May and June, evenings at 7:00 PM, July and August, evenings at 8:00 p.m., on stage of The Houdini Museum Theater. The presentation features paranormalist Dick Brooks (http://MysteryEntertainer.com) and psychic investigator Dorothy Dietrich. $35.00 a ticket by reservation only. Presentation: 3 1/2 hours. Website: (http://Houdini.org) More info at PsychicTheater.com. Easy to get to, take I-81 to exit 190 (Main Ave) left two miles to 1433 N. Main Ave. It is easy to find with a free parking in lot behind the building. For More Info Please Call (570) 383-9297.
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs - Live Harness Racing
1280 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA. 18702. 888-946-4672
Wanna Bet? Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs always has the most action-packed, down-to-the-wire, harness racing. Opening date is April 3 to closing date November 17, 2012. Kentucky Derby May 5; Preakness May 19; Belmont June 9. www.mohegansunpocono.com The Crossings Premium Outlets - Presidents' Day Sale
1000 Premium Outlets Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372 570-629-4650. www.premiumoutlets.com
February 17-20, 2012, 10:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Added savings at participating stores featuring 100 designer and brand name stores including Calvin Klein, Coach, Guess, Kenneth Cole and many more! Exit 299 off I-80. ANNUAL EVENTS Winter
Santa Parade
Santa takes some time out of his busy schedule to visit the Electric City to pick up his mail and act as the grand marshal of the parade.
Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees at the Lackawanna County Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff Street, Scranton. This annual event benefits the Toys for Tots Campaign. Beautifully decorated trees will adorn the museum for the entire month of December into first week of January.
The Nutcracker
Annual production presented by the Ballet Theatre of Scranton and Marywood University at Marywood’s Sette LaVerghetta Theatre. Performances are given free of charge as a gift to the northeast Pennsylvania community.
Holiday Express
Visit Steamtown National Historic Site during December and travel to the "North Pole" on board a steam-powered train ride to the old Elf’s wintry workshop. Santa and his helpers will board the train to welcome everyone on the delightful evening visit to the "icy north."
Holiday Light Spectacular
Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park, Scranton. Over 100 holiday light displays depicting scenes of the season from end of November to first week of January. Display is in area across from the Everhart Museum. No fee but donations are accepted. For more information, please call 570-348-4186.
Christmas in a Small Town Train
Santa’s Train is coming to town! The young and young at heart are invited to spend some time with Santa as he rolls into town on the Santa Train. At all six stops, everyone is welcome to enjoy free fun filled holiday activities. Don’t miss this great opportunity to give Santa your wish list as he heads back to the North Pole!!! Santa’s Train is open to the public at no charge. Please note: This is not an excursion. For more information, please call 570-963-6730, extension 8200. Station Stops: Carbondale at Pioneer City Station, Archbald at Pike Street, Jessup at Station Park, Olyphant at Queen City Station, Dickson City at Enterprise Avenue and Scranton State Building Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton.
Holiday Train at Steamtown NHS
The annual Canadian Pacific Railroad Holiday Train begins its tour at the Steamtown National Historic Site in downtown Scranton. This brightly decorated 13-car freight train collects food and money and raises awareness for local food banks. The train pulls empty box cars and vintage private rail cars holding professional musicians and Santa!
First Night
Downtown Scranton New Year’s Eve! Ring in the new year at the best party in Lackawanna County. The streets of historic Scranton come alive on December 31st. A non-alcoholic celebration of arts and culture. It offers a wonderful selection of musical talents from folk singers and swing bands to rock-and-roll and polka! In addition to great music, all ages will enjoy the many other venue-hopping events. Many restaurants will be open during the festivities. Evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display! Phone: 570-963-0524.
Spring
St Patrick’s Day Parade
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s day in Scranton, PA! Make plans to attend America’s 4th largest St. Patrick’s day parade and celebration. The parade and events take place the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day.
Riverfest
Canoe-a-thon, Duck-a-thon and Regatta, are Riverfest! Canoeists, kayakers and paddlers, will be out on the Lackawanna River. Start in Mellow Park, Blakely and Maslyar Park, Archbald and arrive at the Scranton Finish Line for a full-day of fun.
The Race of the Saints
St. Ubaldo Day or known in Italian as "La Festa dei Ceri" is a very colorful and enthusiastic celebration in which three Saints' statues, St. Ubaldo, St. George and St. Anthony are placed atop two connected octagonal wooden prisms and are quickly carried throughout the streets of the town. In 1911, St. Ubaldo Day or "La Festa dei Ceri" was transplanted to Jessup by the immigrants from Gubbio. Gubbio, Italy and Jessup, PA are the only places in the world that play host to this celebration!
Summer
Bocce Invitational
Lackawanna County Commissioners PA Bocce Tournament, annual event, will be held at McDade Park in June.
Queen City Nights
Annual festival held in Olyphant PA during July. Live entertainment, food vendors, rides and games for children and a good time for all to enjoy. Gigantic fireworks display ends the evening on the last night.
Pioneer Nights
Downtown historic Carbondale, this annual block party during August takes place around City Hall on Main Street. Great food, games and live music every night!
St. Ann’s Solemn Novena
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Ann, 1239 St. Ann’s Street, Scranton, held annually on July 17-26, the internationally known special place of worship draws thousands of pilgrims from all corners of the world to this holy ground, who gather to honor St Ann.
NASCAR
Pocono/Pennsylvania 400. The NASCAR Series is underway and it won't be long until the world’s best stock car drivers are roaring around Pocono Raceway's 2.5 mile super speedway at speeds reaching 200 mph! In the heart of the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania, just off I-80 at exit 284. Call 800-722-3929 for more information.
Philharmonic & Fireworks
The NEPA Philharmonic performs its annual "Philharmonic & Fireworks" concert in Downtown Scranton during July. The program will consist of traditional patriotic selections with a fireworks display immediately following the performance at sundown.
Scranton Jazz Festival
Music fills the air in Downtown Scranton in August at this celebration of Jazz and Blues.
La Festa Italiana
Northeastern Pennsylvania's largest celebration of Italian culture and cuisine! Enjoy the food, music and culture that characterize Italian heritage on Labor Day Weekend, (Saturday through Monday) on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. There is something for everyone! A mass in Italian will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m. in St. Peter's Cathedral on Sunday. For additional information, http://www.lafestaitaliana.org/.
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament held at PNC Field, Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, PA. Click here for more information.
Fall
Race for the Cure
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation annual Race for the Cure during September is the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world which raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Website: http://www.komen.org/ or 1-800-650-CURE.
Steamtown Marathon
Held annually on Columbus Day Weekend is a 26 mile, 385 yard, foot race. The course drops 955 feet in elevation from start to finish and is certified to USATF standards. The Steamtown Marathon is an official qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. It also benefits St. Joseph’s Center, Scranton. The center assists children who are neurologically impaired-multiple handicapped. Website: http://www.steamtownmarathon.com/. Email: racecommittee@hotmail.com.
Heritage Valley Station Stops
Tour the Lackawanna Valley on board a Heritage Valley Station Stops excursion. Revisit the past with a relaxing and nostalgic journey into the heart of the Anthracite (Hard Coal) region. |
