Scranton Celebrates the Arts with Festivals and Events

The first full weekend of autumn promises pleasant weather and a series of community events across Scranton and other locales in Pennsylvania. With a focus on art, culture, and community engagement, the region is set to host a range of festivals and gatherings.

One of the highlights is the Scranton Fringe Festival, which kicks off at the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art. Running from Thursday through October 6, the festival marks its tenth anniversary with diverse performances, including theater, comedy, and interactive events. Conor Kelly O’Brien, co-founder and executive director, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Our events are mostly ticketed, but the 3D projection is free and open to everyone to come see while it’s on rotation throughout the two evenings.”

This year’s festivities will feature a range of activities, including a significant 3D art installation on the museum’s exterior. Notable events include a special 18+ gathering at the Everhart on Friday, and a staged reading of “Columbinus,” a play inspired by the 1999 Columbine High School tragedy, supported by Scranton native and Tony Award winner, Stephen Karam.

Elsewhere, on Sunday, the Community Bike Rodeo will take place at Stroudsburg High School. Hosted by Youth Infusion, the Kiwanis Club of the Poconos, and Daybreak and Stroud Recreation, the event aims to teach children about bike safety through fun activities. Elika Almeida, co-founder and executive director of Youth Infusion, emphasized the community focus of the event, stating, “The rodeo is really about connecting families to resources in the community.”

In Carbon County, the Jukebox Cruisers Car Club will be featuring at the Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Compan #1 with their monthly car cruise—a showcase of classic and modern vehicles. Debra Kunkel-Christman, the car club’s webmaster, remarked on the diversity of cars showcased, highlighting everything from restored barn finds to contemporary models.

Simultaneously, Lansford Alive, a nonprofit organization, will host its annual Fall Festival at Grace Community Church. The event will feature a block party atmosphere with classic cars, live entertainment, and various family-friendly activities, including pumpkin painting.

Further enriching the weekend lineup, the Festival of Wood will be held at the Grey Towers Heritage Association in Pike County. This unique event will showcase chainsaw carving art alongside vendors who produce “goods from the woods,” where Tracie Rohner, public affairs specialist, noted, “We want to show the work that goes into the things that people buy.”