Black Scranton Project’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & 5th Birthday! In Black Scranton Project’s efforts to build tradition and community, they present, for the 5th consecutive year, the annual Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 12 PM-5 PM. Join all at the Black Scranton Project Center for Arts & Culture (BSPCAC) for music, food, games, giveaways, and more, as we honor Black culture, tradition, and perseverance; observe Freedom Day; and celebrate BSP’s 5th birthday! This year’s Juneteenth celebration will feature free roller skating and skate rental, vendors, crafts, and activities for the whole family. At this free, family-friendly event, guests will enjoy a day of fun, community, and discovery for all ages. Black Scranton invites neighbors, businesses, community partners, and friends to participate in the Freedom Day celebration!
Mohegan Pennsylvania Presents Summer Fun Kick-Off featuring a Tribute to Queen At 7:30pm at Mohegan Sun Pennsylvania, Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen takes the stage with a classic set guests won’t want to miss! They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports guests back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. This deliberate four-piece band is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. Almost Queen’s impressive tribute to Queen is nothing short of breathtaking. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision will leave music fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Tickets to the Hot Summer Fun Kick-Off featuring Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen go on sale Friday, May 24th via ticketmaster.com. Guests looking to use Momentum Dollars and all other forms of payment to purchase tickets can visit the Box Office located at the Hotel Front Desk. For the safety and security of all Mohegan Pennsylvania guests and team members, all bags and persons are subject to search. Glass bottles, outside food & drink, portable chairs and weapons of any kind are prohibited in the event area. Bags and purses will not be allowed in the event area. Small 4×6 clutch purses with or without a strap will be permitted. All guests must be 21+ to attend. Valid identification required for entry. Additionally, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification is required (driver’s license, passport, military ID). Expired identification will not be accepted.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host 5th Annual NEPA Gives The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Monroe County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors, will host the fifth annual NEPA Gives event from Thursday, June 6, until Friday, June 7, 2024.Promoted as the largest philanthropy event in Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Gives is a 24-hour online giving extravaganza that’s all about giving back to the community. NEPA Gives aims to raise awareness about the critical work nonprofit organizations carry out across the region and help charitable organizations raise much-needed funds. Over 250 nonprofit organizations from eight counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania will participate in NEPA Gives. Donations to participating nonprofit organizations are accepted at nepagives.org from 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in matching funds, incentives, and prizes have been secured, provided by various community partners, businesses, and sponsors that make donations to participating nonprofits during NEPA Gives stretch even further. “Because of support from our generous sponsors, it only costs a nonprofit organization a little bit over $2.00 to raise $100,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Unsurprisingly, over 250 local nonprofits participate in NEPA Gives every year.” Adding to the excitement, there will be in-person events to celebrate NEPA Gives across the region. A NEPA Gives kickoff event, hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation and the Luzerne Foundation in partnership with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and many participating local nonprofit organizations, will be held on Thursday, June 6, from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. during the RailRiders baseball game at PNC Field. Be part of the action for a night of baseball, NEPA Gives excitement and family fun as the RailRiders take on the Norfolk Tides! The game begins at 6:35 PM. A limited number of specially priced tickets are available for purchase through the Scranton Area Community Foundation to join in the NEPA Gives celebration and an exclusive party at the Kost Tire & Auto Pavilion at PNC Field. Tickets cost $40.00 per ticket, including an all-you-can-eat buffet and special seating along the third base line. To purchase tickets for this event, visit nepagives.org/info/openingevents. On Friday, June 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Scranton Area Community Foundation will be hosting a NEPA Gives Block Party and closing celebration on the 100 Block of Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. This free-admission event features live entertainment, food trucks, games, and fun for all ages. Engage with some of the participating nonprofit organizations, learn about their important work, and how you can help support them during NEPA Gives. Food is available for purchase from vendors, including Butcher Bob’s BBQ, The Hilton Scranton, Jitty Joe’s Ice Cream and Candy Trucks, and more. Additionally, there will be NEPA Gives kickoff events in Hawley and Stroudsburg. The Wayne County Community Foundation and The Greater Pike Community Foundation, in partnership with Settlers Hospitality, will be hosting a NEPA Gives opening celebration at Grants Woods @ Settlers Inn in Hawley (4 Main Avenue, Hawley) on Thursday, June 6, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. This event is open to the public and includes live music, refreshments, kid-friendly activities, and opportunities to interact with representatives from local nonprofits participating in NEPA Gives. The Monroe County Community Foundation is hosting a NEPA Gives kickoff event at The Willowtree Inn and Restaurant in Stroudsburg (601 Ann Street, Stroudsburg) on Thursday, June 6, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. In addition to opportunities to interact with local nonprofit organizations participating in NEPA Gives, this event will include light refreshments, signature food, a cash bar and drink specials, and giveaways. More information about these events can be found at nepagives.org/info/liveevents. NEPA Gives is hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Monroe County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors. Support for NEPA Gives is provided by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Schwartz Mack Foundation, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, Minooka Subaru, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, the Robert and Rose Cavanaugh Fund to Feed the Hungry Poor, Houghton Chemical Corporation, the Honesdale National Bank, Neighborly, Wayne Bank, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Center City Print, PDQ, Cardinal LG, Benco Dental, NET Credit Union, and more. Media partners include Cumulus Media, Audacy, WNEP-TV, WBRE/WYOU TV, FOX56, WVIA, Lamar Advertising, Times-Shamrock Communications, and Pocono Television Network. “NEPA Gives is all about supporting the charities that are doing important work right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Ducceschi said. “We have teamed up with various community partners and businesses eager to provide support for NEPA Gives, and we are thrilled to announce that we have secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in incentives, bonuses, and matching funds available to participating nonprofits, which helps make charitable donations go further during NEPA Gives. This year, we are looking forward to gathering in person in downtown Scranton and during the RailRiders baseball game at PNC Field to celebrate the momentum of NEPA Gives and highlight the generosity of our region and the good work of the many nonprofits taking part in NEPA Gives.” Community members wishing to contribute during NEPA Gives can visit nepagives.org anytime between 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, and 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, to make a secure donation to any of the 250+ participating nonprofit organizations. Participating nonprofit organizations include the Women’s Resource Center, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Saint Joseph’s Center, NeighborWorks Northeastern PA, CHOP Out Hunger, Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA, Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center, and hundreds more. This is the fifth year for NEPA Gives, which has raised over $4 million for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the past four years. These events also coincide with the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 70th anniversary of creating charitable connections in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Hosts Howie Mandel this October At Mohegan Pennsylvania on Friday, October 18th, distinguished comedian, current America’s Got Talent judge and former Deal or No Deal host, Howie Mandel, is set to bring his talents to the Keystone Grand Ballroom. Doors for this can’t-miss performance open at 6:30pm and the laughs begin at 8:00pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 24th at 10:00am via TicketMaster. Tickets can also be purchased with Momentum Dollars and all other forms of payment at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Box Office located at the Hotel Front Desk, subject to availability. Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years. He can currently be seen on NBC’s flagship series America’s Got Talent, where he has served as a judge for eleven seasons. He recently finished production on his new documentary Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me. Other recent projects include judging NBC’s America’s Got Talent: The Champions, CNBC’s Deal or No Deal, where he served as executive producer and host, and Nat Geo Wild’s Animals Doing Things, where he co-hosted with his son, Alex. He also executive produced the Quibi series Kirby Jenner. In 2019, he released his first solo special in 20 years, Howie Mandel Presents Howie Mandel at the Howie Mandel Comedy Club. Mandel has done countless comedy specials both on cable and network television. He has also hosted his own syndicated talk show, The Howie Mandel Show, and is a mainstay on the talk show circuit. He continues to perform as many as 200 standup comedy shows each year throughout the U.S. and Canada. This is an all-ages show. However, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are 21+ including the hotel, casino floor, and most restaurants. All attendees under 21 must be accompanied by an adult, enter via the hotel and convention center entrance, and proceed directly to the Keystone Grand Ballroom.
The Wright’s Center Ryan White Clinic Presenting the Annual Pridefest Parade The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White HIV Clinic will be the presenting sponsor for the Northeast Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance’s annual Pridefest Parade and Celebration in downtown Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, June 23. The parade begins at noon, with the celebration to follow on Public Square until 4 p.m. The Northeast Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families who are LGBTQ+ while working to advance fairness and equality. The Rainbow Alliance envisions a future where all people in the region can live openly and free from fear, and where individuals, organizations, and businesses work collaboratively to build an equal, inclusive community. The formation for the parade begins at 11 a.m., near East South and South Main streets, two blocks off Public Square. The program includes more than 75 vendors, drag performances, and more. For more information, go to RainbowAlliance.org/Pridefest. For almost 25 years, The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White HIV Clinic has been providing comprehensive whole-person primary health and support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including integrated primary care, medication assistance, case management, mental health, and other support services. The Ryan White Clinic offers services at The Wright Center for Community Health locations in Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., and Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and serves Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, and Monroe counties.
Settlers Hospitality 8th Annual Wally Wine Fest Visitors to the Settlers Hospitality 8th Annual Wally Wine Fest, May 31-June 2, at the Waterfront at Silver Birches can soak in all the festivities lakeside. For the first time, the event will feature indoor and outdoor activities including two stages with live music. Wally Wine Fest draws thousands of attendees over three days to sample vintages from more than 100 domestic and international labels. Wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest are represented as well as varietals grown and produced in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Holding Wally Wine Fest this time of year allows us to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces at Silver Birches,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “We’ll have a tent on the lakeside lawn with wine samplings and vendors to shop.” Claude Briere, sommelier for Settlers Hospitality, personally selects each wine. Briere is a renowned wine expert who travels the globe as a consultant and lecturer advising on wine selections, pairings and service. Novice wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample a variety of pours and discover which wine suits their palate. Wine connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to interact one-on-one with wine makers, restauranteurs and sommeliers who are knowledgeable in flavor profiles, can discuss the differences among wine, grapes and varietals, plus point out the notes to be enjoyed for each. Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. With prices ranging from $10-$100, there’s something to match every taste and budget. An indoor and outdoor marketplace will overflow with fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers– all available for purchase. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. Grain to Glory will showcase its handcrafted wooden American flags. A Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s Fourth of July Fireworks and features overnight stays at some of the area’s finest accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Satellite events at other Hawley area venues extend the Wally Wine Fest celebration. On Friday, May 31, The Settlers Inn hosts a Spring Has Sprung Wine Dinner featuring pairings with the finest flavors of the season in a five-course meal. The Settlers Inn will also offer a Bubbly Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel will present a special Cali Wine Tasting Dinner menu all weekend long featuring dishes such as grilled octopus and poached pheasant paired with fine Napa Valley wines. Wally Wine Fest at Silver Birches runs from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Everyone who attends receives a commemorative wine glass. Admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door and includes 15 sampling tickets. The sampling tickets may be exchanged for wine tastings. A $50 VIP admission allows entry to the festival one hour early and 25 sampling tickets. The $200 Platinum admission price offers early entry, increases the sampling tickets to 25 and includes a seat at the Spring Has Sprung Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn on May 31. Admission for designated drivers is $20. Tickets are available at wallywinefest.com
Scranton Cultural Center Announces Comedian Nick Swardson This November at the Scranton Cultural Center, brace yourselves for a comedy show like no other as comedian Nick Swardson embarks on his new stand-up tour, Toilet Head. Renowned for his unfiltered humor and razor-sharp wit, Swardson promises to tackle the hard-hitting issues of our time, from the discomforts of diarrhea to the highs and lows of edibles, all the way to the enigmatic charm of Norm MacDonald. Produced by Live Nation, the 37-city tour kicks off in September making stops across the U.S., with a performance at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 23 at 7:00 PM. The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. With a career spanning over 26 years, Nick Swardson has cemented his status as a comedy legend. From his memorable collaborations with Adam Sandler to his scene-stealing role as Terry in “Reno 911,” and his unforgettable performances in cult classics like “Grandma’s Boy” and “Bucky Larson,” Swardson’s comedic prowess knows no bounds. Not to mention his own comedic creations, including Comedy Central’s “Pretend Time” and “Typical Rick.” As he gears up for his sixth stand-up special, audiences can expect nothing short of an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, surprises, and perhaps a few unexpected smells along the way. Nick Swardson’s unique brand of comedy transcends the ordinary, offering audiences an escape into a world where hilarity reigns supreme. For a full tour schedule, visit nickswardson.net Tickets start at $48.20. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and a cash bar and concessions will be available. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning May 17 at 10:00 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
