Hello everyone!

Happy August! As we head into the homestretch of the summer of ’25, we’re happy to report that there’s a plethora of great things to see and do this month happening all around Visit Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania!

Tonight, August 1, the 20th annual Scranton Jazz Festival kicks off in Steamtown and will offer three incredible days of jazz, including a performance by the legendary Tower of Power. The festival takes place at multiple venues and will feature more than 80 musicians. Visit Luzerne County recently sat down with event founder Marko Marcinko to talk all about the festival’s rich history and this year’s lineup. You can watch it here.

August also traditionally brings us two of Luzerne County’s biggest food festivals: the Plymouth Kielbasa Festival and the Pittston Tomato Festival. Plymouth’s event will take place on August 8 and 9 with lots of food vendors, live music, and of course, kielbasa! (A poll of our staff indicates that two prefer “fresh,” while three prefer “smoked.” At the Plymouth Kielbasa Festival, they’ll have plenty of both.) Pittston’s annual pasta bash runs from August 21–24 and it, too, will feature plenty of food vendors, live music, and carnival rides. Visit Luzerne County is a proud sponsor of both events!

In Hazleton, the fabulous “Rockin’ the Mountain” music series resumes on August 1 with a performance by ABBAFAB, a tribute to ABBA. On August 8, it’s Winslow: An Evening of the Eagles, and on August 15it’s Peluche Tipico. And this month at Mohegan Pennsylvania’s “Party on the Patio,”youcan catch The Amish Outlaws and tributes to The Police, Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, and REO Speedwagon/Journey.

NEPA’s biggest musical event this month will take place on August 23, when the City of Wilkes-Barrehostsits third annual free “Summer Concert on Public Square” featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates. Oates, with his former partner Daryl Hall, scored six No. 1 hits, 29 Top-40 hits, andisconsidered part of the most successful pop duo of all time. Up for a free show that might feature “Sarah Smile,” “She’s Gone,” "Kiss on My List," “Private Eyes," "I Can't Go for That,” "Maneater," and "Out of Touch?" If so, just head to Public Square on 8/23! Visit Luzerne County is a major sponsor of the concert.

Other great events happening in August include NEPA’s Day Downtown on August 2 in Wilkes-Barre; the Riverfront Parks Committee’s “Dragon Boat Races” on August 17; the Hazleton Rotary’s “Beer & Wine Festival” on August 23 at City View Park; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s “Rhythm & Wine” at the Moonlight Drive-In on August 23; the Back Mountain Triathlon on August 24; and the Wyoming Valley Run on August 31.

Didn’t we say it was a jam-packed month? So many choices!

Plus, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have 15 home games at PNC Field! And, if you prefer to spend some time with Mother Nature, remember to check out one of Luzerne County’s four great state parks: Frances Slocum, Lehigh Gorge State, Nescopeck State Park, and Ricketts Glen. It’s a great time of year to catch some shade and hit the trails!

Enjoy!

Alan, Sheena, Kyle, Gaye and David

The 2025 Visitors Guide IS HERE! Click on the Cover to get yourS!

Click on the images for more details and information.

For a list of all events going on in August, visit the events calendar on our website. Click the picture above for more information.