La Festa Italiana Set for Labor Day Weekend in Scranton As another summer heads for the horizon, fun seekers of all ages can still look forward to an annual treat that keeps the good vibes flowing.It’s getting to be that time for La Festa Italiana, four days of great food and lively entertainment served up in the Italian culture and spirit in Scranton, PA over Labor Day weekend. La Festa Italiana will be held Friday through Monday, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, 2025 on Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown Scranton, PA. Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The presenting sponsor is Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City, part of Jefferson Health.The festival is an annual celebration of culture, cuisine and continuous entertainment. Admission is free. Of course, there is the food, a mouth-watering variety tempting the taste buds! Among the many culinary delights is the famous porketta sandwich prepared by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the national Italian-American service organization. Another hot spot – literally – is the Cappuccino Café, where you can sip a creamy cup to go with your favorite Italian pastry. In between bites, people of all ages will enjoy Italian vocalists, artists and local bands as well as dance groups performing over four days and nights on three stages. In addition, crafts, Italian-themed clothing and novelties, a Heritage Park, bocce games, bounce rides for the kids and more will be available.The Alfredo’s Main Stage opening act on Friday (Aug. 29) will feature a tribute to recently deceased Paul LaBelle, leader of the Exact Change Band. Later that evening is the popular band Picture Perfect. The lineup on Saturday (Aug. 30) features The Cameos, New Jersey’s Favorite Oldies Group, and a Billy Joel Tribute. Sunday (Aug. 31) begins with the annual Mass in Italian at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, located one block from the festival site. The Mass will also be televised live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. The entertainment on Sunday includes a Connie Francis tribute and a Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Tribute Show featuring Chris DiMattio and Las Vegas’ Andy DiMino with Ken McGraw’s Brass & Ivory Big Band and several special guests. On Monday (Sept. 1) there will be a 100th birthday celebration for WWII Veteran Gene “Dempsey” Passarella, maestro of his namesake Orchestra. La Festa Italiana will literally hit the ground running with the 13th Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. The race is being sponsored by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the national Italian-American service organization, and proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania Christmas Party and college scholarships for students at Captain Minicozzi’s alma mater, West Scranton High School. To register in advance ($25) go to: runsignup.com/Minicozzi or on race day ($35) from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at corner of North Washington Avenue and Linden Street. For news and updates, including the festival entertainment schedule, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org, Facebook: La Festa Italiana di Lackawanna County, Instagram: lafestascranton.
Steamtown National Historic Site to Host Railfest on Labor Day Weekend Railfest is scheduled to return to Steamtown National Historic Site Labor Day Weekend, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29, 30 and 31, 2025. This year’s event will highlight significant milestones in the park’s history and locomotive collection. The weekend will center on the 100th birthday of Grand Trunk Western No. 6039, a steam locomotive built for high speed and longtime part of Steamtown’s collection. The park will also recognize the 30th anniversary of its 1995 grand opening to the public, a milestone following years of preparation after Congress established Steamtown as a unit of the National Park Service in 1986. For nearly 40 years, Steamtown has preserved and interpreted the history of steam railroading in the United States. Visitors can expect a variety of experiences, including train rides, locomotive displays, interactive exhibits and hands-on programs suitable for all ages. Community partner organizations are expected to participate, offering activities that connect visitors with railroad heritage and local history. A free shuttle will run between Steamtown National Historic Site and La Festa ltaliana, a popular Italian festival held in downtown Scranton the same weekend. The service will help visitors easily experience both events. Guests can also reach the park from Lackawanna Avenue via the Marketplace at Steamtown’s mall bridge walkway. Additional details about event schedules, activities and participating partners will be shared as the weekend approaches. For general information about the park, including hours and directions, visit www.nps.gov/ steamtown.
La Festa Italiana Set for Labor Day Weekend in Scranton La Festa Italiana is back! After the event was cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, La Festa is returning and will be held Labor Day weekend (Friday through Monday, September 3-6, 2021) on Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown Scranton, Pa. Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The festival committee is collaborating with the Lackawanna County Commissioners and the Mayor of Scranton’s Office to plan the event. COVID vaccines, masks and hand sanitizers will be available at no charge. A variety of vendors will be offering great Italian food and other items, and continuous live entertainment will be featured. There is no admission charge. This year’s presenting sponsor is the Lehigh Valley Health Network. Also returning this year are The Bronx Wanderers, La Festa’s main act on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Festival patrons will recall these talented guys from previous appearances. They have been performing in Las Vegas for several years. The Bronx Wanderers deliver a “Back to the Future” high-octane ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s rock n’ roll experience featuring the infectious energy of the music that skyrocketed classics like “American Graffiti,” “Happy Days” and “A Bronx Tale” to immediate success. Weave that nostalgic adrenalin into a soundtrack of the greatest hits of rock n’ roll replicated in a way that only a master record producer can achieve. Among the many other acts that will perform are The Cameos, comedian Uncle Floyd Vivino, Frank Sinatra tribute (Chris DiMattio), Dean Martin Tribute (Andy DiMino from Las Vegas), a Connie Francis tribute featuring Nikki Rasmus, Gene Dempsey Orchestra, Old Friends, Flaxy Morgan, Popstar Drive, Mike Lanza, The Luongo Brothers, The Wanabees, Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax, The Exact Change, Gerard Mayer Band, the Mark Montella Project featuring Erin Malloy, La Festa’s principal Italian tenor Michael Castaldo, Ballet Theatre of Scranton performing Italian-Folk street dances, plus many others including jugglers, magicians, street acts, favorite local bands and dance groups. The annual Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5, in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, located one block from the festival site. The Mass will also be televised live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. Fireworks presented by Dickson City Hyundai will be displayed on Sunday night. For more information, the complete entertainment schedule and updates, visit the festival website. La Festa Italiana will literally hit the ground running with the Ninth Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. The race is being sponsored by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the Italian-American service organization, and proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania Christmas Party and West Scranton High School Scholarship Program. Pre-register by September 1 online!
Lehigh Valley Health Network to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine at La Festa Italiana In an effort to get our community vaccinated, Lehigh Valley Health Network will be offering the COVID-19 vaccine at La Festa Italiana on Sunday, Sept. 5 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both the Johnson & Johnson and the Pfizer Vaccine will be available. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccinations provided by LVHN are free. To learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccines, visit LVHN.org/vaccines.
