First Posted: 5/12/2015
As you’re getting ready to do all sorts of fun things this weekend, keep in mind some of these totally affordable happenings around NEPA. From walking around the beautiful downtowns of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre and exploring new and local artists, to checking out well-kept and classic cars there’s something for everyone. This weekend there are several opportunities to throw back a beer or margarita for some good causes and the chance to get tatted up — temporarily.
Fiesta for Amandarose: Free! From 5 to 9 p.m. on May 14, Tequila Mexican Bar and Grill, 320 Penn Ave. Scranton, will host a fiesta in honor of a Honesdale native and Marywood University 2010 graduate. On Thursday, 25 percent of proceeds will be donated to Amandarose to help her and her family offset the cost of medical expenses. Amandarose was diagnosed with Choroidal Melanoma, a rare cancer. For more info contact Andrea Gross at ajustinegross@gmail.com or at 607-725-1904.
A night of hip-hop: $5. Local hip-hop artist and poet, CrimZn, will host a night of hiphop music on May 16 at Diane’s Deli, 206 South Main St. Pittston. Performances by CrimZn & TaliA, Vicious Fam, ILL Malotta, Juke Drastik and Deb J will perform beginning at 10 p.m.
A night with Elvis: $19. Did you miss the King when he was alive? Now’s your chance to experience what it was like to see him in concert. On May 15, the Scranton Cultural Center and JZ Tours presents Shawn Klush ‘The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular.’ The show features special guests from the Sweet Inspirations, original back-up singers to the real Elvis Presley. Tickets start at $19. To make reservations, visit www.scrantonculturalcenter.org.
Fine Arts Fiesta: Free! Beginning Thursday, downtown Wilkes-Barre will come alive with artists, performers and vendors. Stop by the 60th annual event and listen to free music and take in all the sights. Of course, food, drinks and wares will cost you a little extra, but people watching is totally free.
Third Friday Art Walk: Free! Downtown Wilkes-Barre and Public Square is the place to be this weekend. The monthly third Friday is back and this month, an artist specializing in buttons, is featured. Peruse work showcased by local artists. The event begins at 5 p.m. and concludes at 8 p.m.
Car Cruise: Free! But bring some dollars to purchase raffle tickets. There is music and giveaways and, of course, lots of impressive cars. The event is sponsored by the Villa Capri Cruisers at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Ave., in Scranton from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 15. For more information, call 570-851-8633.
USA Pour Tour: Free! At 2 p.m. on May 16, the Susquehanna Brewing Co. 635 S. Main St., Pittston, hosts Todd Ruggere, founder of USA Pour Tour. Ruggere is travelling the country sampling beers and raising money for cancer awareness. The brewery will have basket raffles and part of the gift shop proceeds that day will be donated to the Pour Tour. Donations are accepted.
Lacawac’s Amazing GeoRace: $15, $20. Get your puzzle-solving skills ready for a geocache adventure. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the racing beginning at 10 a.m. May 16 at the Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. A post-race event with awards, raffle drawings and family-friendly activities will follow. For more info contact 570-689-9494 or register online at www.lacawac-outreach.org
Salamander Hunt: $5. How fun does this sound? Bring the kids (or a flask) and search for the creepy crawlies from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on May 16 through the grounds of the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Seriously, you can really do this. If you need to verify or want more info, call 570-629-3061.
Wine Wednesdays: Free! Are you a plan-ahead kind of person? Than this one’s for you. From 4 to 6 p.m. on May 20, the Premium Collection Wine and Spirits Store, 2151 Memorial Highway in Dallas, will host a wine tasting. Samples of award-winning Asian Pear wines are offered. Additionally, there will be some pear-themed appetizers to snack on. Bottles of the wine are available for purchase. For more info about pear wines visit winesofsubarashii.com.
