This mid-September weekend has so much going on throughout the region.
In Lackawanna County, the Felittese Italian Festival is Friday through Sunday in Old Forge.
In Carbon County, there will be a rare opportunity to tour old Victorian homes and buildings Sunday in Jim Thorpe.
And a Saturday race in Luzerne County will raise funds for the historic Forty Fort Cemetery.
2nd Annual Forty Fort Cemetery 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run
“Preserving Our Past, One Step at a Time” is the slogan for the second annual Forty Fort Cemetery run and walk, stepping off Saturday at 9 a.m.
This is one of the oldest cemeteries in the region and some notable people are buried there. The impact of the 1972 Agnes Flood can be seen at a monument that was created to honor the graves that were washed away.
“A whirlpool formed right in the cemetery itself from the river. So there were thousands of graves that were just wiped out,” historian Bill Lewis said. “But a lot of the historic ones are still there, and they just tell the whole history of our area, as well as Pennsylvania.”
As the race begins, guides will give tours of the historic property which includes the Forty Fort Meeting House.
The event raises funds for the Forty Fort Cemetery Association, which maintains the grounds.
Race co-director Bob Bilbow says more than 400 people are signed up and more can register in person Saturday morning.
Forty Fort Cemetery Run/Walk
Saturday, Sept. 13
9 a.m.
20 River St., Forty Fort
Victorian Homes Tour of Jim Thorpe
Known as “The Switzerland of America,” Jim Thorpe attracts people from all over to see the architecture nestled in the mountains.
The Victorian homes on Broadway are more than 100 years old.
Sunday's Victorian Homes Tour hosted by the Dimmick Memorial Library will give visitors a chance to see the inside of the homes on this self-guided tour.
Those who have tickets will start at the Dimmick Memorial Library and receive a packet of instructions. The Immaculate Conception Church is on the tour as well as the Mauch Chunk Opera House and the Gilded Cupid Bed & Breakfast.
Admission to the Harry and Asa Packer mansions are also included with a ticket. Tours will be given from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the former home of Asa Packer, the railroad pioneer who was active in Pennsylvania politics.
Victorian Homes of Jim Thorpe Tour
Sunday, Sept. 14
12 - 5 p.m.
Dimmick Memorial Library
54 Broadway, Jim Thorpe
Felittese Italian Festival
Old Forge celebrates its connection with Felitto, Italy this weekend, which was made official in 2024 when they became sister cities.
The festival is Friday through Sunday with live entertainment — and, of course, Italian food.
Classic dishes like soffritto and tripe will be served, as well as food from local restaurants Cusumano and Revello’s Pizza.
The Felittese Association of Old Forge hosts this event on the same weekend a similar festival is held in Felitto, Italy.
Felittese Italian Festival
Friday, Sept. 12 - Sunday, Sept. 14
Felittese Chapel Grounds
145 3rd St., Old Forge
Other things to do this weekend:
- The Electric City Music Conference brings panels and educational sessions for musicians to Scranton Friday through Sunday. There will also be dozens of performances at various venues.
- Wilkes-Barre's Multicultural Parade and Festival is Saturday beginning at 12 p.m.
- Mohegan Pennsylvania is hosting the Rock & Brews Fall Festival Saturday starting at noon.
- A Touch a Truck event is happening Saturday at Lazybrook Park in Tunkhannock.
- The Scott Township Hose Company is hosting its September Chicken BBQ Saturday at noon.
- The Great NEPA Job Fair is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wyoming Valley Mall.
- It’s halfway to St. Patrick’s Day! The Irish band Donnybrook will play at All Saints Academy in Scranton Friday, and Breaker Brewing Company will have Irish music at its Wilkes-Barre and Archbald locations Saturday.
- The 30th Annual Lebanese Heritage Festival is Sunday in Scranton.
- The Dallas Harvest Festival brings family fun to Dallas High School Sunday.
