La Festa Italiana Set for Labor Day Weekend in Scranton, PA

For Italians and anyone who simply enjoys great food, lively entertainment and the Italian culture and spirit, all roads lead to Scranton, PA this Labor Day weekend.

La Festa Italiana will be held Friday through Monday, Aug. 30 through Sept. 2, 2024 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.

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 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 will be available.

Friday’s (Aug. 30) headline entertainment on Alfredo’s Cafe’ Main Stage includes Ray Massa’s Eurorythms Italian Show Band and Picture Perfect.

Saturday (Aug. 31) features The Cameos, New Jersey’s Favorite Oldies Group, and a Billy Joel Tribute.

Sunday (Sept. 1) 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 Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Tribute Show featuring Chris DiMattio and Las Vegas’ Andy DiMino with Ken McGraw’s Brass & Ivory Big Band.

Sunday night will be capped off by fireworks brought to us by Dickson City Hyundai.

On Monday (Sept. 2) the stage will feature 99-years-young and WWII Veteran Gene “Dempsey” Passarella Orchestra and POPSTAR Drive.

La Festa Italiana will literally hit the ground running with the 11th Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, Aug. 31, 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 college scholarships for West Scranton High School students. 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, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org, Facebook: La Festa Italiana di Lackawanna County, Instagram: lafestascranton or scan the QR code.