Northeast PA pulls out all the stops for Independence Day. Things to do July 4th weekend near Scranton run the gamut from concerts and chicken barbecues to parades and picnics. Experience it all with a long holiday weekend getaway to Hotel Anthracite. A stay along historic Main Street in Carbondale puts you at the center of all the action. Remember to download our free Northeastern Pennsylvania Destination Guide to help you navigate the area like a local.
Saturday
Spend some time exploring historic Carbondale. Bring your own bikes or take advantage of the Bike Share Program at the hotel. Spend the afternoon pedaling around town and along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. From the access point two blocks from Hotel Anthracite you can bike, or walk, part of the 70-mile trail system that connects more than 30 communities in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne and Luzerne Counites. The Carbondale Riverwalk, a 3.5-mile loop trail, takes visitors to the neighboring town of Simpson and connects with the D & H Rail-Trail to the north. Walking, jogging and biking are permitted on the recreational trail. The trailhead is also located adjacent to the new Carbondale YMCA Park and very near the site of the Gravity Railroad, which famously transported anthracite coal from Carbondale to Honesdale.
Then in the evening, Hotel Anthracite takes its 4th of July celebration to the next level. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Jeffrey James Band will perform an open-air concert atop the parking garage. The band has gained a large local following in its 40 years of playing for crowds in Northeast PA and beyond. They’re known for their medleys, which always entice audiences to dance and sing along. Expect to hear popular songs from every era and genre from the ‘50s through today. Food and drink specials enhance the party-like atmosphere. At 9:30 p.m. the focus shifts to the skies. You’ll have a front-row seat to Carbondale’s 4th of July fireworks display, which lights up the night above City Hall. There’s a $10 cover charge to attend this not-to-be-missed event of the summer.
Sunday
Merli-Sarnoski County Park is a gem, and just four miles from downtown Carbondale. Among its 840 acres is a 35-acre mountain lake with a sandy beach great for swimming and a pier for fishing. If you’re looking to be more active, there are 16 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Other amenities in the park include a boat launch, soccer field, basketball court, picnic area with grills and two playgrounds.
For an authentic farm experience, make your way to Lakeland Orchard and Cidery. What began as a small orchard in neighboring Scott Township has grown into a full-fledged seasonal theme park of sorts. From June 29-July 23, the farm hosts Summer Fest. The month-long celebration features live lumberjack shows every weekend. Visitors may enjoy pours from local wineries and breweries while listening to live music. Orchard food turns blue highlighting everything from blueberry lavender lemonade to blueberry donuts and blueberry lavender ice cream. Permanent attractions include a select number of vintage amusement rides, axe throwing, a cider garden, one-mile train ride, a giant corn box, pumpkin bounce, duck races, yard games, a goat corral and much more.
Monday
The Electric City lights up for the 4th of July. Scrantastic Spectacular spills out around Courthouse Square in Scranton. Everyone gathers with lawn chairs and blankets for an epic picnic. Arrive early and enjoy a wide variety of food vendors, which encircle the area. There’s everything from pizza and potato pancakes to burgers and brownie sundaes. A host of children’s activities and games keeps the younger set occupied until the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic takes the stage to perform a patriotic outdoor concert. Around 9:30 p.m. a gigantic fireworks display provides the grand finale to a treasured community celebration.
Tuesday
Beloved small-town traditions are among the many things to do July 4th weekend near Scranton. The celebration in Montrose is reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. The charming community hosts multiple vendors on its Village Green from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors may shop the offerings of local artisans, pick up farm fresh produce and indulge in favorite carnival fare. Staples of the celebration include the Independence Race 5K and the annual chicken barbecue sponsored by the Kiwanis and Lions Club. At 11 a.m. all eyes are on the America’s Spirit-Serving Our Community Patriotic Parade that streams through the streets. A fireworks display at dusk caps off the day-long festivities.
Similar celebrations are held in Pleasant Mount. The Susquehanna County community begins the day with the Firecracker 5K, which welcomes runners and walkers. After the race, everyone gathers to watch the patriotic parade, which is followed by food and music filled festivities at The Pleasant Mount Community Center.
America’s pastime is a great way to wrap up your long holiday weekend. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders play at home on July 4th. The New York Yankees AAA affiliate takes on long-time rival Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at PNC Field in Moosic. The beautiful stadium carved into Montage Mountain is a spectacular venue for big league action with a small-town atmosphere. A giant fireworks display sends out the 4th of July with a bang.
Every Day
Make Hotel Anthracite your home base while enjoying all the things to do July 4th weekend near Scranton. Between activities rest and relax in first-class accommodations. A wonderful deluxe continental breakfast is included and will provide the fuel for your adventures. Be sure to set aside time for a leisurely dinner at Kol Grill. Our on-site restaurant features a casually elegant dining room or outdoor seating in the courtyard. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a 4th of July getaway in Northeast PA.