Celebrate all that fall has to offer in Downtown Scranton at the Block Party on N. Washington Avenue, Saturday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. We’re proud to host this event in partnership with Runway Boutique and our Business Development Committee as part of Scranton Tomorrow’s annual Fall into Downtown campaign.

Visitors to the Downtown enjoyed block parties on other Downtown streets in the past, including Penn Avenue and Biden Street. The events were so successful that organizers decided to continue the trend by bringing the fun to N. Washington Avenue. “Events like these are wonderful for downtown businesses because the retailers and restaurants are the focal point,” said Amy Salvatori, owner of Runway Boutique, 128 N. Washington Avenue. “Shopping and dining downtown is a great experience because it’s so walkable. You can park and everything you need is within a short walking distance. There’s a lot of variety, too. You’ll find shops with women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, giftware, and plenty of restaurants, and they’re all close together.”

The Block Party on N. Washington will feature sidewalk sales (weather permitting), live music, food, children’s activities, and more. Participating businesses include: Bar Pazzo, Empanada King, The Garden Mediterranean Café, Mutant Brewing, New Laundry, Over the Moon, Raintree, and Runway Boutique.

“We encourage everyone to spend Saturday, October 19, in the business district and experience the fun of supporting local,” said Liz Baldi, business development director, Scranton Tomorrow. “People of all ages will find something they enjoy. There will be family-friendly activities for children and special retail promotions between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Participating restaurants will be open until 9 p.m. for a great date night or dinner with friends.”

For updates on the Block Party on N. Washington Avenue, follow Scranton Tomorrow on Facebook and check out our blog.

Let’s Go!

The new Christopher A. Doherty Pocket Park, on the corner of Wyoming Avenue and Linden Street, will be bustling with activity this fall. We’re working with multiple partner organizations to provide a full lineup of fun and interesting programming in October, all of which are free and open to the public. Take a look at what’s coming up:

Friday, October 4, 5:30 p.m. – Join Scranton Tomorrow and members of our Mural Arts Program as we celebrate the completion of The Big Band mural by Eric Bussart with a formal Dedication Ceremony and Meet and Greet with the Artist at First Friday in October. The event kicks off at the mural site at 217 Wyoming Avenue at 5:30 p.m. Meet local artist Eric Bussart, enjoy goodies provided by the Fidelity Bank Sweets & Treats Van, and experience a special evening of Big Band music and dance. In honor of Scranton’s contribution to the Big Band era, Marko Marcinko and the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band will perform, and Vince Brust Studios with the Big Band Dancers will swing dance.

At 7:15 p.m., Lindy Hop over to the pocket park where the celebration continues with a performance by the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band Trio.

Saturday, October 5, Time: TBA  – Our Pocket Park Live series continues with live music at Scranton Fringe Festival. Check out our Facebook page for the concert time!

Saturday, October 26, 1 to 3 p.m. – Members of Scranton Tomorrow’s Safe, Clean, Green & Design team will host a Spring Bulb Planting. An initiative of Keep PA Beautiful, volunteers will plant tulips and daffodils in the pocket park that will bloom next spring. Scranton Tomorrow will provide all the supplies needed, and volunteers will leave with a few bulbs to plant at home. For more information, email Steve Ward, project manager, Safe, Clean, Green & Design Program, Scranton Tomorrow.