Rain or shine, every day is a good day to support local! With that in mind, the Business Development Committee at Scranton Tomorrow has been working diligently to plan a full lineup of special events and promotions in July as part of our Summer of Scranton campaign. From Independence Day festivities to Restaurant Week and Christmas in July, it’s a heat wave of shopping, dining and outdoor fun for the whole family. Here’s a preview of what’s coming to downtown Scranton:

Red, White, and Buy Local!

Celebrate Indie Week, June 29 – July 5

Now in its 7th year in downtown Scranton, we’ll celebrate the vital role independent (indie) businesses play in our economy and community by shopping and dining local during Indie Week, June 29 to July 5. A national movement, Independents Week is the perfect time to explore the Downtown Business District. With an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, spas, salons, art galleries and cultural venues in a historic setting filled with public art, there is plenty to see and do in downtown Scranton.

“Special events and promotions are important because they boost foot traffic into the downtown,” said Liz Baldi, business development director, Scranton Tomorrow. “We are so fortunate to collaborate with an amazing group of business owners in downtown Scranton who see the value in support local initiatives, and work with us to host special events all year long.”

While supporting independents, you will also have a chance to celebrate Independence Day (a day early!) at the annual Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular, July 3, beginning at 4 p.m., on Courthouse Square. The event is presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network and sponsored in part by Scranton Tomorrow. Featuring food, live music, and children’s activities, highlights include a performance by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic at 7:30 p.m. and the Zambelli Fireworks Display. For complete details, visit scrantasticspectacular.com.

Small Businesses, Big Vibes

Downtown Block Parties, July 19 & 26

Our summer block parties in the business district return with festivities and special promotions on consecutive Saturdays, July 19 and 26. Jennifer Saunders, owner of Northern Light Espresso Bar and Café, 536 Biden Street, and Little Wild Refillery, 540 Biden Street, looks forward to the event every summer. “As busy as we get as business owners, events like this give us time to connect with our customers, share ideas, and encourage shoppers to visit downtown,” she said.

Featuring sidewalk sales, live entertainment, children’s activities and more, the Block Party on Biden will be held July 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Block Party on Adams Avenue will be held on July 26, from noon to 6 p.m.

Dine Local. Save More.

Summer Restaurant Week is Here! July 19-26

Calling all foodies: Downtown Scranton is the place to be this summer! From July 19 through 26, participating restaurants will feature 3-course, prix fixe (fixed price) menus with a Summer of Scranton theme during Restaurant Week.

AV Restaurant, 320 Penn Avenue, is among the participating restaurants. “We’ve been amazed by what’s happened in the downtown area since we moved here 8 years ago,” said Pat Quinn, owner, AV. “What’s been happening with the restaurant scene, particularly over the past six months, is quite remarkable. It’s great to see so many business owners wanting to be a part of the community, and to see how customers are responding.”

Unwrap the Magic, 6 Months Early!

It’s Christmas in July, July 25

Tap into your inner elf a little early to enjoy special promotions and merry events during Christmas in July in downtown Scranton on Friday, July 25. Think sunny sidewalk sales, tropical Santas and cool treats to beat the heat!

Learn More

For more information on Summer of Scranton events and promotions, including lists of participating businesses, check out our blog and follow us on social media.