Festive Labor Day Weekend Tradition Transforms Scranton’s Courthouse Square into Italian Piazza
Get to Downtown Scranton this Labor Day Weekend for live music, vendors and plenty of delicious food during La Festa Italiana. The four-day festival has been an Electric City staple since 1976. And, every year, “La Festa,” as locals call it, brings NEPA together to celebrate the region’s rich Italian heritage.
Close to 70 vendors line the square dishing out homemade Italian favorites, arts & crafts and items celebrating Italian heritage. The popular event has grown to welcome close to 150,000 visitors each year. Aside from the amazing food, craft vendors and entertainment, visitors can also enjoy a game bocce on the courthouse lawn.
La Festa Italiana starts on Friday, August 30, and continues through Monday, September 2. Bring the family (and your appetites) for this fun, holiday weekend in Downtown Scranton.

It’s the star of the entire festival! For most, La Festa is a long weekend of filling their bellies with homemade Italian favorites. Look out for classics like pasta, porchetta, sausage & peppers, pizza and so much more. You’ll also find NEPA festival staples like pierogi and potato pancakes. Just be sure to save room for cannoli.

Lace up for the 12th Annual James R. Minicozzi Memorial Race on Saturday, August 31. The race and walk take place Downtown and benefit The Boys & Girls Clubs of NEPA and college scholarships at West Scranton High School.
Race registration ends on Sunday, August 25.

Alongside all of the incredible food stalls, La Festa also features dozens of local vendors selling unique arts & crafts and all manner of items regarding Italian heritage and culture.

Check out vintage European and Italian sports cars, Vespas and motorcycles at the La Festa Italiana Car Show on Washington Ave. The show runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place.
Entries must be pre-registered.

Enjoy 4 days of live music featuring everything from oldies and Rat Pack classics to dance and rock music. The entertainment schedule also features local dance groups, jugglers and magicians, fireworks and more.
Live Entertainment Schedule:
Friday, August 30
Alfredo’s Main Stage
5:00 pm – Opening Ceremonies
5;30 pm – Picture Perfect Band
7:00 pm – Scranton Civic Ballet Company
8:00 pm – Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms
Wayne Bank Stage (at La Festa’s Caffe – Adams Ave.)
4:30 pm – Danny Argo & Friends
7:00 pm – Big King Moose
Saturday, August 31
Alfredo’s Main Stage
12:00 pm – Danny Argo & Friends
1:30 pm – 5-Star Dance Academy
2:00 pm – The Exact Change Band
3:30 pm – PACI Band
4:00 pm – The Untouchables Band
5:30 pm – Arts in Movement Dance
6:00 pm – The Cameos
8:30 pm – A Billy Joel Tribute
Wayne Bank Stage (at La Festa’s Caffe – Adams Ave.)
12:00 pm – Rattlin’ Bones
2:00 pm – Fuzzy Park Band
4:30 pm – Massimo Brutto
7:00 pm – Meet Me on Marcie
Sunday, September 1
Alfredo’s Main Stage
12:00 pm – Andrea Amoroso
2:00 pm – The Luongo Brothers with Mike Lanza
3:30 pm – Rob Smith (Juggler)
4:00 pm – Nikki Rasmus (Connie Francis Tribute)
5:00 pm – T.J. Capobianco from The Met
5:30 pm – Ballet Theatre of Scranton
6:00 pm – Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Tribute Show
8:30 pm – Daddy-O and the Sax Maniacs
10:00 pm — Fireworks
Wayne Bank Stage (at La Festa’s Caffe – Adams Ave.)
12:00 pm – Tony Vergnetti
2:30 pm –Janice Gambo-Chesna
4:30 pm – East Coast
7:00 pm – Mike and Billy
Monday, September 2
Alfredo’s Main Stage
12:00 pm – The Gene Dempsey Orchestra
1:30 pm – Al Grout (juggler/Magician)
2:00 pm – Enrico Granafel & Kristine Massari
3:30 pm – Al Grout (juggler/Magician)
4:00 pm – Frank Gervasi & Toby Naro
5:00 pm – Popstar Drive (Premier Dance Band)
Wayne Bank Stage (at La Festa’s Caffe – Adams Ave.)
12:00 pm – The Wanabees
2:30 pm –The Frost
Article updated from its original version published on 8/26/2019.

