Pittston Tomato Festival 2025 Guide

If someone had to name the top reason for attending the Pittston Tomato Festival, it would probably be the food. The good news is there’s 40+ food vendors to choose from. Over four days, you can keep coming back to try all the different pasta, pizza, peppers and cannoli.

After stuffing yourself, wash it all down with a little local wine, hard cider or spirits or some beer at the the Pittston Fire Station’s fundraising bar. There’s also plenty of local crafts vendors on the first tier near Main Street.

Located in the Tomato Festival’s third tier – the parking lot behind the Pittston Memorial Library – attendees can find awesome carnival-style rides. A 42-foot Ferris wheel serves as the centerpiece and offers panoramic views of Downtown Pittston. Alongside the Ferris wheel, the festival will also feature an assortment of rides for all ages.

Additionally, the third tier will include an array of midway games and carnival-inspired food booths. With delicacies, donuts and deep-fried oreos galore, this area makes for the perfect late night treat.

The festival fun is non-stop with a four-day lineup of contests and live, local music. The excitement unfolds at 6 p.m. on the second tier’s main stage when Mayor Lombardo and the festival organizers host the opening ceremonies. From there, competitions fill the main stage while local bands take to the first tier’s bandshell. Across all four days, a variety of music styles will keep the crowd energized and on their feet.

Saturday, August 23 at 10 a.m.

Work off all the festival food with a scenic Saturday morning run. Join the 5K Race on Saturday, August 23 at 10 a.m. Pre-register online or head over at 8 a.m. for same-day registration.

The Festival’s race day will also feature a 1.5-mile Youth Run and Fun Walk. Awards will be offered to the top 3 male and female overall in both the 5K and Youth Race alongside the top male and female in each age group. Find more info on the race and its route here.

Saturday, August 23rd at 11 a.m.

No Pittston Tomato Festival would be complete without a city-wide parade. Grand Marshal Ben Tielle – long time festival committee member – will kick off the festivities on Saturday, August 23rd at 11 a.m.

Grab your spot along the 2-mile route, beginning on Main St. and looping through Downtown Pittston. Then, sit back and enjoy over 60 groups including tomato-themed floats, marching bands, firetrucks, and more. Highlights include appearances by Miss Pennsylvania, Victoria Vespico, and live music by the Taxmen.

Saturday, August 23 at 11 a.m.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania will kick off the 2025–2026 Polar Plunge season at the Pittston Tomato Festival on Saturday, August 23 at 11 a.m. in the old Quinn’s parking lot, featuring its new mobile plunge unit, Bear Force One. Funds raised will help send athletes to state competitions at Villanova University in November 2025 and Penn State University in June 2026.

Saturday, August 23 at 12:00 p.m.

New to the festival this year is the Pittston Pepper Eating Match hosted by League of Fire. If you want to see the heat yourself, head on down to the bandshell stage on Saturday, August 23 at noon.

10 competitors will square off in a spicy, high-stakes competition as they battle to eat some of the hottest peppers around. The winner will walk away with a custom championship belt and a guaranteed entry in the America’s Title Belt Match this fall in Gettysburg.

Saturday, August 23 at 1:30 p.m.

The Tomato Festival’s annual Spaghetti Eating Contest will take to the main stage Saturday, August 23 at 1:30 p.m. 20 contestants will race to devour a full pound of homemade pasta. The catch? No utensils and no hands. Don’t worry.

The committee provides the ponchos and googles so everyone can dive in, face-first! If you think you have what it takes, register online. Otherwise, join the crowd so you don’t miss this must-see! Entry is free, though donations for Meals on Wheels of Greater Pittston are encouraged.

Saturday, August 23 at 7 p.m.

There’s a reason this whole festival exists. It’s those gorgeous, tasty Pittston-grown tomatoes. Make your way to the Committee Stand on Saturday, August 23 at 7 p.m. for the annual Tomato Contest to see whose exceptionally plump and vibrant tomato takes home the crown as the “Most Perfect.”

Ribbons will also be awarded for Largest Tomato, Smallest Tomato and Ugliest Tomato. The contest is free to enter. Eligible tomatoes must be dropped off by Saturday at 5 p.m.

Sunday, August 24 at 11 a.m.

Stop by the Festival Bandshell on Sunday, August 24 at 11 a.m. for what’s becoming one of the festival’s most popular events. The Little Miss and Mr. Tomato Contests are open to boys and girls ages 2-6. One winner and runner up will be selected in each category. Prizes will be awarded. The entry fee for the contest is $5.

Sunday, August 24

In the tomato capital of the world, which restaurant has the best sauce? That will be for festival-goers to decide at the Sauce Wars Competition. This year, the fan-favorite event will return after a few years hiatus.

Festival-goers can head over to the committee headquarters on Sunday afternoon to dip, delight, and decide between sauces submitted by local Pittston restaurants. Donations will be accepted.