The long weekend that traditionally marks the end of summer has come and gone, but the fun is still happening. It’s all now socially acceptable to start ordering pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin beers and Oktoberfests.
Here are some affordable weekend events to check out if you’re looking for something to do in NEPA.
Fellstock: Free! It may be a bit of a drive, but this day-long music festival in Fell Township is sure to please. Musical acts include Dani-elle, Blue London, The Wanabees and more will perform. The event is sponsored by the volunteer firefighters at Gratten Singer Hose Co. The fun is from noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 12, in Simpson.
Butterfly Release: Free! It’s time to say good-bye to the Monarch butterflies as they are released from the Butterfly House and sent off on their great migration. What thousands of orange and black prettys flutter away from Creekside Gardens, 4 Village Lane, Tunkhannock. Releases are at 11 a.m. 1 and 3 p.m. Sept. 12, 13 but the gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info call 570-836-3595.
Oktoberfest: $5. What’s better than a two-day beer event? A three-day festival with more than 50 beers, German music, authentic German-American cuisine, weiner dog races and more. Head to Mohegan Sun Pocono, 1280 Route 315, Plains Township. 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 11; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 12; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13. For more information call 570-831-2100 or visit paoktoberfest.com.
Hike to the Top: $5. Enjoy the remaining heat of summer one last time as you take part in a discovery trek to the top of an unnamed ridge with a huge glacial erratic boulder and a scenic vista. The hike begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 12 at Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Pack water. For more info call 570-629-3061.
Grand Slam Wrestling: $10. Heavyweight champion Stevie Shields returns to Moosic Youth Center for the Black Jack Brawl at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Moosic Youth Center, 606 Main St. Bring the kids, because they get in for free with a paying adult. Brute Van Slyke, and Kevin “The Man” Graham, Clay Drasher, Shawn Andrews, and Mark Maverick will also brawl.
It’s Fair Time: $10. The 53rd Annual Luzerne County Fair is back with rides, events, games, music but let’s get to the important part: fair food! Fried everything will be available. Head to the fairgrounds, 3605 Route 118 Lehman Township. The event runs until 11 p.m. Sept. 9-12 and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 13.
Bonsai Society Open House: Free! The 25th annual event with a display of bonsai trees, demonstrations, bonsai-related sale items and Shakuhachi flute music by Jamie Orfanella. Head to the Midway Garden Center, 1865 Route 315, Pittston between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12.
Motorcycle Ride and Celebration: $20! Get at least one more good ride in this season during the Trooper Royce E. “Ree” Engler Memorial Benefit with a rain-or-shine ride. The ride will be followed by food, raffles and music by Wayfarer, Hangin’ with Fog, North of 40, PB&J’s and Licker’d Up. The fun begins and ends at The Grove at the American Legion, 1550 Henry Drive, Mountain Top. Sept. 12. The ride begins at 11 a.m. For more info call 570-578-8143.
Endless Mountains Fiber Festival: $3. Sure it may sound a little unconventional, but try something a little different this weekend. Check out workshops in spinning, felting, loom weaving and peruse vendors offering a variety of fiber products. Head to the Harford Fairgrounds, 485 Fair Hill Road, New Milford. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13. More info is available at pafiberfestival.com.
West Side Story: $20. Check out the amazing local theatrical talent as actors from Little Theater perform the classic Broadway musical which sets a Romeo-and-Juliet story among street gangs of New York City. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Sept. 12 and run through Sept. 20 with 3 p.m. Sunday performances. For more information call 570-823-1875.
