It’s the first full weekend in August and the temperatures keep rising. This weekend, cool down at a waterpark that’s spicing it up with wings or keep it hot with some burlesque. Get in tune with your inner hippie with some folk music or bring out your inner bad angel at a biker movie marathon. Whatever you do, here are some suggestions for things to do in Northeastern Pennsylvania for $20 or less.
PA Burlesque Festival: $15. The classic art of the strip tease is coming to the Mauch Chunk Opera House Aug. 7 to 9. On Friday night, Jim Thorpe will be flooded with performers and fans of the sexy yet classy art of burlesque dancing. Tickets for the Aug. 7 show start at $15. Check out www.paburlesque.com for more info about the event or to book your tickets. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Grateful Dead Night: Free! Jerry Garcia, God rest his soul, would have been 73 on Aug. 1. Aug. 9 marks the twentieth anniversary of his death and Glass — wine. bar. kitchen. at Legends Hotel, 119 Falls Ave., Hawley is honoring his legacy. From 8 p.m. to midnight, Aug. 7 a musical performance by The Village Idiots, a Grateful Dead tribute band.
Folksongs in the Forest: Free! Spend a little time with singer-songwriter Jay Smar who will entertain with songs of coal mines, railroads and local folklore. Head to the Campground Amphitheater at Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road in Wyoming. The event begins at 7 p.m. Aug. 8. Call 570-696-9105 for more information.
Auditions: Free! Romeo, Romeo. Where for art thou, Romeo? Have you ever dreamt of saying those words on stage to a sold-out crowd? You may get your chance. The Shawnee Playhouse is looking for actors to fill all roles in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and on Aug. 9 you can try to secure your spot. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. open auditions will be held at the playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware. Actors 13 and older are welcome.
Biker Movie Marathon: $10. On Aug. 8, get that motorcycle, or car, and head to the Mahoning Drive-In Theater, 635 Seneca Rd., Lehighton, for a night of motorcycle and drive-in themed movies. “The Wild Angels,” The Born Losers” and “The Glory Stompers” will be shown. Get to the area earlier and take part in the annual biker festival. Movies start at dusk (around 9 p.m.).
Wings at the Waterpark: $20. Book your tickets in advance to keep your cost at 20 bucks. Enjoy wing samples from more than 30 vendors, then vote for your favorite. The tasting is from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at Montage Mountain Water Park, 1000 Montage Mountain Road. The event is sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Children’s admission is $10, $25 for adults at the gate, so book in advance. Reserve tickets by calling 570-342-8709 ext 110.
The Walk for Debbie’s Darlings: $20. Walk for a good cause. This one-mile walk raises funds to buy supplies to fill backpacks for students from needs-based families. Head to the Dallas High School Track, 2000 Conyngham Ave. on Aug. 8. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. Students are $10. Register online at thewalkfordebbiesdarlings.org or call 570-328-0593 for more info.
Wine and Craft Beer Festival: $20. Mark your calendars for Aug. 15, but buy your tickets today. The Hazleton Rotary Club is sponsoring its fourth annual festival from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15 at 1341 North Church St. The 21-and-older event includes music, entertainment food and drink. If you decide to go day of, expect to pay five bucks more, $10 for designated drivers. To purchase tickets, visit hazletonrotary.ticketleap.com
Grand Slam Wrestling: $10. The tag team throwdown is back. Watch wrestlers including Shane Storm and Bo Nekoda as they try to defend against the Falcon Corps. Also in the ring will be Erin Pinhat and AJ Evans, Stevie Shields and more. The event is at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Moosic Youth Center, 606 Main St., Moosic. Kids 12 and younger are free with a paying adult. For more info, visit facebook.com/events/485998784914300.
Benefit at Ole Tyme Charlies: $5. On Aug. 7 enjoy some karaoke, live music and a DJ, all to benefit Carol Kennedy, a 50-year-old mother of seven in need of a heart transplant. HelpHopeLive.org, a nonprofit organization is helping with the fundraiser. All money raised will benefit the Mid-Atlantic Heart Transplant fund in honor of Kennedy. There will be basket and chance raffles, T-shirts and more. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and goes until close.
