PLAINS TWP. — America 250 NEPA organizers, headed by local businessman Thom Greco, will officially unveil a major lineup of large-scale 2026 entertainment, tourism, music, motor-sports, and anniversary events during a regional press conference scheduled for Wednesday inside the Keystone Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

The event will formally introduce “one of the most ambitious entertainment-driven America 250 celebration schedules in Northeast Pennsylvania,” highlighting signature events designed to attract tourism, media attention, regional visitors, and community participation throughout the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration year.

Major announcements and featured events include:

• June 20 — Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club 75th Anniversary Recognition connected to Wilkes-Barre’s historical relationship with the RROC and Giant’s Despair Hillclimb history involving figures tied to Roger Penske and Carroll Shelby.

• July 1 — Black Tie Sinatra & Great American Songbook Gala at Genetti’s Grand Ballroom featuring nationally recognized Sinatra performer Steven Maglio and his 12-piece orchestra, alongside Chris DiMatteo and his orchestra. Organizers will reveal additional details about the formal black-tie experience, featuring 48 rounds of 10 guests, reserved seating, patriotic programming, and the celebration of classic American entertainment culture.

• July 10 — Planters Peanuts 120th Anniversary Celebration featuring the PLANTERS® NUTmobile, Mr. Peanut™, Peanutters, commemorative anniversary elements, ribbon cuttings, and downtown Wilkes-Barre festivities honoring the company’s historic 1906 roots in the city.

• August 16 — Elvis Presley Anniversary Tribute featuring nationally recognized Elvis tribute artist Jesse Garron and full band in a Vegas-style reserved seating production recognizing the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Event organizers will discuss the limited-table premium seating concept, Gold Circle packages, and the large-scale production atmosphere planned for the performance.

• Giant’s Despair Hillclimb 120th Anniversary Celebration featuring historic racing culture, automotive heritage, Mr. Peanut™ serving as ceremonial starter, car shows, and expanded tourism programming surrounding one of America’s oldest hillclimb races.

• Downtown Wilkes-Barre entertainment district expansion projects, including Margarita Urban Cocktail & Beer Garden, Nelly’s Speakeasy, and nationally acclaimed mural artist Eric Bussart’s public art reveal.

• “Concert at the Track” featuring Laurel Canyon Band, recognized as one of America’s leading Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute acts, recreating the spirit of classic outdoor American concert culture.

• National touring Michael Jackson tribute production “Gone Too Soon” coming to Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Keystone Ballroom in fall 2026.

• Nanticoke’s 100th Anniversary Celebration featuring a citywide parade, fireworks, live music, food vendors, and large-scale community festivities tied directly into the America 250 initiative.

Wednesday’s event is expected to include organizers, sponsors, tourism representatives, entertainment partners, hospitality leaders, community stakeholders, and regional media outlets as America 250 NEPA formally positions Northeastern Pennsylvania as a destination entertainment region during America’s 250th anniversary celebration year.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.