Lackawanna County
Art exhibition: The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is partnering with AFA Gallery for the return of Arts to the Rescue, a three-week exhibition to celebrate the arts while making a difference for animals in need. The exhibition opens for First Friday this week from 5-8 p.m. at AFA Gallery, 101 Penn Ave., Scranton. Visitors can meet some of the animals looking for homes while learning more about the organization’s work to improve animal welfare. The artwork will remain on display throughout August. AFA Gallery pairs regional artists with adoptable animals, transforming their stories into one-of-a-kind works of art that raise awareness about pet adoption and the lifesaving work of local shelters and rescues. Participating organizations this year include Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Animal Care Associates Inc., Paw Paw Canine Rescue & Recovery and Kitties of NEPA Pet Fund & Rescue. Admission is free and open to the public. The exhibition will also feature animal-themed artwork by local artists alongside the custom shelter portraits. For information, follow both organizations on Facebook and AFA Gallery on Instagram. Donate to the fund at nepaawc.org or donate to AFA at artistsforart.org.
Native American song and dance: The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority will host Rhythms of the Land: A Native American Song and Dance Celebration on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Parker Street Landing Trailhead, 12 E. Parker St., Scranton. The free event features the Allegheny River Seneca Dancers performing traditional Native American songs and dances celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage. Bring a lawn chair. Free ice cream bars, courtesy of Fidelity Bank, will be available while supplies last. The program highlights the Indigenous history and cultural heritage of the Lackawanna Valley.
Regional
One-Act Weekend: Fifth annual One-Act Weekend at the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinee, 3 p.m., 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Many scripts were submitted from area playwrights, then sent to certified adjudicators from the American Association of Community Theatres for their recommendations. Five scripts that received strong reviews were selected for production, with a creative team and cast of the playwright’s choosing. Tickets: $20/at the door.
South Scranton
Free community meal: Free community meal, Saturday, 9:30-11 a.m., Hickory Street United Presbyterian Church, Maurer Memorial Center, 435 Hickory St. Takeout or sit down. All are welcome.