A bit of New Orleans’ French Quarter came to Scranton this weekend during the city’s annual Jazz Festival, an event that has become a beloved tradition for many.
What began 21 years ago as a two-day festival at Nay Aug Park with about 300 people in attendance has expanded across the city, attracting thousands of locals and visitors from around the country to enjoy a weekend of jazz music and spirit.
“We have over 24 venues involved with the festival—restaurants, bars, retail spaces. The musicians performing in those spaces bring a lot of attention to our downtown,” said Scranton Jazz Festival co-founder and artistic director Marko Marcinko.
In addition, those traveling to the festival frequent local hotels and other businesses, providing a boost to the local economy, he said.
Marcinko said many residents and businesses were appropriately “jazzed up” over the festival, which attracts not only jazz aficionados, but also general music lovers and people looking for a fun night out.
Music, merriment, fun
John Heim III, co-owner of Bartari on Adams Avenue, noted that the annual festival brings customers to businesses throughout downtown Scranton, not just the area around Courthouse Square.
“It’s a great event, and it’s great for businesses,” Heim said.
Jazz came to Warney Cellar and Tap Friday evening on Aug. 7, offering live music to customers as part of the annual Jazz Festival. Mike Kuehn & the PA Jazz Society delighted the crowd. (SUBMITTED)
John Heim III, co-owner of Bartari prepares for an influx of customers Saturday Aug. 8, 2026, during the city’s Jazz Festival. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Scranton Art Haus participated in Scranton Jazz Festival this weekend. The business had live jazz music both Friday and Saturday evening, Aug. 8, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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Jazz came to Warney Cellar and Tap Friday evening on Aug. 7, offering live music to customers as part of the annual Jazz Festival. Mike Kuehn & the PA Jazz Society delighted the crowd. (SUBMITTED)
On Friday night, the business kicked off the celebration with jazz-rock fusion band Rogue Chimp. Saturday evening featured Latin Jazz & World Beat with Bill Washer, Paul Rostock, Bob Velez, and Doug Beavers.
On Sunday, Bartari will participate in the festival’s Jazz Brunch.
In honor of the weekend’s vibe, the business is offering its colorful Famous Fish Bowl drink, made with pineapple-orange vodka, mango juice, Nerds and Swedish Fish.
“As long as the business is open, it will participate in the event,” Heim said, crediting Marcinko with putting together an excellent weekend.
Jazzing Up Business
Several Basalyga Hospitality venues took part in the festivities this weekend, calling it “one of downtown Scranton’s biggest weekends of live music.”
“Our two biggest participating locations are A’tera 519 and Sergei’s, and both are preparing quite a bit,” said Sheila Bonanno, operations director. In addition to live music, both businesses extended their hours in order to accommodate festival goers.
Bonanno pointed out that Sergei’s was originally opened as an ode to musicians, making their participation in the jazz-themed weekend a perfect fit. Meanwhile, A’tera 519 is serving New Orleans-style entrees throughout the event.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to really get to know jazz—both those who don’t know a lot about it and old-timers who love it,” said A’tera 519 General Manager Gabe Wilkins. “I’ve been hearing the buzz; customers are really excited.”
“We’re even considering continuing jazz after the festival,” Bonanno said, “doing something like a Friday night jazz event moving forward for customers who really enjoy live jazz.”
Bonanno enjoyed seeing the city streets come alive with a special excitement unique to the festival.
The festival continues Sunday, opening with a Jazz Brunch at six participating restaurants throughout downtown Scranton and concluding with a performance by legendary bassist Ron Carter at the Scranton Cultural Center.