Lackawanna County Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton will feature a lot of family-friendly fun in July, with the annual Scrantastic Spectacular celebration set for July 3 and a number of FIFA World Cup watch parties and related festivities planned there between Independence Day and July 19.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced in late March that Scranton, and particularly Courthouse Square, would serve as one of just three official “Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones.” Matches will be broadcast live on a massive outdoor LED screen wall, transforming the outdoor space into a mecca for soccer aficionados. Pittsburgh and Reading will host the other fan zones, with Philadelphia serving as a U.S. host city for World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field.
The first Scranton Fan Zone activities will take place July 4, a day after the Scrantastic Spectacular lights up the sky and enlivens the square with its annual fireworks show and a live concert by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. This year’s celebration takes place on the eve of America’s semiquincentennial, Independence Day marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 1776.
Community members attempt to win a goldfish by tossing balls in to jars during the Scrantastic Firework Spectacular in downtown Scranton on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)
Commissioners approved an artist agreement earlier this month with the philharmonic, which will perform on the North Washington Avenue side of the square beginning about 7:30 p.m. If rain precludes the outdoor performance, the concert will move to the nearby Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.
The philharmonic will be paid $36,000 and provide a full orchestra and vocal soloist to perform a “patriotic repertoire in celebration of Independence Day,” per the agreement.
Commissioners also approved an agreement for the use of the Linden Street Parking Garage’s roof to launch fireworks for the Scrantastic display, as well as a $17,500 funding request from the nonprofit Scranton Tomorrow for the fireworks show and related expenses. The county’s insurance precludes it from contracting directly with the vendor, Zambelli Fireworks.
The Scrantastic Spectacular is a free event open to the public, as are the FIFA World Cup events planned on the square.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference announcing Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones in Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn St. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
A March press release announcing the Scranton, Reading and Pittsburgh fan zones notes they’ll “amplify and complement Philadelphia’s 39-day FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill Park — extending the World Cup’s energy and economic impact far beyond Southeastern Pennsylvania.”
The free fan zones will offer large-screen broadcasts of FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Round matches, live entertainment, interactive soccer fan experiences and more, per the release.
Scranton Fan Zone activities will take place July 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; July 5, from 2-9 p.m.; July 6, from 1-11 p.m.; July 18, from 3-8 p.m.; and July 19, from 2-6 p.m.
“I just think there’s a lot of great opportunities and I love that it’s in the heart of the city,” Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Director Maureen McGuigan said of the July events in downtown Scranton. “You have really great activities that will bring a diverse crowd out and you also get to showcase the city.”