Summer will be extra special in Downtown Scranton this year as we celebrate important milestones in our city and our country. Scranton marked its 160th anniversary in April, and America turns 250 in July. In addition to the traditional events we look forward to each year, two major new events will attract visitors from near and far to the heart of the Electric City. Here are highlights of what’s coming your way in June and July:

A floral display in Scranton tomorrow's Floral Competition.Tachi Hill won first place in Scranton Tomorrow’s Downtown Scranton Business Class Floral Competition in 2025.
Flowers, First Friday & Fun

As part of Scranton City Pride, which runs through June 6, Scranton Tomorrow will host two floral-themed events on First Friday in June:

Join us at Christopher A. Doherty Park on the corner of Wyoming Ave. and Linden St. in Downtown Scranton from 5 to 8 p.m. Steve Ward, master gardener and project director of Scranton Tomorrow’s Safe, Clean, Green & Design programs, will host an information session on how to design creative container floral arrangements. Plants and containers will be provided (while supplies last).

Leading up to the Electric City Flower Show on June 20 at Nay Aug Park, Scranton Tomorrow is hosting the annual Downtown Scranton Business Class Floral Competition at First Friday in June – and we want you to be the judge! Embark on a self-guided floral tour during First Friday and vote for your favorite displays via social media. We’ll post all the details on our blog soon!

The Scranton Iron Furnaces in Scranton, PA, are a historic industrial site with large stone structures, arched openings, and informational signs, surrounded by green grass and a pathway.Iron Furnaces, Scranton, PA
A Festival to Spark your Interest

Just on the border of the downtown business district, the historic Scranton Iron Furnaces at 159 Cedar Ave., Scranton, will host the annual Arts on Fire Festival. A longtime tradition in Scranton, the festival is a free, 2-day celebration of art, heritage and community, on June 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces, the event features hands-on activities, a craft/artist market, live music, and the highlight the weekend – the iron pour!

Make a day of it, and shop and dine downtown before or after the festival. Check out our Guide to Downtown to craft your plan.

Big Boy Reunion arrives at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA from Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30, 2026 with timed entry reservations required daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This nationally significant rail event reunites Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 with Steamtown’s own Big Boy No. 4012, marking the only opportunity to see two Big Boy locomotives displayed side by side during the nationwide America250 celebration.Big Boy Reunion arrives at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA from Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
American History Rolls into Town

If you love trains like we do, you won’t want to miss the Big Boy Reunion at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Steamtown’s Big Boy No. 4012 will be on display next to the largest operating steam locomotive in the country, the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, on June 15 and 16.

Big Boys were commissioned exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad during World War II to transport military cargo. Aptly named, these locomotives are 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds. Of the 25 original Big Boys, only eight remain on display throughout the country. We are fortunate that Steamtown is home to one of them.

This is a rare opportunity to see two Big Boys up close, take photos and revel in American history in your own backyard. In addition to the Big Boys on display, train enthusiasts will also have a chance to explore the Union Pacific Museum Experience car and two Union Pacific special commemorative diesel engines (No. 1616 and No. 1776).

The Big Boys will remain on display at Steamtown through June 30, however, visitors may not be able to see No. 4014 up close after June 16 because the train will undergo maintenance while on site.

Reservations for the Big Boy Reunion are required. For tickets, visit recreation.gov.

Soccer Just Got Electric

July promises to be memorable for soccer fans as Courthouse Square will be transformed into one of three FIFA Fan Zones in Pennsylvania. You’ll have a chance to cheer on your favorite team at a shared Watch Party for the World Cup while enjoying all the amenities downtown has to offer, from fabulous restaurants, cafes and pubs, to unique boutiques, entertainment venues and more!

Fan Zone fun in the Electric City kicks off on July 4 and continues July 5, 18 and 19. For the full schedule of events, check out VisitPA.

Fourth of July fireworks display by the Electric City sign in Scranton, PA.

Feeling Scrantastic

Celebrate Independence Day a day early with family-friendly fun at the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network on Courthouse Square. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic will perform at 7:30 p.m. leading up to the Zambelli Fireworks Display. This event is sponsored in part by Scranton Tomorrow, Lackawanna County Commissioners, the City of Scranton, and Audacy Pennsylvania. For more information, click here.

 

Featured image (top): The 2025 winners of Scranton Tomorrow’s Downtown Scranton Business Class Floral Competition celebrated with the Scranton Tomorrow team at the Everhart Museum.