Residents and Visitors

Special Events

Interested in holding an event in the City of Wilkes-Barre?

From the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration to community festivals and runs, there's always something happening in the City of Wilkes-Barre's Office of Special Events. To find out more about what’s going on in the City of Wilkes-Barre, or to schedule an event of your own, please contact Special Events Coordinator Lore Majikes at (570)208-4149 or lmajikes@wilkes-barre.pa.us.  

 

Here is some helpful information about holding an event in the city:  

 

  • Pavilion rental:  $50.00 payment and $50.00 refundable deposit (please write out two separate checks made payable to the City of Wilkes-Barre)
    • Kirby Park Pavilion #1: located near the lighted softball field/track area, holds approximately 60 people
    • Kirby Park Pavilion #2: concrete Martz Amphitheater
    • Kirby Park Pavilion #3:  near playground area, holds approximately 75 people  
  • Bandshell rental:  $300.00 for the first day ($200.00 set-up fee plus $100.00 rental fee) and $100.00 rental fee for each additional day.
  • Public Square rental:  $200.00 per day
  • Electricity:  if your event requires minor electricity, there will be no charge; however, if your event requires that an electrician be present, there is a $60.00 fee for two hours minimum and $30.00 for each additional hour
  • Police :  If the Special Events Coordinator determines that your event will require police assistance, please contact John Curham for scheduling at (570)208-4236
    • Wilkes-Barre police officers work a minimum of 4 hours at $140.00 each, with each additional hour costing $35.00 per officer
  • Fire/Ambulance:  If your event requires fire fighters or paramedics, please contact Captain Chris Buchanan for scheduling at 208-4263 or Fire Headquarters at 208-4260
    • 1 firefighter/paramedic with a 2 hour minimum is $120.00, with each additional hour costing $30.00 per firefighter/paramedic
  • Banner Hanging:
    • There is a $50.00 charge for banner hanging
  • Green Stage Rental:
    • There is a $50.00 charge for rental and set-up of the green stage
    • Each section measures 5 feet X 16 feet
  • DPW workers:
    • If DPW workers are required for an event held on the weekend, a hourly rate will be determined based on your request
  • Rain Dates:
    • Please note that rain dates will not be reserved.  If your event is rained out, then you may call to reschedule another date
  • Garbage removal:
    • The event holder is responsible for removing all garbage generated by an event.
  • Parking:
    • Please use designated parking lots only – no parking within city parks

 

Each year, the City of Wilkes-Barre sponsors the following events:

  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade (traditionally the second Sunday in March)
  • Cherry Blossom Festival (traditionally the last weekend in April)
  • Farmers’ Market (traditionally opens the last Thursday in June)
  • Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
  • Christmas Parade (traditionally the Saturday before Thanksgiving)