Wilkes-Barre: Culture, History and River Landscapes

Wilkes-Barre combines a cultural program in the downtown area with historic walks and activities around River Common and the Susquehanna River. This makes it possible to get to know the city through art, local history or outdoor activities.

Culture and Events Downtown

The F.M. Kirby Center downtown presents more than 80 cultural and educational events each year. These include Broadway shows, comedy, concerts and other cultural events. Public Square continues to be a hub of downtown activity, hosting festivals, farmers markets and community events, among other things. In spring, the Fine Arts Fiesta brings artists, performers and vendors to the square; during the winter months, there is an ice-skating rink there.

The galleries also offer distinct perspectives. The Sordoni Art Gallery presents high-quality exhibitions as well as related programs and publications. Its range covers various media, subjects, cultures and time periods. During the academic year, the Widmann Art Gallery exhibits work by local artists. Gallery discussions take place at the “Meet the Artist” receptions. Together, these offerings span a broad range of exhibitions and presentations of local art accompanied by conversations at receptions.

Explore the Historic Downtown on Foot

The marked “Wilkes-Barre Walkitecture” route is 2.2 miles long and passes through the historic downtown district. It follows Franklin Street and River Street. The self-guided Wilkes-Barre Historical District Walking Tour, by contrast, introduces visitors to a wide range of architectural styles and the history preserved in renovated buildings and structures. Walkitecture provides specific reference points in its length and route, while the historical tour focuses on architecture and local history.

Another chapter in the city’s early history is associated with the Zebulon Butler House. Built around 1793, the house is being restored as a museum about this early period in Wilkes-Barre’s history. Near River Common stands the Luzerne County Courthouse. With its Beaux-Arts design, murals and distinctive dome, the building is considered an architectural landmark of the region.

River Common and the Susquehanna River

River Common has walking and biking trails, two outdoor amphitheaters and a fishing pier. Thus, riverside trails are part of the local landscape, alongside cultural venues and fishing opportunities. Wilkes-Barre lies along the scenic Susquehanna River and is also associated with kayaking, whitewater rafting, and an extensive system of hiking and biking trails. This range of options gives you different ways to shape your stay, whether you prefer walks, biking or activities on the water.

For planning your timing, the seasonal offerings provide two clear reference points: the Fine Arts Fiesta takes place in spring, and the ice-skating rink at Public Square is available during the winter months. If a particular event is the reason for your trip, check the relevant dates in advance. You can also decide whether to focus on cultural events, historic architecture or the river landscape.

Discover more destinations: Kingston, Drums, White Haven, Milnesville, Nanticoke, Avoca, Sugarloaf, Pittston

For the broader travel overview: Luzerne.