The bandshell is a busy place at the Fine Arts Fiesta and will host several performances today.
Courtesy of Mike McGinley
Mike and Oscar posed with Gina Malsky, chairperson of the Fine Arts Fiesta Platinum Jubilee Gala at the Westmoreland Club, last week. The ‘70 Trips Around the Square’ celebration was the perfect kickoff to the 2026 Fine Arts Fiesta.
Courtesy of Mike McGinley
Mother Goose strolls around the Fine Arts Fiesta every year, taking photos and entertaining children (and adults).
Courtesy of Mike McGinley
Happy 70th birthday to the Fine Arts Fiesta.
The annual, four-day outdoor arts festival was founded in 1956, so this year is the Platinum Jubilee. The free community event filled Public Square in Wilkes-Barre all weekend — and there’s still time to visit today until 5 p.m.
Stop by to see all the art on display in various mediums, such as watercolor, oil, pen and ink, and more. There are also sculptures, photography, and mixed media works to peruse and purchase.
The artist market, just a stone’s throw from the juried exhibit, features dozens of regional artisans selling handmade items, including pottery, woodwork, jewelry, and glass.
This is the place to stop if you want to see local creatives at their finest and support this all-inclusive celebration, which was founded by Annette Evans with the assistance of Al Groh.
Their idea was simply to bring fine visual and performing arts to the community, and it’s turned into so much more.
Besides all the art, there’s food from fabulous vendors like Sammy’s Caribbean Grill, serving delicious jerk chicken, red beans, and rice. Other vendor items are specialty pizza, pierogies, burgers, kabobs, and ice cream from all your favorite places (about 15 food vendors total).
And of course, while you’re there eating, you can enjoy live entertainment on the bandshell from the likes of The Wyoming Valley Poetry Society, Jr. Mozart Club of Wilkes-Barre, Chris Shrive, Contra Dance/The Contra Rebels, Chase Who Band, and the Brendan Brisk Band.
I was honored on Friday to introduce Rockology’s “Eraser,” the Wilkes-Barre Academy Glee Club, and the Rising Stars Performing Arts Academy.
It’s become my yearly routine to spend Friday afternoon at the Fine Arts Fiesta, mingling with the likes of Mother Groose, Flossy the Fiesta Clown, Lara Bertin the Fiesta Mime, and Tucker Tales Puppet Theater.
Many of these entertainers come back every year, dating back decades.
That’s something I love about the events: many of the same people travel from all over to partake in the yearly festivities.
I was so thrilled to join our friend Gina Malsky as she chaired the Fine Arts Fiesta Platinum Jubilee Gala last week at The Westmoreland Club.
With live entertainment by Eddie Day and TNT, the venue was rocking all night.
The Westmoreland Club did an exceptional job, as did Gina and Joel Zitofsky, who executed a flawless and fun evening.
I hope to see you today on Public Square for one more day of art, food, music, and community.
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Mike McGinley is a Times Leader columnist who is often called a man about town. Email him your thoughts at mikejmcginley@gmail.com.