SOMA at the Circle Centre and more slated for downtown

WILKES-BARRE — Just because the leaves are changing and there’s a chill in the air doesn’t mean folks have battened down the hatches for the winter. The truth is quite contrary, with some familiar favorites at new venues, anniversaries, and a slew of other events slated for the fall season.

Here’s just a handful of upcoming goings-on.

Circle Centre for the Arts

First and foremost, the stand-out structure down on South Franklin will play host to the continuing Sunsets on South Main (SOMA) happy hour and concert series, as it moves from Midtown Village into the new space, just in time to keep attendees warm and happy as temperatures drop. Taking place this coming Thursday, Oct. 20, the event will feature libations from Susquehanna Brewing Company and live music from Triple Fret and runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

But that’s not all there is to celebrate at the Circle Centre.

The follow day, Friday Oct. 21, will see the Circle Centre/Wyoming Valley Art League celebrate 10 years in their new home with an opening reception for their Fall Juried Exhibit from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. complete with judging from new President Brian Gill, as well as refreshments, food, and a well-deserved celebration cake.

And finally, the Circle Centre will play host to the Fine Taste, Fine Art event, hosted by the Wyoming Valley Art League.

The fan-favorite event happens on Nov. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and brings together some of the area’s best food, treats and libations, and live music from The Husty Brothers.

F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts

While sure, anytime is a good time catch a show, it’s especially nice to see high-quality life entertainment inside a beautiful (and warm) local venue. As always, the Diamond City’s own F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts has a slew of talent lined up for the coming weeks.

Tonight at 6 p.m. is an event perfect for the Halloween season, as ‘Life with the Afterlife: A Supernatural Evening with Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni’ takes place. Just a few days later, on Wednesday Oct. 19 is some live music courtesy Fleetwood Mac cover band, Rumors of Fleetwood Mac. Just a week later, on Oct. 26 is an event for the kids as Disney Junior Live on Tour brings Costume Palooza to Wilkes-Barre. The following day, comedian Kevin James brings his humor to the stage.

Tickets for these events can be purchased through the website at www.kirbycenter.org or by calling the box office at 570-826-1100. The website also has a full calendar of booked talent to check out.

Food, drink, and foliage

For those who don’t mind a chill in the air, or perhaps even enjoy it, there’s never a real shortage of things to do, and all within walking distance. As an added bonus, the season is rife with visuals, like leaves falling over the Susquehanna, which can easily be viewed or photographed from the Market or Pierce Street Bridges, or the River Commons.

And if a drive isn’t a big deal, we’re just a stone’s throw from other outdoors spots like Seven Tubs Nature Area, Moon Lake Recreation Area, Frances Slocum State Park, and Ricketts Glen State Park, all unique in their own ways but linked with a common denominator: picturesque scenery. Of course, the region as a whole has no shortage of that, parks or not.

If you’re staying downtown, though, one can always swing in to The Down Pour for pre or post Circle Centre celebrating. It’s just a short stroll through the Bell Home Furnishings parking lot. And if you’ll be checking out a Kirby Center show, all in row just outside the venue are Franklin’s or Rodano’s. If you’re catching something earlier in the day, there’s always the Luzerne Bank Building where just inside is Nucleus Raw Foods for something on the healthy side or a who’s who of great restaurants, eateries, and specialty shops.

That’s one of the many charms of the Diamond City, everything is walkable and most every face is familiar.