Union Pacific’s Big Boy train is pulling into Scranton this weekend in the midst of a statewide tour to honor America’s 250th birthday. A little further south, you can watch the World Cup with other soccer fans in Bethlehem. And out west, the annual Pennsylvania Firefly Festival lights up Tionesta.
Those are just a few of the fun things happening across the state this weekend. Here’s a closer look at what’s going on.
Lehigh Valley SoccerFest — Through July 19 (Bethlehem)
Philadelphia’s expansive FIFA Fan Festival isn’t the only place in the commonwealth where you can gather shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow soccer fans to watch thrilling World Cup action. The Lehigh Valley SoccerFest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem features all the matches live on giant screens, along with live music, global cuisine, youth soccer clinics, and a special exhibit highlighting the legendary Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club.
Big Boy Reunion — Through June 30 (Scranton)
The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, the Union Pacific train known as Big Boy No. 4014, began its first-ever voyage through Pennsylvania near Erie on June 9. It’s currently stopped at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton undergoing maintenance, but visitors can still hop on board to take a tour of one of the most iconic locomotives in railroad history.
Pennsylvania Firefly Festival – Friday and Sunday (Tionesta)
You can celebrate Pennsylvania’s official state insect, the firefly, at the 14th annual Pennsylvania Firefly Festival in Forest County’s Tionesta. Tionesta Market Village is the setting for this year’s festival, which includes educational exhibits on fireflies and the surrounding environment during the day, and guided tours to see fireflies—including synchronous firefly displays—once night falls. The festival also features local vendors and food, live music, and more.
Carlisle Summerfair — Friday through July 5
Where else will you find a reenactment of a 19th century baseball game, food trucks, baby races (you read that right), live music, historical walking tours, and a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, but at the long-running Carlisle Summerfair. This year’s fair marks the 49th edition, with events being held all over town through July 5, including fireworks at the Carlisle Fairgrounds on July 3.
Berry Festival & Craft Show — Saturday and Sunday (Valencia)
You can celebrate the flavors of the season at the Berry Festival & Craft Show in Valencia, Butler County. This berry-focused fest features plenty of kid-friendly activities like tractor rides, face painting, and a petting zoo, along with more than 50 vendors, a beer and wine garden, and plenty of berry-forward foods and drinks to satisfy any taste.
