Fun Things To Do In Wilkes Barre

Wilkes-Barre has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you're just passing through on I-81, and the next you're wondering why nobody told you about the river, the pizza, or the weirdly beautiful coal-country views. So, what should you actually do once you're here?

Start With the River

The Susquehanna River curls right along downtown, and the River Common makes it easy to enjoy. Walk the levee, bike the trail, or just sit and watch the water do its slow, ancient thing. It's like the city's front porch—except the view changes every hour.

Kayak rentals and river festivals pop up in warmer months. Check local event calendars because there's often something happening on the water. Even a simple stroll across the Market Street Bridge feels oddly cinematic.

Eat Like You Mean It

Wilkes-Barre isn't fancy about food, and that's the charm. Pizza here is a serious subject, especially the crispy, rectangular "Old Forge" style found all over NEPA. Grab a tray, argue about the best place, and dip it in something.

You'll also find great hot dogs, hoagies, and wings. Places like Abe's Hot Dogs and Coney Island are local institutions. Is it health food? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Get Outside at Kirby Park and Seven Tubs

Kirby Park is the city's green lung. Jog, rollerblade, play tennis, or just lie on the grass and pretend you're not thinking about work. In winter, the hills turn into a sledding playground.

For a wilder walk, head to Seven Tubs Nature Area just outside town. The name sounds like a dive bar, but it's actually a gorgeous gorge with waterfalls and pools carved into rock. Wear shoes with grip—smooth rocks are slippery.

25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Wilkes Barre (PA) - The Tourist Checklist

Feed Your Brain and Your Ears

The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts brings concerts, comedy, and classic films to a beautifully restored Art Deco theater. It's like stepping into a glamorous old postcard. Check the schedule; you might catch a touring band or a local legend.

For smaller shows, places like the River Street Jazz Cafe and downtown bars keep things intimate. The Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre puts on community plays that feel warm and handmade. Want art? The Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University is free and thoughtfully curated.

Dig Into Coal Country History

This region was built on anthracite coal, and you can feel it in the architecture and the stories. The Luzerne County Historical Society Museum gives you a crash course in local life, from mining to floods. It's not dusty—it's surprisingly dramatic.

Drive around and you'll see old church spires, brick storefronts, and murals that hint at the past. Compare it to a history book that someone spilled coffee on—messy, human, and more interesting because of it.

12 Fun And Exciting Things To Do In Wilkes-Barre, Pa | QuartzMountain

Catch a Game or a Festival

Hockey Nights

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins play hockey at Mohegan Sun Arena, and the games are loud, fast, and fun. It's like a mini NHL party without the big-city price tag. If you're lucky, you might catch a giveaway or a t-shirt toss.

Public Square Parties

Public Square hosts events all year, including the Fine Arts Fiesta and farmers markets. Summer concerts, food trucks, and holiday parades keep the calendar busy. Just show up and follow the crowd.

Love a good bargain? The farmers market is great for fresh produce, baked goods, and people-watching. You might leave with a jar of honey and a new favorite lunch spot.

Why Wilkes-Barre Is Cool

It's not trying to be Brooklyn or Nashville. Wilkes-Barre is affordable, unpretentious, and full of small surprises. The river, the mountains, the pizza, the people—it all adds up to a place that feels lived-in in the best way.

So, should you visit? If you like good food, easy trails, and towns with real character, yes. Bring comfy shoes, an appetite, and a little curiosity. You might just find yourself planning a return trip before you've even left.