As the weather warms up outside, Scranton Tomorrow officials strive to pull people inside downtown shops and restaurants throughout July.
Dozens of businesses will offer special promotions and events during the month in conjunction with a pair of block parties, a spotlight on restaurants, and a Christmas in July celebration.
People walk on Biden St. in downtown Scranton Thursday, July 3, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
People walk in front of businesses on the 500 block of Biden Street in downtown Scranton Thursday, July 3, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
People walk on the 500 block of Biden Street in downtown Scranton Thursday, July 3, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Liz Baldi, business development director for Scranton Tomorrow, a nonprofit community and economic development organization, noted the Summer of Scranton promotional campaign brings attention to small businesses during a vital time.
“(It) came about because we see a lot of people going out of town for vacations and there are a lot of graduation parties,” she said. “We wanted to create reasons for people to do little staycations and reasons to come downtown on the weekends to celebrate the businesses and all the great things downtown Scranton has to offer. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and they truly give back to the community all year long.”
A downtown block party on the 300, 400 and 500 blocks of Biden Street — featuring sidewalk sales, live entertainment and children’s activities — will take place July 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Baldi said.
Another block party on the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Adams Avenue will be held July 26 from noon to 6 p.m., she added.
“It’s a great way to showcase how our businesses work so closely together,” Baldi said. “Our downtown small-business community is a really tightknit group, and they all like to collaborate and cross-promote one another.”
Scranton Tomorrow launched its first block party on Penn Avenue several years ago and the trend picked up momentum, Baldi said.
“It spiraled and everybody wanted to do them,” she said. “Businesses are coming up with really creative ways to work together and do themes.”
During Summer Restaurant Week — July 19 to 26 — downtown eateries will showcase three-course menus with a summer twist at several price points.
“We have a lot of the new businesses that opened in the last couple months joining on this year, so we’re excited,” Baldi said.
She added the menus will be posted on Scranton Tomorrow’s social media pages in the coming weeks.
Downtown businesses will have a festive feel July 25 as retailers will feature special pricing on holiday-themed items along with cool treats as part of Christmas in July festivities.
“We know, every year, things start happening earlier and earlier for the holidays,” Baldi said. “It’s almost like a kick-start to make sure holiday shopping is in the forefront of everyone’s mind.”