Discover Pittston: River, Art and Festivals

In Pittston, river scenery, public art, and vibrant local traditions come together. Riverfront Park sits on the banks of the Susquehanna River and is also the venue for the annual Riverfest. Art enthusiasts can enjoy a self-guided experience along the Art Loop Trail; seasonal visits can also be planned around the farmers’ market or the special events of the Pittston Tomato Festival.

Along the Riverfront and on the Rail Trail

The Luzerne County Rail Trail begins at Pittston’s Riverfront Park. Another starting point is located there near the Fort Jenkins Bridge. This gives the trail a specific point of reference in Pittston. In the destination’s immediate surroundings, the Rail Trail combines views of the Susquehanna River with local history and outdoor recreation. It is suited to walkers, runners, and cyclists. If you’re considering Pittston for a mix of river views and activity, you can include this trail as a distinct experience in your trip plans.

The park is also the setting for the annual Riverfest.

Public Art and Local Events

The Art Loop Trail is located behind the Pittston Memorial Library and features 25 permanent sculptures. The works are by local, regional, and nationally recognized artists. As a self-guided public art experience, the trail appeals to art enthusiasts of all ages. The permanently installed sculptures and the artists’ varied backgrounds give the walk its own focus: the emphasis is on discovering art in public spaces, not on a single festival program. If you’d like to combine art with your visit to Pittston, this trail is a clearly defined destination for your stay.

The Pittston Tomato Festival offers a different kind of experience. Its traditions include an annual parade, a 5K run and a one-mile run, the Little Miss & Mr. Tomato contest, a tomato contest, and a spaghetti-eating contest. During the festival weekend, family-friendly activities and community events take place downtown. Offerings include food stands, live entertainment, arts and crafts, carousel rides, and games; the famous locally grown Pittston tomatoes are also part of the celebration. If you’d like to include this festival in your trip, its varied program can be a reason to plan your visit for festival weekend.

Farmers’ Market and When to Visit

The Pittston City Farmers’ Market runs from July through November, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local farms, bakeries, and shops showcase their offerings there. The set weekday and hours give you a specific point of reference for planning your day if the market is of interest to you. Unlike the Tomato Festival, whose program takes place over a weekend, a market visit can be planned around the Tuesday schedule and the stated season. For a stay in Pittston, you can therefore consider whether you’d rather plan your trip around this regular market day or a special event experience.

When looking for a vacation rental, it also helps to first decide what kind of trip you want: the riverfront and Rail Trail, public art, a festival weekend, or the seasonal market each offer a different focus. These experiences present Pittston as a destination for a range of interests, without requiring a single program to shape your entire stay. Other places to explore include Avoca, Freeland, Drums, White Haven, Sugarloaf, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Kingston.

For the broader travel overview: Luzerne.