WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — The sound of celebration fills the air in downtown Wilkes-Barre, as the Fine Arts Fiesta marks its 69th year. This beloved tradition brings together hundreds of artists, musicians, and makers for a one-of-a-kind experience, free to the public.

The fiesta includes everything from visual art and music to food and family fun. Fiesta favorite Mother Goose says the mission is more important than ever.

“It’s so important to keep the arts alive, from painting to music to different types of food. It brings people together. We need a whole lot more of that these days,” said Mother Goose.

“It’s just fun, and it’s a free gift of the arts for the community,” said Ann Saxton, president of the Fine Arts Fiesta board.

For artists like Matt Szychowski, who runs ShaHuskies Illustration, the fiesta is more than just a marketplace, it’s a chance to show his work and make connections.

“It’s tough to try and put your stuff online, there’s just such a massive amount of stuff out there. It’s nice to go to in-person shows and get that validation. People have a warm reception for it, so that’s always nice,” said Szychowski.

The event features art exhibitions with more than 300 pieces on display from both adult and student artists.

After 69 years, the fiesta welcomes new and returning faces, including Fly Me Home, whose upcycled spoon rings have become a fiesta favorite.

“My wife always said she was the last of four children, so she got secondhand everything. She started probably 25 years ago. We started doing craft shows 12 years ago and opened a store in Pittston called Fly Me Home and we’ve been going ever since,” said Dave Guzik, owner of Fly Me Home.

Running Thursday through Sunday, the Fiesta continues to prove that in Wilkes-Barre, the arts aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving.

To learn more, click here.