Pocono420, Jim Thorpe Indie Films, Earth Day and more kick off spring fest season
According to a study done by online fashion retailer Boohoo, Pennsylvania is among the top-10 most festival-obsessed states in the country― and the Poconos are no exception. April kicks off festival season in northeast Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley.
Read on for our staff's festival picks.
Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival to take place at Pocono Raceway
Pennsylvania's 9th annual Cannabis Festival is headed to the Tricky Triangle. The festival, themed "Pocono420" will take place April 22-23 at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond. The Scranton-based festival is one of the largest on the East Coast, second only to the Boston Freedom Rally.
Presented by CuraLeaf, the 18 and over festival boasts two concert stages, more than 300 vendors and 30-plus food vendors. Enjoy headliners such as Bong Hits for Jesus and Space Kamp on the day stage, and rock out to Kottonmouth Kings and Mendo Dope for Saturday night concerts, among other acts.
"We have been running our events for over 9 years, and they have grown so large that we needed to relocate our April event to the biggest event venue in PA― The Pocono International Raceway..." a representative for Pocono420 said in an email. "Our education-based event gathers over 50,000 patrons, advocates, VIPs, and the canna-curious in just two days!"
Pocono Raceway was described as the "peanut butter and jelly" organization to host this year's fest, according to organizers.
Ashley Walsh, granddaughter of Pocono Raceway founders Doctors Joe and Rose Mattioli, is founder and president of Pocono Organics, a farm located not far from the track. It was certified as the first Regenerative Organic Certified hemp grower in the world in 2021.
This year marks the first time the festival will be able to offer camping to their patrons: Pocono Raceway is home to some of the best infield camping for cars and RVs.
"Acres of flat stable parking lots with ample accessible spaces for the disabled have always been on our wish list. The raceway checks all boxes." The festival's blog says.
When: April 22-23, 2023.
Where: Pocono Raceway, 1234 Long Pond Rd, Long Pond.
Cost: General admission tickets start at $10, and include daytime access to hundreds of vendors, dozens of food trucks, discussion panels, live music and more.
More info: Learn more about the festival at pocono420.com. Purchase tickets online at bit.ly/3MxqWWG.
Local cannabis industry: Farm in Poconos first in world to achieve regenerative organic hemp certification
Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival returns to Carbon County
This year's Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival is set to bring international, and local, indie flicks into the limelight.
The festival, named after indigenous Olympian Jim Thorpe, strives to highlight first peoples via film selections. This year, the fest is featuring "Keepers of the Way", directed by Evan Cohen. The film focuses on the local Lenape Nation. Chief Chuck Gentlemoon and other members of the Lenape Nation will attend the screening at 5 p.m. on April 23, marking a special and significant event for both the town of Jim Thorpe and the Lenape.
The lineup also includes the "retro sci-fi masterpiece" "Divinity," executive produced by Steven Soderbergh and directed by Eddie Alcazar. The cast boasts big names such as Scott Bakula, Stephen Dorff, Bella Thorne, and Emily Willis.
Two film blocks, "PA Student Films" and "Local Heroes" are dedicated to local and state filmmakers. The blocks features a range of films made by local Poconovians.
The fest is also excited to screen "The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster", directed by Bomani J. Story, who will present the film in person. It's described as a "fresh take on the classic Frankenstein story", and premiered at South by South West's 2023 festival.
Another interpretation of Frankenstein can be seen in "Birth/Rebirth", by director Laura Moss. This film premiered at Sundance 2023.
"And we're proud to highlight films from the LGBTQ community, with selections from around the world, including Spain, Atlanta, and Philadelphia." Festival organizers said via email.
When: April 20-23, 2023.
Where: Mauch Chunk Opera House 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe.
More info: For a full schedule, ticket costs and more, go to jimthorpeindiefilmfest.com/2023-schedule.
Celebrate Earth Day at PEEC
Celebrate everything about the Earth at this year's Earth Day Festival at the Pocono Environmental Education Center on April 29.
The festival kicks off with PEEC's Tough as Trails 5K, which runs through the main campus and includes two trail loops. Preregistration for the race is required, sign up online at peec.org/tough-as-trails-2023 or register in person starting at 9 a.m. Registration costs $35 per participant, walkers and hikers are welcome. Participants should arrive by 10:30 a.m. for check in.
According to a press release, festivalgoers can take a stroll through vendor booths and "learn about sustainable living, renewable energy, organic gardening, recycling, and more." Local crafts, natural beauty products and more will be on sale to support green businesses and reduce your carbon footprint.
Bring the entire family: kids can enjoy interactive exhibits and games (even a composting workshop). Live music, canoeing, tie dying and more will also be on deck.
In addition to the vendor area, several environmental organizations and nonprofits will be on-site to provide information about their causes and volunteer opportunities. You can sign up to plant trees, clean up litter, or participate in citizen science projects to help protect our planet.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 29.
Where: 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry.
Cost: Earth Day Fest admission is $5 per car.
More info: Call 570-828-2319, or go to PEEC.org.
Lehigh Valley festivals worth the trip
Veg out at the inaugural VegFest at Cedar Beach in Allentown
Vegetable enthusiasts rejoice! The first-ever VegFest is happening April 29 in the Lehigh Valley.
Enjoy plenty of vendors, food, music and adult beverages; as well as workouts and classes throughout the day -- including goat yoga with Steinmetz Farm.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 29
Where: Cedar Beach Park (2600 Parkway Blvd, Allentown)
Cost: Free to attend, food and beverages available for purchase
More info: Head to facebook.com/events/500619812142866 to learn more.
¡Fiesta Latina! returns to South Side Bethlehem
The Touchstone Theatre will present the fourth annual Latinx block party "¡Fiesta Latina!" this April. The fest, which highlights and celebrates the local Latinx community and culture, is free to attend and takes place on Touchstone's outdoor Barrio Stage.
Live entertainment includes Reggaeton music provided by El Elegido, a dance performance by Philadelphia’s Danza Azteca del Anahuac, featuring traditional Mexican Indigenous dance and drums.
Homemade food and drink will be available for cash or card purchase, provided by General Zapata’s. The Touchstone bar will provide alcoholic beverages, also available for cash or card purchase, all proceeds from bar sales will benefit Touchstone’s community initiatives.
When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9.
Where: Touchstone Theatre's Barrio Stage,
Cost: Free admission, food and drink available for purchase. Donations welcome.
More information: Go to Touchstone.org.
¡Fiesta Latina! takes place Saturday, April 29, 6-9p at Touchstone’s outdoor Barrio Stage (321 E. 4 th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015). Doors open at 5:30pm for first come, first served table seating. Food and drink available for cash or credit card purchase. There is no cost to attend; donations are welcome. For more information, go to: www.touchstone.org
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This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Marijuana, indie flicks and Earth Day: Festival season in the Poconos
