Support Wilkes-Barre Metro
Donate Today
Make a donation today to help preserve our history, underwrite quality economic development, help embrace and create art and architecture, and preserve our history!
Save Mr. Peanut
Wilkes Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation stopped the demolition of the former corporate headquarters of Planters Peanuts and now wants to preserve the history!
WBWE 97.5 FM
The money you donate today will help underwrite the operations of the non-profit radio station on the FM channel 97.5 using a low power FM license awarded by the FCC to benefit the community covering Wilkes Barre, PA.
Wilkes-Barre Metro Latest News and Updates
RE-OPENING SPRING 2026
Margarita Urban Beer Garden! Downtown Wilkes-Barre
Margarita, recently launched this past summer to highest levels of acclaim, with reviews and and an experience that were first class. Now closed for the the winter, Margarita Urban Beer and Cocktail Garden is THE PLACE to be in Wilkes-Barre! A major metropolitan-style, world-class family friendly beer garden. The venue will feature authentic wood-fired pizza made in a traditional oven imported directly from Naples, Italy, using only the finest ingredients and original recipes.
In addition to gourmet wood-fired pizzas, Margarita offers a curated selection of signature Frozen margaritas, diverse food options, handcrafted beers, and a vibrant entertainment lineup designed to appeal to both families and nightlife enthusiasts.
Margarita aims to elevate the Downtown Wilkes-Barre experience by bringing high-quality dining, drinks, and entertainment to the local community. Drawing inspiration from major urban beer gardens, Margarita maintains a welcoming neighborhood vibe. Visit https://www.margaritawb.com
Margarita is located at 9 East Bennett Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA! (Downtown!) Re-Opening in Early 2026 after the cold winter months!
2026 PENNSYLVANIA POLKAFEST, SPONSORED BY MRS. T’S PIEROGIES, RETURNS TO MOHEGAN PA “IT’S POLKA TIME”
WILKES-BARRE, PA — After the resounding successes of past years and a record-breaking festival in 2025, the 2026 Pennsylvania Polkafest, sponsored by Mrs. T’s Pierogies and presented by Wilkes-Barre Metro (non-profit), is officially returning in 2026. Now entering its second consecutive year at Mohegan Pennsylvania, the festival continues to grow into one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s most exciting cultural and musical traditions.
This year’s event will once again take place at Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Keystone Grand Ballroom on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM, located at 1280 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Following last year’s overwhelming turnout and expanded venue space, the 2026 edition promises to be even bigger, drawing polka fans from across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
Produced by the entertainment powerhouse trio of Thom Greco’s Rittenhouse Entertainment, Joe Nardone’s Magnus Concerts, and Jim Della Croce’s Pathfinder, this year’s lineup features 18-Time Grammy Award Winner Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, along with the Grammy-nominated Polka Family Band—two of the most iconic and celebrated acts in modern polka.
With more than 500 people in attendance last year, 2026 is anticipated to surpass previous records as Polkafest continues to gain statewide recognition.
TICKETS & ADMISSION
Reserved Table: $30 (advance)
General Admission Open Table Seating:
– $20 (advance)
– $25 at the door
General Admission (cash only) is also available at:
Gallery of Sound – 570-829-3603
Tickets can be purchased online at:
ticketsalesnow.com
For more information, call:
570-550-6410
PERFORMERS & FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Attendees can expect:
– World-class polka entertainment
– A full open dance-floor experience
– Food & beverages including Mrs. T’s Pierogies
– Multi-generational attendance & family-friendly atmosphere
– Live recording by Service Electric Cable TV for later broadcast
Polkafest has quickly become one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved annual music events—celebrating heritage, culture, and family tradition.
Thom Greco further stated,
“Being half Slovak, it is a part of my DNA just as my Italian roots influence my interests. I remember the regard for Polka music and it being a part of our upbringing. My Grandmother, my Mother, Mary Jean Greco, now 95, and my Aunt Val Genetti recently deceased enjoyed dancing to Polka music, and I was not alone as many of the attendees reach out to express the joy and ability to bring generations of family members to come out and enjoy dancing with memories of the past and creating new memories at the Pennsylvania Polkafest with dancing to Polka music as the common thread. The “Kings of Polka Music” come together once a year to celebrate their ethnicity and it is alive and evident at last year’s Pennsylvania Polkafest. We had over 500 people in attendance. We hope to top that number this year!”
Joe Nardone set forth,
“we are proud to be involved with the Pennsylvania Polkafest and to be a part of the Polka community. My wife’s roots are all about celebrating Polka!”
Jim Della Croce said,
“Pennsylvania Polka is one of our strongest musical draws and Polka music is alive and doing well in Pennsylvania”.
With expanded visibility, returning headliners, loyal attendees, and growing cultural energy, the 2026 Pennsylvania Polkafest is expected to deliver its biggest celebration yet. Guests are encouraged to secure tickets early, as attendance continues to rise each year.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Joe Nardone — 570-829-3603
Thom Greco — 570-407-2000
Digital artwork requests: grecothom@aol.com
For updates and news:
www.pennsylvaniapolkafest.com
WB Metro Planning "Reimagine Wilkes-Barre Campaign"
Wilkes-Barre is rising.
Across Downtown, along the riverfront, throughout our neighborhoods, and inside our local businesses, a new wave of energy is taking hold. What once struggled with post-industrial decline is now transforming into a regional powerhouse built on innovation, culture, tourism, and community pride. This transformation is no accident — it is the result of intentional planning, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to build something greater.
Today, that vision has a name: “Reimagine Wilkes-Barre.”
Led by the Wilkes-Barre Metro Development Corporation, this campaign is the most ambitious revitalization initiative in decades, uniting residents, institutions, local leaders, private investors, universities, and businesses under a single mission: to rebuild Wilkes-Barre for the future.
A City Ready for Reinvention
Wilkes-Barre is uniquely positioned for growth. With a major university district, a thriving arts and entertainment corridor, world-class attractions within minutes, and one of the most active downtown nightlife scenes in NEPA, the foundation for a modern, thriving urban center is already here.
The Reimagine Campaign focuses on strengthening these assets while tackling the core challenges that have held the region back — blight, underutilized properties, and the loss of young talent to larger cities
Why Now? Because Wilkes-Barre Deserves It.
For too long, the narrative about Wilkes-Barre has been written by the past.
The Reimagine Wilkes-Barre Campaign writes a new story — one defined by growth, talent, excitement, and pride.
We are no longer the post-industrial city people remember.
We are the city people are rediscovering.
We are the city people will seek out.
We are the city ready to rise.
Join the Movement
This campaign belongs to everyone — students, families, business owners, artists, creators, workers, and lifelong residents.
Your voice, your ideas, and your passion will shape Wilkes-Barre’s next chapter.
Follow the campaign. Share the message. Support local businesses. Join upcoming events. Become part of the story. CONTACT US TODAY!
Together, we will Reimagine Wilkes-Barre and build the city we all know it can become.
WB Metro-Celebrating the Life of Legendary Bill Kelly!
On April 13th, 2025, the ballroom at Genetti’s in Wilkes-Barre was filled to capacity with fans, friends, and fellow musicians for a sold-out tribute concert celebrating the life and legacy of Bill Kelly—the beloved Wyoming Valley native and frontman of The Buoys. The event, presented by the Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation, delivered a heartfelt and unforgettable evening, honoring the incredible journey of a man whose voice, spirit, and songs touched millions.
From the local music halls of Northeast PA to the iconic stage of Madison Square Garden, Bill Kelly’s career was nothing short of remarkable. His haunting vocals on the 1971 hit “Timothy” took the band to #17 on the Billboard charts, and his path would eventually cross with some of the biggest names in rock, including a tour alongside Queen. On this special night, the music returned to where it all began.
The celebration featured emotional live performances, intimate stories, and surprise guest appearances from musicians and friends who shared Bill’s journey through the decades. Each tribute painted a vivid portrait of a man whose artistry helped shape the sound of an era—and whose roots in the Wyoming Valley never faded.
The outpouring of love and admiration was undeniable as the audience sang along, laughed, and shed tears in remembrance of a true local icon. From standing ovations to quiet moments of reflection, every part of the evening spoke to the impact Bill had—not just as a performer, but as a person.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Bill Kelly Tribute Concert a historic success. In selling out and selling strong, this event proved that Bill’s legacy is not only remembered—it continues to inspire. His music lives on, and so does his place in the heart of our community.
On Location: Revisited films bring back memories of iconic NEPA places and events!
Thom Greco (CEO of WB METRO), Former Managing Partner at The Woodlands Inn & Resort, played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a premier nightlife destination in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His collaboration with the Kornfeld family and contributions to the nightclub’s development, alongside lighting legend Eric Brown, helped establish The Woodlands as the “Studio 54 of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The forthcoming film “On Location: Revisited: The 25th Hour: Reflections From a Mirror Ball” highlights Greco’s influence and the venue’s legacy, underscoring its impact on the regional entertainment scene
Read Full Article Now at Times Leader: https://www.timesleader.com/news/1665820/on-location-revisited-films-bring-back-memories-of-iconic-nepa-places
Wilkes-Barre Metro Film Office Leading Expansion of Industry in NEPA!
Wilkes-Scarre: LARGEST EVENT YET THANK YOU TO PARTNERS
Get ready for the spookiest event of the year! “Wilkes-Scarre” Weekend is set to be the hottest Halloween celebration in downtown Wilkes-Barre, PA. Enjoy family events, costume contests, ghost tours, and hottest nightlife! Highlights include the spectacular Halloween Parties, and more! 2025 was the most successful regional Halloween event yet and we are already planning for a HUGE 2026!
WILKES BARRE METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 501 (C) 3
Wilkes Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation (Wilkes Barre Metro) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit recognized and registered with the IRS with all donations being tax deductible in accordance with your accountant.
Wilkes Barre Metro undertakes voluntary endeavors to create economic growth, to host events for the community celebrating the legacy of individuals, to embrace historic influencers and to preserve the historic architecture of our area.
Wilkes Barre Metro’s executive board oversees endeavors that are supported by advisory boards that have direct oversight for certain areas of our mission.
A Low Power FM radio license was granted a construction permit and Wilkes Barre Metro was recognized by the FCC as a worthy community non-profit to award such a license. WBWE LPFM was put on the air located at 97.5 FM for the Wilkes Barre community. The radio station also celebrates the inventor of radio by Wilkes Barre’s own, Father Joseph Murgas.
Wilkes Barre Metro’s Film Office works with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other statewide film offices to help promote the growth and jobs created in the film industry working directly with major producers and studios from Hollywood to New York City and also assists many smaller film producers. Wilkes Barre has deep roots in the movie industry. The Mankiewicz family – pioneers in the Hollywood movie industry as screenwriters and producers have a family connection to Wilkes Barre – especially Joseph L. Mankiwicz being born in Wilkes Barre. Jack Palance, a Hollywood favorite, was born, raised and maintained a home in the Wilkes Barre area. Lyman H. Howe a pioneer in movie production maintained his studios and mansion on Riverside Drive in Wilkes Barre.
Projects like Planters Peanuts have been sustained by Wilkes Barre Metro’s perseverance, interest and endeavors for preserving the historic significance of Mario Peruzzi and Amedeo Obici – owners and founders of Planters Peanut and Chocolate Company. Wilkes Barre Meto continues to look for support for obtaining ownership of the original corporate offices of Planters Peanuts on South Main Street to create a museum and contribute a landmark to help tourism.
Other projects that Wilkes Barre Metro has continued to promote and will continue to pursue investment and growth in an advanced digital broadband network with fiber optics including the network support of a data center on the core twenty block grid within the City of Wilkes Barre through abandoned city steam pipes, manholes, and central office. Additionally, the unique location of a Wilkes Barre Metro building is located directly above flooded abandoned coal mines make a feedstock for Rare Earth Elements while clarifying Acid Mine Drainage.
With the Covid pandemic, WB Metro has taken the lead in educating and training various segments of the economy to preserve jobs and helping our area as well technically supporting on a national level with the rollout of CovidSafe(TM) training and certifications with Ready Training Online – view more on COVIDSAFE.US.
