Free concert series named to celebrate America250PA
Wilkes-Barre will be center stage this summer as part of Pennsylvania’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and America250PA announced that Kirby Park will host a free concert on June 20, featuring seven-time Grammy-winning country trio Lady A and iconic R&B group En Vogue.
The Wilkes-Barre show is the fourth stop in the Commonwealth Concert Series — a five-city, statewide celebration designed to honor the unique and diverse stories that define the state.
Running from Memorial Day weekend through the end of June, the series brings communities together through music, shared history and a collective sense of pride in who we are and who we are becoming.
“We are proud to welcome the Commonwealth Concert Series to Wilkes-Barre this summer,” Mayor George C. Brown said. “Kirby Park has long been a gathering place for our community, and it is the perfect backdrop for a night that honors our shared history and the bright future ahead.
“We can’t wait to see our neighbors come together for this once-in-a-generation moment.”
“America’s story started right here in our commonwealth and Pennsylvanians have played a key role in shaping our nation,” Shapiro said. “My administration is committed to ensuring everyone can take part in celebrating our history — and this concert series will bring together Pennsylvanians from all across the commonwealth, giving them an opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. I’m proud that we secured funds in the 2025-26 budget to put on these free concerts — and I’m confident the commonwealth is ready to put on a once-in-a-lifetime show.”
“My love for Pennsylvania has grown over the past eight years, but I’ll always be NEPA proud,” said America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman. “I will never forget where I came from. This community believed in America250PA from the very beginning and that faith was the foundation for the programs and projects we’ve launched across all 67 counties.
“Bringing the Commonwealth Concert Series to Kirby Park is a chance to say thank you — by creating a moment where we can come together, celebrate and enjoy something special right here at home. I’m thrilled to welcome everyone for a night that reflects the strength and heart of this region.”
The Wilkes-Barre concert is part of a statewide series featuring nationally recognized headliners performing in communities from Erie to Pittsburgh.
The full Commonwealth Concert Series schedule features:
• May 23: Bryce Jordan Center, State College — Cole Swindell and special guest Gabby Barrett.
• June 6: Erie Insurance Arena, Erie — The Fray.
• June 13: Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey — The Avett Brothers.
• June 20: Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre — Lady A and special guest En Vogue.
• June 27: Point State Park, Pittsburgh — Nelly, Third Eye Blind.
While all concerts are free of charge, a ticket is required for entry.
Residents are encouraged to visit America250PA.org/concert_series to sign up for email alerts regarding ticket release dates.
The Commonwealth Concert Series is a signature program of America250PA, the official state commission marking the semiquincentennial of American independence.
For more information about America250PA and the Commonwealth Concert Series, visit America250PA.org.
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present and future.