Greater Pittston Tomato Festival

The Greater Pittston Tomato Festival: How a Small City Became Pennsylvania’s Tomato Capital

Why Tomatoes? A Tradition That Put Pittston on the Map

Pittston’s love affair with tomatoes goes back nearly a century. By the 1930s, wholesalers in New York and New Jersey were already asking for “Pittston tomatoes,” (due to the minerals and rich soils from the Susquehanna River) praising the region’s rich flavor and quality—fueling the city’s reputation as the “Quality Tomato Capital of the World.”

Festival Origins: From Civic Pride to a Signature Event

The Greater Pittston Tomato Festival was created to celebrate that heritage—and to give the city a fresh story to tell. Local advocates, including the late Valentine “Val” Delia, organized the event with support from Mayor Thomas Walsh. Planning got underway in 1983, with the inaugural festival held in 1984—a three-day celebration that drew big crowds and immediate momentum.

By the mid-1980s, attendance had soared, the festival incorporated as a nonprofit, and beloved traditions took root—like the Tomato Festival Queen pageant, the parade, and the community 5K. Today, it’s a four-day summer staple that draws tens of thousands (often topping 100,000 visitors) to downtown Pittston. What Makes the Pittston Tomato Festival Special

• Iconic Parade & Pageantry: A joyful main-street parade, Little Mr. & Miss Tomato, and a scholarship pageant for the Tomato Festival Queen.
• The Tomato Run (5K): A community 5K (plus youth run and fun walk) that steps off just before the parade.
• Food, Music & Family Fun: Dozens of local food vendors, live entertainment, rides, games, arts & crafts, and of course—home-grown Pittston tomatoes.
• Tomato Pride Everywhere: From tomato statues and murals to cheeky contests (best-looking, ugliest, and tastiest tomatoes), the city’s identity is on full display.

2025 Dates & Where It Happens: Full Schedule Here

When: August 21–24, 2025
Where: Downtown Pittston (Tomato Festival Lot, 71 S. Main St.)
Expect four days of food, live music, the 5K, parade, vendors, rides, and plenty of local flavor.

How the Festival Shaped Pittston’s Story

Long before “placemaking” was a buzzword, Pittston used its agricultural roots to reinvent its image and boost local business. The Tomato Festival channeled community pride into a signature event. It helps nonprofits fundraise, spotlights small businesses and restaurants, and brings regional visitors downtown year after year.

Planning Your Visit (and What to Eat)

• Come hungry: From classic Italian specialties to creative tomato-forward bites, the festival is a showcase of NEPA’s culinary scene. Make sure to visit Grico’s booth! This year we added a Crab Cake Sandwich in addition to our famous Chicken Scampi Melts and Tomato Pie.
• Time your Saturday: The 5K starts at 10:00 AM and the parade follows at 11:00 AM—a perfect back-to-back festival morning.
• Bring the family: Rides, games, and kid-friendly contests make it easy to spend a full day downtown.