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Susquehanna Brewing Co. became a stop on one of the most historic cross-country road trips

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Wilkes-Barre makes list of nation’s most unsafe communities

The first official long weekend of the summer is upon us. If the grills aren&#8217;t out yet, what are you waiting for? Stock up on Solo cups and get that bathing suit ready. If you want more options than just relaxing here are some that won&#8217;t break the bank. This weekend there are some wine-inspired events, the Battle of the Bands finale and lots of great live music &#8212; all for $20 or less.Memorial Day parades/ceremonies: Free! Check with your town for details about a parade or ceremony, but chances are that one day this weekend, you&#8217;ll wake to the sounds of drums, bagpipes and cheering or be invited to ceremony honoring those who died fighting so that we can enjoy weekends like this one.Wine Wednesdays: Free! Are you a plan-ahead kind of person? Than this one&#8217;s for you. From 4 to 6 p.m. on May 20, the Premium Collection Wine and Spirits Store, 2151 Memorial Highway in Dallas, will host a wine tasting. Samples of award-winning Asian Pear wines are offered. Additionally, there will be some pear-themed appetizers to snack on. Bottles of the wine are available for purchase. For more info about pear wines visit <a href="http://winesofsubarashii.com./" target="_blank">winesofsubarashii.com.</a><a href="http://www.wplibrary.org/adults.php" target="_blank">Paint Your Own Wine Glass</a>: $5. Tap into your inner artist as you paint a wine glass. Enjoy some wine samples, in a different glass, from Bartolai Winery. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. Must be 21 or older.<a href="http://jessupno2.com/" target="_blank">Jessup Hose Company Carnival</a>: Free! What better way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend than with games, amusement rides, parade, St. Ubaldo Festivities, fireworks and more? Head over to the Jessup Hose Carnival beginning May 20 at 6 p.m. and concluding at 7 p.m. May 25 at 333 Hill St. 6 to 11 p.m. For more information call 570-489-1141.570-654-9847.<a href="http://mohegansunarenapa.com/events/wwe-smackdown/" target="_blank">Smackdown:</a> $15. WWE is bringin&#8217; it. A televised broadcast of Smackdown featuring your favorite WWE superstars live. The excitement begins at 7 p.m., May 26 at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Tickets start at $15 and are available at ticketmaster.com or at the box office.<a href="https://mohegansunpocono.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events/battle-of-the-bands.html" target="_blank">Battle of the Bands</a>: Free! Come see who takes home $10,000 during the final round of Breakers Battle of the Bands final round. Music starts at 8 p.m.<a href="https://www.timesleader.com/section/calendar#/event/4279233-acoustic-bluegrass-jam?location=18711-wilkes-barre&amp;sections=all&amp;date=today" target="_blank">Bluegrass Jam</a>: Free! Bring your instrument and get ready for what may come. Beginning at 7 p.m. on May 20, &#8216;pickers&#8217; and music lovers alike are invited to jam at the Cooperage Project, 1030 Main St. Honesdale.<a href="https://www.timesleader.com/section/calendar#/event/4249422-blinded-passenger?location=18711-wilkes-barre&amp;sections=all&amp;date=today" target="_blank">Blinded Passenger</a>: Free! Dine on delicious seafood as you listen to Scranton native, singer-songwriter Patrick McGlynn. Featuring Steve Werner on Drums, Stefan Ogonosky on guitar, and bassist Kevin Stone, BP draws influence from artists like Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and Saves the Day to deliver a sound crafted over the past several years in the bars and clubs of the Northeast. The music starts at 7 p.m. May 22 at Cooper&#8217;s Seafood House, 701 N. Washington Ave. Scranton.<a href="http://www.uncnepa.org/2856/unc-to-host-3rd-annual-seniors-got-talent/" target="_blank">Seniors Got Talent:</a> $20. Watch some local seniors entertain you all while benefiting United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The 3rd annual talent show starts at 6 p.m. May 21 at The Theater at Lackawanna College. For tickets or more information, call 570-961-1592 ext. 102.Backyard Barbecues: A case of beer. Someone you know is having one. If you have lots of friends, you may even find something for each day of the long weekend. Search Facebook. If you can&#8217;t find anything, there&#8217;s still time to plan your own.

Keep your weekend affordable with these suggestions of things to do for $20 or less