Montage Mountainfest Returns with Music, Contests, and Fireworks

The annual festival at the Scranton ski resort will feature a cardboard sled race, pond skimming, and performances by Wheatus and Sugar Ray.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:03pm

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Montage Mountainfest, a popular annual event at the Scranton ski resort Montage Mountain, is set to return on March 6-7, 2026. The festival will feature a variety of kooky contests, live music, and a fireworks show. Highlights include the Preston & Steve's Cardboard Classic sled race, a pond skimming competition, and performances by the bands Wheatus and Sugar Ray.

Why it matters

Montage Mountainfest has become a beloved tradition in the Scranton area, drawing crowds from across northeastern Pennsylvania to enjoy a unique blend of winter sports, entertainment, and community spirit. The festival's mix of quirky contests, nostalgic music, and family-friendly activities make it a must-attend event for locals and visitors alike.

The details

The festival kicks off on Friday, March 6 with the Preston & Steve's Cardboard Classic, where competitors build creative sleds out of cardboard and race them down the slopes. This is followed by a tribute to the 1980s MTV era, featuring a performance by the band M80s. On Saturday, March 7, the action continues with the pond skimming contest, where costumed skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across an icy pond. Musical acts Wheatus and Sugar Ray will take the stage later in the day, performing their popular hits. The festival concludes with a fireworks show on Saturday evening.

  • The Cardboard Classic sled race takes place on Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m.
  • The '80s tribute performance by M80s is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6.
  • The pond skimming contest is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7.
  • Wheatus will perform at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7.
  • Sugar Ray is scheduled to take the stage at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7.

The players

Montage Mountain Resorts

The Scranton ski resort that hosts the annual Mountainfest event.

Preston & Steve

The radio show hosts who lend their name to the Cardboard Classic sled race.

Wheatus

The pop/rock band known for the hit song "Teenage Dirtbag" that will perform at the festival.

Sugar Ray

The rock band known for songs like "Fly," "Every Morning," "Someday," and "When It's Over" that will also perform at the festival.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The festival organizers are expecting a large turnout for the event, and are encouraging attendees to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the gate.

The takeaway

Montage Mountainfest has become a beloved annual tradition in the Scranton area, offering a unique blend of winter sports, entertainment, and community spirit that appeals to locals and visitors alike. The festival's mix of quirky contests, nostalgic music, and family-friendly activities make it a must-attend event for anyone looking to embrace the winter season in northeastern Pennsylvania.