HAWLEY, PA — Wally Lake Fest combines music, food and outdoors activities centered around Lake Wallenpaupack, from swimming to boating to parasailing. The sixth annual festival kicks off on Friday, August 28 with an evening of music and entertainment around the lake and in downtown Hawley, like a Hawaiian luau at Ehrhardt’s Pub from 4 to 6 p.m. and Jazz on the Deck at The Settlers Inn on Main Avenue from 6 to 10 p.m. Or, if theatre is your preference, you can see the classic comedy “Arsenic & Old Lace” at The Ritz Company Playhouse on Keystone Street at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, August 29, you can also listen to live music right on the water at Wallypalooza (formerly known as Battle of the Bands). Two bands will perform throughout the day on a floating stage by the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center and the Tafton Dike. This free event allows people to listen to live music as they participate in the festivities happening around the lake.

The entertainment continues throughout Saturday evening in downtown Hawley with a Car Cruise in the Dime Bank parking area and Keystone Street from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring DJ Ricky Z, and music at a variety of venues continuing into Sunday.

Other planned activities include Yoga at nearby Lacawac Sanctuary, special Wally Fest Stourbridge Line train rides, cruising the lake in rented kayaks or on stand-up paddleboards, and a boat parade on Saturday, August 29, one of the traditional high points of the festival. Boats assemble at Shuman’s Point around 11:30 a.m. and arrive at the Tafton Dike at approximately 2 p.m.

Another highlight will be the Hemlock Hollow School 1890 Experience, which will take place at 1202 Avoy Rd. in Lakeville in memory of beloved local historian and educator Thomas H. Kennedy. From 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, relive what it was like to be a student in 1890 under the tutelage of the schoolmaster (played by Sandy Gabrielson). School is in session on the hour from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. This event also includes free horse-drawn wagon rides and petting zoo provided by Black Horse Farms. In addition, the fun also encompasses period themed actors, activities, food, popcorn, cotton candy, a flea market and face painting. For more information, call 570/226-2200.

To make it possible for people to get the most out of their Wally Lake Fest experience, multiple free shuttle buses will run throughout the weekend, making a variety of stops.

For a complete schedule of events, pick up a Wally Lake Fest brochure at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center and other area businesses. Additional details and daily updates are posted at www.facebook.com/wallylakefest.

Free shuttle buses will run on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. So park your car once and take free shuttles all day.