Arts & Culture

Next year marks 250 years since the colonists produced a bold declaration of freedom and self-governance that still echoes today. It will be an occasion celebrated and recognized across the land — and we at Lehigh Valley Public Media are no exception.

In addition to live music, there will be more than a dozen local vendors, businesses and crafters, as well as trail and outdoor demonstrations, and group walks.

Steel Panther, which has had five albums top Billboard's Comedy chart, will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, it was announced.

In the spirit of Shakespeare, Saturday's celebration will feature entertainment for all ages, including musical performances by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, alpaca and ponies, and a student-led Latin band.

From 8 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 27, you'll be able to buy tickets for five of Musikfest's 11 headline shows, two paid-ticket Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks shows and nine Musikfest Cafe shows without paying any service fees.

Howie Mandel, who since 2010 has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” will perform with fellow comedian Brad Garrett at 8 p.m. Aug. 24. And Alan Parsons Live Project, which continues the work of Alan Parsons Project, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 2.

Now in its 14th year, the festival honors Puerto Rican culture in the city. The three-day celebration starts on Thursday with a documentary screening, a tribute to the women of salsa, and a flag-raising on Friday, and more Latin music and food on Saturday.

Lehigh Valley Dodgeball is building an inclusive, community-driven space for players of all skill levels in Easton. Open gyms are now underway every Monday night.

Shankweiler’s, renowned as the oldest continuously operating drive‑in theatre in the country since 1934, will soon be showcased to millions across the country on "Good Morning America."

Allentown Fair's first Mullet Contest will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Farmerama Theater.

Moravian University students wrote and directed the productions as part of their Master of Fine Arts thesis projects. Their performances at Touchstone Theatre — spread out through April and starting this week — will explore disability, self-worth and creativity.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom has turned to a regional craft brewery to celebrate the opening of the park’s new Iron Menace roller coaster.

Heavyweight developer City Center plans to open its new music venue, The Archer, in the 900 block of Hamilton Street in Allentown later this fall. Construction is underway.

The pandemic, a re-diagnosis and a lifetime of loving, playing music inspires a 'Plan B' personal win

Edward Shaughnessy’s 'KSAT 2021: A Walkabout' documents 365 photographs of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, detailing a picturesque scene a day. Proceeds from print sales will help benefit the trail.

Hundreds of brew enthusiasts joined together, sipping samples from all sorts of stouts, IPAs, ales and more brewed right in the Lehigh Valley.

“The Story Continues” was a program presented by the Rising Sun Initiative at Bethlehem Area Public Library. It celebrated Black history and Women's History Month.

Exactly 100 years ago, on March 30, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom’s wooden roller coaster, Thunderhawk, opened to the public.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

In honor of the March 31 holiday, Crayola has committed to giving away 1 million crayons across their stores nationwide from March 29-31.

Brett Scallions, who fronted the band Fuel for more than 25 years, will perform July 13 at Signature Event Center, 137 Erin Lane, Brodheadsville.

Dorney Park on Friday announced new Preseason Preview Days to be held April 27-28 and May 4-5.