Arts & Culture

Check out a roundup of activities, places, and times to see the fireworks as the Lehigh Valley celebrates Independence Day.

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."

Easton Farmers' Market will celebrate its 272nd season on Saturday, May 4, with dozens of locally oriented vendors offering food, drinks, entertainment, specialty crafts and more.

Almost Queen, which performs the music of bombastic 1970s and '80s rockers Queen, will perform July 13 at Univest Performance Center in Quakertown. And Get The Led Out, which performs the music of 1970s heavy metal band Led Zeppelin, will close out the season with a show Aug. 24.

Nashville artist-songwriter George Birge, whose song "Beer Beer, Truck Truck" went viral on social media in 2021, then who hit No. 1 with the song "Mind On You" in 2022, will be Brad Paisley's "special guest" at the Aug. 30 concert at Allentown Fair grandstand.

The shop, Dear Santa, is at 458 Main St. across from Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Owner Tom Dubreuil has a close connection to Santa Claus — He's portrayed him for several years as part of Christmas season festivities organized by the Downtown Bethlehem Association.

The series of 10 Wednesday night movies will feature new and classic Disney fare, recent blockbusters and some films with important anniversaries.

Sugar Ray, which had the chart-topping hits "Fly" in 1997 and "Every Morning" in 1999, will take Musikfest's Steel Stage on Aug. 2, the first full night of the festival.

Sounds of the Underground, at 7:30 p.m. June 21, will showcase eight Lehigh Valley-connected music acts.

C.F. Martin & Company has unveiled a vivid new museum display focused on sustainable manufacturing practices, highlighting years of innovations which focus on quality instruments with an environmentally-friendly orientation.

Forty-six concerts (the same as last year) are scheduled for Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks' 14th year, announced Sunday at a season reveal event at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

With Orthodox Easter just around the corner, we spoke with artists about the rich history of pysanky, passed down through generations and a product of detailed, ornate handiwork.

Meet staff and learn about the studio's art and music classes at the open house on Sunday, April 28.

The free Blast Furnace Blues will be from 5-11 p.m. July 19 and from 2-11 p.m. July 20 on two stages, both outdoors: Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks and ArtsQuest Center’s Town Square.