Arts & Culture

"Iron Chef" winner Jose Garces has opened Okatshe, a Japanese-inspired izakaya on Hamilton Street, with an eight-foot sushi roll instead of a ribbon-cutting. Located across from Rosa Blanca, Okatshe offers small plates, sushi, sake,and whiskey in a modern take on Japan’s traditional neighborhood bar.

The festival spans two weekends of authentic German traditions, including stein holding competitions, bratwurst eating contests, live polka bands, schuhplattler dancers, dachshund races and new contests.

After three years of low attendance because of inclement weather, the 2025 Celtic Classic & U.S. Highland Games returned with crowds and a packed celebration of the Celtic regions: Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Scotland, and Wales.

Comedian Michael Che, currently in his 11th season of "Saturday Night Live," will perform Dec. 10 at Easton's State Theatre, it was announced.

Gwynn spoke at Moravian University on Sept.30 about his 30-year wrongful imprisonment and death row exoneration, sharing his journey of faith, art and justice.

Blues star Kenny Wayne Shepherd will perform at Wind Creek Event Center on Friday, March 6, as part of a 30th anniversary tour for his 1995 chart-topping, platinum debut album "Ledbetter Heights."

Melvins perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

The PA Latino Convention in Pittsburgh drew leaders to discuss housing, education, and immigrant advocacy. Easton will host the 2026 convention, highlighting the Lehigh Valley’s growing Latino community.

Karl Stirner Arts Trail has confirmed a few upcoming residencies and programs, including a new building which could be used as a gallery and community space.

Barley Creek Brewing Company is planting roots in the Lehigh Valley, opening a taproom at the Promenade Saucon Valley. The Pocono-based brewing company expects to serve customers with "100% Pennsylvania products" this fall.

The first trailer has dropped for Dan Roebuck’s “Saint Nick of Bethlehem” — and the holiday movie bearing the name of the Christmas City was actually filmed here.

A Schuylkill County actors guild said the Diocese of Allentown threatened to take legal action against it if performers held a Disney-themed drag show at one of its former properties.

Boogie-rocking band ZZ Top will return to Bethlehem’s Musikfest, it was just announced Monday.

Top reggaeton Jowell and Randy will perform on Musikfest's main Steel Stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 4.

A “bold, thoughtful” mural is the goal — one that honors the area’s food culture, farmers and residents themselves, according to co-op General Manager Eric Shamis who recently shared the latest with WLVR's Brad Klein.

McGhee panel discussion and Q&A will take place on Thursday, Feb. 29.

More than 250 students will perform this weekend at Lehigh Valley Mall. The Lehigh Valley Music Teachers Association's 42nd annual Playathon fundraiser continues Sunday.

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

The musical, based off the Broadway show, debuted on Friday, Feb. 23 and runs through March 10.

‘Restoring Petals: A Live Poetry Experience’ will be held 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 at the Ice House, 56 River St. in Bethlehem.

WLVR News Director Jen Rehill talks with journalists Tom Shortell and Micaela Hood.

As part of Black History Month, we celebrate the contributions of local artists, dancers, actors and community leaders, whose achievements stand out year-round.