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.

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries finally gives a first look at what's to come this holiday season when "Miracle in Bethlehem, Pa" premieres. Despite the title, the movie was shot elsewhere and not in the Lehigh Valley.

Musikfest, for the past four years it's been in-person, has added a "preview" night, and already has announced 2024's lineup also will have one. Is Musikfest becoming an 11-day festival?

Emmaus' borough council on Monday introduced an ordinance establishing an official borough historical commission to collaboratively govern efforts towards the historical borough landmarks of the 1803 House, Shelter House and Knauss Homestead.

Local volunteers gather every September to make thousands of 6-inch candles. It's the beginning of a process that takes hours of planning and preparation — and started in Germany in 1747.

LoCash, the duo of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, which has had three Top 10 Country chart hits, including 2016's No. 1 "I Know Somebody," will perform at 6:30 p.m. July 19 as part of the Sounds of Summer Series concerts at Quakertown's Univest Performance Center.

People can support local artists by shopping at Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks.

Greg Capogna, executive director of the radio station will retire from his position in early 2024.

Christmas tree, oh dusty Christmas tree: how dirty are those branches and how do you clean it? A pulmonologist settles the debate of whether a real or fake tree is better for your health.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program grant will fund programs for residents with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities.

Starting today, there will be a $5 admission discount for all skaters at ArtsQuest's ice rink for the rest of the season.

Singer Hunter Hayes at will stop at Stroudsburg's Sherman Theater at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 as part of his Flying Solo Tour, which will have him alone on stage, performing stripped down versions of not only songs from "Red Sky," but also platinum hits such as "Wanted," "Somebody’s Heartbreak" and I Want Crazy."

Old Dominion was announced Monday as the second headliner for the 10-day Bethlehem festival. The group will play the main Steel Stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.