Arts & Culture

The opening acts for Musikfest's main stage headliners have been announced. They include several Lehigh Valley favorites.

A completely dry stretch of weather is almost unheard of this time of year, said meteorologist Bobby Martrich of EPAWA Weather Consulting, the official forecaster of Musikfest.

The first celebration featured an array of talent with an emphasis on local artists.

With around 1 million people expected to attend Musikfest this year, health and safety take top priority for organizers. Everything from cooling misters to medical tents will be on site.

The Lower Macungie Township Historical Society is set to raise money for and produce a historical docudrama film focused on the 1799 Fries Rebellion, which led to a federal crackdown in the Macungie area during the John Adams administration.

ArtsQuest announced Monday that the Old World Wine Dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room on the second floor of the ArtsQuest Center. And the two-session Fall Winefest & Market will be on Oct. 29 at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem.

As Musikfest kicks off next week, some notable figures in its history shared their perspectives on the humble beginnings and what it's become. Join in the action in Bethlehem from Aug. 3-13.

Local police departments are celebrating National Night Out Tuesday, a nationwide initiative to bring cops and community members together.

Four August events in Bethlehem focus on different aspects of Moravian and colonial culture.

The iconic Martin on Main festival returned to historic Nazareth at noon on July 29.

This weekend marks the 119th anniversary of Greater Shiloh Church of Easton, featuring a music-infused night of worship, a day of community service, and a ceremonial mortgage burning.

The 19th annual Emmaus Arts Commission Student Film Festival has opened registration, giving students throughout the Lehigh Valley opportunities to make something for the big screen with a kickoff event taking place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24 in the Emmaus Community Park's Arts Pavilion.

Laura Brady is hosting a reception on Friday, Sept. 22.

The Sigal Museum's "Forged by Fire" exhibition opens at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, featuring relics from Northampton County's long history of firefighting.

Now in its 35th year, the event — organized by the Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA) — will feature five stages of Celtic entertainers, Irish food, beer and whiskey, a Haggis Bowl contest, a youth fiddle competition and a Tartan parade with pipe bands.

Ryan Cabrera, who had the 2004 Top 10 Pop chart singles "On the Way Down" and "True," will perform at Bethlehem's Harvest Fest — the free street fair that runs noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 14 at Main and Broad streets.

The Berks Fiddle Festival, an annual celebration of folk music, held its 40th anniversary edition at Bear Creek Mountain Resort on Sunday. "It's the music that's in my heart," said one festival-goer.

The historical site celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Apple Days Festival and the 275th year of the plantation.

Bill George will present a solo retelling of Homer's classic Greek tale on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17.

Two Bethlehem Area School District art teachers created a colorful stairs mural designed to inspire those faced with life's obstacles.

The annual Lehigh Valley Polo for Equi-librium will take place at Braden Airpark on Sunday, Sept. 17.

The Ice House in Bethlehem will host a singer-songwriter showcase Thursday night. Tickets are available online and at the door.