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 171st Allentown Fair held opening ceremonies on Wednesday. The fair, which will run through Monday, Sept. 4, is expected to attract some 200,000 visitors over all six days.

Attendees can sample 12 different types of sangria and test their cornhole skills at the 21-and-over event on Saturday. Tickets start at $44.

The Allentown Fair kicks off its 171st year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Allentown Fairgrounds. The fair, which will include entertainment, rides, food, refreshments, exhibits and more, runs through Monday, Sept. 4 at 9 p.m.

The Allentown Fair is promoting 15 new food options at various vendors throughout the event that will be up for a vote by fair attendees.

The Labor Day weekend is around the corner. LehighValleyNews.com gathered a list of activities you can participate in during the holiday.

The annual festival is a way to share Dominican culture, food and music, and to celebrate Allentown's large and growing Dominican community.

Backed by a four-man band and a back-up singer, Sheena Easton performed 15 songs in precisely 90 minutes at Mount Airy Casino Resort on Saturday.

The summer spectacle returns with headlining concerts, amusement rides, livestock shows and free family fun.

Over 1,400 classic cars gathered in Macungie Park, and organizers estimate about 11,000 people came out to see them and reminisce.

The Hooters performed to a nearly sold-out crowd Friday at Univest Performance Center in Quakertown.

Free Latin dance lessons, held by Ely Dance Studio, turn Allentown's ArtsWalk Pocket Park into a Meringue and Salsa party for an hour each Tuesday.

Easton PA VegFest is coming back to Riverside Park for its fifth year on Saturday, featuring vegetarian and vegan vendors alongside eco-friendly, health-conscious brands.