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."

This year's Puerto Rican Day Festival and Parade in Allentown shares the island territory's culture.

The Lehigh Valley's first Disability Pride Lehigh Valley festival was held Saturday at the Penn State — Lehigh Valley campus. The free, all-ages event was a celebration of the region’s disability community through art, music and community resources.

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 Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival returns on Sunday, July 23 to Allentown.

The flower show is being hosted by Bethlehem Garden Club Friday and Saturday.

The highly anticipated opening of the Bethlehem location of Donerds Donuts has been eight months in the making, and the doors remain closed — but not for long.

Singer Tony Bennett, who died Friday just two weeks before his 97th birthday, graced the stages of the Lehigh Valley frequently in the final two decades of his performing career. And it seemed those shows often came during important moments in Bennett’s career.

David Foster and wife Katharine McPhee will perform at Wind Creek Event Center 8 p.m. May 9. Iconic English progressive rock band Yes will play at 8 p.m. Sept. 21.

Dorney Park is planning the return of Grand Carnivale, a day-to-night, larger-than-life, international celebration. And if you want food, they’ve got it.

SoccerFest is returning to SteelStacks in Bethlehem, with viewing parties scheduled for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting Friday when the U.S. plays Vietnam at 9 p.m.

Tickets to most shows for the State Theatre's new season go on sale to theater members on Aug. 2 and the public on Aug. 9 at the box office or statetheatre.org.

The three-day festival features performances by Bywater Call, the Sensational Blues Brothers and Toronzo Cannon.