Arts & Culture

Ruben Studdard, who won the second season of “American Idol” in 2003 and followed up with two chart-topping albums that went gold and platinum, will perform at Symphony Hall as the “Special Guest Star” of singer/pianist Jim Brickman’s Comfort and Joy Holiday Celebration, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23.

The owner of Smartivities Showcase has opened a second location at the Promenade Saucon Valley.

The event is organized by Interlace Cultural y Desarrollo Integral de Lehigh Valley in partnership with the Baum Art School and the City of Allentown.

Drake Bell, who is best known for his starring roles on Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda Show” with Amanda Bynes from 1999-02, and “Drake & Josh” from 2004-07, will perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at Signature Event Center, 137 Erin Lane, Brodheadsville.

11Fest will be from 5-11 p.m. Nov. 11 (11/11) inside the Main Library at 11 W. Church St., Bethlehem.

A four-man crew has been making haste since Oct. 1 in putting up the decorations, with most of the wreaths, ribbons, light wraps, trees and stars currently hanging on light poles above streets in South Bethlehem and along the city’s bridges.

The Indoor Auto Racing Series, in which the cars compete on the concrete floor, will drive into the area Jan. 3-4 for the ninth running of the Ironton Global Allentown Indoor Races.

The festival, which features which retailers, artisans and food in heated tents on the SteelStacks campus, will open for its 32nd year on the weekend of Nov. 15.

Easton's Frank Pintabone announced Wednesday that a Hispanic Resource Day, catering to the needs of the city's Hispanic population, will be hosted at the Easton Area Community Center in November.

About 48,000 people attended the two-weekend Oktoberfest festival Oct. 4-6 and 11-13, ArtsQuest said.

Two new Wayback Burgers locations are coming soon to Bethlehem and Lower Macungie Township.

The 35th annual Celtic Classic brought those celebrating the heritage of the British Isles to Bethlehem, many traveling from other states and even countries to see and take part.

A story time event for children drew mixed reactions with some saying it promoted inclusion while others said it was inappropriate.

Allentown will host a walking Halloween parade this year. The event has not been cancelled. However, cars and floats will not be part of this year's event.

Hurricane Fiona hammered Puerto Rico with up to 15 inches of rain and knocked out power across the island.

Ms. Velvet’s Café, a walk-up eatery serving breakfast and lunch, held a grand opening Sept. 20 at 239 N. Fourth St. in downtown Allentown. The business is named in memory of owner Carlos Marrero's late sister, Ruby Marrero, who died as a result of a hit-and-run accident a few blocks away from the eatery in 2017.

Husband and wife Juan and Melanie Martinez, will open their 6th eatery, Miss Jackson’s Kitchen, at 201 McCartney St. in Easton. on the ground floor of Lafayette College’s McCartney Residences.

Seniors say their families are safe but still in need of support.

The inaugural Latino Restaurant Week LV, highlighting Latino eateries and cuisine throughout the area, kicked off Thursday in Bethlehem. The event is dubbed as a week, but it actually will take place over three weeks in three cities: Sept. 15-23 in Bethlehem, Sept. 23-30 in Allentown and Sept. 30-Oct. 7 in Easton.

A free presentation is being offered Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Allentown Public Library.

Amanda Seyfried won Monday night for her leading role in the Hulu series 'The Dropout.'

After two years of being shuttered during the pandemic, The Macungie Institute has new leadership and new events.