Arts & Culture

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."

Allentown Fair's first Mullet Contest will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Farmerama Theater.

The "Late Night" host performs at the Wind Creek Event Center on Aug. 11.

Discounted tickets will be available for some Musikfest performances on Saturday, July 1, from noon to 5 p.m.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival seeks to help the community while enjoying a family-friendly day of music, dancing and theater on July 1.

Longtime crowd favorites and a dash of new artists that offer traditional music, pub tunes and Celtic rock will highlight musical performers at the 36th Celtic Classic, festival organizers have announced.

Part 3 of 3: Allentown's anti-discrimination ordinance did not include gender or sexuality when it was first adopted. The Lehigh Valley LGBT Community Archive tells the story of three different attempts to amend it.

Freedom High alum Josh Young made his network TV debut on the dating reality show 'The Bachelorette' on Monday night.

The Blueberry Festival at Burnside Plantation will be July 15-17. The event is a sweet combination of family fun and rich history in Bethlehem.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A little more than a month out from the beginning of Musikfest, ArtsQuest has rolled out an updated mobile app for ‘fest goers.

Part 2 of 3: A higher percentage of people died of AIDS in the Lehigh Valley than in most of the country. The Lehigh Valley LGBT Community Archive tells the story of efforts to help those affected by the disease, although there are conflicting reports.

Part 1 of 3: The Lehigh Valley LGBT Community Archive tells the story of the LGBTQ community in the Lehigh Valley. The archive's earliest records go back to the spring of 1969, when the local homophile organization Le-Hi-Ho was formed.

The festival, now in its 13th year, featured salsa performances, Latin eats and rum tastings on Friday and Saturday.

Starting Sunday and going all week, patrons can enjoy prix fixe menus, outdoor dining and a chance to win gift cards.