Arts & Culture

For two decades, borough officials have celebrated Independence Day by handing out hundreds of kazoos and American flags to residents before parading through the streets, blaring patriotic songs the entire time. It almost didn't happen this year.

Mayor J. William Reynolds says turning the lights on at SteelStacks' blast furnaces would be costly for land owner Wind Creek, running up to as much as $1 million. But one city councilman says they need to be illuminated by the time Musikfest begins.

Childish Major, who rose to fame as the producer of the 2013 Rocko single “U.O.E.N.O,” which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, will join the show by Ludacris at 7 p.m. Aug. 10, Musikfest’s penultimate night. Also, opening the show will be a Philadelphia rapper LG (Team Genius), best known for her song “YBM,” which also has 10 million views on Instagram.

Enjoy an array of musical and theater performances, plus children's activities starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 6 at DeSales University.

Famed rockers Heart has canceled its headlining gig at Allentown Fair, and the rest of its recent tour, in light of singer Ann Wilson's cancer treatment.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs rolled out their Bethlehem City Connect merchandise Monday with a jersey, hat, and other offerings that take inspiration from the Bethlehem Star, along with nods to the history of Bethlehem Steel.

Freedom High School grad Lilly Moss, 19, is making her way up the music and video streaming platforms with debut album title track, "Meet Me on Broadway"

Whether you're looking to side with safety to celebrate Independence Day this year, want a fun event or just don't want to deal with post-celebration clean-up, plenty of spots in the Lehigh Valley are offering free and purchase-required events.

Celtic Classic is scheduled Sept. 27-29 on the festival grounds near downtown Bethlehem.

That clash of fantasy and education worlds comes to Ag Hall at Allentown Fairgrounds July 5-7, when Jurassic Quest, which bills itself as North America’s most popular interactive dinosaur event, returns to Allentown.

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.

The bakery Let Them Eat Cake opens Saturday at 143 S. Main St. in Nazareth. Among the desserts: Velvet Volcano cupcakes, made with red velvet cake, Oreo cream cheese frosting and salted caramel and chocolate drizzle.

The gala was held on Friday night at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. Among the honorees were attorney and real estate development company owner Michael Perrucci and Bethlehem police officer William Rodriguez.

Bayou soul singer Marc Broussard will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem.

HNL announces winners of annual Children's Art Contest with three winners from each age group. The theme was "design your own lab coat."

The seven-member Brother and Sister Band, led by late Allmans drummer Butch Trucks’ son Vaylor Trucks and daughter Melody Trucks, will mark the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers’ 1973 album “Brothers and Sisters.”

There are plenty of festivals and musical performances happening in the Lehigh Valley starting on Friday, June 23.

Buy tickets early and save on the venue's fall season.

The event will include activities such as a dog show, adoption information, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, with proceeds from the auction of the players' jerseys and caps benefitting the Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley.