Arts & Culture

A group of entertainers held their first-ever AfroBeats celebration with dance classes, DJ sets and West African and Caribbean eats on Saturday, June 28 at the Wooden Match.

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.

Cast in Bronze performer Frank DellaPenna says Musikfest has “invited some vintage acts for the celebration including Cast in Bronze. Frank DellaPenna has agreed to come out of retirement to perform August 4,5,6 at Musikfest."

Allentown Fair will have its first hip-hop headliner in 30 years and two rap acts. Musikfest will offer rapper G-Eazy and R&B favorites Keith Sweat and Monica.

Saturday marked the second annual DeVonta Smith and Friends Celebrity Softball game, which raised funds for local charities while pitting a team full of Eagles against Team Dotson's Lehigh Valley alum.

Communal Supper Club dinners at Northampton Community College partner with different local vendors to highlight their ingredients and show off all the Lehigh Valley has to offer.

The festival will feature 61 films that cover diverse topics such as gender equality and LGTBQ+ rights.

The event featured drag performances, kids' face painting and a doggie drag.

The Hellertown concert series features live music, food trucks and adult beverage vendors. Admission is free, and attendees can purchase food and beverages on site.

The Bach Choir rings in 125th anniversary with ambitious projects.

Get to know the neighborhood at the first annual block party from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 11.

Watch a performance from the Met Opera House on the big screen at the concert hall in Allentown on Sunday, June 11.

The Independence Day bash takes place Saturday, June 10, and will feature sweet treats, a dance performance and an exhibit featuring stories from local immigrants.

Sedaris talked about his writing process, family life, time living abroad and fielded many questions from the audience after reading excerpts from yet to be published essays at the sold-out event at The End.