Arts & Culture

The Party Animals traveling circus of Banana Ball couldn’t run without its many unsung heroes — from an umpire with a background in parkour to a player director with a degree in entertainment design.

The Knauss Homestead Preservation Society is coming back for its fourth year this summer at the Knauss Homestead Farmhouse in Emmaus. The late July event is free, but registration for attendance is required.

The quaint shop on North New Street sells stones from South America, Mexico and the Middle East, as well as locally themed artwork.

Coca-Cola Park will be hosting the Party Animals for two games of Banana Ball as part of the Banana Ball World Tour this weekend.

Foreigner, which ruled the charts from 1977 to 1987 with songs such as “Feels Like the First Time," "Hot Blooded" and "Waiting for a Girl Like You," will perform at Wind Creek Event Center on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Thomas Riddle of Bethlehem, founder and chairman of Valley National Financial Advisors, will be recipient of the Linny Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Linny Awards ceremony on Oct. 23, ArtsQuest announced.

Drake Bell, 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 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Gin Mill and Grille, at 1750 Main St., Northampton.

George Gray was the founder of the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program and a combat artist during World War II and in Vietnam. Gray painted 233 murals for hotels across the country. Historic Hotel Bethlehem is the only hotel that still retains Gray's work, and has gained national recognition.

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.

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.

At Putt U's 25th anniversary on July 22, players are encouraged to be creative with their one-of-a-kind putting devices. No regular putters are allowed, according to the company.

Come out to Easton to celebrate the 247 anniversary of the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the city's rich history at Heritage Day, set for Sunday, July 9.

Throughout the five weeks, participating museums, libraries and special exhibitions provide free admission, guided tours, activities and programs suitable for visitors of all ages.

Bring an appetite to these food related events happening this weekend in the Valley.

Easton's Karl Stirner Arts Trail is an ever-popular destination for locals and travelers seeking a quaint and quick trip through a museum set along a strip of wilderness in the city.

Bethlehem's annual Fourth of July fireworks were fired from Sand Island and drew a crowd to several points across the city, including the SteelStacks campus.

Switchfoot on Saturday, July 8, will perform at Quakertown's Univest Performance Center.

The Freedom high school alum was sent home after a kissing challenge went amiss.

The new carousel, built in 1928, is the latest milestone in Bushkill Park's resurrection, after a series of floods closed the Easton-area attraction for more than a decade.

A cappella singing group Straight No Chaser will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th St., Allentown. Tickets, at $49.50-$69.50, are available at www.millersymphonyhall.org or 610-432-6715.

Hundreds attended the festival, which featured ska, reggae and dancehall performances, on Saturday, July 1.