Arts & Culture

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.

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."

ArtsQuest and the Lehigh Valley Brewers' Guild teamed up to launch the Spring Beer Fest in Bethlehem Saturday. With more than 850 tickets sold, the festival is likely to make a return, organizers said.

More than 100 children participated in the Mayor's Egg Hunt in Jordan Park Saturday.

Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown is introducing a new "Young Professionals Circle" hoping to connect a younger audience to the symphony and provide networking opportunities and break down barriers

The African singer will perform a mix of old hits and new songs at her concert on Tuesday April 25.

The event, hosted by the Celtic Cultural Alliance and Colony Meadery, offers attendees a chance to learn about mead's history and production as well as sample different meads.

The dance troupe entertained middle school and college students at a free performance on Thursday, April 13.

Actors and musicians of all ages are invited to audition for the roles.

The 25th anniversary concert will feature a unique dance performance, classical music and a medley of Broadway showtunes.

Kite Day in the Park and the Andy Gelinas Memorial Fly will happen Saturday, May 6 at Louise W. Moore County Park.

The groups will perform in August at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks.

'American Hospitals: Healing A Broken System' is a documentary about the rising cost of hospital care. A businessman and filmmaker, both from the Lehigh Valley, produced the film that can be screened in Bethlehem this month.

Hamid will discuss his 2017 book, 'Exit West' and share his thoughts on migration and immigration at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11.