Arts & Culture

Hundreds of costumed kids scrambled for candy at Halloween parades across the Lehigh Valley over the weekend.

Consignment and thrift stores in the Lehigh Valley carry clothes and accessories to DIY Halloween costumes on a budget.

Ruben Studdard, who won the second season of “American Idol” in 2003 and followed up with two chart-topping albums that went gold and platinum, will perform at Symphony Hall as the “Special Guest Star” of singer/pianist Jim Brickman’s Comfort and Joy Holiday Celebration, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23.

The owner of Smartivities Showcase has opened a second location at the Promenade Saucon Valley.

The event is organized by Interlace Cultural y Desarrollo Integral de Lehigh Valley in partnership with the Baum Art School and the City of Allentown.

Drake Bell, who is 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 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at Signature Event Center, 137 Erin Lane, Brodheadsville.

11Fest will be from 5-11 p.m. Nov. 11 (11/11) inside the Main Library at 11 W. Church St., Bethlehem.

A four-man crew has been making haste since Oct. 1 in putting up the decorations, with most of the wreaths, ribbons, light wraps, trees and stars currently hanging on light poles above streets in South Bethlehem and along the city’s bridges.

The Indoor Auto Racing Series, in which the cars compete on the concrete floor, will drive into the area Jan. 3-4 for the ninth running of the Ironton Global Allentown Indoor Races.

The festival, which features which retailers, artisans and food in heated tents on the SteelStacks campus, will open for its 32nd year on the weekend of Nov. 15.

Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites is hosting an art show on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Luckenbach Mill.

Dorney Park and its parent, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, will present a plan Thursday night for a new attraction on the site of the former Stinger roller coaster.

The library's family-friendly Black History Month celebration will feature live music, arts and crafts and spoken poetry.

Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the construction of a 49-unit apartment building and parking garage on West Hamilton Street. The complex would house primary occupants 55-and-older and adults with disabilities. Representatives of the neighboring music school voiced concerns about increased traffic and the safety of students, parents, and staff.

Esther Lee, president of the Bethlehem NAACP chapter, has been a longtime advocate for housing, education and jobs for Black residents of the Lehigh Valley.

Our daily list of useful information, chosen to inform and enhance your day, includes news you can use and then some!

The Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved plans for the construction of the Archer Music Hall on Hamilton Street.

The virtual reality experience at Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University examines race relations and features community leaders from Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

ArtsQuest is seeking photos of local "Hometown Heroes" for their Memorial Day exhibit.

Domenic Salerni, who grew up in Bethlehem and is now a member of the Attaca Quartet, captured a Grammy for his work on the album "Shaw: Evergreen."

Our daily list of useful information, chosen to inform and enhance your day, includes news you can use and then some!

In a pinch for that special someone? Easton Public Market is open Tuesday with vendors offering traditional items like flowers and chocolate — even fresh food to cook your sweetie a romantic dinner.