Arts & Culture

The 40th Musikfest drew to a successful close on Sunday night in Bethlehem. The nation's largest open-gate free music festival delivered more than 500 free performances, plus paid-ticket headliners. Organizers believe a record of roughly 1.25 million attended the 11-day event. An official count is expected to be announced Tuesday.

The Grammy-winning band closed out the 11-day spread with a 90-minute set of their biggest hits and covers of The Eagles and Journey.

Giuseppe Iatarola, 11, of Hellertown, is a widely known gearhead looking to make a mark on the automotive industry with his YouTube channel and MotorWeek segment.

In a stripped down production that felt custom-made for the Musikfest stage, Morris capped a 17-song set with three songs that put a rush of energy into the crowd as the skies opened up over Bethlehem.

Musikfest attracts tens of thousands of people to the city each day during its 10-day run. Officials said they’re continuously working to lessen the event’s impact on the environment.

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.

Here are the Musikfest acts and more you should see today, Saturday, Aug. 12.

The final weekend of Musikfest is upon us, and while the festival is perhaps its best-know attractions, its "spectacles" — as Musikfest calls them — and street performers have become important to the environment of the ‘Fest.

Recently retired Parkland art teacher Linda La Due said her students were her greatest masterpieces.

Alt-rock band Wheatus, known for its 2000 hit "Teenage Dirtbag, will play Musikfest's Americaplatz stage at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 11

Police tape and several officers were in the area of Plaza Tropical, near Main and Lehigh streets.

Mug refills at designated Musikfest tents are $10 for domestics and $11 for craft beers, but some merchants go their own way.

The Century Fund is the benefactor.

The refillable mugs have become hot sellers -- and symbols of the Bethlehem festival.

Tracking 10 miles makes you eligible for the ticket drawing for next year's headliner shows.

Folks tried to find ways to beat the heat Sunday on the third day of the 10-day summer festival.

It's one of the first times British cars have been part of the festival.

Preview night begins festivities that will continue with musical acts and performers through Aug. 14.

Clients, community members invited to participate in creating KidsPeace building mural.

Hand sanitizing stations and rapid tests will be available on the festival grounds.

The plan calls for the full demolition of the Banana Factory.

The historic, all-metal structure dates back to 1860 and is a borough landmark.