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."

The conversation will center on creating meaningful rituals around rites of passage for people who identify as LGBTQ.

The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley is organizing several projects.

Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ is yet another victim of COVID-19.

The weeklong observance marks 7 guiding principles with a candle-lighting each day.

Longtime President Charlene Donchez Mowers is becoming a senior adviser.

The workouts in the wrestling-rich Lehigh Valley are aimed toward former scholastic athletes.

Downtown Easton will continue to welcome its fans with outdoor markets and yummy treats.

The term "LatinX" is meant to include everyone and make them feel welcome.

The pieces of synthetic ice fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Leon S. Peters was a staunch supporter of the Great Allentown Fair and the Lehigh County Agricultural Society.

Reform and conservative congregations merged earlier this year in a bid to strengthen as one.

Admission is free through the end of the year thanks to the Petrucci Family Foundation.