Entertainment News

Country rock group Alabama on Thursday played a record 10th headlining show at Allentown Fair grandstand (it first played there 42 years ago).

There are plenty of free acts to enjoy at the unofficial last of summer celebration, including a comedian/juggler with a crown of Solo cups and a tent filled with multi-colored butterflies.

Heart's headline opening night of Allentown Fair's grandstand on Wednesday wasn't the typical 50th anniversary blowout, but seemed more an acknowledgement of the band's triumph.

Mac and cheese on a stick, barbecue-infused ice cream, and horseradish cheesesteaks are hoping to win over fairgoers in this year's food contest. Voting is done on-site, and the winners will be announced on Monday.

John Fogerty, who with the group Creedence Clearwater Revival sold 30 million albums — 13 of which sold gold or platinum — will perform his Legacy Tour at 8 p.m. Nov. 8.

The 173rd year of the Allentown Fair kicked off Wednesday night to large crowds enjoying food, live music, and the crowning of the 2025 fair queen.

After a three-year hiatus, chick hatching is back at the Allentown Fair. The exhibition will be open daily at the Lehigh County 4-Club Livestock Experience tent.

With Allentown Fair opening its 173rd year today, music critic John J. Moser has 25 years of reviewing grandstand shows behind him. These are the best he's seen, ranked in order.

Heart will perform a grandstand show at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 on the opening night of Allentown Fair. Tickets remain available.

The 173rd Great Allentown Fair opens Wednesday, Aug. 27, through Labor Day, Sept. 1. The fair features rides, food, concerts, and family fun at one of Pennsylvania’s oldest fairs.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs unveiled the team’s new America 250 uniforms, created in collaboration with ArtsQuest and featuring Musikfest’s 2026 “Music Unites” artwork by local artist Doug Boehm.

The 12th annual Winter Light Spectacular, with 1.2 million holiday lights — which the zoo says is more than any other Pennsylvania attraction — will kick off Nov. 14 and run through Jan. 3.

Pennsylvania saw 201.6 million visitors, generating $49.9 billion in visitor spending and $83.9 billion in economic impact in 2024. In the Lehigh Valley, visitor spending increased 1.5%, generating just over $2.5 billion.

ArtsQuest unveiled the 2026 Musikfest poster, “Music Unites,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The design came from two-time Musikfest artist Doug Boehm.

New for this year, among the two different kinds of sheep, rabbits, miniature donkeys and ponies live at the Johnson Barn, there also will be 10 Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy goats on site for snuggling.

Rod Stewart, who in a 57-year recording career has sold a certified 85 million albums and an estimated 120 million worldwide, will perform at Allentown's PPL Center 8 p.m. March 14.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Longswamp Township throughout September is offering all responders complimentary breakfast and a special hotel rate.

The Lehigh Valley Vegan Chef Challenge is asking local eateries to put their best plant-based dishes forward, and for the community to rate their favorites to find a champion.

The venue on Thursday touted the installation of a massive, high-definition videoboard that nearly doubles the size of the original display installed in 2014.

Jason Aldean, who performed at PPL Center in 2016 and drew Allentown Fair’s biggest crowd in the past 20 years, will perform at the arena at 7 p.m. Jan. 30, it was announced.

Post-hardcore band Chiodos, whose 2005 album "Bone Palace Ballet" hit No. 1 on Billboard's Rock, Indie and Alternative charts, will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 22, it was announced. Joining it will be Hawthorne Heights, the rock band whose 2006 album "If Only You Were Lonely" hit No. 1 on the Indie chart and sold gold, and also had a gold album with 2005's "The Silence in Black and White."

ArtsQuest produced a summer concert series in Allentown's Union Terrace Park to great acclaim, according to officials. It's set to culminate Friday night with a show featuring 1970s soft rock group Orleans and local act DMC Duo.