Entertainment News

As 2023 draws to a close, lehighvalleynews.com offers a retrospective of a variety of stories about people, places and things that make the Lehigh Valley special.

The Winter Light Spectacular features 1.2 million lights in holiday displays, fire pits for s’mores, hot chocolate and live performances by princesses Anna, Elsa, Belle and Cinderella.

Chuck D, one of the founders of seminal rap group Public Enemy, will present "A conversation with Hip Hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy" at 7 p.m. April 16 in NCC's Spartan Center.

Looking for a fun way to ring in the New Year? We've got you covered with some local events that are fun for the whole family.

The Lehigh Valley tradition started in 2009. The family-friendly New Year's celebration returns this Saturday and Sunday at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem. Fireworks are set for both nights.

The flagship store for Dave Phillips Music & Sound will close in the coming days, owner Joe DiMarco wrote on Facebook. On Wednesday, customers who flooded the store lamented the loss.

The second annual Allentown Film Festival will be from April 6-14 at the Civic Theatre of Allentown and its boutique Theatre514 across the street.

Ashley Cooke, best known for her song "Never Til Now," her gold single with Brett Young, will perform at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Longswamp Township, Berks County, on Jan. 26.

For those watching the premiere of the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel film "Miracle in Bethlehem, PA," Thursday night was an exercise in catching all those familiar details.

Lehigh University Choral Arts presented its free Christmas Vespers service at Packer Memorial Church on Sunday, Dec. 10. PBS39 was there to record it for a special hourlong program.

Bachman Turner Overdrive, or B.T.O., which founder Randy Bachman revived in honor of its 50th anniversary in 2023, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 23.

One of Easton's biggest events, Heritage Day, celebrates the city's role in the reading of the Declaration of Independence. For this year, it has been moved to Saturday, July 12, instead of on Sunday when traditionally held.

Alice Cooper, who has had 10 Top 40 albums and 11 Top 40 singles, including “School’s Out,” “Elected” and “Only Women Bleed,” will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 16.

The documentary "Rooted" features interviews and videos with the founders of Bethlehem's arts community. It will premiere at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, at Zoellner Arts Center.

The band plays Allentown's Archer Music Hall with co-headliner Static-X at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12. General admission standing tickets, at $56.50 each, remain available.

The film festival now in its 21st year will feature more than 80 films and shorts. Presented by the SouthSide Arts District, the festival runs from Tuesday, June 10, to Sunday, June 15.

Sister started colorectal cancer awareness fundraiser last year for her brother, who loved cars and cookies and died too young from the disease.

Weyerbacher Brewing, which has been in Easton since its founding in 1995, will open a tap room in the former Pines Dinner Theater space adjacent to Fairgrounds Hotel in Allentown, the building's owner said.

Butch Patrick, who played son Eddie Munster on the television show "The Munsters," will be at the drive-in on June 17 as part of the Munster Go Home Summer Scream Series.

Excitement at Target, Best Buy, and GameStop for the release of Switch 2, Nintendo's newest game console. While fans in New York City and Philadelphia reported longer lines, some local gamers were lucky enough to buy one before it sold out on Thursday.

Blippi's Join the Band Tour will perform at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at Wind Creek Event Center, it has been announced.

Dorothy, the Los Angeles band best known for 2022's rock hit "Rest in Peace" and last year's "MUD," will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 9 in Musikfest Cafe.