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 series' shows, in which family shows featuring music, dance, puppetry, storytelling and other creative arts are held one Sunday afternoon each month, will kick off 2 p.m. Jan. 21.

For the second straight year, Brandon Marsh is scheduled to attend the Phillies Winter Caravan — this time on Thursday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

Dave & Buster's Lehigh Valley location is reopening on Jan. 12 with fresh new features including specialized social bays for gamers to enjoy.

ArtsQuest's Three Kings Day celebration in Bethlehem Sunday brought crowds despite heavy snow the night before.

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.

Easton's Jeremy Joseph is aiming to launch a new project, a drumline focused on educating and inspiring young aspiring musicians in the city's West Ward.

ArtsQuest’s annual Souper Bowl, in which area restaurants compete for recognition as creating the best bouillons and superior stews, will return for a 14th year, the organization has announced. In addition, this year’s event will feature a new experience: a Best Thing You Ever Made soup demo with Chef Lee Chizmar, an Allentown native from the restaurant Bolete and Mr. Lee’s Noodles.

Audience is encouraged to wear their wildest Mummer masks and costumes to the "Old Time" revel on Saturday, Jan. 6.

The concert, announced last week, will be part of Philadelphia country radio station 92.5 WXTU's Ski Day at Bear Creek Mountain Resort. The station will broadcast live from the ski area from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 26.

Due to its lease not being renewed for 2024, the Pines Dinner Theatre in Allentown will be relocating.

The family-fun celebration will feature arts and crafts, a story time, gift-giving, arts and crafts and a special visit by Einstein the Camel.

This time of year is popular for pizza and among the busiest for pizzerias. Readers checked in with some of their favorites of the Lehigh Valley. Here's a rundown.