Arts & Culture

A group of entertainers held their first-ever AfroBeats celebration with dance classes, DJ sets and West African and Caribbean eats on Saturday, June 28 at the Wooden Match.

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.

Singer Hunter Hayes at will stop at Stroudsburg's Sherman Theater at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 as part of his Flying Solo Tour, which will have him alone on stage, performing stripped down versions of not only songs from "Red Sky," but also platinum hits such as "Wanted," "Somebody’s Heartbreak" and I Want Crazy."

Old Dominion was announced Monday as the second headliner for the 10-day Bethlehem festival. The group will play the main Steel Stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Hallmark has released the first official images from "Miracle in Bethlehem, Pa.” The film premieres Dec. 21 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Lehigh University's Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted a panel discussion with faculty on Friday, Dec. 1.

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.

Carson Kressley and the OG "Fab Five" will reunite for a special evening on Dec. 16 at the Wind Creek Event Center.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with LehighValleyNews.com reporters Jason Addy and Micaela Hood.

Bethlehem Area Public Library will host their book sale on Dec. 2 as a fundraiser for resources and services.

Easton Farmers' Market is ready for the holiday season, with plenty of special seasonal events and numerous opportunities to pick up special gifts for just about anyone.

Bethlehem's main street will once again be featured in a livestream on the Hallmark Channel Website, joining "Christmas Towns" throughout the country.

With rain forecast, the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce has decided to hold its annual tree lighting ceremony virtually at 6:15 p.m. Friday at Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street.

Singer Stacy Gabel last week released “Merry Christmas My Friends,” a classic holiday song about embracing the uplifting meaning of the holidays. A release event will be held Saturday at SteelStacks.