Arts & Culture

The crowd at Allentown Fair for Cheap Trick and Blue Oyster Cult was there to hear the hits of their youth and — for the most part — got what they wanted.

For the first time, Robbie Furman will showcase his work at the Allentown Fair.

The oppressive heat did not deter folks from making their way to the 172nd Great Allentown Fair at the Allentown Fairgrounds on Wednesday. Great food and drinks, amusement park rides and a variety of events will take place at the fair through Monday, Sept. 2.

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour hits the grandstand stage at Allentown Fair at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. Tickets, at $30 each, remain available at the fair website.

Nearly 50 years later, Blue Öyster Cult still is performing, and this year even released "Ghost Stories," its first album of new material in four years and only second in 23 years. The group also will open for fellow 1970s rockers Cheap Trick as the grandstand feature for opening night at Allentown Fair at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The wartime lost portrait by German artist Lucas Cranach the Elder, entitled "Portrait of George the Bearded, Duke of Saxony," has hung at the Allentown Art Museum since 1961.

Bethlehem's SouthSide Arts District has joined with the city and Wawa stores to create what it calls a "Gateway sign" — "a vibrant public art piece that enhances the entrance between Route 412 and SouthSide downtown."

The 2024 Great Allentown Fair runs Wednesday, Aug. 28 through Monday, Sept. 2. We've got a rundown on what you can expect, from the grandstand headliners to the Iron Chef competition and more.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is hosting its annual Brew at the Zoo again in 2024. This year, it falls on Saturday, Sept. 14, and will feature more than three dozen craft beers and ciders.

Jayna Elise, who auditioned on "Idol" in both Season 21 in 2023 and Season 22 the past spring, recently was chosen for the role of Turner in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which performs at Easton's State Theatre on Oct. 1-2.

People can support local artists by shopping at Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks.

Greg Capogna, executive director of the radio station will retire from his position in early 2024.

Christmas tree, oh dusty Christmas tree: how dirty are those branches and how do you clean it? A pulmonologist settles the debate of whether a real or fake tree is better for your health.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program grant will fund programs for residents with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities.

Starting today, there will be a $5 admission discount for all skaters at ArtsQuest's ice rink for the rest of the season.

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.