Arts & Culture

"Iron Chef" winner Jose Garces has opened Okatshe, a Japanese-inspired izakaya on Hamilton Street, with an eight-foot sushi roll instead of a ribbon-cutting. Located across from Rosa Blanca, Okatshe offers small plates, sushi, sake,and whiskey in a modern take on Japan’s traditional neighborhood bar.

The festival spans two weekends of authentic German traditions, including stein holding competitions, bratwurst eating contests, live polka bands, schuhplattler dancers, dachshund races and new contests.

After three years of low attendance because of inclement weather, the 2025 Celtic Classic & U.S. Highland Games returned with crowds and a packed celebration of the Celtic regions: Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Scotland, and Wales.

Comedian Michael Che, currently in his 11th season of "Saturday Night Live," will perform Dec. 10 at Easton's State Theatre, it was announced.

Gwynn spoke at Moravian University on Sept.30 about his 30-year wrongful imprisonment and death row exoneration, sharing his journey of faith, art and justice.

Blues star Kenny Wayne Shepherd will perform at Wind Creek Event Center on Friday, March 6, as part of a 30th anniversary tour for his 1995 chart-topping, platinum debut album "Ledbetter Heights."

Melvins perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

The PA Latino Convention in Pittsburgh drew leaders to discuss housing, education, and immigrant advocacy. Easton will host the 2026 convention, highlighting the Lehigh Valley’s growing Latino community.

Karl Stirner Arts Trail has confirmed a few upcoming residencies and programs, including a new building which could be used as a gallery and community space.

Barley Creek Brewing Company is planting roots in the Lehigh Valley, opening a taproom at the Promenade Saucon Valley. The Pocono-based brewing company expects to serve customers with "100% Pennsylvania products" this fall.

It took engineers and decorators more than 1,000 hours to plan, prepare and deck the halls at Hotel Bethlehem this holiday season.

The holiday market is back with a bigger ice skating rink, a visit from Santa and new food.

On display are Baez's guitars, artwork, personal letters and other items on loan from the singer.

The festival viewing event, which last year expanded to two days, will be April 27-28 in Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

The gallery is open at Palmer Park Mall in Easton, a business its owner says is the first of its kind in the Lehigh Valley.

Bethlehem native Danny Roebuck is filming his new Christmas movie, "Saint Nick of Bethlehem" in November and March 2024.

Over the next few weeks, the Musikfest poster will appear on all platforms, including ArtsQuest websites. It will be used as the official festival 2024 poster and mug, as well as incorporated into other official festival merchandise and apparel throughout the year.

Museum Store Sunday brings three local museums together to support local artisans and crafters.

Lehigh Valley restaurants are taking the traditional Thanksgiving spread — turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce — and mashing it up with other items.

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.

11Fest features performances by local rock, pop and rap groups. The concert helps support the studio's operational costs.

Ten locals were honored for their achievements in the arts at the Linny Awards ceremony held Thursday, Nov. 9.