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.

Dolly Parton has announced that “Dolly Parton ROCKSTAR: The Global First Listen Event” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

Bethlehem installed its 2023 Christmas tree on the mall Wednesday.

Hundreds visited Holy Infancy Church in South Bethlehem on Tuesday to pay homage to the relic of St. Jude, which is making a North American tour. The Apostle’s arm was removed from a tomb at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome years ago and bone fragments were placed in a wood reliquary carved in the shape of an arm imparting a blessing.

"Corteo," which Cirque du Soleil said has performed before 10 million spectators in 20 countries on four continents, will perform six shows March 28-31 at PPL Center. It will be the show's first time in Allentown.

The festival, which normally costs $11 advance or $12 day-of on Fridays, will be free from 5 to 8 p.m. "each and every Friday," ArtsQuest announced.

Hundreds of people and pets marched in the Bethlehem Halloween Parade on Sunday. Despite being rained out for its initial date, spirits were high on Main Street.

Easton's 12th PA Bacon Fest drew thousands of fans to the city's Downtown on Saturday, with everyone lining up for bacon burgers, desserts, brews and so much more.

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.

Curator and collector Landon Annoni owns hundreds of wardrobe pieces belonging to Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. His new exhibition in Allentown runs through Nov. 15.

Glen Wilkofsky is suing the Allentown Symphony after they booted him for not paying his union dues.

It's time for PA Bacon Fest in Easton. Nov. 4 and 5 mark the return of the city's favorite festival, featuring plenty of salty, smoky bacon in just about every iteration you can imagine.

In panel discussions and through sharing data, a group of executives and leaders tossed around ideas on how to improve the post-pandemic arts sector.