Arts & Culture

Pennsylvania saw 201.6 million visitors, generating $49.9 billion in visitor spending and $83.9 billion in economic impact in 2024. In the Lehigh Valley, visitor spending increased 1.5%, generating just over $2.5 billion.

The grant will be used to help replace all 91 windows with historically accurate, insulated glass and wood models to "enhance the building’s energy efficiency while preserving its historical integrity," a news release says.

ArtsQuest unveiled the 2026 Musikfest poster, “Music Unites,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The design came from two-time Musikfest artist Doug Boehm.

New for this year, among the two different kinds of sheep, rabbits, miniature donkeys and ponies live at the Johnson Barn, there also will be 10 Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy goats on site for snuggling.

Rod Stewart, who in a 57-year recording career has sold a certified 85 million albums and an estimated 120 million worldwide, will perform at Allentown's PPL Center 8 p.m. March 14.

Dr. Katherine Faull, who is an internationally acclaimed scholar on Moravian studies, took on the role in September, according to a news release from Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem.

The Lehigh Valley Vegan Chef Challenge is asking local eateries to put their best plant-based dishes forward, and for the community to rate their favorites to find a champion.

The venue on Thursday touted the installation of a massive, high-definition videoboard that nearly doubles the size of the original display installed in 2014.

Easton's South Side now has an artistic historic mural, detailing the neighborhood's rich history of famous spots and individuals which have kept the community going for nearly two centuries.

Jason Aldean, who performed at PPL Center in 2016 and drew Allentown Fair’s biggest crowd in the past 20 years, will perform at the arena at 7 p.m. Jan. 30, it was announced.

The Foundry Chief Executive Officer and studio Director Jason Wegfahrt, a Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts graduate with a creative arts background, said the new 6,000-square-foot Foundry takes creative possibilities to another level with a variety of services at a fair price.

"Elegance in Stone," an exhibition opening at Peralta’s studio, 1601 West Chew St., kicks off with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. and runs through Oct. 24.

Comedian Tom Shillue will perorm at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, as opening act for the Gutfeld Live 2025 show at Allentown's PPL Center. Tickets, at $49.60-$86.90, remain available at the PPL Center website.

Christkindlmarkt will open Nov. 14 and run Fridays through Sundays through Nov. 30. It then will open Thursdays-Sundays, Dec. 4 though Dec. 21.

Foodies now have another late night option in Southside Bethlehem. The Barbecue Boys, which opened Tuesday, Sept. 16, offers a fast-casual dining setting that's open Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs unveiled the team’s new America 250 uniforms, created in collaboration with ArtsQuest and featuring Musikfest’s 2026 “Music Unites” artwork by local artist Doug Boehm.

The 12th annual Winter Light Spectacular, with 1.2 million holiday lights — which the zoo says is more than any other Pennsylvania attraction — will kick off Nov. 14 and run through Jan. 3.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Longswamp Township throughout September is offering all responders complimentary breakfast and a special hotel rate.

Post-hardcore band Chiodos, whose 2005 album "Bone Palace Ballet" hit No. 1 on Billboard's Rock, Indie and Alternative charts, will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 22, it was announced. Joining it will be Hawthorne Heights, the rock band whose 2006 album "If Only You Were Lonely" hit No. 1 on the Indie chart and sold gold, and also had a gold album with 2005's "The Silence in Black and White."

ArtsQuest produced a summer concert series in Allentown's Union Terrace Park to great acclaim, according to officials. It's set to culminate Friday night with a show featuring 1970s soft rock group Orleans and local act DMC Duo.

Billionaire businessman Jared Isaacman, whose nomination Trump later withdrew, will be the inaugural guest for Lehigh’s new Future Makers Speaker Series.

Cardi B, best known for her 11-times-platinum hits "Bodak Yellow" in 2017 and "I Like It" (with Bad Bunny and J Balvin) in 2018, will appear in the area on Sept. 20.