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.

Dorney Park is hosting Grande Carnivale, a festival that celebrates international cultures. It will run every day until Aug. 6, excluding Tuesdays.

The Lehigh Valley native is debuting his one-man act in Bethlehem this fall.

LehighValleyNews.com's Jen Rehill talks with editor John J. Moser and reporter Tom Shortell.

Industry pros will share their secrets of success at the free event at the Ice House.

Musikfest is set for Aug. 3 to 13. The main stage costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to build, and it takes about two weeks.

The net proceeds of the concert, "For Ukraine: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope," will be used to support Ukrainian humanitarian efforts.

Shankweiler's Drive In is hosting a double feature of "Barbie" and "Legally Blonde."

The holiday event calendar features Christkindlmarkt, SteelStacks ice rink, Peepsfest and more.

The winners were announced on Tuesday, July 25.

Dorney Park traffic caused major delays on Hamilton Boulevard Saturday. A Dorney representative said the executive team is working with South Whitehall Township staff to address the issue.

The City of Allentown is looking for artists to paint murals on storm inlets as part of its Go with the Flow Inlet Mural Painting Contest.

The iconic Martin on Main festival is returning to historic Nazareth at noon on July 29, with two raffle prizes worth over $3,000.