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.

Pennsylvania Youth Theatre has initiated a $1 million capital campaign as it searches for a future home. The organization will likely be displaced when the Banana Factory complex is demolished for a new cultural arts center.

The tribute band will perform a handful of the “Allentown” crooner’s hits on Saturday, May 27 at the Wind Creek Event Center.

A fashion exhibit explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and fashion and features haute couture designs by Barbara Kavchok.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is opening to the public on Friday, May 12, with a preview day for season pass-holders on May 7.

Despite a devastating blaze at their North New Street vegan pizzeria, the owners and manager of Paranormal Pizza are still slinging pies in the Lehigh Valley.

Clothes of the 1960s and 70s are all the rage at the museum's free show opening Saturday, May 6.

Accessorize your festing togs with a mug.

Find a new houseplant or some handmade artisan crafts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7.

Taking inspiration from TikTok, the students focus on duels and demonstrations with special builds of the light-up swords.

Find out the true value of an antique on Saturday, May 6 at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem.

Muhlenberg College is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its radio station with a special concert on Thursday, May 4 at the Saengerbund.

The free summer concerts series returns in Bethlehem. The weekly events showcase a variety of genres and regional musicians every Thursday through July 20.