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.

Allentown Fair will have its first hip-hop headliner in 30 years and two rap acts. Musikfest will offer rapper G-Eazy and R&B favorites Keith Sweat and Monica.

Saturday marked the second annual DeVonta Smith and Friends Celebrity Softball game, which raised funds for local charities while pitting a team full of Eagles against Team Dotson's Lehigh Valley alum.

Communal Supper Club dinners at Northampton Community College partner with different local vendors to highlight their ingredients and show off all the Lehigh Valley has to offer.

The festival will feature 61 films that cover diverse topics such as gender equality and LGTBQ+ rights.

The event featured drag performances, kids' face painting and a doggie drag.

The Hellertown concert series features live music, food trucks and adult beverage vendors. Admission is free, and attendees can purchase food and beverages on site.

The Bach Choir rings in 125th anniversary with ambitious projects.

Get to know the neighborhood at the first annual block party from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 11.

Watch a performance from the Met Opera House on the big screen at the concert hall in Allentown on Sunday, June 11.

The Independence Day bash takes place Saturday, June 10, and will feature sweet treats, a dance performance and an exhibit featuring stories from local immigrants.

Sedaris talked about his writing process, family life, time living abroad and fielded many questions from the audience after reading excerpts from yet to be published essays at the sold-out event at The End.

Tool, whose 1993 album “Undertow,” 1996 album “Ænima” and 2001 album “Lateralus” all sold triple-platinum, will perform at the PPL Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7.