Arts & Culture

Consignment and thrift stores in the Lehigh Valley carry clothes and accessories to DIY Halloween costumes on a budget.

Ruben Studdard, who won the second season of “American Idol” in 2003 and followed up with two chart-topping albums that went gold and platinum, will perform at Symphony Hall as the “Special Guest Star” of singer/pianist Jim Brickman’s Comfort and Joy Holiday Celebration, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23.

The owner of Smartivities Showcase has opened a second location at the Promenade Saucon Valley.

The event is organized by Interlace Cultural y Desarrollo Integral de Lehigh Valley in partnership with the Baum Art School and the City of Allentown.

Drake Bell, who is best known for his starring roles on Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda Show” with Amanda Bynes from 1999-02, and “Drake & Josh” from 2004-07, will perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at Signature Event Center, 137 Erin Lane, Brodheadsville.

11Fest will be from 5-11 p.m. Nov. 11 (11/11) inside the Main Library at 11 W. Church St., Bethlehem.

A four-man crew has been making haste since Oct. 1 in putting up the decorations, with most of the wreaths, ribbons, light wraps, trees and stars currently hanging on light poles above streets in South Bethlehem and along the city’s bridges.

The Indoor Auto Racing Series, in which the cars compete on the concrete floor, will drive into the area Jan. 3-4 for the ninth running of the Ironton Global Allentown Indoor Races.

The festival, which features which retailers, artisans and food in heated tents on the SteelStacks campus, will open for its 32nd year on the weekend of Nov. 15.

Easton's Frank Pintabone announced Wednesday that a Hispanic Resource Day, catering to the needs of the city's Hispanic population, will be hosted at the Easton Area Community Center in November.

Phillies superstar Bryce Harper, who sent Allentown into a frenzy with a rehab appearance last summer, might skip a trip to the Lehigh Valley this time around as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

'Steelwalker’ archive tours, led by former steelworkers, are back for the season.

ArtsQuest hosted this year's first Cars and Coffee car show Sunday, drawing thousands of automobile enthusiasts from across the region to see everything from new Lamborghinis and Ferraris to a vintage tractor.

The tour celebrates Jackson’s 50th anniversary in the music industry and will feature songs from her albums “The Velvet Rope” and “Janet.”

ArtsQuest and the Lehigh Valley Brewers' Guild teamed up to launch the Spring Beer Fest in Bethlehem Saturday. With more than 850 tickets sold, the festival is likely to make a return, organizers said.

More than 100 children participated in the Mayor's Egg Hunt in Jordan Park Saturday.

Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown is introducing a new "Young Professionals Circle" hoping to connect a younger audience to the symphony and provide networking opportunities and break down barriers

The African singer will perform a mix of old hits and new songs at her concert on Tuesday April 25.

The event, hosted by the Celtic Cultural Alliance and Colony Meadery, offers attendees a chance to learn about mead's history and production as well as sample different meads.

The dance troupe entertained middle school and college students at a free performance on Thursday, April 13.

Actors and musicians of all ages are invited to audition for the roles.

The 25th anniversary concert will feature a unique dance performance, classical music and a medley of Broadway showtunes.