Arts & Culture

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.

About 48,000 people attended the two-weekend Oktoberfest festival Oct. 4-6 and 11-13, ArtsQuest said.

Lehigh Valley's Dave Goddess Group will perform a free show to promote its new six-track EP, "Kitty Hawk," at 8 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem.

Easton's Heritage Day will feature the beloved fireworks display, officials confirmed Thursday, with other new festivities planned.

Bethlehem Barrel and Drafthouse, a restaurant set to be operated by Aramark Sports + Entertainment, is slated to open in summer 2025 at The Outlets at Wind Creek, it was announced Thursday.

Sporting "Eras" tour outfits, friendship bracelets, and glittery makeup, hundreds of Swifties turned out to the shopping center's celebration and tribute to the pop singer.

Comedian John Mulaney, who for six years was a writer on “Saturday Night Live” and starred in the short-lived FOX-TV series “Mulaney,” will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Vocal duo Air Supply, best known for its 1980 No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart hit "Lost in Love," will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 18. And "Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical," will offer eight performances Dec. 10-14.

Bachman Turner Overdrive, or B.T.O., which founder Randy Bachman revived in honor of its 50th anniversary in 2023, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 23.

One of Easton's biggest events, Heritage Day, celebrates the city's role in the reading of the Declaration of Independence. For this year, it has been moved to Saturday, July 12, instead of on Sunday when traditionally held.

Krista Brown-Ly has served as the center's interim executive director after Ashley L. Coleman resigned last year.

Alice Cooper, who has had 10 Top 40 albums and 11 Top 40 singles, including “School’s Out,” “Elected” and “Only Women Bleed,” will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 16.

ArtsQuest has worked to renovate the old Bethlehem Steel Turn and Grind Shop into an event space. First, workers will remove asbestos and other contaminants with the help of a $500,000 grant.

The documentary "Rooted" features interviews and videos with the founders of Bethlehem's arts community. It will premiere at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, at Zoellner Arts Center.

Join the Watching the Skies guys at Shankweiler’s Drive-In next Tuesday, June 17, for a special filmed presentation on the "red planet," followed by a screening of the 1985 film "Explorers."