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.

There isn’t a waitlist for tickets, but there will be a livestream of the Peeps Chick Drop.

Activities are scheduled throughout Saturday at The Crayola Experience on Centre Square in Downtown Easton.

Representatives from ArtsQuest, organizers of this year's Peepsfest at SteelStacks, are warning the public that there could be fake tickets out there. They say the only official tickets are available directly from ArtsQuest.

A team effort stretched across the Lehigh Valley to design, assemble and transport the world's largest hockey puck. It will be dropped outside of the PPL Center in downtown Allentown to ring in the New Year on Saturday night.

The hottest and most family-fun places to celebrate the New Year.

Before his four Super Bowl championships and Hall of Fame career, Harris played at Penn State with Bethlehem native and Liberty High great Tom Donchez, who recalls his backfield mate fondly.

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms host a game Saturday night, then will take part in a celebration outside the PPL Center at Hamilton Street Plaza.

This week, the LehighValleyNews.com digital desk handpicked three events for you to enjoy, including Christmas City Stroll, Christmas in Color and Lights in the Parkway.

The new owners of Shankweiler's have crafted a plan for what the future of the drive-in will look like. It not only includes fall and winter matinees and operating year-round, but big collaborations with community partners.

The third annual Downtown Easton market wrapped up a five-week run over the weekend, but you can still find gifts from some of the vendors.

The annual promotion by the Lehigh Valley Phantoms benefits Valley Youth House. Thousands of teddy bears were collected after the team's first goal Saturday night.

The rabbi who led Bethlehem's menorah lighting in Payrow Plaza said he was impressed with the turnout — folks who came in the wake of several antisemitic incidents in the region.