Arts & Culture

Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the construction of a 49-unit apartment building and parking garage on West Hamilton Street. The complex would house primary occupants 55-and-older and adults with disabilities. Representatives of the neighboring music school voiced concerns about increased traffic and the safety of students, parents, and staff.

Esther Lee, president of the Bethlehem NAACP chapter, has been a longtime advocate for housing, education and jobs for Black residents of the Lehigh Valley.

Our daily list of useful information, chosen to inform and enhance your day, includes news you can use and then some!

The Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved plans for the construction of the Archer Music Hall on Hamilton Street.

The virtual reality experience at Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University examines race relations and features community leaders from Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

ArtsQuest is seeking photos of local "Hometown Heroes" for their Memorial Day exhibit.

Domenic Salerni, who grew up in Bethlehem and is now a member of the Attaca Quartet, captured a Grammy for his work on the album "Shaw: Evergreen."

Our daily list of useful information, chosen to inform and enhance your day, includes news you can use and then some!

In a pinch for that special someone? Easton Public Market is open Tuesday with vendors offering traditional items like flowers and chocolate — even fresh food to cook your sweetie a romantic dinner.

The band retains lead singer Ed Kowalczyk from its classic lineup, with new members guitarist Zak Loy, drummer Robin Diaz and bassist Chris Heerlein.

"Elegance in Stone," an exhibition opening at Peralta’s studio, 1601 West Chew St., kicks off with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. and runs through Oct. 24.

Comedian Tom Shillue will perorm at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, as opening act for the Gutfeld Live 2025 show at Allentown's PPL Center. Tickets, at $49.60-$86.90, remain available at the PPL Center website.

Christkindlmarkt will open Nov. 14 and run Fridays through Sundays through Nov. 30. It then will open Thursdays-Sundays, Dec. 4 though Dec. 21.

Foodies now have another late night option in Southside Bethlehem. The Barbecue Boys, which opened Tuesday, Sept. 16, offers a fast-casual dining setting that's open Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs unveiled the team’s new America 250 uniforms, created in collaboration with ArtsQuest and featuring Musikfest’s 2026 “Music Unites” artwork by local artist Doug Boehm.

The 12th annual Winter Light Spectacular, with 1.2 million holiday lights — which the zoo says is more than any other Pennsylvania attraction — will kick off Nov. 14 and run through Jan. 3.

Pennsylvania saw 201.6 million visitors, generating $49.9 billion in visitor spending and $83.9 billion in economic impact in 2024. In the Lehigh Valley, visitor spending increased 1.5%, generating just over $2.5 billion.

The grant will be used to help replace all 91 windows with historically accurate, insulated glass and wood models to "enhance the building’s energy efficiency while preserving its historical integrity," a news release says.

ArtsQuest unveiled the 2026 Musikfest poster, “Music Unites,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The design came from two-time Musikfest artist Doug Boehm.

New for this year, among the two different kinds of sheep, rabbits, miniature donkeys and ponies live at the Johnson Barn, there also will be 10 Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy goats on site for snuggling.

Rod Stewart, who in a 57-year recording career has sold a certified 85 million albums and an estimated 120 million worldwide, will perform at Allentown's PPL Center 8 p.m. March 14.

Dr. Katherine Faull, who is an internationally acclaimed scholar on Moravian studies, took on the role in September, according to a news release from Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem.