Arts & Culture

Next year marks 250 years since the colonists produced a bold declaration of freedom and self-governance that still echoes today. It will be an occasion celebrated and recognized across the land — and we at Lehigh Valley Public Media are no exception.

In addition to live music, there will be more than a dozen local vendors, businesses and crafters, as well as trail and outdoor demonstrations, and group walks.

Steel Panther, which has had five albums top Billboard's Comedy chart, will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, it was announced.

In the spirit of Shakespeare, Saturday's celebration will feature entertainment for all ages, including musical performances by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, alpaca and ponies, and a student-led Latin band.

From 8 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 27, you'll be able to buy tickets for five of Musikfest's 11 headline shows, two paid-ticket Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks shows and nine Musikfest Cafe shows without paying any service fees.

Howie Mandel, who since 2010 has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” will perform with fellow comedian Brad Garrett at 8 p.m. Aug. 24. And Alan Parsons Live Project, which continues the work of Alan Parsons Project, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 2.

Now in its 14th year, the festival honors Puerto Rican culture in the city. The three-day celebration starts on Thursday with a documentary screening, a tribute to the women of salsa, and a flag-raising on Friday, and more Latin music and food on Saturday.

Lehigh Valley Dodgeball is building an inclusive, community-driven space for players of all skill levels in Easton. Open gyms are now underway every Monday night.

Shankweiler’s, renowned as the oldest continuously operating drive‑in theatre in the country since 1934, will soon be showcased to millions across the country on "Good Morning America."

Allentown Fair's first Mullet Contest will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Farmerama Theater.

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.

Crews will begin laying steel for the Overlook on History exhibition and educational space in early October, with some material from the nearby Grist Miller’s House’s interim shoring even being repurposed for the project.

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.

Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park kicked off the fall season Friday. A park spokesman said several attractions have been upgraded to make them scarier and more engaging for park visitors.

Bagpipes, kilts and Highland Games traditions returned Friday as Celtic Classic returned to Bethlehem's Historic District. The festival will run through Sunday.

Yacht rock, the phenomenon that has musical acts once again sharing soft rock songs from decades past, again will take the event center stage when Yacht Rock Revue performs at 8 p.m. March 27, the venue announced.

Phillips, Grier & Flinner will perform at 2 p.m., with doors at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, 130 E. Swamp Road, Doylestown, Bucks County.

Be on the lookout for some colorful and crafty public art Friday, as Easton's Downtown district sees 11 artists custom-paint fire hydrants to spruce up the neighborhood.

The Wilbur Mansion transforms with Swift, a rebranded dining experience in the Fountain Hill District of Bethlehem, offering seasonal menus, handmade cocktails, outside dining, and historical flair.

Tickets, at $46.05 for general admission standing and $96.75 for seated, are available at the Archer website and the box office at 939 Hamilton St., Allentown.

Palmer Township has been recognized with a historic marker from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, commemorating the spot where the famous Crayola crayon was born.