Arts & Culture

Call it sludge, stoner metal, heavy rock, whatever. Melvins, one of the most influential acts in the game, came out to Musikfest Cafe on Thursday and played an incredible set exploring its vast and varied four decades.

"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.

Here's what you need to know about Musikfest 2025, which runs from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 10, in Bethlehem.

5XW Wrestling will make its Lehigh Valley debut at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at Country Club Brewing with an outdoor parking lot party that also will include bands, drinks, food and a party DJ.

Guster, with opening act The Mountain Goats, 6 p.m. today, July 29, Archer Music Hall, 939 Hamilton St., Allentown. Tickets $68.50 general admission standing, available at www.archermusichall.com or at the box office.

MeLVin will join families for a Phamily Phun Night at Bear Creek Mountain Resort on Aug. 13.

Here are our Top 6 main Steel Stage shows at Musikfest, which opens with a preview night Thursday, July 31.

Allentown school directors approved the $1.14 million partnership Thursday. The agreement runs from next month to June 30, 2028.

Ending months of BYOB, which patrons have come to like, the former Nonna Sulina's has moved to Fountain Hill under a new name and can finally announce full-service status.

After an "unimaginably" successful first year, IronPigs President Kurt Landes announced the Illumination experience will return to Coca-Cola Park for the upcoming holiday season. Tickets are on sale now.

Beatles tribute act Rain performing a Christmas tribute at 8 p.m. Dec. 5.

It's spooky season in July at the third annual Greenway Pride festival held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Juily 26, in South Bethlehem.

Country music hitmaker Riley Green has no tickets left for his Aug. 1 Steel Stage concert, Musikfest presenters ArtsQuest said on its Facebook page.

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom is bringing another Philadelphia Eagle to the area for a charitable event.