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.

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.

A patron said he witnessed two men wearing shirts marked 'It's Okay To Be White' as part of a group blaming Jews for the 9-11 terrorist attacks. ArtsQuest and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley are condemning the incident.

This week, the LehighValleyNews.com digital desk handpicked three events for you to enjoy.

A Topgolf facility could be coming to Lower Macungie—just the third in Pennsylvania. There are locations in the Philadelphia area—one dubbed “Philadelphia Northeast” at 2140 Byberry Road, and another in Mount Laurel, NJ, just across the river—as well as a location in Pittsburgh.

Music and tradition are both important parts of the holiday season, and both were back Tuesday as C.F. Martin & Co. resumed its Holiday Open House for the first time in three years.

Community focused board game store and venue comes to Easton

Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Taylor Swift fans in Pennsylvania will get another chance to buy concert tickets.

Indie-pop trio AJR will headline the main stage at Bethlehem's Musikfest festival on the opening night of the festival's 40th year, it was announced Monday.

Grammy Award winning country music Duo Dan + Shay are announced as Musikfest headliners

Ja'Siah Young of Easton was up for an Emmy Award for his hit Netflix series, but came away empty-handed

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission approved 36 new honorees for 2022, including the Allentown State Hospital and the President Pumping Engine in Upper Saucon Township.

The Christkindlmarkt and new ice rink drive crowds to Bethlehem's SteelStacks campus.