Arts & Culture

For two decades, borough officials have celebrated Independence Day by handing out hundreds of kazoos and American flags to residents before parading through the streets, blaring patriotic songs the entire time. It almost didn't happen this year.

Mayor J. William Reynolds says turning the lights on at SteelStacks' blast furnaces would be costly for land owner Wind Creek, running up to as much as $1 million. But one city councilman says they need to be illuminated by the time Musikfest begins.

Childish Major, who rose to fame as the producer of the 2013 Rocko single “U.O.E.N.O,” which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, will join the show by Ludacris at 7 p.m. Aug. 10, Musikfest’s penultimate night. Also, opening the show will be a Philadelphia rapper LG (Team Genius), best known for her song “YBM,” which also has 10 million views on Instagram.

Enjoy an array of musical and theater performances, plus children's activities starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 6 at DeSales University.

Famed rockers Heart has canceled its headlining gig at Allentown Fair, and the rest of its recent tour, in light of singer Ann Wilson's cancer treatment.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs rolled out their Bethlehem City Connect merchandise Monday with a jersey, hat, and other offerings that take inspiration from the Bethlehem Star, along with nods to the history of Bethlehem Steel.

Freedom High School grad Lilly Moss, 19, is making her way up the music and video streaming platforms with debut album title track, "Meet Me on Broadway"

Whether you're looking to side with safety to celebrate Independence Day this year, want a fun event or just don't want to deal with post-celebration clean-up, plenty of spots in the Lehigh Valley are offering free and purchase-required events.

Celtic Classic is scheduled Sept. 27-29 on the festival grounds near downtown Bethlehem.

That clash of fantasy and education worlds comes to Ag Hall at Allentown Fairgrounds July 5-7, when Jurassic Quest, which bills itself as North America’s most popular interactive dinosaur event, returns to Allentown.

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.

Cosmic baseball — a baseball game played under black lights with a glowing ball, bats, bases and even uniforms — will return to the stadium, it was announced.

Gabby's Dollhouse Live, a live stage show with puppets based on the popular preschooler Netflix series, will perform at Easton's State Theatre on Jan. 27, it was announced.

This marks the third year where the Lehigh Valley IronPigs have donned the best attendance record in minor league baseball.

Maingate Night Club, at 17th and Liberty streets, whose owner Dominic Germano for more than two years has sought a partner, has closed for good, Germano said in a Facebook post late Monday.

Greg Gutfeld, whose Fox News program "Gutfeld!" is television's most-watched late-night talk show, gave a presentation at the PPL Center in Allentown on Saturday night. He said he decided that overcoming fear was part of the message of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot Sept. 10.

Well over 1,000 fans descended on Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township on Saturday to catch a glimpse of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, who made an appearance at Spin Me Round record store for her new "Am I the Drama?" album.