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.

Rain stayed away to the delight of visitors on Musikfest Preview Night. The 10-day, free music festival celebrates its 42nd year in Bethlehem.

While getting up at the crack of dawn to hunt for free street parking is always an option, Musikfest goers should also consider public transit and paid municipal parking lots.

On Thursday, Lehigh Valley Zoo broke ground on a $10 million multi-phase project, with initial work on a new barn area and accessible playground set to be finished in the fall.

If you come to the SteelStacks campus tonight for Preview Night of Musikfest's 42nd year and don't see any outdoor free stage performances, it's because they've been moved.

Here are music acts you should see today, Thursday, July 31, on Preview Night for Musikfest 2025.

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.