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 Tri-City Chili Peppers will face the Glow Mojis on May 15-16 at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

Brought to life each year the day after Thanksgiving, the huge Christmas tree outside of City Hall and the public library, along with other trees along city roadways, are hard to miss among Bethlehem’s spread of holiday traditions.

Barley Creek Brewing Company and Distillery announced its newest location now is open for business. After "unexpected delays" pushed back its initial opening in October, the Pocono-based company announced that it's ready to serve guests as of Friday, Nov. 28.

Artist Dylan Collazo's new exhibition, "When Eye Faced Myself, I Drew Blood," will debut from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Inkwell in Allentown.

Some great deals are being offered on tickets at the Lehigh Valley's entertainment venues. But all are for a limited time, and some already have started.

It’ll be a scenic route for walkers, joggers and runners through Historic Bethlehem and its renowned Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem's World Heritage site. And even a bit of fun for furry friends and their owners.

St. Nick is making more than a dozen stops across the region this season, joining communities for a season of cheer. Many events are also collecting food and unwrapped toys to support local families in need.

HomeToGo has ranked Bethlehem No. 1 in price, with a low median nightly rate of $55.39 per person, and No. 17 in overall travel demand, for festive U.S. holiday destinations.

Two Feet, which topped the Alternative chart, will perform Sunday, April 13. And Dayseeker, which this year had the Top 10 rock hits "Crawl Back to My Coffin" and "Bloodlust," will perform Tuesday, May 6.

Daniel Weiss led Lafayette College from 2005 to 2013 and is credited with growing the campus beyond College Hill. He was unanimously approved Friday as director and CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum.

Hilary Unger, owner of Perianth Interior Design, was chosen Designer of the Year for 2025 by the Interior Design Society in the category of Living Spaces Over $100,000.

Doogie Horner, who had a successful run on "America's Got Talent," then wrote successful books, will perform Saturday, Dec. 6, at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem. Horner will headline the fourth annual Winter WonderJam, presented by the "Your Next Favorite Band" podcast.