Arts & Culture

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival returns on Sunday, July 23 to Allentown.

The flower show is being hosted by Bethlehem Garden Club Friday and Saturday.

Singer Tony Bennett, who died Friday just two weeks before his 97th birthday, graced the stages of the Lehigh Valley frequently in the final two decades of his performing career. And it seemed those shows often came during important moments in Bennett’s career.

David Foster and wife Katharine McPhee will perform at Wind Creek Event Center 8 p.m. May 9. Iconic English progressive rock band Yes will play at 8 p.m. Sept. 21.

Dorney Park is planning the return of Grand Carnivale, a day-to-night, larger-than-life, international celebration. And if you want food, they’ve got it.

Tickets to most shows for the State Theatre's new season go on sale to theater members on Aug. 2 and the public on Aug. 9 at the box office or statetheatre.org.

The three-day festival features performances by Bywater Call, the Sensational Blues Brothers and Toronzo Cannon.

Allentown native Walt Groller learned to play the accordion at age 4 and became one of the premier polka musicians in the world.

The festival will feature an array of entertainers, artwork, games for all ages and food vendors on Saturday, July 22.

Easton and Nazareth are home to breakfast spots that offer food flights that are often favorites. Owners say they're tedious dishes to prepare, but worth it for the customer satisfaction.

The series, slated to debut in spring of 2025, stars actor Mark Ruffalo and was created by Chester County native Brad Ingelsby.

Jefferson Starship will play at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Penn's Peak in Penn Forest Township. Tickets, at $28-$33, remain available at the Penn's Peak website.

The mural, by artist Mercedes Salazar, is a collaboration with Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance, Community Action of Development of Allentown, The Chamber Foundation and Allentown Mural Arts.

With help of sponsors D.G. Yuengling & Sons and Bazella Works, all men and women now serving in any branch of the military, all veterans and immediate family of those killed in action, are eligible to get tickets to a variety of events, ArtsQuest said.

Recently, many of Wildwater Kingdom's rides have been temporarily closed. All of them have reopened, except one, which will soon be replaced.

The federal holiday is a week away, but that doesn't mean celebrations are that far out yet. Festivities are taking place all over the area, with Juneteenth Lehigh Valley scheduling events through June 19.

The Bethlehem film festival will feature close to 70 shorts and indie films ranging from documentaries to comedy and horror. The screenings begin Tuesday at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity and close on Saturday, June 15.

Rick Springfield, best known for his hits “Jessie’s Girl,” “I’ve Done Everything for You” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Tickets, at $39.50-$79.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, at www.windcreekeventcenter.com.

The Lehigh Valley community is invited by the Allentown Symphony to contribute a short melody, chord progression, instrument timbre or rhythmic pattern to inspire the piece.

It all started with a wig, a Hannah Montana song and a sassy pose: this local vet is going above and beyond on social media to entertain and educate pet parents.

The non-alcoholic cocktail trend has exceeded popularity beyond Dry January. More Lehigh Valley restaurants — and even mobile bartending services — are featuring mocktails on their menus as customers increasingly ask for them.