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.

Archer Music Hall, which developers have called a state-of-the-art entertainment venue at 935-939 Hamilton St., now has an operational website.

The 18-year-old Lehigh Valley singer finished in second place on the finale of season 26 of the NBC show.

According to Allen Organ, shipping the giant instrument from Macungie to France wasn't that difficult, but it was customized to match the interior of the cathedral.

Shye Roberts, a graduate of Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, is one of five finalists hoping to win season 26 of the NBC show "The Voice."

Megan Moroney, who kicked off her career with the triple-platinum hit "Tennessee Orange" in 2022, will be perform at 7 p.m. July 31, ArtsQuest announced.

Nelly, best known for his hits "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma" (with Kelly Rowland), will headline at Musikfest 2025.

"Liberty and Justice for All" a new exhibition at the Ronald K. DeLong Gallery, features the works of Charles Stonewall, David Gothrad and mixed-media artist Christina "Tina" Galbiati. The three creatives are also adjunct instructors at the university.

The Christmas celebration held on Friday featured traditional Puerto Rican Christmas songs, food and visitors from the North Pole.

Lehigh Valley area ski resorts open this week. Check times and websites for details.

The holiday bundle offers a showing of "St. Nick of Bethlehem," with an opportunity to meet Danny Roebuck, and an afternoon of ice skating at SteelStacks Ice Rink.

Star of Raising Dion Ja'Siah Young will be honored with the Easton Recognition Award in Centre Square this weekend.

Taylor swift tribute act Blank Space will perform tonight, Dec. 6, at Wind Creek Event Center. The show follows the general presentation of Swift's recent Eras tour, with her hits from the 2000s, 2010s and 2020s.