Arts & Culture

Check out a roundup of activities, places, and times to see the fireworks as the Lehigh Valley celebrates Independence Day.

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."

The film "War Game," produced by an Emmaus High School graduate, simulates what it would be like if a full insurrection really came to pass.

The weeklong art festival features free performances and concerts by saxophonists, dancers and poets.

After a low turnout last year caused by lousy weather, Celtic Classic organizers have their sights set on returning in full force this weekend. The festival runs Friday through Sunday and includes the Highland Games & Festival.

Greater Shiloh Church celebrated its 120th birthday Sunday with a special joint worship service.

The International Cultural Festival will he held at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22.

This year's Steel Weekend focuses on women in steel, celebrating the often unheard stories of female Bethlehem Steel employees. The two-day event is organized by the National Museum of Industrial History and will be held Saturday and Sunday.

Miller Symphony Hall is marking two major milestones for the Symphony Orchestra's 74th season as the hall celebrates its quasquicentennial and its music director celebrates 30 years.

Bullet for My Valentine, which has had 16 Top 40 songs on the Mainstream Rock and Alternative Rock charts, will perform at 6:30 p.m. May 9 at Wind Creek Event Center. Joining it on the show will be Trivium, whose 2011 album "In Waves" hit No. 13 and whose 2015 song "Until the World Goes Cold" hit the Top 10 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

Artist Vaughn Randall's cast iron and bronze Locus sculpture was chosen as winner of the third annual Sculpture at SteelStacks national contest. An official ceremony was held outside the Bethlehem Visitor Center on Thursday evening where the sculpture will be displayed for one year.

The Puerto Rican political activist and author was in town to promote his new memoir "Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That is Transforming America."

The foodie festival is now in its ninth year and will occur from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, showcasing "diverse options" of food, drinks and concerts.

The Harlem Globetrotters will return to Allentown's PPL Center at 7 p.m. Feb. 27, it has been announced.