Micaela Hood
Arts & Culture ReporterI’m LehighValleyNews.com’s arts and cultures reporter covering the best in music, theater, food and lifestyles. I have covered entertainment and features for the Miami Herald, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, New York Daily News, the Pocono Record and USA Today Network. As a proud Latina, I look forward to showcasing the diverse and vibrant communities in the Lehigh Valley. A fashionista and foodie, when I’m not working you can find me shopping or dining at my favorite Colombian and Italian restaurants and local coffee shops. Contact me at micaelah@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8217.
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Despite frigid temperatures — gusts drove the wind chill down to a bone-chilling 14 degrees Tuesday — families still lined up both indoors and outdoors across the SteelStacks campus for the 17th annual PeepsFest. -
With the new year comes a new season of high school musicals, as hundreds of student performers begin rehearsals, hoping for a nomination at the 24th annual Freddy Awards.
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A look back at some of our favorite arts, culture, and entertainment stories of the year, including Allentown Art Museum's must-see windows, Musikfest, Super Bowl bling, and a rock legend's last performance in Allentown.
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El Quinteto Clave Legacy, grupo de jazz de inspiración religiosa, ofreció un concierto gratuito en Palette & Pour de ArtsQuest Center como adelanto de la celebración de los Reyes Magos del domingo 4 de enero.
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Clave Legacy Quintet, a faith-based jazz group, performed a free concert at the ArtsQuest Center’s Palette & Pour, previewing the Three Kings celebration scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 4.
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Locally filmed BET+'s 'Love After Holidays' premieres in Bethlehem, showcases homegrown student filmCast, crew, students and community gathered at the Univest Public Media Center, home to Lehigh Valley Public Media, for a red carpet premiere of the BET+ film celebrating local talent and the next generation of creatives.
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Voices of all ages and experience levels filled First Presbyterian Church as the Lehigh Valley Chorale presented its sold-out winter concert, celebrating inclusion, empathy and community.
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Integrantes del Comité de Ciudades Hermanas de Bethlehem visitaron Patillas, Puerto Rico, para vivir las tradiciones navideñas y fortalecer alianzas en los ámbitos de la educación, el desarrollo económico y el turismo entre ambas ciudades.
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Una nueva exposición en el Rigo Peralta Art Studio presenta a artistas latinos de Estados Unidos y de Venezuela, aportando técnicas audaces, relatos culturales y una inauguración multitudinaria en Allentown. La exposición estará abierta hasta febrero.
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Members of Bethlehem’s Sister City Committee visited Patillas, Puerto Rico, to experience traditional tradiciones navideñas and to strengthen partnerships in education, economic development, and tourism between the two cities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bagpipes, kilts and Highland Games traditions returned Friday as Celtic Classic returned to Bethlehem's Historic District. The festival will run through Sunday.
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The Wilbur Mansion transforms with Swift, a rebranded dining experience in the Fountain Hill District of Bethlehem, offering seasonal menus, handmade cocktails, outside dining, and historical flair.
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Enjoy free live music, bagpipes, and Celtic food at the 38th Celtic Classic in Bethlehem from Friday, Sept. 26, to Sunday, Sept. 28.
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Puerto Rican pride was on full display Sunday as the city celebrated the first anniversary of its partnership with Patillas with a flag-raising ceremony, parade and family fun at ArtsQuest's SteelStacks campus.
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Lehigh University Art Galleries' 100th birthday bash coincides with the "Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists" exhibition, which runs through May 22 and highlights the works of local creatives.
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"Elegance in Stone," an exhibition opening at Peralta’s studio, 1601 West Chew St., kicks off with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. and runs through Oct. 24.
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From Allentown to Easton, volunteers spent the day beautifying schools, reading to seniors and building beds for shelters. The American Red Cross and the Allentown Fire Department also participated by installing smoke detectors in homes across the city during the annual event.
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Lehigh Valley IronPigs unveiled the team’s new America 250 uniforms, created in collaboration with ArtsQuest and featuring Musikfest’s 2026 “Music Unites” artwork by local artist Doug Boehm.
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ArtsQuest unveiled the 2026 Musikfest poster, “Music Unites,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The design came from two-time Musikfest artist Doug Boehm.
