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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Artsquest's annual autumn festival will run through Sunday, Oct. 12, on the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem. -
Chelsea Southard's "Down the Line" was chosen as the Sculpture at SteelStacks 2025 exhibition, now in its fourth year and part of Steel Weekend and the steelworkers' reunion happening this Saturday and Sunday.
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In the new Amazon Prime documentary "Saquon," NFL star Saquon Barkley opens up about his Lehigh Valley roots. The film offers an intimate look at his family life, his decision to join the Philadelphia Eagles, and the moments that shaped his journey from Whitehall to the NFL.
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"Iron Chef" winner Jose Garces has opened Okatshe, a Japanese-inspired izakaya on Hamilton Street, with an eight-foot sushi roll instead of a ribbon-cutting. Located across from Rosa Blanca, Okatshe offers small plates, sushi, sake,and whiskey in a modern take on Japan’s traditional neighborhood bar.
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The festival spans two weekends of authentic German traditions, including stein holding competitions, bratwurst eating contests, live polka bands, schuhplattler dancers, dachshund races and new contests.
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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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Wednesday’s art show reception also doubled as a ribbon-cutting for the new NeighborMade Community Art Gallery & Workshop, housed inside the center at 1335 West Linden St.
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Estudiantes de Central Elementary STREAM Academy presentaron un preestreno de “Passport to Puerto Rico” en el Univest Public Media Center, celebrando la cultura puertorriqueña con comida, música y baile de Bomba. La película creada por los estudiantes se estrenará en PBS39 el 13 de diciembre.
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Central Elementary STREAM Academy students premiered a teaser of “Passport to Puerto Rico” at the Univest Public Media Center, celebrating Puerto Rican culture with food, Bomba music and dance. The student-made film debuts on PBS39 Dec. 13.
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Just like the former Bethlehem shop, the store sells gently worn women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing — all donated by members of the Barkley family.
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Christkindlmarkt: A look inside the new Winter Wonderland, St. Nicholas Haus, igloos, photo stationsChristkindlmarkt will run Fridays-Sundays through Nov. 30. It then will open Thursdays-Sundays, Dec. 4 though Dec. 21.
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Las luces navideñas iluminarán el Lehigh Valley Zoo y Coca-Cola Park, mientras que Christmas City se llena de tradiciones moravas durante esta temporada festiva.
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Holiday lights will illuminate the Lehigh Valley Zoo and Coca-Cola Park while Christmas City decks the hall with Moravian traditions this holiday season.
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Held by retired Marine Corps Col. Frank Gunter of Lehigh University, the panel featured two veterans: Chief Warrant Officer 4 Cheryl G. Ites, a retired U.S. Marine, and Master Chief Petty Officer Nathaniel “Nate” Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran.
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The two-day event features a blend of local and regional talent—31 artists in all—ranging from first-time exhibitors to longtime favorites. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Sunday, Nov. 9, with a free art fair at the museum, where attendees can meet the artists and shop for new artwork and jewelry.
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An opening reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, with a gallery talk on Wyso's Christmas collection by the exhibition's curator, Steven J. Lichak.
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Hundreds of animated shorts from cartoons to Polish and Iranian stories will come alive onscreen at the historic movie theater through Sunday, Nov. 9.
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Filmmaker-turned-showrunner Jiah Peck debuts the entire first season of an original comedy series at the Emmaus Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
