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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The free performance will take place starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at the Rose Garden.
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Pablo Batista, Hector Rosado and Luisito Rosario will headline ArtsQuest's ¡Sabor! Latin Festival on Saturday, June 29.
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James Bartolacci, an Easton-area artist and grant-winner, is working on new pieces intended for an art exhibition in Germany.
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A protest for women's rights was held at Bethlehem's Rose Garden just two days before the two-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
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The festival is now in its 16th year and will feature close to 20 blues acts, including Nikki Hill, Ghost Town Blues Band, Craig Thatcher Band and Dustin Douglas.
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Cheer on the U.S. Men's Team at SteelStacks when they play Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia during the 48th Copa América games. For young soccer fans, there will also be soccer clinics and an all-day youth tournament in July.
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Batch Creamery in Upper Saucon Township, Klein Dairy Farms in Forks Township and Crystal Spring Dairy Farm in North Whitehall Township are among the 41 stops on the Pennsylvania Ice Cream Trail. We checked out those and a bunch of others.
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The series, slated to debut in spring of 2025, stars actor Mark Ruffalo and was created by Chester County native Brad Ingelsby.
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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.
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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.
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The "Orange is the New Black" actress was among the guest speakers at the Lehigh Valley Women's Summit. The event drew a crowd of 750 attendees and was held at Wind Creek Event Center on Thursday, June 6.
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The bookstore will open its doors after renovating its original location on Wednesday, June 12. Celebrated author James McBride will be among the guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
