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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An estimated 97,000 residents in the Lehigh Valley rely on SNAP benefits, which are expected to pause on Saturday, Nov. 1. Here's how you can help. -
With SNAP benefits delayed in November and the holidays approaching, Lehigh Valley residents can help or get help. Here's where to find food pantries, volunteer opportunities, and donation info.
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Leadership, mentorship and empowerment were themes at the 2025 ATHENA Awards held Oct. 30 at ArtsQuest. This year's honorees included Susan Wild, Veronica Gonzalez and MKSD Architects.
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The five-story, 78,500-square-foot facility will replace the Banana Factory as a hub for creativity and learning. The construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.
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"Cut Loose," an exhibition by local artists Anthony Smith Jr. and Marie Belle, will be on display through Thursday at Eagle Nest Gallery. The two creatives also will be among the 31 artists participating in the Allentown Art Museum's annual fall fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 8, and free-to-attend art fair on Sunday, Nov. 9.
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The classical music performance begins at 4 p.m. Sunday in Baker Hall. Tickets cost $45–$55.
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Dress as your favorite demon hunters to skate and slay at the Steel Ice Center’s "KPop Demon Hunters" public skate from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26.
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The annual event is named in memory of philanthropist and arts champion Linny Fowler, who was known for her philanthropy and community engagement. The ceremony was held Thursday night at ArtsQuest's Musikfest Cafe.
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Allentown has completed a comprehensive update and digitization of over 2,000 property records across its three historic districts — Old Allentown, Old Fairgrounds and West Park.
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Now in its fourth year, the awards ceremony recognized excellence across 17 categories, honoring everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs, actors, models, and filmmakers to emerging young talent. It was held at Archer Music Hall in Allentown.
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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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A new exhibition at Rigo Peralta Art Studio showcases Latino artists from across the United States and Venezuela, bringing bold technique, cultural stories and a crowded opening night to Allentown. The show will be on display through February.
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En un foro en Lehigh Valley, Elizabeth DeJesus relató la detención de su esposo por el ICE mientras expertos explicaban derechos, límites de acción y cómo apoyar vía la red ERN.
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At a Lehigh Valley town hall, Elizabeth DeJesus recounted her husband’s ICE detainment as experts explained immigrant rights, enforcement limits, and how the community can help through the ERN network.
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ArtsQuest and Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks announced Monday an open call for artists to create an official poster and program book artwork for the 2026 Levitt concert season. The deadline to apply to the artist open call is Friday, Dec. 12, and finalists will be notified by Friday, Dec. 19.
