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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A vibrant new mural by artist Matt Halm now brightens Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital’s Allentown campus. It was created with help from patients, staff, and volunteers.
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Shop vinyl, vintage and handmade art at the Lehigh Valley Punk Rock Flea Market on Sept. 6 at the free family-friendly event and mini-concert. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with performances starting at 4:30 p.m.
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Fans at the Allentown Fair got a triple dose of hair metal nostalgia as Quiet Riot, Ace Frehley, and Great White shared the stage for a night of heavy riffs and anthems on Saturday evening.
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There are plenty of free acts to enjoy at the unofficial last of summer celebration, including a comedian/juggler with a crown of Solo cups and a tent filled with multi-colored butterflies.
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Mac and cheese on a stick, barbecue-infused ice cream, and horseradish cheesesteaks are hoping to win over fairgoers in this year's food contest. Voting is done on-site, and the winners will be announced on Monday.
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After a three-year hiatus, chick hatching is back at the Allentown Fair. The exhibition will be open daily at the Lehigh County 4-Club Livestock Experience tent.
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The 173rd Great Allentown Fair opens Wednesday, Aug. 27, through Labor Day, Sept. 1. The fair features rides, food, concerts, and family fun at one of Pennsylvania’s oldest fairs.
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The 2025-26 season will feature innovative performances, including a modern "Alice in Wonderland" and an adaptation of "Medea." Part of the new UnBound Year-Round series, the season will run from Oct. 8 through June 30 in Bethlehem.
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This year's honorees are abstract artist Michael Freeman, Lehigh University producer Steven Lichak, museum accessibility advocate Elise Schaffer, and members of the IceHouse Performing Arts Collaborative. The group will be honored at an awards ceremony in September.
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The backpacks, filled with supplies, were distributed to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, along with free haircuts, face painting, and community support from sponsors like Unity Bank and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
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Meet staff and learn about the studio's art and music classes at the open house on Sunday, April 28.
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Lehigh Valley went to the polls Tuesday for the Pennsylvania primary election, but voters were hard to find throughout the day. Poll workers and observers reported a trickle of a turnout at districts in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
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Soranyi Benavides, of Allentown, creates handmade crochet designs and custom-made dresses. It's a fashion trend that is gaining in popularity.
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The two-day summit featured a wellness expo and panel discussions by health leaders.
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Danny Roebuck and Dan Lauria were part of a writing workshop held at DeSales University on Friday.
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The rap legend and activist closed out the college's 50 Years of Hip Hop series.
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Youth mentors from Allentown and Easton will host workshops about bicycle riding during a multi-day conference slated for June.
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In Pennsylvania, more than 600,000 Latinos are eligible to vote this presidential election year. In a battleground state, their impact could help swing results in one direction or the other, observers say.
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The Allentown Film Festival is now in its second year and will feature short films and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
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Violinist Diane Monroe and New Jersey-based dance group Nimbus are among the scheduled performers set for April at Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University.
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Moravian University students wrote and directed the productions as part of their Master of Fine Arts thesis projects. Their performances at Touchstone Theatre — spread out through April and starting this week — will explore disability, self-worth and creativity.
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“The Story Continues” was a program presented by the Rising Sun Initiative at Bethlehem Area Public Library. It celebrated Black history and Women's History Month.