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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St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church held a festival for the community to raise money for families and victims of the deadly attack at Prophet Elias Church (Mar Elisa) in Damascus, Syria. -
The Route 22 Filmworks Film Festival returns to Bethlehem’s Charles A. Brown Ice House for its third year on Saturday. The nine-hour event will feature 39 short films, including student work from several Pennsylvania universities.
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The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs has appointed 27 commissioners for its 2025-27 board, including several leaders from Lehigh and Northampton counties.
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Historic Hotel Bethlehem was celebrated Wednesday for being chosen by USA Today as one of the nation’s 10 Best Historic Hotels/Resorts for the fifth consecutive year.
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At his headlining Saturday show, Jordan Davis shared his love for family, faith, and country music heroes, while delivering hits and Nashville-style collaborations.
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Third Eye Blind announced news onstage at Musikfest while encouraging kindness in the crowd Friday on the festival's main Steel Stage.
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“Cutting Edge: Inventive Nineteenth-Century Quilts” opens Saturday, Aug. 9. The new exhibit explores over 30 unique quilts from Arlan and Pat Christ’s collection and will run through Oct. 26. Admission is free.
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The "Gentleman of Salsa" remarked he "felt at home" at his debut at Musikfest, where he delivered an evening of elegant dance moves, smooth vocals, and Puerto Rican pride.
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German food, polka and Cast in Bronze are just some of the beloved traditions found at Musikfest each year.
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Three-time Grammy Award winner Nelly performed some of his biggest hits, such as "Ride Wit Me" and "Hot in Herre," on Wednesday at Musikfest's main Steel Stage.
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The Vegan Chef challenge was organized by Vegan Outreach and Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley, and the challenge drew more than 400 community reviews between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. Winners were honored at an awards ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 4, inside Swift at the Wilbur Mansion.
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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.
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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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Even after Hispanic Heritage Month ended, Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem was alive with the sound of salsa and the aroma of arroz con gandules during BASD’s annual Hispanic Heritage celebration.
