Arts & Culture

Check out a roundup of activities, places, and times to see the fireworks as the Lehigh Valley celebrates Independence Day.

Next year marks 250 years since the colonists produced a bold declaration of freedom and self-governance that still echoes today. It will be an occasion celebrated and recognized across the land — and we at Lehigh Valley Public Media are no exception.

In addition to live music, there will be more than a dozen local vendors, businesses and crafters, as well as trail and outdoor demonstrations, and group walks.

Steel Panther, which has had five albums top Billboard's Comedy chart, will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, it was announced.

In the spirit of Shakespeare, Saturday's celebration will feature entertainment for all ages, including musical performances by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, alpaca and ponies, and a student-led Latin band.

From 8 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 27, you'll be able to buy tickets for five of Musikfest's 11 headline shows, two paid-ticket Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks shows and nine Musikfest Cafe shows without paying any service fees.

Howie Mandel, who since 2010 has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” will perform with fellow comedian Brad Garrett at 8 p.m. Aug. 24. And Alan Parsons Live Project, which continues the work of Alan Parsons Project, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 2.

Now in its 14th year, the festival honors Puerto Rican culture in the city. The three-day celebration starts on Thursday with a documentary screening, a tribute to the women of salsa, and a flag-raising on Friday, and more Latin music and food on Saturday.

Lehigh Valley Dodgeball is building an inclusive, community-driven space for players of all skill levels in Easton. Open gyms are now underway every Monday night.

Shankweiler’s, renowned as the oldest continuously operating drive‑in theatre in the country since 1934, will soon be showcased to millions across the country on "Good Morning America."

The event will include activities such as a dog show, adoption information, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, with proceeds from the auction of the players' jerseys and caps benefitting the Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley.

The former football player, a graduate of Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township, is hoping to win big on the reality TV show.

ArtsQuest and Yuengling Brewery both released statements after a slew of comments about the drag performance appeared on social media last week.

Drum bands, motorcycles, inspiring speeches and more helped Easton celebrate the anniversary of emancipation.

Looking for fireworks celebrations for the Independence Day holiday? Several displays and events are scheduled in the Lehigh Valley.

The first Juneteenth Parade in the Lehigh Valley happens Monday in Easton, bringing together Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. There were a week of festivities to celebrate Juneteenth this year.

NAACP Bethlehem came together at the Sculpture Garden outside City Hall for a Juneteenth presentation regarding Black history, reparations, farming and the future of a sovereign community Saturday.

Juneteenth Lehigh Valley took over SteelStacks on Saturday, offering up a full roster of music, culture and more to honor the history of Black America. Festivities are planned throughout the weekend into Monday.

The Museum Pass program offered by Allentown Public Library has grown to include partnerships with close to 20 museums, gardens and historic sites in Eastern Pennsylvania. It's exclusive to adult residents in Allentown.

William Henry Moorman was 22 when he volunteered to carry a flag in the Union Army. As Juneteenth approaches, his great-grandson shares more about his legacy.

Jason Zulli, a professor at Northampton Area Community College, said he hopes his mural outside People First will help “bring the community together.”

The deadline to submit work is Sunday, June 25.