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 Orchestra to play Easton's State Theatre on Friday.

Bethlehem's Citizen’s Christmas City Committee has issued two hundred limited edition collectible Bethlehem Christmas Trellis ornaments that are ready for sale.

Students from Emmaus High School's broadcast studio & film production program created a nine-minute short film selected for the All-American High School Film Festival

Adrian Shanker, the founder of Allentown's Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, will join the Biden-Harris administration, he announced in a Facebook post.

The 5th annual Pa. Latino Convention was held at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Allentown.

Spooky stories of Easton's past are revealed through Sigal Museum's Eerie Easton Walking Tours

Easton's Garlic Fest saw a good turnout despite the threat of rain.

Dorney Park's Halloween Haunt marks the unofficial start to spooky season in the Lehigh Valley. It turns the theme park from daring and thrilling to a frightful and chilling experience, with designated "scare zones" for a haunting good time.

The annual festival is back for its 12th year featuring beer, food, music, and wiener dogs.

Rosanna’s Restaurant, which temporarily closed in February, is expected to reopen in the winter as a modern deli and bar, Rosa's Corner, at 2 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem.

The event will include German food, crafts, music and activities such as wiener dog races, a barrel-rolling competition and the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship. Four biergartens will offer beer including Yuengling, Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head, Victory and more.

Music, desserts, clothes and, of course, garlic make way at the Easton Garlic Fest