As of this writing, life seems to be returning to the Lehigh Valley, just in time for summer! With many restrictions lifted, and the populace itching to get out, many festivals that were either dormant or virtual last year are beckoning us to come out of our COVID cocoons and have a great time! As always, check websites for up-to-date information on all events, as well as any lingering restrictions.

Musikfest is the big one! Considered to be the biggest and best free admission festival in the country, it is back, alive and in-person, August 6 – 15. This festival will feature headliners, food vendors, and free performances on stages spread throughout the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Musikfest.org.
The Great Allentown Fair is even greater now that it is alive again. If you've been waiting to see top national acts and thrill to fun rides (and stuff yourself with famous Fair foods!), mark September 1 – 6 on your summer fun calendar! allentownfair.pa.
Immerse yourself in Celtic culture when the Celtic Classic comes to Bethlehem September 24 – 26. celticfest.org. The 34th Annual Celtic Classic is presented by Celtic Cultural Alliance, dedicated to preserving and promoting the Celtic heritage through education, musical presentations, and traditional competitions in athletics, piping and dance.
Billed as America's Oldest Folklife Festival, the 72nd Kutztown Folk Festival will, alas, remain virtual this year. It will take place June 26 – July 4. kutztownfestival.com. In the meantime, they hope to host smaller, in-person events in the late summer and early fall, including an in-person quilt sale and seminar.
What Dutchie summer would be complete without Das Awkscht Fescht, August 6 – 8? They celebrate their 58th Annual Fescht cruisin’ through 42 acres of fun at the Fescht – so enjoy the great things classic summers are made of. awkscht.com.
Are you and your family on a quest for more diverse artistic programs? Then take a look at what ArtsQuest has to offer at artsquest.org. Musikfest is the Big Daddy of the summer festivals, but there is much more to their mission "to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities."
SteelStacks presents a motherlode of concerts, films, free events, and comedy performances throughou the summer. steelstacks.org.
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks is a nonprofit community organization that presents 50 FREE concerts each summer as part of the Levitt Summer Concert Series. The concerts take place at the Levitt Pavilion nestled at the base of the iconic Bethlehem blast furnaces on the SteelStacks arts and culture campus. levittsteelstacks.org.
Keep an eye (or a Google search) out for events at local venues, such as libraries, for lower-key yet fun and educational events. For example, the Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) is open and offering a catalog of programs for the entire family, including the Summer Reading Raffle and Summer Writing Contest. bapl.org.
This list is not exhaustive, but we hope it's a good start to your summer!

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