The best of the Lehigh Valley, every Thursday · Issue #4 · September 24, 2026
Happy Thursday, Lehigh Valley!
The biggest free festival of the fall is back in Bethlehem this weekend, and the West End is throwing a block party the same day. We mapped out Saturday so you don't have to.
The weather is on board. Today is mostly sunny and 67. Friday is mostly sunny and 71 with some gusty wind. Saturday is mostly sunny and 70 with a 30% chance of a shower after 2pm. Sunday is partly sunny and 69, with showers possible before 2.
In today's edition:
How to do Saturday at the Celtic Classic, by the clock
The Baum School of Art turns 100 with a $7.3 million makeover
Homes of the Week: Allentown's West End, Pen Argyl, and South Whitehall
Toys "R" Us is back at the Lehigh Valley Mall
Roadwork: Route 22 overnights and I-78 near Hellertown
The Kindness Project needs 100 volunteers in Emmaus
46 things to do this weekend
- Joe Roller
News
How to Do Saturday at the Celtic Classic
The Tartan Parade on Main Street. Photo courtesy of the Celtic Cultural Alliance
The Celtic Classic is 39 years old this weekend, and organizers expect about 200,000 people in downtown Bethlehem from Friday to Sunday. It is free to walk in.
Saturday is the big day. Here is how to do it, by the clock.
First, parking. There is no street parking. The easiest move is the shuttle from 1525 Valley Center Parkway: $6 a day for ages 6 and up, every 20 to 30 minutes, Saturday 9am to 8:30pm and Sunday 9 to 7:30. No shuttle on Friday. If you drive in, the garages on North Street and Walnut Street and the Main Street Commons lot are $20, the 55 E Broad Street lot is $15.
9am: Youth fiddle competition at the Ice House. A quiet way in before the crowds.
10am: Highland games open. Big people throwing big things all day on Highland Field. The caber toss is at 3:30.
10:30am: Soda bread muffin contest. Yes, it is a real event.
11am: Heritage Hollow opens, the kids' tent, running until 5. Seamus Kennedy does a kids' show there at 3:15.
11:30am: The Tartan Parade on Main Street, then opening ceremonies at noon. The Morning Star Rotary 5K runs the parade route right before it, about 11:30, from the Bethlehem Area Public Library. $40 now, kilts encouraged.
Lunch: the food regulars are Greek Street, Heaven On A Bun, Grumpy's BBQ, DP's Apple Dumplings, Heidi's Strudel, Bacon on a Stick, Karl Ehmer sausages, Rita's, and Theo's Gyros. The beer, cider, and whiskey tents are 21+.
1:30pm: Grade 4 pipe band competition. Drum majors at 2:30. This is what the festival sounds like in your head.
3pm: Runa at the Grand Pavilion. Screaming Orphans at 5.
5:30pm: Massed bands. Every pipe band on the field at once. If you only see one thing, see this.
6:30pm: Border collie demo, then pick a stage for the night: Seamus Kennedy at 6:30 in the Tavern in the Glen, Pilgrims of Deep Run at 6:45 on the Celtic River Stage, Kilmaine Saints at 7 in the Grand Pavilion, or On The Lash at 7 at the Ice House. The festival closes at 8.
While you're downtown: the Moravian Book Shop, America's oldest bookstore, reopened this month at 428 Main Street with Moravian University running it.
Friday and Sunday: Friday runs 4 to 8 with the Haggis Bowl at 5:30 on Highland Field. Sunday is 10 to 7, with the Grade 3 pipe bands at noon, Screaming Orphans at 2 and 5, and the border collies at 5:30.
Rather stay west? The West End Block Party & Food Festival takes over 19th and Liberty in Allentown Saturday from noon to 10pm, free, with 40+ food and drink vendors, beer and wine tents, and live music all day. Free ramp and street parking. The band lineup is not posted yet.
Community Digest
The Baum School of Art Turns 100 With a $7.3 Million Makeover
The Baum School at 510 W Linden Street in Allentown was founded in 1926. For its 100th birthday it finished a 5,500-square-foot addition and renovated 25,000 more: three new classrooms, a new gallery, and a maker space.
The Baum Legacy Exhibition runs through October 17 in the new Rodale Family Galleries, free, Monday to Thursday 9 to 9 and Friday and Saturday 9 to 3. The centennial gala is Saturday, October 17, 6 to 9pm, $250.
They have raised $6.5 million of the $7.3 million and still need about $800,000.
One more: Upper Macungie cut the ribbon Tuesday on its $48 million, 188,000-square-foot Community Lifestyle Center: an indoor turf field, a quarter-mile indoor track, basketball courts, and a fitness mezzanine. Memberships are open.
Homes of the Week
Three homes, three budgets, three corners of the Valley. Live at send time.
UNDER $350K
$339,000 · Allentown West End
1953 brick ranch · 2 bed / 1 bath · Wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and a 0.23-acre lot on a quiet West End street · Listed by Century 21 Ramos
$350K TO $550K
$440,000 · Pen Argyl
2,735 sqft · 3 bed / 3 bath · Built 1955, still with its original owners · In-ground pool and spa, radiant heated floors in the primary suite, a finished basement with a bar, and a 2-car garage · Listed by Coldwell Banker Hearthside
OVER $550K
$599,000 · South Whitehall Township
3,416 sqft · 4 bed / 2.5 bath · Built 2005 · Colonial in Cedar Creek Farms, first listed in April at $649,000 and back on at $599,000 · Open house Saturday 1 to 3 · Listed by Keller Williams Bethlehem
City Updates
Roadwork to Know About This Week
Route 22 in Whitehall, MacArthur Road to Fullerton Avenue, loses lanes both ways tonight and Friday night, 9pm to 5am, for median barrier repair. Plan around it if you are heading to the Celtic Classic Friday evening.
I-78 between Route 412 and Route 611 (the Hellertown and Easton exits) has overnight lane closures both ways, 8pm to 6am, through Saturday.
Route 378 in Bethlehem has night lane closures Sunday through Thursday, 7pm to 6am, into November, and one southbound lane of the Fahy Bridge is closed by day for a few more weeks.
MacArthur Road in Whitehall, Center to Chestnut, has daytime lane closures 9 to 3 through October 30. That is the stretch with the new stores.
Fullerton Avenue repaving in Whitehall wraps up by September 30. Flaggers weeknights 7pm to 6am until then.
Route 33 at 8th Street in Plainfield Township loses lanes both ways Monday and Tuesday, 9 to 3, for a bridge inspection.
The west valley is quiet this week. Nothing on 222, 29, 100, or Hamilton Boulevard.
New in the Valley
Toys "R" Us Is Back, Starting Today
A Toys "R" Us holiday store is set to open today at the Lehigh Valley Mall, upper level near the escalators in the old Aerie space (Parking Lot K is the closest door). It stays through early 2027.
Coplay Cabin is open. The owner of King Kone remodeled the old Log Cabin at 33 N Second Street in Coplay: about 65 seats, two pool tables, and a lumberjack burger topped with mac and cheese and pulled pork. Wednesday to Monday, 2 to 11pm.
dd's DISCOUNTS opens its first Lehigh Valley store this weekend at 2180 MacArthur Road in Whitehall, the old Staples, with 20% to 70% off name brands.
Kyogre Kards, a Pokemon and trading card shop, cuts the ribbon Saturday at 11am at 3087 William Penn Highway in Palmer (the old GameStop). The first 100 people get a free gift, and there is free Pokemon pinball all weekend.
Chinchorro by La Frikitona, the Puerto Rican food truck's first restaurant, soft-opened at 2600 William Penn Highway in Palmer. Grand opening October 1. Bell Thai Kitchen is open at 2716 Community Drive in Moore Township: Allentown Fair Iron Chef winner Paul Rojrattana, BYOB, noon to 8 Monday to Saturday.
Coming soon: Bubbakoo's Burritos opens Tuesday, September 29 in Bethlehem Square, and the first 50 customers get a free burrito a month for a year. The Bethlehem Co-op Market opens December 5, and anyone can shop the previews starting Thursday, October 1, 4 to 7pm.
Do Some Good
One way to help the Valley each week, plus the nonprofit events worth knowing about.
The Kindness Project Needs 100 Volunteers in Emmaus
The Kindness Project Fall Yard Sale fills Emmaus Moravian Church (146 Main Street) next week, and it needs more than 100 volunteers to pull it off.
Pick a shift: Wednesday, September 30, 4 to 7pm (set up racks). Thursday, October 1, 9am to 6pm (set up items). Friday, October 2, 9 to 4 or Saturday, October 3, 8 to 2 (sale days). Ages 18 and up, or 16 with an adult.
The sale itself is open to everyone Friday 9 to 4 and Saturday 8 to 2.
ALS United Walk | Sat 10am check-in, 11am walk, Cedar Crest College, Allentown
Already past its $120,000 goal at $121,523. Show up anyway and push it higher.
Find Your Type singles night | Fri 4 to 8pm, Miller-Keystone Blood Center, 1465 Valley Center Pkwy, Bethlehem
Ages 18+, mocktails, music, mixer games. Donating is encouraged, not required. RSVP on the page.
Morning Star Rotary 5K at Celtic Classic | Sat 11:30am, Bethlehem Area Public Library
$40. Proceeds fund Rotary scholarships and youth camps.
Paws, Pints & Purpose | Sun noon to 3pm, Seven Sirens Brewing, 327 Broadway, Bethlehem
$1 of every drink goes to the Lehigh Valley Humane Society. Adoptable dogs, raffles, bring supplies.
Crayola blood drive | October 1 to 31, Miller-Keystone centers in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton
Put Group #1200 in the notes when you book. Walk-ins welcome.
Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk | Sat Oct 3, Cedar Crest College, Allentown
The Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center's 27th walk is at $65,293 of a $95,000 goal. Full disclosure: I’m on the board! More next week.
Is your nonprofit doing something? | anywhere in the Valley
Fundraiser, walk, drive, gala: hit reply and we'll list it here, free.
Weekend Rundown: Sept 24-27
FREE means free. Prices are listed where the organizer posts them. Double-check times before heading out!
FAIR & FESTIVAL
Celtic Classic FREE | Fri 4 to 8, Sat 10 to 8, Sun 10 to 7, downtown Bethlehem
From today's story. Shuttle $6, no shuttle Friday.
West End Block Party & Food Festival FREE | Sat noon to 10pm, 19th & Liberty, Allentown
From today's story.
Passport to History Fall Weekend FREE | Fri to Sun, historic sites across the region
Free admission, tours, and kids' activities at participating sites. Hours vary by site.
Life of the Civil War Soldier FREE | Sat 10am to 3pm, Kalmbach Memorial Park, 200 Cotton St, Macungie
The 28th Pennsylvania reenactors set up camp. A Passport to History stop.
MARKETS
Shankweiler's Night Market FREE | Fri 7pm to midnight, Shankweiler's Drive-In, Orefield
70+ vendors, gothic and oddities theme, snack bar open. No movie.
Easton Farmers' Market Hot Pepper Showdown FREE | Sat 9am to 1pm, contest at 11, Scott Park, Easton
Year 17 of "Ten Deadly Peppers."
Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival | Sat 10 to 5, Sun 10 to 4, Allentown Agri-Plex, 1998 Liberty St
Hand-dyed yarn, a fleece sale, and a charity knitting station. $5 a day, $8 for both.
Macungie Farmers Market FREE | Thu 4 to 7pm, Lumber St, Macungie
Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market FREE | Thu 9 to 7, Fri 8 to 7, Sat 8 to 6, 1825 Chew St
Bethlehem Rose Garden Farmers Market FREE | Sat 9am to 1pm, W Raspberry St between 8th and 9th
Season ends October 10.
Emmaus Farmers Market FREE | Sun 10am to 1pm, Triangle Park
LIVE & FREE MUSIC
Open Mic Night FREE | Thu 7 to 10pm, Williams Brew Stage, SteelStacks, Bethlehem
Sign up at 6:30.
Chuck Rissmiller FREE | Fri 7 to 10pm, Williams Brew Stage, SteelStacks
Rock and roll and classic country, a short walk from the Celtic Classic Friday crowd.
aGirl & aGuy Duo FREE | Sat 7 to 10pm, Williams Brew Stage, SteelStacks
Rustix | Fri 6 to 9pm, Shepherd Hills Golf Club pavilion, Wescosville
Classic rock. No cover listed. Say It Ain't So Band plays Saturday, same time.
Glengarry Bhoys | Thu 9pm, Godfrey Daniels, Bethlehem
Celtic Classic warm-up. The 7pm show sold out; the 9pm was added. $27.67 advance, $32.86 door.
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band | Thu 7:30pm, State Theatre, Easton
$190 to $658.25.
Tom Jones | Thu 8pm, Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem
85 and still touring. $69.50 to $129.50 plus fees.
Shakedown Citi | Fri 7:30pm, Musikfest Cafe, Bethlehem
Grateful Dead tribute. $19.25 to $34.25.
Brian Regan | Fri 7:30pm, State Theatre, Easton
Clean stand-up. $59.45 to $99.50.
Lez Zeppelin | Sat 7:30pm, Musikfest Cafe, Bethlehem
All-female Zeppelin tribute. $47.75 to $59.
Martina McBride | Sat 7:30pm, State Theatre, Easton
$90 to $160.
One Vision of Queen | Sat 7:30pm, Zoellner Arts Center, Bethlehem
Marc Martel fronts the Queen tribute. $49 to $59.
Allentown Symphony: The Great American Swing Book | Sat 7:30pm, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown
Season opener. Dee Daniels sings Ella, Sinatra, and Billie Holiday.
Black Veil Brides | Sat 6:35pm, Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem
$45, or $35 each for four or more, plus fees.
Three Dog Night | Sun 7pm, State Theatre, Easton
$65 to $105.
ARTS & CULTURE
Hands Before Mine, Hands Beside Mine FREE | Opens Fri, ArtsQuest Center, SteelStacks
New work by Emily Baker, up through February.
Kay WalkingStick in conversation FREE | Sat 1pm, Allentown Art Museum
The artist talks with curator Wendy Ikemoto. Reserve a seat.
Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel walking tour | Fri to Sun 1pm, Bethlehem Visitor Center, 711 E First St
$20, $12 ages 7 to 17.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show | Fri 11:30pm, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, Bethlehem
Live shadowcast. $13.50.
Baum Legacy Exhibition FREE | Through Oct 17, Baum School of Art, 510 W Linden St, Allentown
From today's story. Fri and Sat 9 to 3, weekdays 9 to 9.
FAMILY & OUTDOORS
Lehigh Valley Space Fest FREE | Sat 10am to 4pm, Lehigh University Mountaintop Campus, Bethlehem
A Star Trek magic show at 12:30 and 2:30, "Slime in Space," and an Artemis II talk.
Grim's Orchard Fall Festival | Sat + Sun 10am to 7pm, Breinigsville
Weekend four. Last entry 5:30. Packages $12 to $37.99.
Seiple Farms corn maze opens | Sat + Sun 10am to 6pm, 5761 Nor Bath Blvd, Bath
Opening weekend for the 22-acre maze. $10, hayride free.
Arachno-Showbia | Sat 11am to 2pm, Crayola Experience, Easton
Creepy critters up close, included with admission ($30.99, $3 off online). Stairs only for a few weeks, the elevator is out.
Hawk Mountain hawkwatch + Raptors Up Close | Sat + Sun, programs 10:15, noon, and 2:15, Kempton
Late September is prime migration time. Trail pass $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 kids.
FOOD & DRINK
Fall Wine Festival | Sat 10am to 3pm, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville
Year 10. Eight-plus wineries, a free sampling glass while they last, Jeiris Cook at 11. $24, $18 if you're not drinking, $14 kids.
Taste of Bacon Fest | Sat 6 to 8pm, Acopian Room at the State Theatre, Easton
A preview of November's PA Bacon Fest with a drink ticket and live music. $36.40, under 100 tickets left.
COMEDY
Improv Sampler | Fri 8pm, Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks
Three troupes, one night. $13, ages 13+.
Out of Towners with Kirk Griffiths | Sat 8pm, Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks
$16, ages 13+.
SPORTS
Morning Star Rotary 5K at Celtic Classic | Sat 11:30am, Bethlehem
From today's story. $40.
Lafayette football vs Holy Cross | Sat 12:30pm, Fisher Stadium, Easton
Community Day. Kids get in free in a jersey or school colors, parents $5 at the Pierce Street ticket office.
Phantoms vs Hershey Bears, preseason | Sat 7:05pm, PPL Center, Allentown
First look at the new roster. The home opener is October 3.
Lehigh football is away at Penn. The IronPigs' season is over.
WORTH THE DRIVE
Oktoberfest at Blue Mountain FREE | Sat + Sun 11am to 4pm, Blue Mountain Resort, Palmerton
Keg rolling, hayrides, live music, dogs welcome. Scenic lift rides extra.
New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival | Sat 10 to 5, Sun 10 to 4, New Hope-Solebury High School
160+ artists. $5, free shuttle to Main Street.
Kutztown Area Historical Society FREE | Fri 6 to 8pm film, Sat + Sun 1 to 4pm open house, 212 S Whiteoak St, Kutztown
A Fries Rebellion film Friday, then the museum and its model trains all weekend. A Passport to History stop.
Circle the Date
Finding Titanic opens at the Da Vinci Science Center Tuesday, September 29, and Dr. Robert Ballard, the man who found the wreck, will be in the exhibit that morning from 10 to noon. $10 on top of admission.
Oktoberfest at SteelStacks runs October 2 to 4 and 9 to 11, free. Friday 5 to 10, Saturday noon to 10, Sunday noon to 6.
Saturday, October 3: the Phantoms home opener vs Hartford at 7:05, Ottertoberfest at the zoo (10 to 4, with admission), the Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk at Cedar Crest, and Easton Garlic Fest in Centre Square (Saturday and Sunday, free).
Macungie Halloween Parade is Saturday, October 10 at 7pm, rain date the 11th.
Bethlehem Running Festival, October 16 to 18: 5K $42.50, 10K $57.50, half marathon $99. Prices go up after October 2.
Boo at the Zoo runs October 17 and 18, 24 and 25, and 31 and November 1, 10 to 3:30. Same weekend, the Baum School centennial gala is Saturday, October 17 ($250).
Allentown Halloween Walking Parade is Saturday, October 31, 11 to 2 on Hamilton Street, free.
Christkindlmarkt opens Friday, November 13 at SteelStacks. $14 Thursdays and Fridays, $16.50 weekends, and Fridays 5 to 8 are free.
D&L RaceFest, Sunday, November 15: 34 marathon spots left at $140 and 145 half spots at $100 before the price jumps.
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