Annual Fairs, Festivals, and Fun in the Lehigh Valley

Besides Musikfest, there are a variety of other annual celebrations in the Lehigh Valley. Varying from beer and barbeque to films and history, there is an abundance of options throughout the year in store. 

• Blues, Brews, & Barbeques

Blues, Brews, and Barbeques in the Lehigh Valley is a summer sensory feast, with the scent of smokey barbeque mingling with the aroma of craft beer. Amidst soulful blues music, friends enjoy tender ribs and hoppy IPAs, creating a lively atmosphere of fellowship and celebration. It's a day of indulgence and connection, with the spirit of the Lehigh Valley evident in every meal, sip, and note. 

• Easton Garlic Fest 

The pungent aroma of garlic fills the air at the Easton Garlic Fest, where tourists explore rows of exhibitors selling garlic-infused foods. Accompanied by live music and entertainment, attendees try everything from garlic ice cream to garlic fries, embracing the festival's robust flavors. It's a gathering of garlic fans, all of whom share a passion for the pungent bulb and the vibrant community spirit that defines Easton. Dates may vary, yet it is typically held in the fall.

• Blueberry Festival

At Bethlehem's Blueberry Festival, the air is fragrant with the aroma of ripe blueberries as tourists meander past rows of vendors selling a variety of blueberry-infused delights. Attendees enjoy everything from blueberry pies to blueberry lemonade, relishing the taste of summer. It's a celebration of the  blueberry, set in the lovely streets of Bethlehem, where both locals and visitors gather to savor the season's abundance. Dates may vary, but it is typically held in the summer.

• Oktoberfest

The sounds of oompah bands and the smells of sizzling bratwurst fill the air at Oktoberfest in the Lehigh Valley, where visitors come to celebrate German culture. Rows of beer tents serve a variety of traditional brews, while food vendors serve hearty foods like pretzels and schnitzel. It's a vibrant scene, with friends raising steins in toast to the joyous mood and rich traditions of Oktoberfest. Dates may vary, but it is typically held in the fall.

• Allentown Fair 

The Allentown Fair transforms the fairgrounds into a bustling spectacle, with a diverse range of attractions and entertainment. There are plenty of attractions to enjoy, from thrilling amusement rides to scrumptious carnival cuisine. Families come together to make cherished memories in the lively atmosphere, making the Allentown Fair a popular event for everyone to enjoy. It is typically held in late August or early September.

• Celtic Classic

The Celtic Classic in the Lehigh Valley, which takes place each September, fills the air with the joyful strains of bagpipes and fiddles as tourists immerse themselves in Celtic culture. Traditional Highland games take place on the fields, with athletes competing in feats of strength and skill, and Irish dancers weaving intricate patterns with their quick-footed motions. Food sellers serve hearty fare such as shepherd's pie and fish & chips, adding to the joyous ambiance of this annual Celtic festival.

• Southside Film Festival

The Southside Film Festival, which takes place in Bethlehem every June, fills the streets with the excitement of indie cinema and creative energy. Film buffs gather to watch a broad selection of films from around the world, while creators present their work and engage in vibrant debates with the audience. The festival weaves a vivid tapestry of storytelling and artistic expression, recognizing the power of cinema in all of its manifestations.

• Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival 

The annual Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival, hosted at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center, brings together connoisseurs for a weekend of gastronomic delights and wine tastings. Renowned chefs demonstrate their skills with delicious dishes, while local vineyards provide a broad variety of wines to sample. Attendees will be immersed in a world of flavor as they listen to live music and see culinary demos, all while celebrating the region's thriving dining and beverage scene. Dates may vary, but it is typically held in the summer.

• Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, held yearly in the summer at DeSales University in Center Valley, brings together theater aficionados to see world-class productions of Shakespearean plays and other classics. Talented actors bring the Bard's ageless tales of love, tragedy, and humor to life on stage. Audiences immerse themselves in the wonder of live theater, commemorating Shakespeare's and the performing arts' enduring legacy.



• Viva East

Retro aficionados and rockabilly enthusiasts gather in Bethlehem every summer for Viva East, which celebrates mid-century American culture in all of its grandeur. The streets come alive with the sights and sounds of vintage cars, fashion, and music, bringing visitors back to the golden heyday of the 1950s. Festival-goers immerse themselves in a nostalgic celebration of the bright energy and timeless style of the mid-century era, accompanied by legendary rockabilly music and swing dance.