Steel City Smokeout Now Offering Free Admission!

Get mouthwatering BBQ, watch the competition heat up and learn from the best!

PLUS, listen to some great music at the annual Blast Furnace Blues.

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, June 20, 2024 – In April, ArtsQuest announced the Steel City Smokeout in partnership with Nick’s BBQ presented by Cigars International, Jack Daniels and The Restaurant Store. This brand-new barbeque competition – sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and the Mid-Atlantic BBQ Association – will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, on PNC Plaza presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network on the ArtsQuest campus at SteelStacks. Pitmasters Moe Cason and Bob Trudnak are so excited about all the barbeque happening here on campus for the first time, they’re waiving general admission into the event! Everyone is welcome to come and check out the (literal) competition for the best barbeque and all the vendors cooking up mouthwatering meats. Check out steelstacks.org for all the info on this event you won’t want to miss!

Interested in a complementary “BBQ Brunch” prepared by Nick’s BBQ, an extra hour at the event and an exclusive area with a private cash bar? VIP tickets are $69 (or $79 week of the event) and include all of this PLUS an exclusive seminar with Cigars International. Rich Monts and Mike Piparato will be covering the history of Cigars International and Smokeable Tobaccos, from the discovery of tobacco to the Cuban Revolution to modern cigars. Everyone who attends this session will be automatically entered into a drawing for a Cigars International Smiley’s Specials, a special branded humidor that comes with a Smiley cutter and lighter.

Professional and amateur teams from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region will be competing at the 18+ event in a number of categories to win cash prizes from a purse of $10,000. You can see how these teams prepare delicious meats while getting some of your own from the many barbeque vendors that will be on hand.

Once inside you can purchase barbeque from:

• Atomic Hog
• Grumpy’s BBQ
• Slabs and Crabs
• You Got Pork’d

Other food vendors:

• Kona Ice of Allentown
• Mon and Mel’s Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Truck
• 4 Raices Street Tacos

There’s still time to register for the Master and Backyard Series Competitions! Registration deadline is July 7. To register to be a professional BBQ team click here. We are also looking for two more teams for our Backyard competition; click here to register.

Additionally, award-winning pitmasters Bob Trudnak and Moe Cason are teaching classes in ArtsQuest Center’s Blast Furnace Room as part of the Steel City Smokeout! Trudnak and Cason will give you the very best methods and procedures for cooking high end backyard BBQ with competition tips and tricks. They cover everything from meat selection and trimming to seasoning and cooking procedures on grills and smokers. Visit steelstacks.org for more information on classes.

When you’re finished eating BBQ, be sure to check out the 11^th Annual Blast Furnace Blues, featuring two days of live rhythm and blues music happening on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at SteelStacks.

About ArtsQuest 

ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. 

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

ArtsQuest to Offer Independence Day Festivities

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, June 19, 2024- ArtsQuest is excited to announce its Independence Day activities presented by Embassy Bank, including a full day of musical events, crafts, delicious food vendors and more. Festivities will begin Thursday, July 4 at 3 p.m. and take place at the ArtsQuest campus at SteelStacks, offering a perfect spot to view the City of Bethlehem’s fireworks display at 9 p.m. Guests can also view (for one of the last times this season) the Hometown Heroes 2024 banners that debuted over 1,700 photos of local military veterans on Memorial Day.  

Food vendors Heaven on a Bun and MMG Concessions will be open 5-10 p.m. Additionally, visitors can shop various retail vendors, including Loco Lights and Bubbles, Losco Glass, Scents by Sen and Nurse Wellness CBD. 

For a more exclusive experience, visitors 21+ can purchase tickets for ArtsQuest’s Fourth of July Fireworks Watch Party. Tickets include special viewing access at the Musikfest Café and the Wind Creek Deck, a summer buffet and more. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit SteelStacks.org. 

Independence Day Free Music Schedule 

Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square 

• 3:30-5 p.m. | John DeRosa Band 
• 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Hydraulic Lime 
• 9-11 p.m. | Big Bone Daddy 

Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network 

• 7:30-9 p.m. | The Allentown Band  

Additional Activities  

Amusements Presented by AKM Entertainment 

Air Products Town Square | 3-9 p.m. | Paid Activity  

• Bounce houses, slides and a bungee trampoline  

Creativity Tent Presented by the Banana Factory Arts Center 

Air Products Town Square | 3-9 p.m. | Free Activity  

• Patriotic themed art project 

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit SteelStacks.org. 

About ArtsQuest 
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

Get Ready to Laugh with ArtsQuest’s Summer Comedy Classes

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, June 17, 2024- ArtsQuest is excited to present its summer comedy classes, featuring Improv 101 with Stu Shaw, Improv 201 with Matt Candio and Intro to Standup with Glen Tickle. Taught by experienced comedians, each class will provide attendees with useful tips and a supportive environment to help beginners and those looking to strengthen their comedic skills. Classes are offered June through Sept. and will conclude with a graduation ceremony for participants to perform their material and demonstrate what they learned.  

Additionally, ArtsQuest offers team building improv workshops. These workshops are great for businesses and corporations looking to improve their team’s communication skills, encourage creative thinking and provide an environment for team bonding and fun. Teams will be guided by professional improvisers to learn lively exercises that teach the fundamentals of improv comedy, bolstering confidence while sparking your team’s sense of humor. Group pre-registration is required. Please contact Addyson Young, ArtsQuest Programming Specialist, at ayoung@artsquest.org to learn more. 

For more information and to sign up for comedy classes, visit www.steelstacks.org. 

Comedy Classes Offered Include: 

Improv 101 with Stu Shaw 
Tuesdays, July 9–Sept. 3 (no class on Aug. 6) at the Banana Factory | 7-9 p.m. 
Grad Show: Tuesday, Sept. 10 6:30 p.m., Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas 
Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member 

Improv 101 focuses on the three core principles of comedic improvisation: agreement, being active and justification. We designed our classes to create an energetic and supportive environment for play. Whether you’ve never taken the stage before, you’re a seasoned improviser or you’re simply looking to help yourself in your career and/or life, you’ll benefit from this class. Students must be 18 or older by the first day of class. 

Improv 201 with Matt Candio 
Wednesdays, July 17 – Sept.11 (no class on Aug.7) at the Crayola Gallery | 7-9 p.m. 
Grad Show: Wednesday, Sept.18, 6:30 p.m., Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas 
Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member 

Improv 201 builds on the basic principles of improv and helps develop your improv skills to make strong comedic choices. By finding and exploring Game you will expand your ‘Yes, and’ abilities while also discovering all avenues that Game can play in scenes. Students must graduate from Improv 101 to register for this class.  

Intro to Standup with Glen Tickle 
Mondays, June 17–July 22 at the Banana Factory | 6–9 p.m. 
Grad Show: Monday, July 29, 6:30 p.m. Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network 
Price: $134 | $120 ArtsQuest Member 

This class is an introduction to standup comedy from both a creative and practical approach. Attendees will learn and apply the basics of joke construction, acquire useful tips for beginners and receive individualized feedback with the goal of producing 5 minutes of material. Students must be 18 years of age or older. 

About the Comedians  

Stu Shaw 
Stu received most of his improv training at ArtsQuest and has taken each class several times. He also attended workshops with Second City. Stu has been on six SteelStacks Improv House Teams, and currently performs with Tim For Short, Model Citizen and Portal. In his spare time, Stu enjoys playing bad golf as well as going to the gym and pretending to exercise. 

Matt Candio 
Matt is a comedian, performer and improv instructor. He began his comedy career in 2009 and has since studied at Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC), Magnet Theater (NYC) and The Second City (Chicago). In addition to teaching for the ArtsQuest Improv Comedy Program, he leads team building workshops for inquiring businesses and organizations. You can see Matt perform regularly at SteelStacks in various comedy shows, including “We’re Good, You’re Great!” 

Glen Tickle 
Glen Tickle is a professional comedian who regularly tours the country. He has appeared on Dry Bar Comedy, PBS and SiriusXM. Tickle recorded his first album (Yes, really) and most recent special “Glen Tickle Against the World Crime League” at SteelStacks. 

About ArtsQuest 
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

Celebrate the Fourth of July at ArtsQuest

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., June 10, 2024 – Come get exclusive access to the Musikfest Café and the Wind Creek Deck for Bethlehem’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration at 7 p.m. (21+ only)!

Tickets are $69 and it guarantees you’ll eat fantastically from a summer buffet stocked with Fourth of July favorites while enjoying the fireworks from two of the best spots on the ArtsQuest at SteelStacks campus. You also get a drink ticket good for beer or wine, and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary throughout the night. You’ll also have access to the Musikfest Café’s stocked cash bar.

“The Wind Creek Deck is among the best – if not THE best – places to watch Bethlehem’s fireworks,” says Ryan Hill, ArtsQuest Senior Director of Programming. “We’re looking forward to hosting this fun exclusive party so that people can enjoy the 4^th in style!”

The buffet will include:

• Mexican Street Corn Salad | roasted corn, fresh squeezed lime, queso fresco, cilantro, scallion, red pepper, chipotle aioli (vegetarian/AVG)
• Peruvian Marinated Pulled Chicken (AVG/DF) | Slider rolls
• Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes (Vegan/AVG)
• Macaroni & Cheese | creamy 3cheese blend (vegetarian)
• Chef’s Choice Seasonal Roasted Vegetables (Vegan/AVG/DF)
• Seared Vanilla Pound Cake | fresh strawberries and blueberries, whipped cream

Live music will be in the Musikfest Café from 7 – 8:30 p.m.; the performer will be announced soon.

It’s an ideal way to celebrate the Fourth at SteelStacks presented by Embassy Bank!

About ArtsQuest 
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. 

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

ArtsQuest’s First-Ever Cold Brew Hullabaloo to be held at Musikfest Cafe 

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, June 5, 2024- Come on out to ArtsQuest’s first-ever Cold Brew Hullabaloo at the SteelStacks campus on Sunday, September 15, 2024! Local coffee shops and roasteries will be bringing their finest (cold) brews for guests to sample and purchase. In addition to cold brew, there will be live music, retail vendors and free coffee-themed activities. The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. with VIP Early Access Hour beginning at 11 a.m. Cold Brew Hullabaloo is for all ages so make sure to bring your friends and family to join the fun! 

General Admission ticket holders will have access to the cash bar with themed drink specials along with a specialty branded tote bag for shopping at the event, with tickets priced at $10 or $13 week of the event for Non-Members and $9 or $12 the week of for Members. VIP ticket holders will get everything listed above as well as their Early Access Hour from 11 a.m., one Duck Donuts Quack Card, which can be turned in for one complimentary Duck Donut, and a handy-dandy coffee scoop that doubles as a bag clip. VIP tickets for Non-members will be $22 or $26 the week of the event while VIP Tickets for Members will be $19 or $23 the week of.  

“I love cold brew and I know I’m not alone,” comments Alexis Kuczek, Programming Coordinator at ArtsQuest. “It’s been exciting to build this event with our vendors and sponsors and I can’t wait to debut it at the ArtsQuest Center.”  

Got good beans? Want to be a vendor? Use this link to let us know you’re interested! (https://fest.formstack.com/forms/coldbrew2024) 

About ArtsQuest 
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually i the region.  

ArtsQuest Announces First Ever Pizzafest!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., June 4, 2024 – It’s a celebration of all thing’s pizza at ArtsQuest at the SteelStacks campus on Sunday, September 29! Come out for the Greater Lehigh Valley’s best pizza vendors, along with pizza-themed entertainment and games for Pizzafest presented by Surfside Vodka.

The festival starts at 1 p.m. for general admission. General admission tickets are $5 ($10 week of the event) and attendees are given access to entertainment throughout Pizzafest including music, game shows and more. And, of course, attendees will get to enjoy delicious pizza from all vendors and drinks from the Mack Truck Stop, Central Tap and the Pour Bar.  For a special pizza-themed gift and an extra hour at Pizzafest (12 p.m. – 1 p.m.), early access tickets are available for $15 ($20 week of the event).

“Pizzafest is an idea long in the making being realized through SteelStacks celebration of all thing’s pizza! A gathering of some of the greatest compliers of dough, sauce and cheese in our region – from food trucks to brick-and-mortar restaurant favorites – we could not be more excited to present this inaugural addition,” says Patrick Brogan, Chief Programming Officer. “Get you tickets now for your piece of the pies!”

Current pizza vendors include:

• Charred
• Il Forno a Legna
• J Rad’s Woodfired
• JerseyRollz Pizza
• Lehigh Pizza
• Pat’s Pizza and Bistro
• PFG Pizza
• Scarlet Fire Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
• And more to be announced!

“We have room for just a few more vendors,” explains Brogan. “So, if your place has a favorite slice of the Valley – we want you!”

Interested in being a pizza vendor at Pizzafest? Contact Operations Specialist, Kyle Ring at kring@artsquest.org or Senior Director of Programming, Ryan Hill at rhill@artsquest.org to join the list already confirmed above.

Additional food vendors include Charlie’s Italian Sausage, Grubnight Food Truck, Kona Ice, Mon and Mel’s Sweet Scoops, Pies to Die For and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee.

Two special VIP experiences will take place during the Pizzafest: Charcuterie and Wine Pairing and Italian Cocktail Tasting.

Pat’s Pizza and Bistro and Domaine Pterion Vineyard & Winery are teaming up to bring you a tasty charcuterie and wine pairing! Take your Pizzafest experience to the next level with this matching of four different wines from Domain Pterion, which specializes in dry European-style wines, with charcuterie hand-picked by Yiannis of Pat’s Pizza and Bistro.

Yiannis and a Domaine Pterion’s winemaker will be on hand to talk through each of the pairings and what makes them go so well together.

ArtsQuest has partnered with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and Levy Restaurants to put together a fantastic array of Italian-themed cocktails and light bites, perfect for a little Pizzafest break!

Award-winning mixologist Neil Heimsoth (Mobile Bar H) will be on hand to talk through the histories of the four aperitif-forward cocktails, which include the Aperol Spritz, the Americano, the Garibaldi and the Negroni, and why they’re so good at preparing your pallet for pizza.

The food pairing with the cocktails includes:

• Pizza Pie Bites | Parmesan Cheese, Roasted Garlic Marinara, Fried Basil, Focaccia Bread
• Antipasto Pizza Skewers | Ciliegene, Salami, Lemon Oregano Heirloom Tomato, drizzled with house made Herb Oil
• Italian Da Vinci Ciabatta | Smokey Tomato Jam, Garlic Aioli, Calabrese Pepperoni, Fresh Sliced Mozzarella, Arugula

Both experiences are 21+ only. Tickets for both experiences also include early access to Pizzafest, a special pizza-themed gift, and access to entertainment and food throughout Pizzafest. Tickets are $64 for ArtsQuest members ($74 week of the event) and $69 for non-members ($79 week of the event).

About ArtsQuest 
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. 

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

¡Sabor! Festival Latino regresa a SteelStacks del 27 al 29 de junio de 2024

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., 22 de mayo de 2024 – ArtsQuest, en asociación con el socio de medios La Mega Radio, se enorgullece de anunciar la 13_ava entrada gratuita anual de ¡Sabor! Festival Latino (¡Sabor! Latin Festival) que tiene lugar desde jueves, 27 de junio hasta el sábado, 29 de junio de 2024 en el campus de SteelStacks. El festival es una celebración de la herencia latina que incluye música, comida y diversión familiar.

“Estamos muy emocionados por la 13_ava versión anual de ¡Sabor! Festival Latino (¡Sabor! Latin Festival). Cada año, el festival rinde homenaje a la herencia, la cultura y la comunidad latina”, dice Shayna Super, Gerente de Programación. “Habrá comida y música que todos conocemos y amamos, pero este año disfrutaremos de nuevas ofertas de comida nueva, nuevos artistas musicales, una sección de vendedores ampliada y la proyección del partido de fútbol Panamá vs. Estados Unidos ¡el jueves 27 de junio! La asistencia al festival es gratuita y habrá algo para que disfrute toda la familia, ¡así que esperamos verle allí!

Como mencionó Super, hay muchos aspectos destacados del festival de este año, incluyendo la proyección del partido de fútbol de la Copa América 2024, Panamá vs. EE. UU. a las 6 p. m. el jueves, 27 de junio como parte del Soccerfest de este año presentado por Wind Creek Bethlehem, el nuevo camión de comida puertorriqueña, La Frikitona, ofrecerá cocina auténtica durante la noche y se unirá a ¡Sabor! Durante todo el fin de semana y concluyendo la primera noche habrá actuaciones de los favoritos Herencia Jibara y DJ Breezzy.

No se pierda la reunión salsera definitiva, juntos por primera vez: un escenario, un show, un ¡Sabor! Miguel Pérez, miembro de la junta directiva de ArtsQuest Performing Arts, trabajó duro para unir a tres grandes artistas de salsa latina del área de Lehigh Valley para encabezar el sábado por la noche en Levitt Pavilion. Los líderes de la banda Pablo Batista (percusionista), Hector Rosado (percusionista) y Luisito Rosario (cantante) interpretarán varios temas juntos el sábado, 29 de junio. Batista y Rosado, viejos amigos que crecieron en Lehigh Valley, se unirán a uno de los prodigios de Rosado, Rosario, para una actuación emocionante en la que podremos verlos a los tres juntos por primera vez.

El Brugal Lounge volverá este año el viernes 28 de junio (06:00 p. m. – 8 p. m.) y el sábado 29 de junio (5 p. m. – 8 p. m.) presentando muestras de Ron Brugal y mesas de dominó para el disfrute de nuestros invitados mayores de 21 años de edad.

Finalmente, regresarán los platos favoritos del festival de Hogar CREA y Holy Infancy, junto con La Frikitona, además de una selección ampliada de artesanos y vendedores.

Horario del fin de semana:

Jueves 27 de junio

Levitt Pavilion de 6 a 8 p. m. – Partido Panamá vs. Estados Unidos

Levitt Pavilion de 8 a 9:30 p. m. – Herencia Jibara

Air Products Town Square de 9:30 a 11 p. m. – DJ Breezzy

Viernes 28 de junio

Air Products Town Square de 6:30 a 8 p. m. – East Coast Salsa Scene

Levitt Pavilion de 8 a 10 p. m. – Combo Melaza

Air Products Town Square de 10 p. m. a 12 a. m. – Pancho Bongo y su Orquesta

Sábado 29 de junio

Air Products Town Square de 4 a 5 p. m. – Viva Vallenato

Levitt Pavilion de 5 a 6:30 p. m. – Fabricio Orihuela

Air Products Town Square de 6:30 a 8 p. m. – Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters

Levitt Pavilion de 8 a 10 p. m. – Hector Rosado, maestro percusionista Pablo Batista y vocalista invitado Luisito Rosario

Air Products Town Square de 10 p. m. – 12 a. m. – Mambo Caliente

El viernes 28 de junio se llevará a cabo una ceremonia anual de izamiento de la bandera puertorriqueña (Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony) para dar inicio al festival, justo antes de que comience la música ese día, con los himnos nacionales de Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico y oradores de la comunidad.

“Lo que están haciendo este año, reunir a tres íconos de la música salsa en nuestra región (Rosado, Batista y Rosario), es verdaderamente un momento especial”, dice Miguel Pérez, miembro de la junta directiva de ArtsQuest Performing Arts. “Lehigh Valley nunca ha visto algo así y estoy orgulloso de desempeñar un papel para lograrlo. ¡Sabor! Se trata de preservar la cultura latina en nuestra área y la dedicación de ArtsQuest a esa misión es notable”.

Acerca de ArtsQuest
La misión de ArtsQuest’s  es brindar acceso a experiencias artísticas, culturales y educativas excepcionales utilizando las artes y la cultura como elementos clave del desarrollo económico de nuestras comunidades urbanas. ArtsQuest™ apoya esta misión a través de la presentación de artes escénicas y visuales, cine, clases de educación artística y extensión, programación juvenil y eventos culturales.

A través de festivales como su evento emblemático, Musikfest; el Banana Factory Arts Center; y el ArtsQuest Center en el campus artístico y cultural de SteelStacks, la programación de ArtsQuest llega a más de 1.9 millones de personas anualmente. Los programas y eventos de la organización, más del 50% de los cuales son gratuitos, tienen un impacto económico combinado de más de $136 millones al año en la región.

¡Sabor! Latin Festival Returns to SteelStacks June 27-29, 2024

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., May 22, 2024 – ArtsQuest, in partnership with media partner La Mega Radio, is proud to announce the 13th annual free admission ¡Sabor! Latin Festival taking place from Thursday, June 27 through Saturday, June 29, 2024 on the SteelStacks campus. The festival is a celebration of Latin heritage including music, food and family fun.

“We are so excited for the 13^th annual ¡Sabor! Latin Festival. Each year, the festival honors Latin heritage, culture and community,” says Shayna Super, Programming Manager. “There will be food and music we all know and love, but this year we’ll enjoy some new offerings from new food, new musical artists, an expanded vendor section and the screening of the Panama vs. USA soccer match on Thursday, June 27! The festival is free to attend and there will be something for the whole family to enjoy, so we hope to see you there!”

As Super mentioned, there are many highlights to this year’s festival, including the screening of the Panama vs. US 2024 Copa America Soccer match at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 as a part of this year’s SoccerFest presented by Wind Creek Bethlehem, new Puerto Rican food truck, La Frikitona, will be providing authentic cuisine for the evening – and will be joining ¡Sabor! for the entire weekend and wrapping up the first night will be performances by favorites Herencia Jibara and DJ Breezzy.

Don’t miss the ultimate salsa reunion, together for the first time: one stage, one show, one ¡Sabor! ArtsQuest Performing Arts board member Miguel Perez worked hard to join three big Lehigh Valley area Latin salsa artists to headline Saturday night at Levitt Pavilion. Band leaders Pablo Batista (percussionist), Hector Rosado (percussionist) and Luisito Rosario (singer) will be performing several songs together on Saturday, June 29. Old chums from growing up in the Lehigh Valley, Batista and Rosado, will be joined by one of Rosado’s prodigies, Rosario, for an exciting performance where we get to see the three of them together for the first time ever.

The Brugal Lounge will return this year on Friday, June 28 (6 pm. – 8 p.m.) and Saturday, June 29 (5 pm. – 8 p.m.) with featured Brugal Rum samples and domino tables for the enjoyment of our 21+ guests.

Finally, festival food favorites of Hogar CREA and Holy Infancy will be returning, joined by La Frikitona, in addition to an expanded crafter and vendor selection.

Weekend Schedule:

Thursday, June 27

Levitt Pavilion at 6-8 p.m. – Panama vs. USA soccer

Levitt Pavilion at 8-9:30 p.m. – Herencia Jibara

Air Products Town Square at 9:30-11 p.m. – DJ Breezzy

Friday, June 28 

Air Products Town Square at 6:30-8 p.m. – East Coast Salsa Scene

Levitt Pavilion at 8-10 p.m. – Combo Melaza

Air Products Town Square at 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. – Pancho Bongo y su Orquesta

Saturday, June 29

Air Products Town Square at 4-5 p.m. – Viva Vallenato

Levitt Pavilion at 5-6:30 p.m. – Fabricio Orihuela

Air Products Town Square at 6:30-8 p.m. – Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters

Levitt Pavilion at 8-10 p.m. – Hector Rosado, master percussionist Pablo Batista and guest vocalist Luisito Rosario

Air Products Town Square at 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. – Mambo Caliente

An annual Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 28, to kick off the festival, just prior to the music beginning that day, featuring US and Puerto Rican National Anthems and community speakers.

“What you’re doing this year, bringing three icons of salsa music in our region together (Rosado, Batista and Rosario), is truly a special moment,” says Miguel Perez, ArtsQuest Performing Arts board member. “The Lehigh Valley has never seen anything like it and I’m proud to play a role in pulling it all together. ¡Sabor! is all about preserving the Latino culture in our area and ArtsQuest’s dedication to that mission is remarkable.”

About ArtsQuest 
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. 

Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.