Veterans Day 2023 – The Vietnam War: Reflections from Before, During and After – presented by Embassy Bank and Phoebe Ministries 

Bethlehem, PA, November 1, 2023 – ArtsQuest and partners Embassy Bank and Phoebe Ministries, will be hosting a Veterans Day 2023 – The Vietnam War: Reflections from Before, During and After a panel discussion on Friday, November 10 at 6 p.m. in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room at the ArtsQuest Center. Special guest Artimus Pyle, a veteran who also played drums with the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, will join fellow veterans for a question-and-answer panel about their time in the military, hosted by Frank Gunter of Lehigh University. 

This event, presented by Embassy Bank and Phoebe Ministries, is free to attend but you must register for a ticket and can do so here.   

“Embassy Bank is proud to partner with ArtsQuest in order to present this important conversation,” said David M. Lobach, Jr. Chairman, President and CEO of Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley. “Thanking veterans for their service is just the beginning. This event provides an opportunity for those who have served our nation to share their personal experiences with each other and the entire community.” 

“We are once again honored to partner with ArtsQuest on Veterans Day to bring you programming that spotlights our dedicated veterans,” said Scott Stevenson, President and CEO of Phoebe Ministries and veteran of the US Air Force.” We are proud to serve seniors who have served our country in the armed forces. I am grateful to all of the men and women who have served in the past and those who are serving today.”   

Veteran panelists include: 

Thomas Delmer “Artimus” Pyle 
Pyle enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968. He was named platoon and series honor man and promoted to private first-class following completion of boot camp in San Diego. Pyle went to school to become a Marine pilot when his father was killed in a mid-air plane collision in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pyle, who also responds to the nickname Gomer, worked as an avionics mechanic at various military bases, including Millington, Tennessee and Beaufort, South Carolina, ultimately rising to the rank of sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1971.  

Eugene “Gene” Derenick  
From Center Valley, PA, Derenick enlisted in the US Navy in 1965 at the age of 17. He served for three years in Dam Neck, Virginia and Key West, Florida, where he ended his tour as a Third-Class Petty Officer. In 1980, he reenlisted in the US Air Force Reserves and served at Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, until 1997. During his reserve tour, Derenick worked on Chemical Warfare, Rapid Runway and Operation Readiness. He retired as Master Sergeant E-7. During his service in the US Air Force Reserves, Derenick was a Pennsylvania State Trooper for 30 years, working in both Bucks and Lehigh Counties. He and his wife, Vicky, are active members of Pathstones by Pheobe, a continuing care-at-home program.  

George Campbell  
Also from Center Valley, Campbell enlisted in the US Navy Officer Candidate School located in Newport, Rhode Island, after graduating from The Pennsylvania State University in 1960. He served on the USS Providence in Yokosuka, Japan. He resigned from active duty in 1964 with the rank of Captain. He then enlisted in the US Navy Reserves, where he served primarily in Little Creek, Virginia, until 1986. Campbell spent more than ten years working with the Navy Seals, including the last four years of his reserve tour as Captain in Special Warfare. 

During his service in the US Navy Reserves, Campbell worked in finance and accounting at Bethlehem Steel, W.R. Grace and The Rouse Company. He retired in 2004 from American Resource Consultants as the Chief Financial Operator. He and his wife, Gretchen, are active members of Pathstones by Pheobe, a continuing care-at-home program. 

This event will be streamed online for those who cannot attend in person. Artimus Pyle will also be performing that night with his band, The Artimus Pyle Band, in the Musikfest Café. Tickets to this panel discussion do not include a ticket to the Musikfest Café show which must be purchased separately. Those tickets can be purchased here.  

These Comedians Will for Sure Tickle Your Funny Bone

National touring comedians are coming to ArtsQuest in 2024.

Bethlehem, PA, October 31, 2023 – ArtsQuest is excited to be bringing national touring comics that will make you laugh out loud!

“We can’t wait to bring each of these incredible comics back to the ArtsQuest Center,” said Ryan Hill, Senior Director of Programming. “Being able to attract these nationally renowned performers while also producing shows and classes featuring Lehigh Valley talent is a hallmark of the ArtsQuest Comedy Program as it continues to expand and grow. We are looking forward to our new, permanent home for comedy in the future Cultural Center.”

Tracy Morgan
On Feb. 2, at 8 p.m., Comic Tracy Morgan is performing in the Musikfest Café for his nationwide stand-up tour.

Known for starring on seven seasons of NBC’s Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning 30 Rock, Morgan appeared opposite Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin as “Tracy Jordan,” the unpredictable star of “Liz Lemon’s” (Fey) hit variety show, TGS with Tracy Jordan. Morgan received an Emmy Nomination in the Supporting Actor category for his work on the show and was nominated multiple years for the Supporting Actor NAACP Image Award. The cast of the show also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series before the beloved series came to an end in January 2013.

This comedy show is an 18+ event. ArtsQuest Circle Donors can purchase tickets now! ArtsQuest Members Steel & Platinum can purchase tickets on Wed. Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. ArtsQuest Members Gold & Silver can also purchase tickets on Wed. Nov. 1 but at 2 p.m. ArtsQuest Members All Levels can purchase tickets on Thurs. Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. General ticket on-sale is on Fri. Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.

Ticket prices range from $44-$59 and you can buy tickets here!

Joe Pera: The PERAs Tour
On May 2 at 7 p.m. Joe Pera will be joining ArtsQuest in the Musikfest Café on his PERAS Tour. Pera is a stand-up comedian, writer and filmmaker from Buffalo, NY. Pera is best known for his Adult Swim series, “Joe Pera Talks with You.”  He has performed his subdued standup on Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyer, and Comedy Central. Through his production company, Chestnut Walnut, Pera has also directed a number of film and tv projects including Conner O’Malley’s “Truthhunters.com” pilot for Comedy Central.

Anyone attending between the ages of 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Artist presale tickets are on sale Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. and ends Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. Local presale begins on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. and ends Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. Regular on-sale tickets begin on Nov. 3. Be sure to grab these tickets to this PERAS Tour here!

Josh Blue: The Freak Accident Tour
Josh Blue is coming to the ArtsQuest campus on Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. in the Musikfest Café. Josh does over 200 shows a year, continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike.

Tickets for ArtsQuest Members and Circle donors go on sale Nov. 7. For the general public, tickets are on sale is Nov. 10. Ticket prices range from $36-$39. If attending between the ages of 13-17 you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Be sure to be on the lookout for these tickets!

Marina Franklin
One of the hottest comedians in the comedy scene today, Marina Franklin is performing in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room on Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Franklin is a favorite in comedy festivals across the world, like Melbourne Comedy Festival, Scotland’s Glasgow Comedy Festival, BBC’s World Stand’s Up, Rotterdam’s Comedy Factory, Montreal’s Just for Laughs, Ireland’s Kilkenny Comedy Festival and Nashville’s Bonnaroo Music Festival.

Tickets are $20 for ArtsQuest Members and Circle Donors and $23 for the general public. If attending between the ages of 13-17 you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You can purchase tickets here now!

Myq Kaplan
On March 2 in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room at 7:30 p.m. Myq Kaplan will be taking the stage.  Kaplan is a standup comedian who has appeared on the Tonight Show, Conan, Letterman, James Corden, Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, Kamau Bell’s Totally Biased, Last Comic Standing and America’s Got Talent.  

He has a half-hour special on Comedy Central, a one-hour standup special on Amazon called “Small, Dork, and Handsome,” and a new 2023 Dry Bar special called “Live From The Universe,” as well as two podcasts, “The Faucet” and “Broccoli and Ice Cream.”

Tickets for this show go on sale for this show on Nov. 7. Ticket prices for ArtsQuest Members and Circle Donors are $18. For the general public, ticket prices are $20. If attending between the ages of 13-17 you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Be sure to be on the lookout for tickets to this comedy show at SteelStacks.org.

Raymond the Amish Comic
Raymond the Amish Comic is coming to ArtsQuest on Jan.12 at 8 p.m. in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room. Raymond has been performing stand-up for the past 32 years.

Raymond was a regular guest on the WZZO Morning show with the Bearman and Keith – 95.1FM in the Lehigh Valley for over a quarter of a century and that’s more than a chapter in his eventual book. He’s been on the Miserable Men Show on Howard 101 and Opie and Anthony on Sirius Satellite as well as their comedy radio channel.

This show will contain adult language and/or situations. No child 12 or under will be admitted and anyone ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are $12.50 for ArtsQuest Members and Circle donors and $15 for the general public.

You won’t want to miss this performance, get your tickets now!

To view additional comedy shows you can visit steelstacks.org/events/comedy.

Rock Out at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas with These Featured Concert Films 

Bethlehem, PA, October 30, 2023 – ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas are bringing concert classics to the big screen running throughout the months of November and December. 

La Bamba 

This musical series kicks off with a FREE screening of La Bamba on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., part of Cinema Significa. The brief but incandescent life of rock-and-roll trailblazer Ritchie Valens is immortalized in this enthralling biopic from another Mexican American icon, Luis Valdez, the father of Chicano cinema. This film is presented in English with Spanish subtitles. Before the film, the Interlace Cultural y Desarrollo Integral Mexicano de Lehigh Valley, Inc. will give a brief introduction and perform two Mexican folklore dances. After the screening, join us for a discussion with the ICDI on Dia De Los Muertos. 

Be sure to get your FREE tickets here!  

The Stones and Brian Jones 

The next screening in this musical series is The Stones and Brian Jones, showing on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. Featuring revealing interviews with all the main players and never-before-seen archives, this film explores the creative musical genius of Brian Jones, the key to the success of the Rolling Stones. The film uncovers how the founder of what became the greatest rock ’n’ roll band in the world was left behind in the shadows of history. This screening is not rated.  

Tickets for ArtsQuest Members and Circle Donors are $10. For students and seniors, tickets are $11 and for the general public tickets are $13. Get your tickets here! 

School Of Rock  

On Wednesday, Nov. 8, School of Rock comes to the Frank Banko Cinemas for its 20^th anniversary. Prior to the film, there will be a performance by the School of Rock house band, The Bank Street Band, at 6:30 p.m. The film starts at 7:30 p.m. featuring Jack Black as a hell-raising guitarist who has been kicked out of his band and is desperate for work. He impersonates a substitute teacher and turns a class of fifth-grade high-achievers into high-voltage rock and rollers. Joan Cusack portrays the principal of the private school where Black is prepping the kids for a Battle of the Bands. This screening is PG-13. 
 
Tickets for ArtsQuest Members and Circle Donors are $7.50. For ages 25 & under and seniors tickets are $8. For the general public, tickets are $10. You can purchase tickets for this School of Rock event here! 

Dolly Parton ROCKSTAR: The Global First Listen Event 

On Wednesday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m., Dolly Parton celebrates the release of her star-studded rock album, ROCKSTAR at the Frank Banko Alehouse. The album includes a global first-listen fan event featuring selections from the album and an exclusive interview with Dolly on Nov. 15, with select encores on Nov. 16. The behind-the-album event will feature a sneak peek of select tracks and music videos from the upcoming album set to be released on Nov. 17. Plus, there will be an exclusive performance of a holiday song and her classic hit “9 to 5.” This film is PG.  

Tickets cost $10 for ArtsQuest Members and Circle Donors. Students and seniors’ tickets are $11. General admission tickets are $13. You won’t want to miss this first listen event, get your tickets here now.  

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ 

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ premiers on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7:15 p.m. Beyoncé accentuates the journey of RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, from its inception to the opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the finale in Kansas City, Missouri. It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim, Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR created a sanctuary for freedom, and shared joy, for more than 2.7 million fans. 

This film is not rated. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased here for the Nov. 30 screening or to view additional screenings of this film.  

IMMEDIATE FAMILY 

On Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., IMMEDIATE FAMILY tracks the rise and collaborations of a group of legendary session musicians Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel through the 1970s and onward, chronicling their illustrious partnerships and their formidable record of hit-making. The foundations of their enduring friendship, formed on the road and in studios, is recalled with dynamite clarity — reminisced with fondness through intimate interviews with the guys themselves, as well as the memories of some of rock’s most iconic voices including Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett, Phil Collins, and more. IMMEDIATE FAMILY is a backstage tour spanning multiple. 

Tickets for ArtsQuest Members and Circle Donors are $10. For students and seniors, tickets are $11 and for the general public tickets are $13. Check the SteelStacks website for additional details on the film and for tickets! 

To see the full movie schedule for the months of November and December, visit the SteelStacks website! Be sure to come out to our Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas and catch all of our unique screenings. 

ArtsQuest Celebrates Another Year of Oktoberfest with Traditional German-Inspired Food, Music and More

Attendance of 38,500 festivalgoers over two weekends in October!

Bethlehem, PA, October 19, 2023 – ArtsQuest hosted its 13^th annual Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) at SteelStacks. This year’s attendance was estimated to be 38,500 over the two weekends of the festival. (Fri. Oct. 6 – Sun. Oct. 8 and Fri. Oct. 13 – Sun. Oct. 15).

“Another successful year of Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport is in the books for ArtsQuest,” said Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest. “This year we offered a great mix of programming from PierogiPalooza to the Steinholding Competition presented by Samuel Adams to traditional German fair and phenomenal music of a variety of genres. We really enjoy bringing this annual event to our campus and the community each fall.”

This year featured numerous brews, food vendors, crafters and retailers and tons of fun events for the local community and beyond to enjoy. Events included the Yuengling 5k, Brewer’s Village presented by Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild, PierogiPalooza, Stein Hoisting Competition, Wiener Dog Races, and so much more. There were fan-favorite food vendors such as Heaven on a Bun, Heidi’s Strudels and Karl Ehmer’s.

“Oktoberfest 2023 was a fun-filled two weekends for all who came out,” said Eric Bauder, Senior Events Manager at ArtsQuest. “We were able to enlarge the footprint of the festival this year which allowed for additional vendor space, which also created a better flow for attendees and patrons. With added space, there was plenty of room for visiting all four of the biergartens, space for playing games as well as the Stein Hoisting competition and a larger arena viewing area for the Wiener dog races and parade.” 

This year’s festival highlighted craft brews such as Yuengling, Brü Daddy’s, Samuel Adams and so much more. Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers’ Guild featured all the above brews plus 37 additional brews from around Pennsylvania. In addition to Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers’ Guild, The Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k in partnership with Run Lehigh Valley was back and better than ever this year! We had close to 1,300 participants in the race this year!

The Weiner Dog Races had yet another successful year with over 100 dogs competing and sold-out races. Crowds came to watch the doggos race in the Oktoberfest Arena. The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Competition and Tournament presented by Samuel Adams hit the ground running with 70 participants and 300 patrons in attendance to watch these Oktoberfest goers sweat it out in fierce competition. Brand new this year, was the Oktoberfest Fashion Contest, where the President of Pizazz and the Chancellor of Charisma were crowned and awarded $100 each. Additional activities included Karaoke with Royal, the Pup Parade, The Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tournament presented by Yuengling, the Oktoberfest Hot Glass Experience and additional lawn games.

We thank all of our wonderful patrons for coming out to another great year of Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport and our partners.

Feel Spook-tacular at This Year’s Zombie Ball presented by Lehigh Valley Scream Park

Come in your best costume: You are going to look fa-boo-lous!

Bethlehem, PA, October 12, 2023- ArtsQuest is excited to announce the rise from the grave this Halloweekend for its fifth annual Zombie Ball presented by Lehigh Valley Scream Park. Join us on Friday, October 27, at 8 p.m. in the Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center in your best costume and be ready to have a spooktacular night.

Get ready for mysterious Tarot card readings by aerialist Auset Gypsy that will make you scream, followed by her death-defying live performance. Let the gourd times roll with top hits by DJ AJ Stack that will liven up your soul, followed by mouthwatering bites and drink specials which will quench your thirst for blood.

Tickets are priced at $13 per person and no need to fear, you can purchase your tickets here at SteelStacks. This event is for mature zombies of 18+ only and will feature a costume contest with cash prizes for the most creative individual and couple.

For more spooky-themed events, check out SteelStacks.org.

Celebrate an Array of Film Anniversaries with ArtsQuest at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas!

Bethlehem, PA, September 25, 2023 – Through the month of October there will be numerous films celebrating commemorative anniversaries that will be shown at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas in the ArtsQuest center.

Kicking off the month of October is Practical Magic outside at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks on Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Celebrating its 25^th anniversary, there will be a crafting project at 5:30 p.m. prior to the showing. Filmed in 1998, this film is about two witch sisters, raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town facing closed-minded prejudice and a curse. This film is rated PG-13.

On Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m., The Invisible Man is celebrating its 90^th anniversary. Directed by James Whale, it is the signature adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man starring Claude Rains as a mysterious scientist who discovers a serum that makes him invisible. This film is not rated and is showing in the Frank Banko Blue Cinema.

On Oct. 7 at 9:45 p.m., Videorome celebrates its 40^th anniversary at the Frank Bank Alehouse Blue Cinema. Filmed in 1983, this film takes you on a hallucinatory journey into a shadow world of right-wing conspiracies, sadomasochistic sex games and bodily transformation. This film is rated R. This screening is part of the First Saturday Horror Series which will extended to three Saturdays in a row celebrating the 80^th birthday of Director David Cronenberg. Rabid and The Brood will screen on October 14 and 21 respectively, both also at 9:45 p.m.

On Oct. 18, Ganja & Hess is celebrating its 50^th anniversary with a showing at 7 p.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Blue Cinema. Directed by Bill Gunn, this once-lost masterpiece of independent horror, the blade of an ancient African knife spreads a vampiric contagion to research assistant George, whose bloodlust soon infects Dr. Hess Green, as well. When Hess is enraptured by George’s wife, Ganja, he attempts to conceal his terrible secret but at a high price. The film is part of the Black Film: Then & Now Film Series, and is rated R. This screening is FREE to the public.

On Oct. 31 at 7:15 p.m., The Exorcist celebrates its 50^th anniversary at the Frank Banko Alehouse Red Cinema as part of The William Friedkin Tribute Series. This iconic film has been scaring audiences since 1973 with many fans and critics still calling it the scariest movie ever made. This movie is rated R.

Tickets for the cinemas are $10 for the general public, $8 for ages 25 and under & seniors and $7.50 for ArtsQuest Members and Circle Donors.

To see the full movie schedule during the months of Oct. and Nov., visit the SteelStacks website! Be sure to come out to our Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas and catch all of our unique screenings.

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.  

Raise a Glass, Oktoberfest is Here!

Photo credit: Jeff Auger

Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) takes place during the weekends of Oct. 6-8 & 13-15!

Bethlehem, PA, September 20, 2023 – ArtsQuest is excited to announce the 13^th year of Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). The German-inspired festival kicks off on Friday, Oct. 6 and continues through Sunday, Oct. 8. The second weekend is set to take place from Friday, Oct.13 through Sunday, Oct.15. This free festival features brews, food, live music, local artisans and fan favorites such as Brewer’s Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild and PierogiPalooza!

“ArtsQuest is thrilled to continue the tradition of Oktoberfest with our partners at Lehigh Valley International Airport,” said Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest. “From the annual Yuengling 5K to the Brewer’s Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild, to the live music, food and fun, there’s something for everyone to come out and be a part of. Oktoberfest is a wonderful way to enjoy German heritage with a twist here in the Lehigh Valley.”

“We’re anxiously awaiting the takeoff of Oktoberfest, and your neighborhood airport is always a proud partner with the amazing team at ArtsQuest. Their hard work and dedication help to bring a recognizable energy to this free event. Whether it’s the delicious food, music, or cultural entertainment, Oktoberfest is a must-visit destination every year in the Lehigh Valley,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh Valley International Airport.

EVENTS

Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k
In partnership with Run Lehigh Valley, Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k is back! The ninth annual Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K will take place at 10:30 a.m. at 101 Founders Way Bethlehem, PA and loop throughout Historic Bethlehem. Registration is $55 until Sept. 30 and moves to $60 on Oct. 1 until the day of the race. Runners and walkers can register here.

Wiener Dog Races & Parade
The Wiener Dog Races take place on Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15 and specific race times can be found here. Registration is $15 per dog and you can register your wiener dog here. Dogs will race bracket style until there are three final dogs for winners at 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Wiener Dog Parades are back and take place on the same day as the races. Pups can don their favorite costume or simply as they come. This free event begins at noon for check-in and the parade begins at 12:15 p.m. Come show off your pup at this year’s Oktoberfest!

The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship presented by Samuel Adams
ArtsQuest is partnering with the US Steinholding Association to host the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championships once again presented by Samuel Adams! The State Championship Qualifier Competition will take place on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Oktoberfest Arena and you can register here! It is free to participate and the participants with the best time will advance to the championship on Oct. 14.

Oktoberfest Fashion Contest
On Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Oktoberfest Arena, our take on a traditional beauty contest has contestants showing off their Oktoberfest-inspired fashion sense all while answering questions from the hosts and showcase of a special talent! Two awards will be given: the President of Pizazz and the Chancellor of Charisma and both will be awarded $100. Interested in competing? This fashion contest is free, and you can sign up here! You must be 18+ to sign up.

The Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney presented by Yuengling
On Oct. 6, The Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tournament presented by Yuengling will kick off at 7 p.m. Grab a partner and play a fan-favorite party game! There will be 55-gallon cups, two dodgeballs and a $100 check for the pair that wins the tournament along with a Yuengling hat and cooler. Registration is $8 for ArtsQuest Members and $10 for the general public. You can register here or day of the event! Make sure you register at least 15 minutes before the event starts and only one person from your duo needs to register!  

To view additional events, visit the SteelStacks website!

FOOD & BEVERAGE

A Taste of Austria
ArtsQuest has partnered with Levy Restaurants and Easton-based Imported Enrichment to put together a delightful culinary experience around liquor and wine imported directly from Austria! On Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room in the ArtsQuest Center, you will be able to enjoy this four-course cuisine and drinks. This event is 21+. Tickets are $79 and are available here!

Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild
In its seventh year, Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild will be on Oct. 14 in the Musikfest Café, featuring two sessions. This event offers over 30 brews all from award-winning craft breweries. From German-style marzens to autumn-inspired pumpkin ales, you can purchase your tickets here!

Oktoberfest PierogiPalooza
Fan favorite, PierogiPalooza is back for its third year on Oct. 7 and 14! Featuring savory and sweet perogies. Tickets are available for purchase now and are $24 and $29 the day of PierogiPalooza. With the purchase of the passport, you can taste pierogis and travel around the SteelStacks to eat! You can purchase tickets here!

The Oktoberfest Riesling Tasting
A brand-new addition to Oktoberfest is a Riesling Tasting on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room. Join ArtsQuest, Levy Restaurants and Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain as we celebrate Germany’s leading grape variety! There will be four different Rieslings from various German wine-growing regions, and they have been paired with some light bites that also pay homage to the home of Oktoberfest. This event is 21+ and tickets to the event are $45. You can purchase tickets and learn more about the Riesling Tasting here!

ENTERTAINMENT

What’s Oktoberfest without great live music and entertainment for all to enjoy! Live music will be playing throughout the festival on both weekends of Oktoberfest. Bands such as Hunkajunk, Polkadelphia, GTV Almrausch Schuhplatters and more will be performing during Oktoberfest. These live performances will be happening on five stages including Hofbräu Biergarten, Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten, Brewmaster’s Biergarten, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network and more. To view the full musical lineup, you can visit SteelStacks.org.

Come to Oktoberfest and get a taste of Germany this fall here at the 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% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.  

Let Your Creativity and Imagination Run Wild with This 48-Hour Film Challenge Hosted by ArtsQuest

Bethlehem, PA, September 18, 2023 – Are you a budding filmmaker or looking to try your hand at moviemaking? ArtsQuest is excited to announce a 48-Hour Film Challenge beginning Friday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 15 at 8:00 p.m. All films entered will be shown at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Registration is now open! The cost is $15 to enter the challenge and only one person from each team needs to register. Teams will take on the challenge of creating an enthralling 3–5-minute short film in just under 48 hours. On Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m., all teams who are competing will meet on the 3^rd floor of the ArtsQuest Center on the Wind Creek Deck. From there, teams will receive a brief summary of the challenge.

At exactly 8 p.m., teams will be handed a folder containing specific content that must be added to the film, including:

• A character name
• A random line of dialogue
• A specific prop
• And a couple of other surprises!

Additional rules can be found here!

“We hosted two different 48-Hour Film Challenges virtually during the pandemic and could not have been more thrilled with the response we received,” said Anthony DeSanctis, Programming Manager at ArtsQuest. “The films were exceptional, and we are excited to offer this challenge at a time when we can display the work of these talented filmmakers on the big screen again. This Challenge is another opportunity to showcase the creativity and imagination of the gifted filmmakers of the Lehigh Valley.”

All submitted films will be shown on Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at 12:30 p.m. Tickets for the screening are $7. The winning team will receive $200 and receive a 6-month movie pass to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas!

Register now and put your moviemaking skills to the test. You can register here!

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% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Movement Moves Media to Host The 50^th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Awards Ceremony presented by Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley at ArtsQuest

This special event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 8 in the Musikfest Café

Bethlehem, PA, September 13, 2023 – Movement Moves Media is hosting the 50^th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Awards Ceremony presented by Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley on Sunday, October 8 at 3 p.m. in the Musikfest Café in the ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Jaciel Cordoba of WFMZ 69News and J Capitol P.

The 50^th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Awards Ceremony, hosted by Movements Moves Media and presented by Promise Neighborhoods Lehigh Valley is a special event honoring local and regional talent who have been nominated as integral leaders in the hip-hop scene in and around the Lehigh Valley. This is a “dress to impress” Red Carpet event with tributes to the five elements of hip-hop, special performances and guest speakers. There will be 13 categories and winners of each will take home an award.

“Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley would like to celebrate this momentous milestone of hip-hop turning 50,” said Dr. Hasshan Batts, Director of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley. “Many of us grew up alongside this young art form and leaned on it not only for artistic expression but as social commentary and a cathartic form of liberatory storytelling.”

You can purchase tickets on the SteelStacks website here! Tickets for nominees, artists and ArtsQuest Members and Circle donors are $20 and the general public are $30.

“This awards ceremony is a very special moment for the music scene in the Lehigh Valley. Hip-Hop started in 1973 as an expressive art form and a rebellion of the status quo, today, just 50 years later, it has become the largest-selling genre in the world! Now, we get to celebrate and recognize the people who brought hip-hop to the Lehigh Valley in the 1990s and all the artists who have played a part in creating this scene,” Michael Frassetto, Founder and Executive Director of Movement Moves Media said. “We finally feel accepted by a major organization, and we thank ArtsQuest for being the ones to push these social boundaries and bring hip-hop enthusiasts to the SteelStacks venue.  We would like to give a huge Thank You to our sponsors for believing in us – especially Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley for their continued support of the arts and underserved communities.”

Hip-hop is the streets, man. I think it’s the last real folk music –  Mos Def, American rapper, singer and songwriter

For more details and information please feel free to visit www.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% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.