Walking in a Winter Pun-derland

Improve Your Comedic Skills with Comedy Classes at ArtsQuest this Winter Season

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., December 6, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to present its winter comedy class schedule. 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 January through March and will conclude with a graduation show for participants to perform their material and demonstrate what they have learned.

Comedy classes will be in different locations due to the upcoming construction of the Banana Factory. Thanks to community partners like Bethlehem Area School District and the Bethlehem Area Public Library, classes can continue throughout the construction of the new Cultural Center. Within the new Cultural Center will be a 125-seat black box theater! With this designated space, ArtsQuest’s comedy programming can continue to grow and strengthen the comedic skills of Lehigh Valley comedians, both beginner and seasoned comics.

See if you are eligible for one of ArtsQuest’s scholarship opportunities! ArtsQuest scholarships are designed for individuals and families that demonstrate a financial need and interest in the visual and/or comedy performance arts. Learn more about eligibility, the application process and more when you visit https://fest.formstack.com/forms/scholarship_application.

Are you a business looking to incorporate a fun team building event for your employees? 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. Please note that all classes require the participant to be aged 18 or older on or before the day of the first class in the session.

Comedy Classes Offered Include:

Intro to Standup with Glen Tickle

Sundays, February 2 – March 9 | Iron Conference Room – Second Floor of Visitor Center presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Grad Show: Monday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Blue Cinema

Price: $154 | $140 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. The class will culminate with a graduation show where participants will perform their material.

Sketch Comedy Writing 101 with Jeremiah Peck

Mondays, January 27 – March 17 (Skip February 17) | Iron Conference Room – Second Floor of the Visitor Center presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network from 7 – 9 p.m.

Grad Show: Monday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Blue Cinema

Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member

This class is a weekly writer’s room designed around producing sketch comedy scripts for the stage and/or video; each week you’ll be writing new material, participating in table reads and engaging in feedback sessions with fellow students.

Highly recommended to bring a laptop computer to class each week.

• Week 1 – Sketch Comedy Basics & Script Formatting
• Week 2 – Commercial Parodies
• Week 3 – Character Spotlights
• Week 4 – Genre Parodies & Pastiches
• Week 5 – Topical Sketches
• Week 6 – Blackout Gags
• Week 7 – Rewrites Round 1
• Week 8 – Rewrites Round 2 & Grad Show Prep

Improv 101 with Laurie Wagner Storlie

Tuesdays, January 21 – March 11 | Lincoln Elementary School* from 7 – 9 p.m.

Grad Show: Monday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Blue Cinema

Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member

Improv 101 focuses on the 3 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 get a lot from this class.

Improv 201 with Matt Candio

Tuesdays, January 21 – March 11 | Lincoln Elementary School* from 7 – 9 p.m.

Grad Show: Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Frank Banko Alehouse Blue Cinema

Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member

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

Must have completed Improv 101 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.

Improv 301 with Justin Passino

Wednesdays, January 22 – March 12 | Bethlehem Area Public Library Recording Studio** from 7 – 9 p.m.

Grad Show: Monday, March 17 at 6:30 in the Frank Banko Alehouse Blue Cinema

Price: $179 | $160 ArtsQuest Member

Now that you’ve mastered the basic improv principles of “yes, and” and Game, Improv 301 shows you how to put these skills into action in an Improv form of your instructors choosing. Each 301 showcases a different improv form.

Students must have graduated from Improv 101 and 201 at ArtsQuest or have equivalent experience.

*Lincoln Elementary School is located at 1260 Gresham St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

**The Bethlehem Area Public Library is located at 11 W. Church St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. The Recording Studio is in the basement.

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 nearly 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.     

The Ultimate Holiday Fun Bundle! 

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., December 5, 2024 – ArtsQuest is offering a special holiday bundle – see the movie St. Nick of Bethlehem and have an opportunity to meet the star of the movie, St. Nick, while enjoying an afternoon of ice skating! This one-day event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8, only.  

St. Nick of Bethlehem will be making a special appearance to spread some holiday cheer during the 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. skating sessions at the Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. Skaters will have the opportunity to meet and have their photos taken with St. Nick. In addition, your ticket includes admission to any of the three screenings on that same date (11:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.) of St. Nick of Bethlehem. 

**Please note, all ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

This ticket bundle offers a full day of unforgettable holiday fun! Get your tickets now!  

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 nearly 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.      

An Un-brrrrr-lieveable Winter at ArtsQuest

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., November 26, 2024 – The Winter season at ArtsQuest is packed with holiday cheer and festive events, performances and activities you don’t want to miss. Click on the links for more information for each event and to purchase tickets.  

Raise a glass at our celebration of all things wine! The Winter Winefest & Market, happening on February 16is a wine lovers’ dream – an event that features sampling and the chance to purchase glasses and bottles of wine directly from some of Pennsylvania’s best wineries! But it’s not just wine – the event will also feature vendors and other retailers selling wine-adjacent goods…think cheese, chocolate and more!

There are two Winter Winefest sessions, one from 1 to 3 p.m. and a second session from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Get access to the event, unlimited wine samples*, participate in a raffle for Winefest winery swag and purchase glasses and bottles of wine from participating wineries with the purchase of a GA ticket ($39). VIP ticket holders ($59) will get all of the previously mentioned perks, in addition to exclusive access to the event from 12 – 1 p.m. and a bottle of wine from participating wineries.

*Participating wineries reserve the right to limit samples at their tables.  

“Old Fashioned” Christmas

ArtsQuest has partnered with Edrington and Levy Restaurants to bring back – and add new twists to – last year’s sold-out tastings built around the Old-Fashioned cocktail!

We’ll be crafting four different Old Fashioneds for you to sample – some with a holiday twist – using Edrington’s Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, Wyoming Whiskey Outryder, Highland Park 12 and The Famous Grouse!

Your ticket gets you admission into Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial, a full old-fashioned cocktail from one of the Christkindlmarkt bars* and food from Levy Restaurant Executive Chef Julie Marble.

*The cocktail available at the Christkindlmarkt bar will be pre-determined by Edrington and ArtsQuest.

“Old Fashioned” Christmas tickets can be purchased for December 7 at 1 p.m., December 8 at 1 p.m. or December 14 at 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Doors open 15 minutes before the event.

Get ready to deck the halls with laughter!

Improvised Hallmark* is the comedy show that takes everything you love (and love to mock) about Hallmark movies and turns it up to eleven! Join us on December 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, Proudly Part of Jefferson Health, as our talented improv comedians bring you the classic, heartwarming Hallmark tale you never knew you needed…or didn’t. Will a big-city executive rediscover the true meaning of Christmas thanks to a handsome small-town baker? Will a holiday romance bloom at the quaint local tree farm? Probably!

With nothing but audience suggestions, we’ll create a one-of-a-kind, cozy-yet-hilarious holiday romance with all the tropes, twists and tinsel of your favorite Hallmark movies. Whether you’re a Hallmark fanatic or just along for the sleigh ride, Improvised Hallmark is here to deliver a night of festive fun and feel-good laughs.

*Your comedy show ticket to this event includes entrance into Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks at 6 p.m. on the night of your event. Show your comedy ticket no earlier than 6 p.m. to the Christkindlmarkt staff for admittance.

Christkindlmarkt Hot Glass Experience

At Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial, work one on one with a hot glass instructor to create your own piece of art from molten glass. Ages 6 and up, no experience necessary. Pieces need 48 hours to cool, participants must return to the festival to pick up their work or items can be shipped. Sign up for a timeslot here as the Hot Glass Experience almost always sells out!

‘Tis the season for another Golden Girls Drag Christmas!

A Golden Girls Drag Christmas is back by popular demand, starring some of the Lehigh Valley’s favorite drag queens as the legendary foursome in their two Christmas-themes episodes, season 2’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and season 5’s “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Presented and staged readings, these episodes feature much of what made the Girls great, including Dorothy’s schmuck ex-husband Stan, Blanche’s Santa kink and tales of how the holidays were celebrated in both St. Olaf and Sicily.

There are three shows available for ticket purchase: December 27 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., December 28 at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. or December 29 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 each with discounts for ArtsQuest members. Anyone ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Musikfest Café has MANY can’t miss shows this winter season including:

• 11/27 – The Groove Merchant’s and trouble City All-Stars present 4^th annual Turkey Jam
• 12/5 – Jimmy & the Parrots – A Parrot Holiday Party
• 12/8 – TOP OF THE WORLD – A Carpenters Christmas Show
• 12/13 and 12/14 – Magical Mystery Doors
• 12/15 – Scythian: The Ugly Christmas Sweater Show
• 12/19 – The Beautiful Distortion – A Holiday Rock Show
• 12/21 – Eaglemania
• 1/30 – Dry Humor: Standup for Recovery
  • A celebration of more than 14 years of continuous sobriety for comedian and Easton-based Dry Humor producer Liz Russo. A portion of the proceeds from this show will be donated to Sync Recovery Community, a non-profit organization that strives to end the stigma of addiction and demonstrate that long-term sobriety is not only possible, but also powerful and full of joy. Headliner Nick Griffin, a comic for more than 25 years, has appeared on Conan, The Late Late Show, in his own half-hour Comedy Central special and was featured on The Late Show with David Letterman eleven times.

Paint Like Bob Ross: Winter Sun – December 5 at 6 p.m.

Unlock your inner artist an learn to Paint like Bob Ross. Chris Severn is a certified Bob Ross instructor and will guide you through the wet-on-wet technique to create stunning landscape paintings.

Banana Factory Yard Sale

In preparation for breaking ground on the new ArtsQuest Cultural Center in 2025, the Banana Factory will host several yard sales between now and the end of the year. Join us during First Fridays and on the final weekend of 2024 for great deals on a large variety of art supplies, equipment, furniture, décor and everything else that we’ve accumulated over the last 25 years! All proceeds from the yard sales go toward the Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign.

• Yard Sale Dates:
  • December 6 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • December 27 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • December 28 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • December 29 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Needle Felting: Winter Tree – December 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Decorate your winter wonderland with this snow-covered fir! Katie Heebner will guide you through every step of the process, providing you with tips for perfecting your felting technique. This hands-on workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, and no prior experience is necessary. All materials will be provided. Ages 16+

Wool Beanie Workshop – December 8 at 12:30 p.m.

This beginner friendly class is a fun way to explore the process of wet felting. Learn in a hands on 3 for workshop where you will learn fiber layout and design for a completely finished wool beanie style hat. No experience is required and everyone at all levels are welcome.

Wine Charms and Napkin Rings – December 15 at 1 p.m.

Never get confused on wine glasses again! Get ready for holiday gatherings by creating your own set of 4 wine charms and matching napkin rings in this casual workshop.

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 nearly 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.     

Ring in the New Year at PEEPSFEST® 2024 in the Sweetest Way! 

Celebrate PEEPSFEST® with Live Music, Family-Friendly Activities,  
ALL-NEW EASTER PEEPS® Marshmallow Tasting and the PEEPS® Chick Drop. 

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., Nov. 20, 2024 – Celebrate the start of the New Year with this sweet celebration by joining ArtsQuest and Just Born Quality Confections for PEEPSFEST® Monday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 3 p.m-6 p.m., at the SteelStacks campus. This event is both indoors and outdoors, featuring family-friendly activities, fireworks and more following the annual PEEPS® Chick drop on both nights of the event. As per tradition, the massive PEEPS® Chick, weighing in at 400-pounds and standing at four feet, nine inches tall, will descend for the countdown to the New Year at 5:35 p.m., on both Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, followed by a stunning display of fireworks. You can purchase tickets for PEEPSFEST® here! 

“PEEPSFEST® has grown into such a beloved tradition, and it’s incredible to see families coming back year after year,” said Courtney Angle, Corporate Affairs Specialist at Just Born Quality Confections. “This year, we’ve added even more fun-filled experiences for families to create lasting memories. We’re especially thrilled to debut one of our newest Marshmallow flavors, and we’re confident it will be a favorite this Easter season!” 

This year’s festival will feature activities both indoors and outdoors, and tickets will be required to ensure a safe and quality experience for all in attendance. Tickets are limited and can be purchased for $5 per person. In addition, the Ice Rink at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, will also be open for its third year in a row. For $25, which includes the cost of ice skating and PEEPSFEST®, you can skate at the Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. The skating sessions will take place at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 and 31. You can book these tickets here. 

**Please note, all ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Part of this standout experience includes another year of a “Sneak-PEEP” tasting, where festivalgoers can get an exclusive first taste of one brand-new PEEPS® Marshmallow flavor set to launch ahead of Easter 2025. The fun-packed event will also include an all-new PEEPS® Passport for kids under 12 to build their own goodie bag, which will allow them to unlock special memories as they explore interactive stations throughout the event. Each ticket also includes a free s’mores kit and live musical performances. 

“We are so excited to be partnering with Just Born Quality Confections on the 16th annual PEEPSFEST®!” said Shayna Super, Music Programming Director and Executive Director Levitt Pavilion. “What better way to end the year than with a sweet event that is so special and unique to Bethlehem, while also welcoming families from all over the country!”  

The whole family can also enjoy activities like PEEPS® themed games, interactive presentations by Wildlands Conservancy, activities and crafts by The Da Vinci Science Center, Eddy Ray Magic and more. Kids can craft their own keepsakes at the friendship bracelet station and watch a demo where they can learn how to whip up delicious Marshmallow creations with PEEPS® IN THE KITCHEN with PBS39. For those wanting to add a little fashion flair to their celebration, limited-edition PEEPSFEST® visors will be available with a suggested donation to ArtsQuest to support their tuition-based programming for youth all year long. To ensure an inclusive experience for everyone, the festival will also offer a sensory-friendly room where guests can relax and unwind in a quieter, comfortable space. Dedicated to providing inclusive family fun for all, the event will also feature live music and entertainment, and the opportunity to be photographed with the PEEPS® Chick Mascot and the PEEPSMOBILE®, games and more!  

Tickets and additional programming details can be found at steelstacks.org 

Don’t miss out on this beloved New Year’s tradition that’s fun for the whole family! Tickets are limited.  

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 nearly 50 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. 

About Just Born Quality Confections 
Just Born Quality Confections is a third-generation family-owned candy manufacturer with its purpose to bring sweetness to people’s lives.  Just Born is the maker of some of America’s most beloved and iconic brands – PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®. Just Born has been a part of family traditions and memories for more than 100 years. In 1923, the founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy shop in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, “Just Born.” Together with Born’s brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA where it has grown to become one of the largest candy companies in the US by giving back to the community, being good environmental stewards and creating a culture where people want to work. For more information, please visit www.justborn.com. Follow @JustBornInc on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). 

A New Christmas Classic Set in Christmas City!

See Our Community on the Big Screen this November and purchase tickets for Special Screening Event with Saint Nick of Bethlehem himself!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., November 15, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to show Spencer Folmar and Daniel Roebuck’s Saint Nick of Bethlehem at our Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas!  The movie will be shown throughout the entire week of November 29.

And ArtsQuest, along with media partner 100.7 LEV, will be hosting a special screening event: Saint Nick of Bethlehem with Holiday Cookies and Cocoa on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m. While enjoying your treats, have your photo taken with Santa’s official helper (Dan Roebuck as St. Nick), then head into the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema for a brief talk back and watch the film. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the movie starts at 11 a.m. Get your tickets at steelstacks.org.

“I’m beyond excited to be able to welcome kids and families to this special screening of Saint Nick of Bethlehem and what better place than ArtsQuest,” said Daniel Roebuck, co-producer of the film. “Many years ago, I worked at Leh’s Department Store as the magician while the kids waited for Santa at their annual Breakfast with Santa Claus events. I was the warm-up act and now I get to be the big guy himself. I couldn’t be more excited to step into his boots, right here in the Christmas City!”

Saint Nick of Bethlehem filmed scenes at last years’ Christkindlmarkt and we can’t wait to see it on the big screen. The movie is an original story of a man who is distraught over losing his son and finds closure while discovering a new purpose when he takes on the role of Santa Claus.

What better place to shoot a Christmas movie than in the Christmas City itself! The movie will not only feature Christkindlmarkt, but also the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, The Kiffle Kitchen and many more Bethlehem staples.

Showtimes include:

Wednesday, November 27 @:

• 1:30 p.m.
• 4:45 p.m.
• 8 p.m.

Thursday, November 28 @:

• 4:45 p.m.
• 8 p.m.

Friday, November 29 @:

• 10:30 a.m.                                          
• 2 p.m.
• 5 p.m.
• 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 30 @:

• 2 p.m.
• 4:15 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m.
• 8:45 p.m.

Sunday, December 1 @:

• 1:30 p.m.
• 4 p.m.
• 8:45 p.m.

Monday, December 2 @:

• 11 a.m.
• 1:30 p.m.
• 4 p.m.

Tuesday, December 3 @:

• 4:30 p.m.
• 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 4 @:

• 1 p.m.

Thursday, December 5 @:

• 2:30 p.m.
• 4:45 p.m.

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 nearly 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.     

2024 s’MAC Down Award Winners

ArtsQuest and Lehigh Valley Vegan are excited to announce the winners of the LV Vegan s’MAC Down, a contest to determine who has the best vegan mac and cheese in the region!

People’s Choice: Dominque’s Dishes (2^nd year in a row winning)

People’s Choice – 1^st Runner-Up: Mama Nicca’s Homemade Things

Kids’ Choice: Mama Nicca’s Homemade Things

Judges’ Award – Judges’ Favorite: Mama Nicca’s Homemade Things

Judges’ Award – 1^st Runner-Up: Paranormal Pizza

Judges’ Award – Cheesiest: Palette and Pour
Judges’ Award – Most Unique: Paranormal Pizza

Two Mornings of FREE Skating Fun with Steel Ice Center at the Ice Rink at SteelStacks

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., November 13, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to team up with Steel Ice for two mornings of FREE skating fun! Steel Ice Center and ArtsQuest are thrilled to host two special events to mark the beginning of the 2024 holiday season at the Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. Join us for a weekend of winter cheer and community celebration, featuring live hockey and a festive figure skating show. 

“We are thrilled to partner with our neighbors at ArtsQuest to provide a chance to showcase the passion and talent of Penguin Figure Skating Club and the Phantoms Youth U8 program in a unique outdoor setting,” said Keith Krem, owner of Steel Ice Center. “Seeing kids have fun and create memories should be at the core of any sport, and what could be more fun than celebrating the holiday season doing what they love on the ice beneath the SteelStacks. It is going to be something special, a lifelong memory.”  

On Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Youth U8 Development Program will take to the outdoor ice for two fast-paced, 30-minute games. These young athletes are excited to display their skills and passion for hockey, making for an entertaining morning of friendly competition.  

The festivities continue on Sunday, November 24, when the Penguin Figure Skating Club presents a holiday-themed skating show from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This enchanting performance will feature skaters of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced members, each bringing a unique touch to the spirit of the holiday season.  

“Partnering on events like these is so vital for our community,” commented Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer for ArtsQuest. “Bringing Steel Ice programs such as youth hockey and figure skating to The Ice Rink at SteelStacks is a perfect blend, providing kids and families throughout the Lehigh Valley with an opportunity to have fun, create memories and further interest in the sport. We are looking forward to a weekend filled with skating talent and are grateful to partner with our friends at Steel Ice.”     

Both events are free to attend. Concessions, which include hot beverages, chicken tenders, burger, hot dogs, fried and more, will be available from the Mack Truck Stop starting at 11 a.m. that day.  

Be sure to tune into WFMZ-69 News ‘Sunrise Broadcast’ on Thursday, November 21 starting at 6:15 a.m. to learn more about this event and catch some of the skaters live.  

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 nearly 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.