ARTSQUEST’S 10th-ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST SET FOR SEPT. 26-27

German Food, Live Music & Family Fun Highlight In-person & Virtual Programming

BETHLEHEM, PA–Oom-pahs, bratwurst, dachshunds and the legendary Hasselhoff-off highlight the 10th Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) Sept. 26-27. This year’s event will feature in-person programming at SteelStacks as well as virtual programming, offering Oktober-festivities for all.

Highlighting the 2020 Oktoberfest are “Outdoor Dining with a Show” experiences Sept. 26-27 on the Air Products Town Square at SteelStacks where guests can listen to German-style music while enjoying a menu that features offerings like a loaded potato pancake covered in corned beef brisket, fried sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Rueben-style dressing, and Schweinshaxe (roasted pork shank) served over browned butter spaetzle and cabbage. Guests can finish it all off with apple strudel from Mattie’s Strudel Haus and ice cream from the Bethlehem Dairy Store.

Seating on the Town Square is by reservation only with tables good for up to four people in the same party. Two seating sessions – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. – will be offered both days. Table reservation price is $10 and ArtsQuest Members can make reservations starting tomorrow, 10 a.m., while the public can make reservations starting Sept. 11, 10 a.m., at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest. Guests must wear facemasks both indoors and outdoors unless eating and drinking and all CDC, state and city health & safety guidelines are in effect.

On Sept. 26, the Schützengiggles Oompah Band will perform on the Town Square’s Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage. This traditional German brass oompah band performs everything from standard German Oktoberfest tunes to pop covers that everyone knows.

The popular Polkadelphia takes the Town Square’s Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage Sept. 27. Whether rocking out at the local biergarten or strolling through the bustling tents at an Oktoberfest, this band always brings the ‘haus’ down.

Oktoberfest fans looking to pick up their bratwurst, strudel and other Oktoberfest favorites to take home can do so by visiting the four food vendors taking part in the “Oktoberfest To-Go” Food Service and Biergarten on PNC Plaza at SteelStacks. Featured vendors are Karl Ehmer, Heaven on a Bun, Waffle de Lys and Heidi’s Strudel & Island Expressions. Beverages including Yuengling Oktoberfest, Hofbräu and more will be available for guests to purchase to enjoy with their food if they opt to sit in the Biergarten.

“Having proudly sponsored Oktoberfest in recent years, your neighborhood airport was committed to ensuring its successful takeoff in 2020. Whether with food, music or cultural entertainment, everyone needs an escape from present challenges, and this amazing event certainly provides that energy-driven destination for in-person or virtual attendance,” says Lehigh Valley International Airport Executive Director Thomas R. Stoudt.

Other Oktoberfest highlights include:

Dragtoberfest – Sept. 26, 8:30 p.m. (in-person)
Tickets: $12/$10 students & seniors/$9.50 ArtsQuest Members

The Lehigh Valley’s favorite drag queens are back for some fierce and socially-distanced performances at the base of the blast furnaces. Join Elektra Fearce St. James, Georgia Versace Couture and Clan Ann (Sharron Ann Husbands and Carol Ann Carol Ann) – who many of you might recognize as our Golden Girls Drag Show actors – for a night of great fun and faces. Tickets will be available starting Sept. 10 at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.

Virtual Hasselhoff-off – Sept. 24, 8 p.m. (live via Zoom & Facebook Live)

No pandemic can dampen Germany’s love for the greatest performer of all history, David Hasselhoff. We return for year five of finding the best Hoff in the land complete with the slow-motion virtual beach run!

Virtual Weiner Dog Parade

Everyone love the dachshunds at Oktoberfest. This year, these loveable dogs will strut their stuff in our virtual parade. Proud owners are encouraged to dress them up in their favorite costumes and create home videos, which they then submit to our Oktoberfest judging panel. The judges will review all the submissions and announce the ‘King and Queen’ via Zoom and Facebook live Sept. 27, 2 p.m. Registration opens Sept. 10 at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest and cost is $25 ($22.50 for ArtsQuest Members); prizes will be awarded in different categories.

Oktoberfest Steinholding Competition (virtual & in-person; finals Sept. 27 at SteelStacks)

The U.S. Steinholding Association and ArtsQuest are once again partnering on this competition where participants hold steins full of beer at arm’s length for as long as they can. Preliminaries will take place virtually via Zoom starting Sept. 16, while the semi-finals are set for Sept. 26 at SteelStacks and the final competitors will battle it out at SteelStacks on Sept. 27. Winner takes home $250 and a berth in the U.S. Steinholding Association 2020 National Remote Steinholding Championship. Registration is $40 and includes an official stein; register starting Sept. 10 at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.

Family Fun (in-person)

Including free art kits for kids, an in-person workshop at the Banana Factory and a Chalk the Walk Coloring Contest on Sept 26, 2-5 p.m., at SteelStacks.

Virtual Oktoberfest 5K

The popular Oktoberfest 5K goes virtual, with all proceeds from the event going to support the nonprofit ArtsQuest, which presents Oktoberfest. Register at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.

Official Oktoberfest hours for SteelStacks activities are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is also supported by D.G. Yuengling & Son, Kistler O’Brien and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.

SteelStacks Favorites Perform in October as Part of ArtsQuest’s ‘Outdoor Dining and a Show’ Series

Photo by Ted Colegrove

Renowned tribute acts to cover classics by The Allman Brothers, Billy Joel and Journey

BETHLEHEM, PA–Jam out to classic hits at SteelStacks, complemented by outdoor dining on the Air Products Town Square, this fall as ArtsQuest serves up an array of dynamic tribute acts and Lehigh Valley favorites throughout October. Tributes include Steal Your Peach, playing hits by The Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead; The Stranger, belting out classics by Billy Joel; and Frontiers, rocking Journey’s greatest hits. Celtic and world music sensations Scythian and the popular Sofa Kings are among the other acts that will take the stage this fall.

Patrons interested in attending these “Outdoor Dining and a Show” experiences must make reservations in advance, either at a table on the Air Products Town Square in front of the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage, or on the Levitt Pavilion Lawn, where they can listen to the music from the Community Stage and view the performance on the Levitt Pavilion’s outdoors screen. Reservations go on sale to ArtsQuest Members starting Sept. 9, 10 a.m., and the public Sept. 11, 10 a.m., at www.steelstacks.org/events/food/.

Both table and lawn spot reservations are good for single parties of up to four people, with campus attendance limited to ensure proper safe social distancing and follow all CDC, state and city health & safety guidelines. Air Products Town Square guests can enjoy dinner available from the ArtsQuest Center menu. Levitt Pavilion lawn spots will be spaced accordingly to follow safe social distancing and food and beverages can be ordered via the Mack Truck Stop and bar on the lawn.
Shows, dates and reservation prices are:

Steal Your Peach
Friday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m.
$30 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Mike Santoro of The Stranger – A Billy Joel Tribute
Saturday, Oct. 3, 4 p.m.
$60 for Town Square Table and $15 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Frontiers – The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band
Saturday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Scythian
Sunday, Oct. 11
$65 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

The Uptown Band
Friday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.
$30 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

The Sofa Kings
Saturday, Oct. 17, 4 p.m.
$50 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Philadelphia Funk Authority
Sunday, Oct. 18, 4 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Craig Thatcher Band – Eric Clapton Retrospective
Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.
$50 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Live at the Fillmore – Allman Brothers Band Tribute
Saturday, Oct. 24
$50 for Town Square Table and $10 Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

For more information, CLICK HERE.

ArtsQuest Patriot Day Ceremony Honoring First Responders Streaming Live
Sept. 11

Rev. Herbert G. Gates III to be honored with 2020 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award

BETHLEHEM, PA—The public is invited to join ArtsQuest virtually in honoring our region’s first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel during Patriot Day presented by Embassy Bank Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. This year’s ceremony will be streamed live for everyone to view from home.

As part of the presentation, ArtsQuest will present its 2020 First Responder Valor Award to Bethlehem’s Rev. Herbert G. Gates III.

Gates has lived a life of servitude, starting with his service in the U.S. Army from 1966-’68, with 6.5 months spent in South Vietnam. Gates served in churches in the West Pennsylvania Conference for more than 30 years. He has also led bible studies and taught Sunday School in several churches, and now holds regular support groups at Bethany U.M.C. Since moving to Bethlehem in 2007, he has served as an Associate Chaplain and a Pulpit Supply for six years in regional Evangelical Lutheran Churches. He currently serves as Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Associate Chaplain, where he brings comfort and support to patients and their families in dire times.

Gates has volunteered at ArtsQuest for more than a decade as an ArtsQuest Ambassador, Musikfest Site Supervisor, Christkindlmarkt Site Supervisor and ticket-taker at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. In recognition of his efforts to minister patients, their families and staff, as well as his dedication to our community, ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert and Bethlehem City Council member J. William Reynolds will present Gates with a glass sculpture hand-blown by the artists at the ArtsQuest Glass Studio at the Banana Factory.

ArtsQuest is also honoring regional first responders for their courage and sacrifice for our community by displaying “Our Hometown Heroes” banners on the fence lining 1st Street and Founders Way, as well as via an online gallery. Singer and guitarist Seth Witcher will present the National Anthem.

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/festivals/patriotic-holidays/patriot-day/.

ArtsQuest Presenting Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Outdoor Movie Series Starting Sept. 8 at SteelStacks

New Movie Series Airing Classics like ‘Pitch Perfect,’ ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Mean Girls’

BETHLEHEM, PA—Starting Sept. 8, SteelStacks will present the Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Movie Series featuring a string of family-loved classics. Grab your PJs and your BFF for cinematic, socially-distanced fun Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in September, along with a special Saturday showing Oct. 3 at 8 p.m.

With the Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Series, groups of up to four in the same party can reserve a 6-foot by 6 foot, socially-distanced square on the Levitt Lawn to enjoy their favorite films under the stars. Reservations are $20 and $15 for spots that offer limited views of the screen; they are available starting today at www.steelstacks.org.

Food and beverages will be available for sale at the Mack Truck Stop. For the safety of our patrons and staff, mask wearing, social distancing and all CDC, state and city health and safety rules and regulations apply.

Movie titles and dates are:

Sept. 8 – Bring It On (20th Anniversary)
Sept. 15 – Pitch Perfect
Sept. 22 – Legally Blonde
Sept. 29 – Grease
Oct. 3 – Mean Girls (8 p.m. start)

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org.

‘Arts, Music & Action’ Concert and Multi-media Event Coming to Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Sept. 19

Afternoon, which features performances by Space Kamp & Trouble City All-Stars, to benefit at-risk youth and homeless community

BETHLEHEM, PA–An afternoon of music, art and positivity, including performances by Space Kamp, Trouble City All-Stars and Mako Swing, highlight Movement Moves Media’s inaugural “Arts, Music & Action” event, Sept. 19, 3-7 p.m., at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks. Tickets are $10 and on sale now at www.steelstacks.org. Proceeds from the event will support Movement Moves Media’s programs geared toward finding solutions for helping at-risk young people, supporting the homeless community and reducing gun violence.

At Arts, Music & Action, music and art take center stage, with performances by alternative, rap and reggae group Space Kamp, roots and rock act Trouble City All-Stars and Mako Swing, as well as dance crews and spoken word performances. Guest speakers include Vic LaBoy, Justan Parker, Arthur Benson II, Yamelisa Taveras and Norberto Dominguez.

Arts, Music and Action will be hosted by J Capitol P, with DJ BezMusiq. Artist Max Meano will also be creating a graffiti wall during the event and WeL!veTV’s Tim Foster will screen his first short documentary, “BikeLife_610,” which was nominated this year at the International Short Film Festival in Lancaster. Vendors from the arts and medical cannabis communities will also be on site. All safe social distancing guidelines will be in effect and patrons will be required to wear masks/face coverings unless eating and drinking.

“As a local nonprofit, part of Movement Moves Media’s mission is to help young people thrive within their communities by connecting them to resources and opportunities. We are humbled by the opportunity to partner with ArtsQuest in creating this showcase of some of the Lehigh Valley’s local talent,” says Movement Moves Media Executive Director Michael A. Frassetto. “As we know, the arts encompass so many modalities and are often an essential way for people to express themselves. We look forward to future events and collaborations with ArtsQuest as we continue our mission to help bridge the opportunity gaps for our community’s young people and artists.”

About Movement Moves Media:
Movement Moves Media is 100% volunteer-based nonprofit organization offering programs that find solutions for helping at-risk young people, supporting the homeless community and reducing gun violence. The organization mentors young local artists and connects them to resources to help them achieve their goals. In just a few years of being in operation, Movement Moves Media has helped hundreds of young local artists.

For more information, visit www.MovementMovesMedia.com or contact Executive Director Michael A. Frassetto at 484-707-1767 or mfrassetto86@gmail.com.

New Outdoor Comedy Series at SteelStacks to Feature Regional Comedians

Mary Radzinski, David James, Glen Tickle & Tyler Rothrock Highlight Performances Beginning Sept. 4

BETHLEHEM, PA – ArtsQuest is presenting a new, live comedy series highlighting dynamic regional comedians like Mary Radzinski, David James and Tyler Rothrock starting Sept. 4 at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks.

Shows begin at 8 p.m. and feature three comedians each night. Tickets are $12 per person, $10 for students and seniors, and $9.50 for ArtsQuest Members; they go on sale Aug. 28, noon, at www.steelstacks.org. Only groups in the same party will be seated together, with appropriate social distancing from other groups at the event. There will be limited dining options available, with mobile bar add-ons for purchase as well.

Comedy at the PNC Plaza dates are Sept. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19. Confirmed performers so far are below, and additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed:

Tyler Rothrock – Friday, Sept. 4
This Nazareth-based comedian recorded his debut album, “Tyler of Nazareth,” at the ArtsQuest Center. He has opened for a number of national comedians such as Michael Che, Dave Attell, Roy Wood Jr., Kyle Kinane and more. He is also one of the co-founders of the Lehigh Valley with Love ComedyPlatz at Musikfest and can be heard hosting both the “Clicking and Screaming” and “Tee’d Up” podcasts.

David James – Saturday, Sept. 5
Philadelphia’s David James slays the city night after night, with one of his biggest achievements being beating all of his fellow comedians at the Helium Comedy Club’s first-annual “Philly’s Phunniest” Competition. Since then, he has performed at countless colleges, bars, private shows and clubs. His unique observational humor that walks the line leaves audiences intrigued, confused, laughing and wishing for more.

Glen Tickle – Friday, Sept. 18
Glen Tickle was once stopped in a hallway by a woman who said, “I know you. You’re that dad comic,” and that sums him up pretty well. He has been on SiriusXM, Amazon Prime, CoziTV, the internet (heard of it?) and his debut album charted on Billboard. His first comedy special, “Good Grief,” is now streaming on Amazon Prime. Tickle is the father of two kids, ages 7 and 1. They have a real C3PO and R2D2 dynamic, so that makes him Chewbacca, we think?

Mary Radzinski – Saturday, Sept. 19
This Philadelphia-based comedian is a regular feature at numerous comedy clubs including Helium and Goodnights, and she has opened for a number of national comedians such as Dave Attell, Jim Norton, Sarah Colonna, Rosie O’Donnell and more. Radzinski can also be seen on TruTV’s new series, “Greatest Ever,” and has been recognized countless times, including as a semi-finalist in the 2017 Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and a finalist in the 2015 Boston Comedy Festival. She has also been named Best Comedian in Philly by Philadelphia Magazine.

For the safety of all patrons and staff, mask wearing, social distancing and all CDC, state and city health and safety rules and regulations will apply at all Comedy at the PNC Plaza performances. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org.

The Rolling Stones’ “Havana Moon” Concert Screens Sept. 1 at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Concert from Havana, Cuba features hits like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Gimme Shelter” and “Satisfaction”

BETHLEHEM, PA – The iconic “Havana Moon” concert performed by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Rolling Stones – recorded live in September 2016 in Havana, Cuba – will hit the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks screen on Tues., Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Reservations for the screening go on sale to ArtsQuest Members today, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m., and the public on Aug. 26, 10 a.m., at www.steelstacks.org/film.

Reservation prices are $40 for a 6-foot by 6-foot spot on the Levitt Pavilion lawn and are good for up to four people in the same party. Six-foot by 6-foot spots that offer limited views of the screen are also available for $25 and also good for up to four people in the same party.

Directed by renowned music filmmaker Paul Dugdale, “Havana Moon” runs approximately 110 minutes and features beloved Stones hits including “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Brown Sugar,” “Satisfaction” and many more. Filmed at the end of the América Latina Olé Tour 2016, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood perform a truly spectacular set to more than 1.2 million adoring fans.

During the screening, light food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Mack Truck Stop. Levitt Pavilion lawn spots will be spaced accordingly to follow safe social distancing guidelines and all patrons will be required to wear masks/face coverings unless eating and drinking. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/film.

SteelStacks Favorites to Perform on Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage

Photo by Ted Colegrove

Beloved bands like Splintered Sunlight, Boat House Row and Philadelphia Funk Authority to be complimented by outdoor dining

BETHLEHEM, PA – Starting next weekend, SteelStacks favorites like Splintered Sunlight and Boat House Row will hit the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage, complimented by outdoor dining on the Air Products Town Square.

Patrons interested in attending these “Outdoor Dining and a Show” experiences must make reservations in advance, either at a table on the Air Products Town Square in front of the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage, or on the Levitt Pavilion Lawn, where they can listen to the music from the Community Stage and view the performance on the Levitt Pavilion’s outdoors screen. Reservations open Aug. 14, 10 a.m., AT THIS LINK for ArtsQuest Members and Aug. 15, 10 a.m., to the public.

Both table and lawn spot reservations are good for single parties of up to four people, with campus attendance limited to ensure proper safe social distancing and follow all CDC, state and city health & safety guidelines. Air Products Town Square guests can enjoy dinner available from the ArtsQuest Center menu. Levitt Pavilion lawn spots will be spaced accordingly to follow safe social distancing and food and beverages can be ordered via the Mack Truck Stop and bar on the lawn.

Shows, dates and reservation prices are:

Splintered Sunlight
Friday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
$60 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Boat House Row
Saturday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.
$45 for Town Square Table and $15 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Philadelphia Funk Authority
Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Damn the Torpedoes – A Live Tom Petty Concert Experience
Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn

The Large Flowerheads
Friday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Billy Bauer Band – Dave Matthews Band Tribute
Saturday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot

Jimmy & The Parrots
Friday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.
$35 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn spot.

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org.

Music & 1st Comedy Show Kick Off Return of Live Performances at SteelStacks

Photo by David Happel

Lehigh Valley Icon Craig Thatcher and comedian LaTice highlight lineup on Air Products Town Square this week

BETHLEHEM, PA–Beloved Lehigh Valley icon Craig Thatcher and Cliff Starkey, as well as acclaimed female comedian LaTice, highlight the return of outdoor dining with live entertainment at SteelStacks this week.

While new to the Valley scene, LaTice has been slaying people with her jokes since 2009. She has performed in Las Vegas at the World Series of Comedy and live on ABC’s THE VIEW for “Hilarious Housewives.”

Reservations must be made in advance for each performance. To reserve a table for seating up to four people in the same party, visit https://www.steelstacks.org/eat/. Mask wearing, social distancing and all CDC, state and city health and safety rules and regulations apply.

The schedule for this week is:

Aug. 12: Craig Thatcher and Cliff Starkey (7-9 p.m.)
Aug. 13: Ginger and The Schnappes (7-9 p.m.)
Aug. 14: Zaire (7-9 p.m.)
Aug. 15: LaTice with Glen Tickle & Roya Hamadani (8-9:30 p.m.)

For reservations and more information, CLICK HERE.