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Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial Sees the Big Screen and Is Nominated for USA TODAY’s Best Holiday Market!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., November 4, 2024 – ArtsQuest is excited to announce that Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial has received esteemed opportunities and recognition with features in both Christmas City’s own holiday film and Hallmark’s new Ready, Set, Glow in addition to being nominated for USA TODAY’s Best Holiday Market.

USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards – Best Holiday Market

Christkindlmarkt has once again been chosen as a nominee for USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards Best Holiday Market. The 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the “best of the best in various travel and lifestyle categories, including destinations, food and drink and attractions.” Nominees are chosen by a panel of experts in each category, as well as USA Today editors.

Voting begins on Monday, November 4 at noon and ends on Monday, December 2 at 11:59 p.m. You can vote once a day, here!

St. Nick of Bethlehem

Don’t miss Christkindlmarkt featured in Spencer Folmer and Daniel Roebuck’s Saint Nick of Bethlehem! The holiday movie features scenes filmed at last years’ Christkindlmarkt and is an original story of a man distraught over losing his son who finds closure and discovers a new purpose when he takes on the role of Santa Claus. The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas will be showing this film throughout the week of November 29. More information including show dates, times and how to purchase tickets will be available soon.

Hallmark’s Ready, Set, Glow

That’s not all! You can also catch Christmas City’s Christkindlmarkt in Hallmark’s new Ready, Set, Glow airing on December 12! This show is all about holiday traditions. The “holiday lights showcase spectacular” is a three-episode limited series that shares how these holiday lights “brighten entire communities and bring people together in the process.”

You don’t want to miss these special features of the Lehigh Valley! And don’t forget to vote for Best Holiday Market once a day so that the Christmas City can be #1!

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.

Get ready to make merry memories at the Musikfest Café! This holiday season is packed with incredible shows ranging from all different kinds of genres! Whether it’s holiday tropical rock or holiday Celtic, there’s a show for everyone! Get in the holiday spirit with tickets to one of these incredible shows! Grab your friends and family and spread some holiday cheer!

The Groove Merchants & Trouble City All-Stars Present: 4th Annual Lehigh Valley Turkey Jam

Wednesday, November 27th

We can’t kick off the holiday season without celebrating Thanksgiving first. Before your big feast, join us for a night of incredible music by performances by some of the best including: The Groove Merchants, Trouble City All-Stars, Ruby Dear, and Rich Jeffreys & Sarah Harrington. This show’s got all the genres including funk, soul, art, rocksteady, blues, and reggae! Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve like never before at the Turkey Jam!

Jimmy and the Parrots: A Parrot Holiday Party!

Thursday, December 5th

Feel like you’re celebrating the holiday’s in the Caribbean with Jimmy and the Parrots! This iconic tribute to Jimmy Buffet will make you feel like your under the warm sun with sand in your toes. Grab your holiday Hawaiian shirt and come jam out to some classics!

Top of the World: A Carpenters Christmas Show

Sunday, December 8th

Lead singer, Debbie Taylor resembles a Karen Carpenter voice like no other! This Carpenters Tribute Show will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! The band members are all multi-instrumentalists and at times use 3 keyboards to recreate the incredibly complex arrangements created by Richard Carpenter.

Scythian: The Ugly Christmas Sweater Show

Sunday, December 15th

Put on Your Ugliest Christmas Sweater and join the holiday cheer! Get ready for a magical night filled with toe-tapping Celtic holiday sounds! Scythian will take the stage, bringing their infectious energy and spirited tunes that will have you dancing and singing along all night long. Come share in the joy, laughter, and festive spirit; this is a holiday celebration you won’t want to miss! Let’s make merry together!

The Beautiful Distortion: A Holiday Rock Show

Thursday, December 19th

Come on down and rock around the Musikfest Café with this well loved group! Their annual holiday show has become a beloved Lehigh Valley tradition, featuring high-energy covers of your favorite seasonal tunes alongside fresh takes on classic holiday favorites! Get ready to hear your favorite holiday classics like never before!

Enjoy the Sparkle of the Holiday Season with a Membership to ArtsQuest

By Francesca Malozi, Marketing Coordinator

Perks: If you are an active Christkindlmarkt goer, the Silver Membership may be perfect for you. Silver Members receive FREE season admission into Christkindlmarkt for up to four guests. Whether you feel like stopping down after a long day of work for some dinner and a drink, or you are doing some last-minute holiday shopping as a Silver Member, you can come to Christkindlmarkt as many times during the season as you choose!

Discounts are another huge perk of being a Silver Member. Everyone knows that holiday shopping can be expensive, and Silver Members receive discounted ArtsQuest and Bethlehem Steel Merchandise. Our vendors offer the perfect gifts for anyone on your list.

Get ready to lace up those skates because skating admission and party rentals at the Ice Rink are more affordable with your Silver Membership.

The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas are the perfect place to cozy up to watch classic and new holiday films. Silver Members will receive discounted tickets to our two reintroduced theaters, now with 4K projection.

Holidays become even more special when decorations, gifts or even cards are handmade with love. Silver Members receive discounted holiday visual arts classes, perfect for making a gift for your loved one like a cozy wool winter beanie or a new special decoration for your mantle. Or consider giving the gift of an ArtsQuest gift card, good for any of our classes or programming events.

“Every holiday season, ArtsQuest introduces something new and innovative that keeps my family coming back to enjoy our time together,” commented Chris Barberis, an ArtsQuest Member. “For the past two years we’ve used our membership to get discounted tickets to the Ice Rink in front of the iconic SteelStacks. I never miss the opportunity to take advantage of my free access to Christkindlmarkt around the holidays. I can get all of my shopping done from the wide range of high quality, unique vendors. And it’s become a cherished family tradition to see holiday films shown at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas and our membership helps to keep it affordable

“Being an ArtsQuest Member is a great way to support the many community programs ArtsQuest presents, while also receiving benefits that you and your family can enjoy yearround,” commented Michelle Veresink Richmond, Senior Manager of Membership. “I would encourage everyone to become a Silver Member because it is a great level to start to experience the advantages of membership at ArtsQuest. At the Silver level you will also receive four Member Cards, which act as your access passes for on-site benefits, and great festival perks.”

“Aside from the perks already mentioned, the biggest surprise benefit of my membership was access to facility rentals,” continued Barberis. “We rented the Wind Creek Deck overlooking the Levitt Pavilion for our oldest daughter’s high school graduation party. The quality of food and attentiveness of the service staff were second to none. Not only did we save through this booking, it also provided a totally unique backdrop to a night our daughter will never forget. We’re already looking forward to renting the Deck again for our youngest daughter’s graduation.”

What are you waiting for? The holidays are right around the corner! To become an ArtsQuest Member, sign up online at artsquest.org/member or call us at 610-332-1365. Grab your Silver Membership now to experience the wonders of the season (and beyond) with your loved ones!

5 Minutes With Tyler Trumbauer, Manager of Marketing & Communications for Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection

By Kimberly Koehler, Sponsorship Specialist

With over 5,000 programs, classes and events, ArtsQuest welcomes millions of visitors across our campus each year and making sure that everyone is safe is a top priority to the organization. Fire safety and protection are vital aspects of program and event planning and partnering with local company Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection has allowed ArtsQuest to provide peace of mind to all our guests for over 30 years.

We recently caught up with Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection’s Manager of Marketing & Communications, Tyler Trumbauer, about their company’s commitment to ArtsQuest. Here’s what he had to say:

ArtsQuest: How does Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection select the organizations that you partner with? Tyler: Kistler O’Brien has been a long-standing member of the Lehigh Valley community for over 90 years. As a pillar in the community, KOB values partnerships with other strong members in local neighborhoods, such as ArtsQuest. KOB has a track record of supporting various organizations with different missions to give back and ensure the Lehigh Valley grows and prospers. KOB has been a part of the area’s growth over the decades and will continue to invest in local organizations and partners as the Lehigh Valley reaches new heights in the years to come

AQ: Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection has been the official fire protection agency for many ArtsQuest events like Musikfest, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt for over 10 years. What drove your decision to continue supporting these programs? T: ArtsQuest’s major events, such as Musikfest, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt, attract thousands of visitors to Bethlehem annually. As a commercial fire protection provider who works daily from its corporate headquarters in Bethlehem to advance life safety, it was an easy, natural choice to step up and provide the fire protection equipment to protect people and property when they visit ArtsQuest’s campus right in KOB’s backyard. Over the years, KOB’s support for these programs has grown, and so has the partnership overall. They are spectacles that many in the Lehigh Valley, including KOB employees, look forward to yearly, and Team KOB takes pride in being their official fire protection agency.

Photograph by: Tyler Trumbauer

AQ: As a loyal supporter of ArtsQuest for over 30 years, what is your favorite program or event at ArtsQuest? T: The answer varies depending on who at Kistler O’Brien is asked, but the consensus is usually Musikfest. The variety of programming and genres make event dynamics exceptional and provides tremendous entertainment for everyone. Christkindlmarkt and the relatively new ice rink in the winter are not far behind in the rankings.

AQ: What are some other initiatives and community programs Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection is involved with? T: Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection has a long history of working with The Burn Prevention Network and its major event, Camp Susquehanna. The Burn Prevention Network works to reduce the risk of burn injuries and empower those who have suffered burns. Additionally, Kistler O’Brien has long been involved with the United Way and the Allentown Rescue Mission, among others.

AQ: Many people know Kistler O’Brien just as a place for fire protection services, what’s one thing about Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection you wish more people knew about? T: In addition to being a full-service commercial fire protection provider serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection should be known as well for its reputation as a strong employer in the region. KOB has over 215 employees who reside in all the states mentioned above and 60 members of Team KOB have been with the company for at least ten years, with dozens boasting over 20 years of service. Kistler O’Brien has become a home for many dedicated to protecting people and property across the region, including at sites here at home such as ArtsQuest.

Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle with this ‘Can’t Miss’ Holiday Season at SteelStacks!

By Bryn E. Keeney, Public Relations Coordinator

The holidays at SteelStacks are filled with jolly fun and cheerful festivities. Between Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial, the outdoor Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, holiday-inspired movies at the re-introduced Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, holiday arts & crafts workshops at the Banana Factory and so much more, there’s some holiday magic to go around for everybody.

Each year, Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial celebrates the magical spirit of the season in the Christmas City. The indoor/tented all-weather event welcomes more than 100,000 guests annually and was recognized as one of the “Best Christmas Markets in the World” by Conde Nast and twice recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. This heart-warming holiday event features vendors/artisans featuring handmade works by some of the nation’s finest artisans, Käthe Wohlfahrt offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany and so much more!

Photograph by: Kim Kanuck

Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial will take place every weekend from November 15-17 to December 19-22. All fees are waived on Fridays from 5 – 8 p.m. Starting December 5, Thursdays are added to the Christkindlmarkt calendar. It’s the perfect place to find unique one-ofa-kind gifts for your loved ones.

The Hot Glass Experiences are returning to Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial this year! Work one-on-one with a hot glass instructor to create your own piece of art from molten glass. Ages 6+, no experience necessary.

The Ice Rink at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, is returning for its third year, officially opening Friday, November 22 through Sunday, January 5 for 60-minute skating sessions. Enjoy exciting themes nights and you can even rent out the rink for a birthday party or private event!

Get in the holiday spirit at the reintroduced Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, now with 4k projection! Enjoy film series like the Christmas Classic Matinees Series and the Holiday Quote-Along Series. Films include Black Christmas (50th Anniversary), The Muppet Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Meet Me in St. Louis (80th Anniversary), Die Hard, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and more. Visit artsquest.org for dates/times.

Photograph by: Jeff Auger

At the Banana Factory, there will be hands-on artmaking activities for everyone! Start off the holiday season early with a beginner glass fusing class with Rebecca Shoemaker on October 19. Beginners ages 13+ will learn how to cut glass and make 3-4 stunning holiday ornaments to keep or give as gifts. Artists 18+ will learn how to paint like Bob Ross on December 5 with Chris Severn as he guides you through the wet-on-wet technique to create stunning winter landscape paintings. Continue developing your art-making skills with a needle felting class with Katrina Heebner on December 10. Heebner will guide artists 16+ through every step of the process, providing you with tips for perfecting your felting technique.

Ring in 2025 with the drop of a PEEP! PEEPSFEST presented by Just Born Quality Confections will be held outside with family-friendly activities and fireworks following the annual PEEPS Chick drop. As per tradition, the massive PEEPS Chick, weighing in at 400 pounds and standing 4 feet and 9 inches tall, will descend in front of the SteelStacks for the countdown to the New Year.

Visit artsquest.org for more information on all of our holiday events!

You Snow the Drill! Get in the Holiday Spirit with Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial

This year, shop and celebrate with an EXTRA weekend!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., October 17, 2024 – Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial is set to kick off on Friday, November 15 through Sunday, November 17. Admission tickets and the schedule for the 32nd year of Christkindlmarkt are on sale now at Christmascity.org!

“The holiday season in Christmas City is unlike any other. Families from across the region, and beyond, come to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season,” says Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest. “With Christkindlmarkt, presented by Univest Financial right next door to the Ice Rink at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the SteelStacks campus is transformed into a fun and festive winter wonderland experience. We are grateful to all of the vendors and retailers – those who return year after year along with new ones. It’s a joyful time for the entire community to visit and celebrate while supporting the local business community during the holiday season.” 

Twice recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure Magazine, the German-inspired, multi-tented Christkindlmarkt is truly a family event that celebrates the essence of the season in the official ‘Christmas City,’ Bethlehem, PA. Christkindlmarkt offers a unique holiday shopping experience with over a dozen crafters, artisan and retailers – such as crowd favorite, Käthe Wohlfahrt, who offers handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles straight from Germany!

In addition to holiday shopping, Christkindlmarkt offers hands-on holiday-themed craft making, fun for the entire family. Afterward, enjoy Season’s Eating such as warm strudel, piping hot poutine, potato pancakes and more including holiday beverages! You can even meet St. Nicholas, arriving all the way from the North Pole.

Single-day tickets are available here. Tickets range from $11 to $15 for the general public. For children ages five and under admission is free. For ArtsQuest Members and Circle Donors, with valid membership cards, admission is free. And once again, admission is free for the general public on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Christmas City Combo tickets are on sale now, priced at $31.50. This ticket includes admission to Christkindlmarkt on a day of your choosing and a visit to all three stops on the Trees of Historic Bethlehem Tour. You can purchase the Christmas City Combo tickets here!

“Univest Financial is excited to again serve as presenting sponsor of this favorite annual tradition loved by people in the Lehigh Valley and beyond,” said Betsy Roush, Community Relations Manager, Univest Financial. “Not only does Christkindlmarkt bring the community together for festive fun, it also provides impactful support to local artisans and small businesses. Univest is proud to partner with ArtsQuest as part of our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve.”

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! An ‘Old Fashioned’ Christmas will take place on December 7 and 8 at 1 p.m. and on December 14 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Ticketholders will get four different Old Fashioneds to sample using spirits from the Edrington portfolio. An ‘Old Fashioned’ Christmas ticket gets you admission into Christkindlmarkt, a full old-fashioned cocktail from one of the Christkindlmarkt bars and food from Levy Restaurant Executive Chef Julie Marble.

Christkindlmarkt will open Fridays through Sundays for its first three weeks and then expand to Thursdays through Sundays. This year we’ve added an EXTRA WEEKEND of holiday fun with the holiday market starting on the weekend of November 15 and ending the weekend before Christmas. The hours of operation are Thursdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

In addition to Christkindlmarkt, the Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital is set to open on Friday, November 22 and is open until January 5. Tickets can be purchases at https://www.steelstacks.org/icerink/.

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.     

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. SWEEPSTAKES OPEN ONLY TO PERMANENT LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES, WHO ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. How to Enter. No purchase necessary. To enter the Sweepstakes complete the online form at https://fest.formstack.com/forms/christkindlmarkt_family4pack_2024 by 11:59PM on Sunday, December 15, 2024 or send your first and last name, full mailing address, and phone number on a 3×5 index card with the words Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem “Family 4-Pack” Sweepstakes in a #10 envelope addressed to: ArtsQuest / Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem “Family 4-Pack” Sweepstakes ATTN: Social Media Coordinator: Hannah Cummings, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015. All mail-in entries must be post-marked by December 14, 2024 and received no later than December 14, 2024. Limit one (1) entry per person. All eligible entries have an equal chance of winning, regardless of method of entry. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted. No mechanically reproduced entries, alterations, facsimiles or forged entries. All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Univest Financial (“Sponsor”) and ArtsQuest (“Promotional Partner”), and receipt of entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, postage due, technically corrupted or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic. Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor or Promotional Partner.

2. Eligibility. Participation open only to permanent legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age at time of entry. Officers, directors, and employees of Sponsor and Promotional Partner, members of these persons’ immediate families (spouses, parents, children, and siblings, and their spouses regardless of where they reside), and persons living in the same households as these persons (whether or not related thereto) are not eligible to enter or win the Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

3. Random Drawing/Odds. Six (6) “Grand Prize” winners will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries. One drawing will take place on or about each of these dates: November 11, 2024; November 18, 2024; November 25, 2024; December 2, 2024; December 9, 2024 and December 16, 2024. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries (both online and eligible write-in entries). By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules, including the release and waiver of liability contained herein, and the decisions of the judges, Sponsor and Promotional Partner, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

4. Prizes. Six (6) grand prizes (“Grand Prize”). Each “Grand Prize” winner receives four (4) general admission tickets to Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem and one (1) $50 VISA gift card. Total approximate retail value (ARV) of the “grand prize” package is $90.00. Prizes are non-transferable. No substitutions or cash redemptions. In the case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize or portion thereof of equal or greater value. All federal, state and local taxes, meals, gratuities, travel upgrades, incidentals, fees, service charges, surcharges, insurance costs or other unspecified costs or expenses associated with use of the prize are the sole responsibility of winner and/or his or her travel companion. Prize may be subject to restrictions imposed by prize sponsors.

5. Notification. Winner will be notified by E-mail or phone on or about the day following the Drawing and will be required to sign and return, where legal, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release within seven (7) days of prize notification. If winner cannot be contacted within three (3) calendar days of first notification attempt, if any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, if any winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Sweepstakes Official Rules, such prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected from all remaining eligible entries. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given. Limit one winner and one prize. Winner must pick up “Grand Prize” at the Banana Factory, 25 W 3^rd St Bethlehem, PA.

6. Conditions; Waiver and Release. All federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Participation in Sweepstakes and acceptance of prize constitutes winner’s acknowledgement and acceptance of the Official Rules and winner’s permission for Sponsor to use his/her name, address (city and state), likeness, photograph, picture, portrait, voice, biographical information and/or any statements made by each winner regarding the Sweepstakes or Sponsor for advertising and promotional purposes without notice or additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. Prize awarded “as is” without any representation or warranty by Sponsor. Winner assumes all risks associated with use of the prize and participation in prize-related activities. Sponsor is not responsible if any scheduled event is delayed, postponed, or canceled for any reason. Accommodations subject to availability. Winner is solely responsible for observing and abiding by prize sponsors’ rules and regulations or terms and conditions for use of prize. By participating, entrants and winner agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and Promotional Partner and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors, from any and all liability, loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death arising from, relating to, or which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel, or participation in the Sweepstakes, possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize, or preparation for, travel to or from, and participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity, and for any claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy. Each entrant hereby agrees to indemnify Sponsor against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorney fees) arising out of or resulting from and breach by entrant of these Official Rules. Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or who attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, shall be disqualified.

7. Additional Terms. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should Sponsor determine, in its sole discretion, that fraud, mistake, or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In such case, Sponsor will select the winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. The Sweepstakes and these Official Rules will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. Unless expressly prohibited by governing law, entrants agree that any and all disputes, claims or causes of action in connection with this Sweepstakes shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action. Any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred, but in no event and under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to claim or obtain indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or any other damages other than actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses. Valid email address required in order to win. By completing the sweepstakes entry form, you are agreeing to the official sweepstakes rules and the terms of our privacy policy. You will be registered to receive email notices from ArtsQuest, as well as Univest Financial. Our goal is to provide you with important, valuable and timely updates about upcoming events and promotions. We will not sell your personal information. Also, you have the opportunity to unsubscribe at any time.

8. List of Winner. To obtain the name of the winning individual, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by December 15, 2024 to: Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem “Family 4-Pack” Sweepstakes Winner, ATTN: Social Media Coordinator: Hannah Cummings, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

9. Sponsor: Univest Financial

10. Promotional Partner: ArtsQuest

Beautiful Blue Skies for the 14^th Annual Oktoberfest!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., October 16, 2024 – This year’s Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) was met with a warm welcome from Mother Nature with clear skies and beautiful weather for both weekends of the festival.

Oktoberfest 2024 welcomed approximately 48,000 attendees during the two-weekend festival, an increase from last year’s attendance of 38,500. Patrons of all ages enjoyed the traditional German faire, four biergartens with 38 varieties of lagers, ales, IPAs and more for the 21+ crowd to enjoy in their mugs, competing in games like Kong Pong and the first ever Human Foosball Tournament, listening to live traditional and rock music and more.

“It’s hard to believe Oktoberfest has already come and gone, and with the help of Mother Nature, it was a fantastic two weekends of Oktoberfestivities!” says ArtsQuest President and CEO, Kassie Hilgert. “We introduced some tremendous new programming this year with the Bratwurst Toss, the Human Foosball Tournament and the Yuengling Beer Dinner along with crowd favorites like the Wiener dog races and Steinholding competitions.”

Competition Results

The stands at the Wiener dog races and parade were filled to capacity and with a big screen TV located outside the arena, everyone had an opportunity to watch the action! There were 10 races and over 140 puppy participants over the two Oktoberfest weekends.

The Bratwurst Eating Competition welcomed four competitors that ate as many brats as they could, but it was Bryant Grimm who won with 10 bratwursts in 6 minutes and 21 seconds!

Rob Meyers of Eight-Legged Brewing’s Pumpkin Funnel Cake won Best Homebrew at the Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild Brewers’ Village.

There were close to 1,183 participants at this year’s Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k in partnership with Run Lehigh Valley; Human Foosball welcomed 10 teams and 27 individuals competed in the Pennsylvania State Stein Hoisting Championship in partnership with the U.S. Stein Hoisting Association.

Pennsylvania State Stein Hoisting winners are:

Women’s Competition:

Jill Matthews – Bethlehem Oktoberfest – 3:52

Rebecca Hokiem – Groove Brewing – 3:35

Shareen Bachma – Yergey Brewing – 3:12

Men’s Competition:

James Thompson – Rural City Beer Co. – 13:57

Jeff Wishmyer – Market Cross Pub & Brewery – 12:01

Kevin Oliver – Groove Brewing – 11:00

Food and Fun

When it came to beer and spirits, Oktoberfest did not disappoint. Not only was food and beverage revenue up by 68% compared to 2023, but there were also fabulous tasting opportunities, like A Taste of Austria and the Yuengling Beer Dinner. A Taste of Austria, partnered with Levy Restaurants and Easton-based Imported Enrichment, provided a four-course tasting cuisine along with liquor and wine imported directly from Austria. The first Yuengling Beer Dinner provided a four-course tasting cuisine with 6oz pours of four different Yuengling beers.

Festivalgoers enjoyed live performances from 53 bands during both Oktoberfest weekends. Fan favorites included Polkadelphia, The Wonton Soups, Life After Dead: Grateful Dead Tribute and Almrausch Altoona Schuplattlers.

Aside from Karl Ehmer Quality Meats (crowd favorite), MMG Concessions, Heaven on a Bun, Food Stuff, Heidi’s Strudel, Bacon on a Stick, The Taste Smokers, Take a Taco, Island Expressions and Dinky’s Ice Cream kept everyone well fed in between all the festivities and competitions.

“This year was a huge success!” says Director of Festival and Event Operations, Eric Bauder. “Thank you to the community for coming out and supporting to make this year’s Oktoberfest truly brew-tiful.”

Get Ready to Feast at The Lehigh Valley Vegan s’MAC Down!

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., October 10, 2024 – ArtsQuest and Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley are excited to announce the return of the Lehigh Valley Vegan s’MAC Down on Sunday Nov. 10 in the Musikfest Café in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. This contest will determine who has the best vegan mac and cheese in the region!

Current Judge’s Choice champion Aman’s Artisan Indian Cuisine is back to defend their title – come see who has what it takes to s’MAC ’em down.

“I’m thrilled for the 2024 Lehigh Valley s’MAC Down,” said Hilari Stahler from Lehigh Valley Vegan and Co-founder of the s’MAC Down. “This year, we have several chefs returning who were part of the very first s’MAC Down in 2017, when it was held in my church basement. It’s truly empowering to see how this simple dish continues to bring our community together. Everyone looks forward to the chefs’ creative spins on this humble classic, and I can’t wait to see what they cook up this year!”

Tickets are available now on the SteelStacks website. General admission tickets include unlimited vegan mac and cheese samples (while supplies last), the ability to vote for their favorite mac and cheese and access to vendors selling delicious vegan desserts. VIP access tickets include the above with access to the event one full hour before general admission, as well as a drink ticket and a special gift.

Doors open for VIP ticket holders at 1 p.m. and general admission is at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are below:

ArtsQuest members and non-members can upgrade their s’MAC Down experience by purchasing VIP tickets! VIP Admission tickets are $39 for ArtsQuest members and $44 for non-members. General admission is $19 for ArtsQuest members and $24 for non-members. Children (12 and under) tickets are priced at $10. Tickets will increase by $5 by the week of the event. A limited number of children’s (12 and under) tickets are available. Children under the age of two are admitted free.

“ArtsQuest is excited to bring back the s’MAC Down for another year of cheezy deliciousness. We particularly like that this event is enjoyed by both vegans who often struggle to find food events they can participate in and non-vegans who know just how amazing plant-based mac and cheese can be,” commented Ryan Hill, Senior Director of Programming. “If you’re stuck for options for your vegan family members this Thanksgiving, come to the s’MAC Down and be inspired!”

You can purchase tickets now here!

In need of a good laugh? Great news, ArtsQuest has plenty of standup comedy shows coming up before the New Year! Check out who is coming and when down below! Grab your tickets fast because these shows are selling quickly. Don’t miss your chance to witness a hilarious standup!

Joe Pera: The PERAs Tour | October 23rd & 24th

Not just one night, but TWO nights of fun and laughter with the incredible Joe Pera! He has been featured on Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Comedy Central performing his subdued standup!

Laura Merli & Freddy G: The Awkward Route Tour | October 25th

Instead of feeling awkward that you don’t have plans on a Friday, come down to the SteelStacks to catch a laugh or two from Laura Merli and Freddy G. These NYC based comedians will be sure to bring the fun!

Pinky Patel #isaidwhatisaidtour | November 1st

From PTA mom, to going viral in her glam cave, Pinky Patel will have you laughing so hard your stomach hurts. Catch her hilarious videos on Tik Tok and grab your tickets for a night of fantastic standup! Pssst…her show even has VIP options to purchase!

« May 2025 »

« June 2025 »

« July 2025 »

« August 2025 »

« September 2025 »

« October 2025 »

Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial Sees the Big Screen and Is Nominated for USA TODAY’s Best Holiday Market!

The Groove Merchants & Trouble City All-Stars Present: 4th Annual Lehigh Valley Turkey Jam

Jimmy and the Parrots: A Parrot Holiday Party!

Top of the World: A Carpenters Christmas Show

Scythian: The Ugly Christmas Sweater Show

The Beautiful Distortion: A Holiday Rock Show

Enjoy the Sparkle of the Holiday Season with a Membership to ArtsQuest

By Francesca Malozi, Marketing Coordinator

5 Minutes With Tyler Trumbauer, Manager of Marketing & Communications for Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection

By Kimberly Koehler, Sponsorship Specialist

Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle with this ‘Can’t Miss’ Holiday Season at SteelStacks!

By Bryn E. Keeney, Public Relations Coordinator

You Snow the Drill! Get in the Holiday Spirit with Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial

This year, shop and celebrate with an EXTRA weekend!

Beautiful Blue Skies for the 14^th Annual Oktoberfest!

Get Ready to Feast at The Lehigh Valley Vegan s’MAC Down!

In need of a good laugh? Great news, ArtsQuest has plenty of standup comedy shows coming up before the New Year! Check out who is coming and when down below! Grab your tickets fast because these shows are selling quickly. Don’t miss your chance to witness a hilarious standup!

Joe Pera: The PERAs Tour | October 23rd & 24th

Laura Merli & Freddy G: The Awkward Route Tour | October 25th

Pinky Patel #isaidwhatisaidtour | November 1st

Rene Vaca | November 10th

Chloe Radcliffe | November 16th

Out of Towners with Kirk Griffiths and Friends | November 22nd

Joyelle Nicole Johnson | November 23rd

Chris Franjola | December 5th

Gary Gulman | December 12th

« May 2025 »

« June 2025 »

« July 2025 »

« August 2025 »

« September 2025 »

« October 2025 »

Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial Sees the Big Screen and Is Nominated for USA TODAY’s Best Holiday Market!

Enjoy the Sparkle of the Holiday Season with a Membership to ArtsQuest

By Francesca Malozi, Marketing Coordinator

5 Minutes With Tyler Trumbauer, Manager of Marketing & Communications for Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection

By Kimberly Koehler, Sponsorship Specialist

Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle with this ‘Can’t Miss’ Holiday Season at SteelStacks!

By Bryn E. Keeney, Public Relations Coordinator

You Snow the Drill! Get in the Holiday Spirit with Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial

This year, shop and celebrate with an EXTRA weekend!

Beautiful Blue Skies for the 14th Annual Oktoberfest!

Get Ready to Feast at The Lehigh Valley Vegan s’MAC Down!

In need of a good laugh? Great news, ArtsQuest has plenty of standup comedy shows coming up before the New Year! Check out who is coming and when down below! Grab your tickets fast because these shows are selling quickly. Don’t miss your chance to witness a hilarious standup!

Beautiful Blue Skies for the 14^th Annual Oktoberfest!