Things to do in the Lehigh Valley for free this summer (2024)

The kids are out of school, and pretty soon they’ll utter the phrase parents are all too familiar with: “I’m bored.”

Keeping them occupied, however, shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. From summer concerts to movies in the park, here is a list of free things to do in the Lehigh Valley and beyond this summer.

FESTIVALS

Sabor Latin Festival: ArtsQuest’s celebration of the region’s Latino culture June 28-30 with music, food and family events, including concerts, arts and crafts, children’s activities, Latin dance presentations and more. steelstacks.org.

Blues, Brews & Barbecue: noon-10 p.m. June 22, 500-800 blocks of Hamilton Street, Seventh Street North & South, Allentown. Music, food, domestic and craft beers, co*cktails, more. downtownallentown.com/blues-brews-barbecue

One Earth ReggaeFest: July 6, SteelStacks, Bethlehem. Day-long festival featuring eclectic vendors, authentic Jamaican food and more. steelstacks.org.

Easton Heritage Day: On July 7 Easton celebrates the reading of Declaration of Independence in Centre Square in 1776 with a family festival that showcases local history, offers activities for kids, and concludes with fireworks over the Forks of the Delaware. heritageday.org.

Blast Furnace Blues: Blast Furnace Blues Festival returns to ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks campus July 19-20 featuring two days of live music.

Musikfest: ArtsQuest’s 10-day festival returns Aug. 2-11 with hundreds of performances and activities for adults and children in downtown Bethlehem and at SteelStacks on the South Side. Most music and activities are free, but tickets are required for headliners such as Greta Van Fleet, Sugar Ray and Tonic, Shinedown, Jowell & Randy, Old Dominion, more. musikfest.org, 610-332-FEST.

Allentown Fair: Aug. 28-Sept. 2. While there is an $10 admission price for adults and amusem*nt rides are extra, kids 12 and under get in free every day and everyone gets in free noon-2 p.m. Aug. 29-30. allentownfair.com

Martin on Main: noon-7 p.m. July 27, The Circle and South Main Street to Belvidere Street, Nazareth. Live music, food vendors, beer and wine, artisan and craft vendors.

Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival: Sept. 27-29, Historic Downtown Bethlehem. celticfest.org.

MOVIES

Sensory-Friendly Family Movie Series: Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The theater’s house lights are dimmed, the film volume is lowered and previews eliminated to provide a comfortable viewing experience for families with children with special needs. Films begin at 1:30 p.m. Mary Poppins,” June 12; “Elemental,” June 19; “Toy Story 2,” June 26; “Tangled,” July 3; “Lilo & Stitch,” July 17; “The Incredibles” (20th Anniversary), July 24; “Wonka,” Aug. 21.

Bethlehem: Movies begin at sundown. “The Super Mario Bros, Movie,” June 12, Elmwood Park; “Coco,” June 25, Fairview Park; “Encanto” July 18, Yosko Park; “Moana” July 30, L.G. Stewart Park.

Forks Township: Movies begin at dusk at the township amphitheater, 500 Zucksville Road. “Camp HideOut,” June 29; “Arthur the King,” July 12.

Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Free Family Movie Series, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Movies begin at 6:30 p.m. “Mary Poppins,” June 12; “Elemental,” June 19; “Toy Story 2,” June 26; “Tangled,” July 3; “Lilo & Stitch,” July 17; “The Incredibles” (20th Anniversary), July 24; “Wonka,” Aug. 21.

MUSIC

Upper Saucon Township, Hopewell Park, 4695 W. Hopewell Road, Center Valley, 6:30-8 p.m. Steel Creek Band, June 21; TimeWhys, June 28; The Weekenders, July 19; One Way Back, July 26; Craig Thatcher & Nyk Van Wyk, Aug. 16.

Alburtis Park, 328 S. Main St., 2-6 p.m. unless noted.Rehrig Brothers Band, June 16; Banned From the Ranch, June 23; Jesse Wade, June 30; North of Nashville, July 7; Last One Standing, July 14; Midnight Special, July 21; Honky Tonk Deluxe, July 28; Joe Holler & Real Country, Aug. 4; Steel Creek Band, Aug. 11; Steve Ritter & Waitin’ on Sundown , Aug. 18; Banned From the Ranch, Aug. 25; Bakersfield, Sept. 1; Majestics, Sept. 2

Allentown, West Park, 16th and Turner streets, 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Marine Band, June 7; Pioneer Band Children’s Concert featuring Disney music, June 9; Allentown Band Flag Day Concert, 7 p.m. June 14; Municipal Band, June 16; Royalaires, June 21; Pioneer Band Tony Award Winning Music Concert, June 23; Allentown Band Sousa Concert, June 28; Italian-American Band, June 30; Municipal Band, July 5; Pioneer Band Patriotic featuring Salute to Veterans Concert, July 7; Royalaires, July 12; Municipal Band, July 14; Marine Band, July 21; Macungie Band, July 28; Allentown Band, Aug. 4; Royalaires, Aug. 9; Municipal Band, Aug. 11; Pioneer Band Pop’s Concert, Aug.18; Royalaires, Sept. 6; Allentown Band Salute to Bert Meyers Concert, 3 p.m. Sept. 8; Allentown Band Art-in-the-Park Concert,1:30 p.m. Sept. 14; Marine Band Ray Becker Concert, 3 p.m. Sept. 15.

Bethlehem Sculpture Garden, East of City Hall, 10 E. Church St., 6-7:30 p.m. A Few Good Men, June 7; Big Valley Blue Grass, June 14; Bakithi Kumalo and Friends, June 21; Herencia Jibara, June 28.

Bethlehem Live in the Garden, Rose Garden, Union Boulevard, 6-8:30 p.m. Wyatt Dividick & The George HraBand, June 8; Small Mess & Slingshot Dakota, June 15; Real Wet & Brother JT, June 22

Behtlehem Rose Garden Park, Wyatt Dividick/The George Hra Band, 6-8:30 p.m., June 8; Dave Neith Orchestra, 7-8:30 p.m. June 9; Small Mess/Slingshot Dakota, 6-8:30 p.m. June 15; American Legion Band, 7-8:30 p.m. June 16; Real West/Brother JT, 6-8:30 p.m. June 22; Dave Neith Orchestra, 7-8:30 p.m. June 23; Bethlehem Municipal Band, 7-8:30 p.m. June 30; American Legion Band, 7-8:30 p.m. July 5; Dave Neith Orchestra, 7-8:30 p.m. July 7; Bethlehem Municipal Band,7-8:30 p.m. July 14; Dave Neith Orchestra, 7-8:30 p.m. July 21; Bethlehem Municipal Band, 7-8:30 p.m. July 28; Dave Neith Orchestra, 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 2; American Legion Band, 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 4; Bethlehem Municipal Band, 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 11; Dave Neith Orchestra, 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 18; Bethlehem Municipal Band, 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 23; American Legion Band, 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 25; Bethlehem Municipal Band, 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 1; American Legion Band, 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 8

Catasauqua Park Amphitheater, 501 American St., 7-10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Common Bond, June 7; The Benny Band, June 14; The Main Street Cruisers, 6-9 p.m., June 15; Reservoir Hill, June 21; Trick Stacy, June 28; Pioneer Band of Allentown, 7-8 p.m., June 29;

Brake for Turtles, July 5; The John Cannova Band, July 12; Youth music/magician, July 13; Boondock Barons, July 19; Smith Compound Band, July 26; Melody Cruz and The Keystones, Aug. 2; The Wonton Soups, Aug. 9; Toga Party Band, Aug. 16; Robbie Lawrence & The Steelworkers, 6-9 p.m. Aug. 17; Girl Crue, Aug. 23; Hunkajunk, Aug. 30.

Emmaus, Community Park Arts Pavilion, 1401 Shimerville Road, 6-8 p.m. The Castaway Band, June 9; Band of Brothers, June 23; The Macungie Band, June 30; Timewhys, July 7; James Supra/Sara Ayers Band, July 14; The Large Flowerheads, July 21; The Stacy Gabel Band, July 28; DMC Duo, Aug. 11; Tookany Creek Bluegrass Band, Aug. 18; Scott Marshall and The Highway Souls, Aug. 25; Swingtime Dolls, Sept. 1

Emmaus Triangle, 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 14: Dueling Pianos, June 14; Golden Twine, June 28; The Shaun Lally Band, July 12; Jay Lapp, July 26; Cathy Ritter, Aug. 9; The Audio Files, Aug. 23

Levitt Pavilion Steelstacks, 789 First St., Bethlehem, 7:30 p.m. unless noted. Lulada Club, June 7; The Vindys, June 8; Kaleta & Super Yamba Band, June 13; Brass Queens, June 14; The Quake Band, June 15; Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, June 20; Sounds of the Underground, June 21; Margo Cilker, June 22; Herencia Jibara, 8 p.m., June 27; Combo Melaza, 8 p.m., June 28; Pablo Batista & Hector Rosado with special guest vocalist Luisito Rosario, 8 p.m., June 29; The Allentown Band, July 4; Bandits on the Run, July 5; Long Beach Dub Allstars, 8:30 p.m., July 6; Stella Ruze, July 11; A Night of Sinatra with Rich DiMare & The Ron Poster Trio, July 12; Jordan St. Cyr, July 13; Happy Landing, July 18; Harlem Gospel Travelers, July 19; Eric Lindell, July 20; Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, July 25; Levitt National Tour presents The War and Treaty, July 26; Chance Emerson, July 27; The McCharmlys, Aug.16; Patty PerShayla and the Mayhaps, Aug.17; BettySoo, Aug. 22; Emily Wolfe, Aug. 23; Gina Chavez, Aug. 24; Skerryvore, Aug. 29; Adrian & Meredith, Aug. 30; Absolute Adele w/ Jennifer Cella, Aug. 31; Gable Price and Friends, Sept.1; Los Texmaniacs, Sept. 5; ARKAI, Sept. 6; Anthem: A Tribute to Rush, Sept. 7; Jenny & the Mexicats, Sept.12; Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Sept.13; The Aardvarks, Sept.14.

Morris J. Dimmick Park, 570 Durham St., Hellertown, 6-8 p.m. Billy Bauer Band, June 23; Home, July 14; Tequila Rose Band, Aug. 25.

Palmerton Borough Park, Delaware Avenue, 7 p.m. South Penn Dixie, June 9; Joey and the T-Birds, June 16; The Castaway Band, June 23; Galena Brass, June 30; Palmerton Band, July 7; Band of Brothers, July 14; Steel Creek, July 21; The PA Villagers, July 28; Hazleton Band, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 4; The Mudflaps, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 11; Palmerton Band, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 18.

TRAILS AND LINEAR PARKS

Get Your Tail on the Trail Health & Heritage Walks:

4 Miles for Health: 9 a.m. June 22, D&L Slatington Trailhead. This nearly 4-mile trek will be an out-and-back hike from Slatington to Lehigh Gap. Rain or shine. Register: https://tailonthetrail.org/events/4-miles-for-health/

D&L Trail Talk & Trek Full Day Hike: 9 a.m. June 29, D&L Mountain Top Trailhead. Walk 9.4 miles of open and unimproved D&L Trail with DLNHC’s Director of Trails & Conservation. This out-and-back hike will traverse a section of historic railbed that is set to undergo construction in the near future to develop an improved trail section. This is an all-day hike set at the pace of the slowest group member – only consider this hike if you are comfortable walking 10 miles with a slight grade. Bring sturdy footwear, layered clothing, rain gear, lunch and snacks, and 1.5L of water. We will break for lunch along the trail and take minor breaks as needed. There is no seating along the trail, if you are uncomfortable sitting on the ground during breaks, bring a chair that you can easily carry for 10 miles. Register: https://tailonthetrail.org/events/dl-trail-talk-trek-full-day-hike/

HMP History Hike: Industry & Iron Walk: 1 p.m. July 7, Hugh Moore Park, Easton. Discover Hugh Moore Park’s fascinating past while exploring its industrial ruins. Participants will learn about the Lucy Furnace and Glendon Iron Works, the Abbott Street industrial complex, and telegraph communications. While here, add a visit to the museum and a ride on our mule drawn canal boat to complete your visit. Register: https://tailonthetrail.org/events/hmp-history-hike-industry-iron-walk/

5 Miles for Health: 9 a.m. July 20, Ironton Rail Trail. Join a group of like-minded individuals who want to get out on the trail, meet some new people, and get moving. The former Ironton Railroad, which serviced many Iron and Cement companies, has been transformed into a multi-use, historic, year – round recreational resource for local residents and visitors. Guided walk past historic sites on this paved 5.3-mile loop. Rain or shine. Register: https://tailonthetrail.org/events/5-miles-for-health/

D&L Trail Talk and Bike: Forks of the Delaware to WY-HIT-TUK, 9 a.m. July 27, D&L Forks of Delaware Trailhead. Bike a section of newly repaired D&L Trail in the Delaware Canal Region with the DLNHC’s Director of Trails & Conservation. Learn about the devastation major storms, like Tropical Storm Ida in 2021, can have on the trail and historic structures like the Delaware Canal. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. 6.7 miles round trip. Rain or shine. Register: https://tailonthetrail.org/events/dl-trail-talk-and-bike-forks-of-the-delaware-to-wy-a-tuk/

HMP History Walk: Waterways Walk: 1 p.m. Aug. 4, Hugh Moore Park, Easton. Discover Hugh Moore Park’s fascinating past along the Lehigh River and Canal, highlighting how it helped spur America’s Industrial Revolution. Participants will learn about the park’s flora and fauna, the locktender’s house, and Island Park. While here, add a visit to the museum and a ride on our mule drawn canal boat to complete your visit. Register: https://tailonthetrail.org/events/hmp-history-hike-waterways-walk-2/

The History of Bushkill Park: noon, Aug. 18, rain date, Aug. 25, Bushkill Park. Walk around Bushkill Park and listen to a history lesson surrounding the building of the park, the flooding, the building, the flooding, and now the slow rebuild once again. Admission to the park is not part of this walk. Register: https://tailonthetrail.org/events/the-history-of-bushkill-park-2

HMP History Hike: Industry & Iron Walk, 1 p.m. Sept. 1, Hugh Moore Park, Easton. Discover Hugh Moore Park’s fascinating past while exploring its industrial ruins. Participants will learn about the Lucy Furnace and Glendon Iron Works, the Abbott Street industrial complex, and telegraph communications. While here, add a visit to the museum and a ride on our mule drawn canal boat to complete your visit. Register: https://tailonthetrail.org/events/hmp-history-hike-industry-iron-walk-2/

Southside Bethlehem Urban Arts Trail: The Urban Arts Trail is a 2.75 mile experience that sprawls across Bethlehem’s SouthSide Downtown business district. The trail consists of a collection of art, including murals, sculptures, mosaics, and functional art structures. The self-guided tour can be completed in about two hours. https://southsideartsdistrict.com/urban-arts-trail

Monocacy Way Trail: Try this 4.5-mile loop trail near Bethlehem generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete. https://www.traillink.com/trail/monocacy-way/

South Bethlehem Greenway Linear Park follows a former Norfolk Southern rail line through the southern neighborhoods of Bethlehem. The paved pathway begins just north of Lehigh University and travels about 2 miles east and south to end just outside of Saucon Park. https://www.traillink.com/trail/south-bethlehem-greenway/

South Mountain Park: Walk the trails on Mountain Drive in the backyard of Lehigh University and check out the 1.2-mile loop trail considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, trail running, and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/south-mountain-park-loop

Karl Stirner Arts Trail located in Easton, the 1.75-mile Karl Stirner Arts Trail winds along the Bushkill Creek, connecting the old Simon Silk Mill on 13th Street to Third Street at the base of the stone stairs linking Lafayette College’s main campus and arts campus. This sculpture park and recreational trail is named for an Easton sculptor who spent 25 years promoting the city as a major art destination. https://www.karlstirnerartstrail.org/

ART GALLERIES AND MUSUEMS

Allentown Art Museum offers free admission 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sunday. 610-432-4333, allentownartmuseum.org.

Lock Ridge Park and Furnace Museum, 525 Franklin St. Alburtis. The centerpiece of the 59-acre park is the Lock Ridge Furnace. The museum, operated by the Lehigh County Historical Society, offers exhibits illustrating how iron was made over a hundred years ago. Numbered signs allow visitors to take a self-guided tour at any time. Guided tours are offered 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through September. 610-435-1074.

Haines Mill Museum, 3600 Haines Mill Road, Allentown. A grist mill that dates back to the U.S. colonial times. The mill uses water power to grind crop grains into flour. The original mill was built around 1760. The mill was reconstructed in 1909 after a fire gutted the interior of the building and operated until 1956. Tours are available 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through September. Call Lehigh County Historical Society at 610-435-4664

America On Wheels in Allentown offers free admission on weekends to children ages 12 and under (may be a charge during a special exhibit). americaonwheels.org

The Banana Factory, Bethlehem includes 30 studio artists, three galleries and multiple classrooms. Visitors can watch a glass blowing demonstration, tour the galleries and visit the gift shop. Special events on First Fridays. bananaactory.org.

C.F. Martin & Co. Guitar Factory and Museum, 510 Sycamore St., Nazareth. free to walk through the museum, however, we encourage visitors to offer a $5 donation to the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation. https://www.martinguitar.com/

Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts and the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem offer Free Sundays at the Museum 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 7 and Aug. 4. Explore different art techniques and mediums. historicbethlehem.org

Burnside Plantation, 1461 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, offers Saturdays at Burnside, 10 a.m.-noon July 6 and Aug. 3. Visitors will learn more about our “farm in the city” which has been a part of the Moravian community since 1748. Tour the Burnside House and barn and experience colonial cooking demonstrations in the Summer Kitchen. Crafts and interactive activities like storytime and hands-on history lessons. https://www.historicbethlehem.org/experiences/series/saturdays-at-burnside/

Lehigh Valley Passport to History will be hosting Passport to History Month a celebration of the sites, stories, and communities that bring Lehigh Valley history to life.Historic sites will open their doors in July with free admission, tours, activities and programs for all ages. Sites will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays in July. lvhistory.org

KIDS

Summer Reading Programs: Libraries in most cities and towns offer summer reading programs for children that encourage children to read and enjoy reading by offering rewards, celebrations and prizes.

The City of Bethlehem Recreation Bureau invites city youth to participate in free summer park program located in select parks in various geographic locations throughout the city. Games, arts and crafts, and special presentations by community businesses and organizations will be some of the activities offered in the program. Participating parks: Yosko Park, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, June 17-July 22; Fairview Park, 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, June 18-July 23; L.G. Stewart Park, 10 a.m.-noon, Wednesdays, June 12-July 17; L.G. Stewart Park, 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays, June 20-July 27. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by someone 14 or older from their household.

The city of Allentown’s Summer Playground Program runs 1-3:30 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, June 17-Aug. 8.The program is facilitated by the city’s Recreation Bureau and offers various recreational and playground activities for Allentown residents ages 7 to 15. Participating children also receive free lunch, which is available Tuesdays through Fridays.Participates are invited to an end of season ‘Romper Day Celebration’ 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at J. Birney Crum Stadium.Registration for the Summer Playground Program can be done on-site, but pre-registration is strongly recommended. www.allentownparksandrec.com

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

Hoover-Mason Trestle, once used as a narrow gauge railroad to carry the co*ke, limestone and iron ore needed to make the iron from the ore yards to the blast furnace is now a public walkway designed to be part-museum, part-community recreation resource and part-attraction. Located along the blast furnaces at SteelStacks with one entrance at the Visitor Center an another at either end of the Gas Blowing Engine House providing access from the Sands parking lot or PBS 39 end of the campus. The trestle is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.-Wed. and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. steelstacks.org/about/venues-at-steelstacks/hoover-mason-trestle.

Take a walk in Trexler Park, Lehigh Parkway or Cedar Beach Park, all located in Allentown. Hike in Jacobsburg State Park or discover nature during a walk along the Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem from Illick’s Mill Road to Sand Island. Travel the Delaware and Lehigh Corrider to Allentown or Easton and experience the history of the Lehigh Canal. Take a walk on the South Bethlehem Greenway and enjoy Bethlehem’s Southside Arts District.

Burnside Plantation, Bethlehem. Stroll the 6.5-acre plantation and enjoy the historic gardens, open from dawn till dusk. Situated along the Monocacy Creek, the property contains the 18th and 19th-century farmhouse and summer kitchen, a large garden, two barns, and other outbuildings. Burnside is home to one of the few high horse powered wheels in the country.

Trexler Nature Preserve, 5150 Game Preserve Road., Schnecksville. The preserve offers various recreational activities including hiking, walking, jogging, mountain bike riding, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing. This 18-mile network of trails includes the 8.5-mile Trexler Border trail which is popular for horseback riding. The well-stocked Jordan Creek is also a popular spot for fishermen. Hours are sunrise to sunset. lehighcounty.org

The Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour showcases seven of the 200 remaining covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania. Five of the bridges are still open for traffic and the tour stretches over 50 miles. There are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or hike. The route is marked with red signs on the side of the road. Download a brochure at https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/things-to-do/tours/covered-bridge-tour/

Li’l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery, 2901 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown. Park signage throughout the grounds can be used for self-guided tours. Open 7 a.m. to dusk daily. 610-437-7656.