10 Things to do in the Lehigh Valley this August
As a kid, August used to feel like one long Sunday as we watched the days grow shorter and the first day of school draw nearer. Now, however, we’re adults, meaning there are a host of family-friendly activities and date night excursions awaiting us all month long.
Paddle the Poconos with Whitewater Moonlight Rafting
Accompanied by a professional river guide, travel down eight miles of the Lehigh River on a raft illuminated by glow sticks and the moon. After your trip, return to shore for a glass of wine and cheese and crackers. Visit poconowhitewater.com/moonlight-rafting for more details.
See a Show and Refill Your Musikfest Mug
August 5 to 14
Bethlehem’s biggest music festival returns to the north and south sides of downtown with 500 free performances and main stage stars like Don Henley, Boston, The Avett Brothers, and X Ambassadors. The 10-day festival also includes comedy shows, dance performances, and local food and craft vendors. Visit musikfest.org for more details.
Find Out What Vegans Eat at VegFest
August 20 • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The sixth annual VegFest that drew nearly 10,000 attendees last year is coming back to south Bethlehem’s greenway with plant-based treats in tow. The festival, which offers samplings of vegan cuisine, local produce taste-testing, and live music, offers an accessible – and delicious – glimpse into vegan food and lifestyles for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. Visit downtownbethlehemassociation.com/events/vegfest for more details.
Check Out the Cheese & Garlic Festival
August 23 • 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Amid the famous cheese rolling event and live music, you’ll find garlic and cheeses from vendors like Clover Creek Cheese Cellar, Keystone Farms Cheese, and Garlic Spot; food from Papa’s Kettle Korn and Taste Artisanal Market; wine from Sand Castle Winery and Blue Mountain Vineyards; and craft vendors proffering everything from jewelry to handbags. Visit bcmountainresort.com/features/422-cheese-garlic-festival for more details.
Hop Up to Blue Mountain’s Beer Fest (21+)
August 27 • 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Beer aficionados, your time is now. Grab your partner – and a designated driver – and head to this festival that offers an unlimited sampling of 100 different brews, bourbon tasting, and BBQ goodies. There will also be live music and artisan craft vendors, but, again: an unlimited sampling of 100
different brews. Visit skibluemt.com/upcoming-events/beer-fest for more details.
Attend 3rd & Ferry Fish Market’s Clam Jam
August 28 • 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The dukes are up at this shellfish festival with a clam chowder cook-off and homebrewing competition that will declare which chef and budding brewmaster scores bragging rights. There’s also an oyster and Weyerbacher beer tasting, cocktail and cigar lounge, and a classic clambake to be found at the jam. The family-friendly event features a kiddie zone with pony rides, face painting, and even karate demonstrations and lessons. Visit thirdandferry.com/clam-jam-festival.html for more details.
… All ’fested out? Try a local outing instead
Have a Conversation on the Canal
Bethlehem Steel Dinner Cruise:
August 13 • 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sipping Bucks County’s Finest Wine:
August 27 • 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Be sure to make a reservation for these Conversations on the Canal, enlightening voyages down the river. First up is the “Bethlehem Steel Dinner Cruise,” where Martha Capwell Fox, the National Canal Museum archivist, will tell the story about the rise and demise of the Lehigh Valley’s former steel titan. Then it’s happy hour with Sand Castle Winery owner Joe Maxian, who will introduce passengers to his finest wines during “Sipping Bucks County’s Finest Wine.” Food pairings for each wine selection will be provided. Visit canals.org for more details.
Experience Jacobsburg on Horseback
You’ve walked the relaxing state park trails on foot, but why not take a load off and experience nature on the back of a horse for a guided ride? Enjoy an hour-long trail ride in the woods atop a gentle and well-mannered horse in a small, semi-private guided group of 2-6 people. Visit jacobsburgtrailrides.com for more details.
Catch an IronPigs Game
Watch the area’s favorite minor league baseball team play a home game at the award-winning Coca-Cola Park, which offers a host of savory goodies like fried funnel cake bacon, signature hot dogs, and even a gluten-free food stand. Visit ironpigsbaseball.com for more details.
Take a Free Family Tour of the Allentown Art Museum
Sundays • 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Allentown Art Museum houses more than 17,000 works of art. In addition to permanent collections, current exhibitions include Our Strength is Our People: The Humanist Photographs of Lewis Hine, a photographer who hoped to combat xenophobia by taking pictures of immigrants at Ellis Island, and Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art, a diverse sampling of work by 71 contemporary Latino artists curated by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Visit allentownartmuseum.org for more details.
