Laini’s List of Things to Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley – June 22, 23, 24
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. Allentown Freak Out 2012
Friday, 6pm, Saturday, 3:30pm, Various venues, Allentown
It’s all things art at the Allentown Freak Out this weekend. This year boasts an impressive line-up of music, visual art, and other events such as fire-eating and belly dancing. The weekend starts off Friday evening with a fringe photo exhibit, fire “tasting”, and the final round of Lehigh Valley Art Wars where the 4 remaining artists will compete live for the champion title. Saturday is jam packed with lots to see and do, too. Take a look at the schedule on the website for all of the amazing things that are happening.
2. PBS 2nd Annual Microbrew Festival
Saturday, 2pm to 5pm, Coca-Cola Park, Allentown
It’s a beer lovers dream this Saturday at the 2nd Annual Microbrew Festival. Beer is as unique as wine from type to type and microbrews often offer a wonderful variety of flavors that you can’t get at just any distributor. Anyone who enjoys a microbrew or has tried to make their own beer before knows that there is a certain skill, art, and science, to making that perfect brew. With nearly 30 craft brewers on site for the festival you will certainly find your new favorite and will develop a real appreciation for the drink.
3. June Bug Jamboree
Saturday, 9am to 1pm, Centre Square, Easton
Everybody loves bugs! OK, well maybe not everyone, but I’m sure there are plenty of kids out there that do and would have a blast at the June Bug Jamboree! If you have a little entomologist living in your house, then this would be a great chance for he or she to check out some really cool insects (and not bring them into the house). Kids will also be able to create the own wings, antennae, and enjoy the Lady Bug Tea Party.
4. Katie’s Pick – Lobster Week at The Grille
Through Sunday, Restaurant hours, 101 Doe Mountain Lane, Macungie
Seafood lovers will rejoice when they head to The Grille at Bear Creek this week. It’s everything lobster on the menu through this Sunday. Lobster, usually a more rare oceanic treat, will be featured in many dishes at The Grille. While most are used to the standard boil, this special highlights the many other delicious creations for the crustacean and would be a shame to miss for any “seafoodie.”
5. Bethlehem Restaurant Week
Saturday, June 24th, through Sunday, June 30th, Participating restaurants, Bethlehem
It’s that time again, Bethlehem Restaurant Week! A whopping 32 restaurants in the city of Bethlehem will be participating offering special restaurant week menus. Don’t forget to fill out your contest slips, too, for a chance to win $2000 dollars in restaurant week gift certificates. This is always a great time to eat at some of the best restaurants the city has to offer.
6. EnergyPath 2012
Monday through Friday, Times vary per conference, DeSale’s University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley
Energy is a precious resource and should be used wisely. Fortunately, EnergyPath 2012 can show us ways to conserve, the future of energy, and other great information energy and technology today. Listen to some of the experts on the subject, as well book signings, and many other informative events.
7. ¡Sabor! Latin Festival
Friday, 6pm, Saturday, 11am, and Sunday, 12pm, SteelStacks Campus, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
Who says is t has to be Cinco de Mayo to celebrate the latin culture? At the ¡Sabor! Latin Festival you get all that you could want and more out of this celebration. This event is loaded with energy packed music that you won’t be able to stand still to. Authentic cuisine will be provided by many of the ArtsQuest restaurants. There will also be a collection of non- perishable food items to support the Hispanic Center Food Pantry.
8. Opening Reception of REAL/SURREAL
http://www.allentownfuse.org/fuse/News/Entries/2012/6/13_REAL_SURREAL_-_Digital_Imagery.html
(There’s no info here because I ran out of time and have to take Boomer to the vet. All I will say is that this is pretty much THE place to be tonight (Friday). If Boomer weren’t sick, I would be there. Check out the link for all the details and also the event page on Facebook.)
9. Charity Dance Social
Sunday, 4pm to 6:30pm, Jewish Community Center of Allentown, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown
Looking to beat the heat this Sunday? Swing by the Pocono Area Dance Association’s charity dance social at the JCC of Allentown! The event will feature swing, Latin and ballroom music, plenty of food and refreshments, and a state-of-the-art sound system. Open to all — young and old, couples and singles, novices and pros. Admission is $10 per person at the door, with proceeds helping to fund a local chapter of Dance for PD to benefit patients with Parkinson’s. Have fun and do good at the same time!