Laini’s List of 9 Things To Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. Love Music Day
Saturday, 12 pm to 8: 30 pm, Scott Park, Larry Holmes Dr., Easton
Love Music Day is a first-time music event for the whole family! Musical acts include John Carelli, Maggie Spike, Jacopo DeNicola, Paragon, Working Class Hussys, Frank Porter’s Problem Children, Steve Walker, Danny Madison, Groovitude, James Supra Blues Band and MC Jan Joy Jade. There will be art projects for children, face painting and tables representing local non-profits. Take advantage of this beautiful day, the awesomely scenic location and check out this unique, locally-produced event.
2. Downtown Bethlehem ArtWalk
Saturday, 4 pm to 9 pm, Main and Broad St., Downtown Bethlehem
It’s the last Saturday of the month and that means it’s time for the next installment of the Bethlehem ArtWalk. Come out see local artists and vendors sharing their works in downtown Bethlehem. If your over 21, don’t forget to do the new Wine Trail where you can pick up a sample of wine on your stroll through the streets. This is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather while supporting the arts, and local businesses too!
3. Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa & School of Rock Opening Show
Saturday, 6:45 pm, State Theatre Center for the Arts, 453 Northampton St., Easton
Paying homage to his father’s music, Dweezil Zappa will be performing at the State Theatre this weekend. Zappa fans will certainly enjoy this show after his year long stay in the studio to better understand his father’s music. There will also be a special guest performance by the Easton School of Rock to really get the night started. School of Rock is the national leader in music education for kids from second grade through high school. These talented kids will get the stage warmed up for Dweezil Zappa’s long awaited performance.
4. Katie’s Pick – QNB Summer Concert Series
Friday, 7 pm, The Promenade Shops’ Town Square, 2845 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley
The end of July brings the last concert in the QNB Summer Concert Series. This final performance will be by The Fuzed Trio jazz group. There’s not much better than a free concert, food, and outdoor shopping. Several restaurants within the Promenade will also be having specials starting at 5 pm, including some that will bring it directly to you in the Town Square.
5. Bug Fest
Saturday, 2 pm to 10 pm, Lafayette College’s Williams Visual Arts Building, N. Third St., Easton
Embrace you inner entomologist this weekend at Bug Fest! It’s time to show your love for (or just observe) the creepy crawlies that make-up three-quarters of the animals on the planet. Crafts for the kids, music, and tasty dishes featuring bugs will be present at the event. In the evening, join Brandon Ballengée, an environmental artist from New York City, on a night-walk along Bushkill Creek to spy on moths, fireflies, katydids and other critters.
6. Courage to Laugh Comedy Show
Saturday, 8 pm to 11 pm, The Courage to Change Club, 22 South 3rd St., Easton
Laugh for a good cause this Saturday at the Courage to Laugh Comedy show. Local comedians will be coming out to put on a hilarious show to support the Courage to Change Club. Tickets are only $15 at the door only and includes some very good food with the purchase. Get there early though as tickets will be stopping at the first 100! Alcohol will no be served at the event, and material for the show will be “Rated R,” and not suitable for younger audiences.
7. Downtown Allentown Summer Restaurant Week – Weekend #2
Monday, July 25 at 7 am to Sunday, July 31 at 11:30pm, Participating Restaurants, Allentown
It’s the final weekend for the Allentown Summer Restaurant Week! This the last chance to get out and try some of the great deals at a few fabulous restaurants. Don’t forget that each time you dine, you get a chance to enter to win some fantastic prizes too. Parking in the Spiral Deck and Farr Lott is free after 5 pm, and some restaurants are even offering free valet parking! The is a great opportunity to try new places while supporting local businesses too.
8. 2011 Summer Slam Basketball Tournament
Saturday, 10 am to Sunday, 5 pm, Cedar Beach Basketball Courts, 61 N. Ott St., Allentown
Everyone loves a little athletic competition so why not check out the Summer Slam Basketball Tournament. This is a 5-on-5 double elimination tournament with cash prizes to the winners. There will also be a slam dunk contest on Saturday at 2 pm. What makes this tournament even better is that it benefits the ASPCA and the Best Buddies Program of Pennsylvania. To stay in accordance with NCAA rules, any NCAA eligible players may donate their winnings to a charity of their choice.
9. Moravian Book Shop Book Release Party
Saturday, 1 pm to 3 pm, Moravian Book Shop, 428 Main St., Bethlehem
Welcome back Eric Wight to the Moravian Book Shop to celebrate the release of his newest graphic novel, Frankie Pickle and the Mathematical Menace! Frankie’s facing his greatest challenge yet: his MATH QUIZ. He’d rather live in a world without math, but his quiz has other plans. It transports him to Arithmecca, a world filled with horrible number monsters! Armed with only his pencil, Frankie must learn to divide and conquer if he’s going to ace his quiz and defeat the mathematical menace.