Laini’s List of 9 Things to Do in the Lehigh Valley This Weekend
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. 4th Annual IndieMade Craft Market
Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Starlite Ballroom, 1221 S. Front Street, Allentown
Everyone loves when you make your own stuff or when gifts are handmade, and the IndieMade Craft Market is a great place for both. Come check out the various creations and maybe take some home as gifts. While your there, you can learn how to do some stuff on your own too. This year features KIP and Chase the Chill demonstrating knitting, and crocheting. You’ll also be able to check out photos from the November 2011 Scarf Bombing of Easton!
2. First Friday
Friday, 6pm to 10pm, Participating Venues, Bethlehem
First Friday in Bethlehem is packed this month with lots of great stuff to do! The Banana Factory will be hosting a studio open house with Stephanie Smith, a recent new resident to the studio, so let’s make her first First Friday something to remember. Apotheca Salon and Boutique will also be having its grand re-opening just in time for the weekend, where they will be having product and service giveaways, as well as food music and jewelry by Birds in a Bog. The very fashionable Loose Threads will be having sales, cookies, and special guests to make this First Friday a unique shopping experience.
3. Katie’s Pick – A Christmas Carol
Friday & Saturday, 8pm, Sunday, 2pm, Civic Theater of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown
Starting this weekend is the performance of A Christmas Carol at the Allentown Civic Theater, now in its 22nd year of production. This timeless classic by Charles Dickens is one that everyone must see at least once in the lives. Get into the spirit of the season with your favorite ghosts from Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they are brought to life on stage.
4. Studio & Gallery 2908 Holiday Artists’ Sale & Open House
Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 6pm, Studio & Gallery 2908, 2908 Rockdale Road, Slatington
Reemphasizing that handmade goods are great gifts for the holidays, Studio & Gallery 2908 will be having it’s artists’ sale this weekend. Not only will you will be able to get a really unique for a friend, family member, or yourself, but you’ll be able to meet the people that make them too! Refreshments will also be available and don’t forget to check out their 14 ft holiday tree!
5. Decembersongs: an acoustic holiday celebration
Saturday, 8pm to 11pm, The Gold Room at the Grand Eastonian, 140 Northampton St., Easton
There’s nothing quite like an acoustic holiday concert, especially at this time of year, and what better people to hear than the ones behind the music of some of the biggest names in music. Decembersongs is a holiday music celebration where acclaimed Nashville-based singer/songwriters: Amy Speace, Jon Vezner, Sally Barris, and Dan Navarro will be performing holiday music and a few non-holiday treats as well.
6. Mosaics by Mary
Saturday, 10am to 4pm, Quadrant Bookmart & Coffee House, 20 N. Third St., Easton
This Saturday will feature the opening reception for a holiday show at the Quadrant Bookmart. This show will be comprised of entirely new works, so even if you have been here recently, you should come in again to admire the new ensemble. New pieces will be brought out throughout the month, so check back periodically to see what changes!
7. Live Advent Calendar
Thursday, 5pm, 1810 Goundie House, 505 Main St., Bethlehem
Start your holiday season off right in the Christmas City with the 5th Annual one-of-a-kind tradition in 2011! Beginning on December 1st at 5 p.m., the Live Advent Calendar will openand will run through December 23rd. The merchants of the Downtown Bethlehem Association, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Historic Bethlehem Partnership will provide a special treat to the visitors every day at 5pm! This 10 minute event is very popular, so make sure you get there early!
8. Lehigh Valley Music Awards (LVMA) 13, Award Ceremony & Show
Sunday, 4pm to 7:30pm, Musikfest Café, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
Continuing into its 13th year, the LVMA’s will be held this weekend. Performers and music professionals from all over the Lehigh Valley will be honored and awarded for their special achievements in music throughout the year. Tickets for the event are $13 in advance and $18 at the door.
9. Party & Fundraiser for Occupy Easton – Bethlehem – Allentown
Thursday, December 8, 7pm to 10pm, Godfrey Daniels, 7 E. 4th Street, Bethlehem
Starting in next week, it’s an evening of poetry, blues, and jams to raise funds for OCCUPY Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. While these people stay out to speak their mind on the economic situation to better our world tomorrow, they will need everyone’s help if they want to keep it going through the winter. Come out and listen to Sparrow, D. Notaro, M. Wolf, C. Wall, S. Peters, G. Antrim, Y. Yaden, T. Van, T. Walz, A. Prince, BC Combo, Doug Hawk, Trouble City All-Stars, Wandering Root and more in support of their cause!
The “list of 9” image is one of Stephanie Smith’s mandalas which will be shown tonight at her opening at the Banana Factory. I added the 9. 🙂