Laini’s List of 9 Things To Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley – 4th of July Weekend
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. Going Bananas: A Mixed Media Collective Event
Friday from 6 to 9 pm, The Banana Factory, 25 West 3rd Street, Bethlehem
The Community Artists of Bethlehem present Going Bananas: A Mixed Media Collective Event as part of the First Friday series. Enjoy light refreshments and music on the second and third floors of the gallery while observing the artwork of many local artists.
2. July First Friday at Loose Threads
Friday from 6 to 9 pm, Loose Threads Boutique, 9 West 4th Street, Bethlehem
As part of another First Friday series, Loose Threads Boutique will be taking things to another dimension with $5 tarot card, palm, and crystal ball readings. Proceeds will benefit Turning Point, a group aimed helping those that have been affected by domestic violence.
3. The Attic & Eskandalo Dance Party
Friday from 6 to 9 pm, 3rd St. and South New St., Bethlehem
Come out and support your local businesses at The Attic & Eskandalo Dance Party! Enjoy music, dancing, and food while checking out a fashion show by The Attic with hair and make-up done my Eskandalo. With so much going on this First Friday, it’s the perfect time to see what the South Side has to offer!
4. Portraits: Elizabeth Snelling
Friday from 7 to 9 pm, Quadrant BookMart & Coffee House, 20 North Third Street, Easton
View the artwork of local artist Elizabeth Snelling in her Portraits series. Music and food will be provided at this unique shop in historic downtown Easton.
5. Start Making Sense
Friday from 8 to 11 pm, Musikfest Café at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
Come enjoy the music of Start Making Sense at their first performance in the new Steelstacks venue! Listen to your favorite Talking Heads songs as this tribute band rocks the night away. Doors open at 6:30, tickets are $10 each, and all ages are welcome!
6. Memorial Celebration for Mark Smith
Saturday from 9 pm to 2 am, The Funhouse, 5 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
Celebrate the life of Mark Smith, leader of The Creatures, in a way he would have approved of, with pizza, vodka and live music. Performing bands will include Brother Jt, Danielle Lubené, Tavern Tan, Several Species,The Steeds, and other special guests.
7. Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Monday from 10 am to 12 pm, George Taylor House, 35 South Front St., Catasauqua
Start your 4th of July off the patriotic way and come listen to a reading of the document that started it all; The Declaration of Independence. The setting couldn’t be better with the reading at the George Taylor house, home of the Lehigh Valley native that was also an original signer of the Declaration of Independence. Get out your red, white, and blue and celebrate the independence our forefathers fought for!
8. Independence Day Celebration at SteelStacks
Saturday from Noon to 11 pm , Sunday frin 11 am to 6 pm & Monday from Noon to 11 pm, Steelstacks Campus, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
It’s time to get patriotic at this weekend long Independence Day Celebration. There will be music, food, historic shows, and even an apple pie eating contest! Tickets are free (except for shows at the Musikfest Café) so check out the event line up and come on out!
9. July 4th Fireworks
No Fourth of July Weekend would be complete without some explosives in the sky. In order to do the fireworks of the Valley justice, they will get their own list, custom-made for you by Carrie Havranek, and available tomorrow. So go out, have some fun, and check back here then!
Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend, everyone!