Laini’s List of 9 Things to Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley – The Musical
1. Blues, Brews & Barbecue
Saturday from 12 to 10 pm, Hamilton Street between 7th & 9th Sts., Allentown
Presented by the City of Allentown and the Hamilton District Main Street Program of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. This free event, perfect for the entire family, is just what it sounds like – Blues, Brews & Barbecue – the epitome of summer in one incredibly tasty, soulful and fun event. The participating musicians and restaurants are too numerous to mention here, so check out the facebook event page for all the details on this incredible event. Unlike Muddy, I think you will be satisfied.
2. SkyLounge Grand Opening Soirée
Friday from 4 pm to 2 am, Cosmopolitan, 22 N. 6th St., Allentown
Can you say 2-tier open-air rooftop lounge? Grand opening is tonight. This is what I think a summertime rooftop lounge sounds like.
3. Dive In Movies – Jaws
Friday from 6 to 11:30 pm, Memorial Pool, Illick’s Mill Rd., Bethlehem
Watch Jaws outside at a pool and learn more about sharks from Dean Fessler from the Shark Research Institute who will be there to help dispel some of the myths that have been partially perpetuated by the film. This event is brought to us by the North by Northwest Neighborhood Initiative.
4. 2011 Garden Tour of Easton
Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm, Starts at the College Hill Presbyterian Church, Broad & Monroe Sts., Easton
The annual Easton Garden Tour is a delightful and surprising self guided tour of local area gardens, many of which are hidden, that provide unexpected areas of tranquility in an urban setting.
5. LVwithLOVE Karaoke Party
Friday at 9 pm, Tally Ho, 205 W. 4th St., Bethlehem
Lehigh Valley with Love is partnering with Tally Ho and Mr. Maybe entertainment to bring us all a night of karaoke. Complete with $20 gift certificate to one lucky participant. All you have to do is sing it, baby!
6. 80’s Party at the Zoo
Saturday from 6 to 10 pm, Lehigh Valley Zoo, 5150 Game Preserve Rd., Schnecksville, Allentown
Calling all Karma Chameleons! Here’s a party for you: Wear your best 80’s costume , hear 80’s music, and help raise money for the Zoo – all at the same time. Let’s dance.
7. Belly Dancers Go To the Movies
Saturday from 6 to 9:30 pm, Third St. Alliance, 41 N. 3rd St., Easton
What happens when you mix belly dance and your favorite movies? There’s no need to wonder anymore. Find out at this wonderfully creative performance presented by Embers and Emeralds Belly Dance Troup. This event benefits the Third St. Alliance for Women and Children. Watch the trailer here.
8. Strawberry Fest
Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, Easton Farmers’ Market, Centre Square, Easton
It’s all about the strawberries this weekend at EFM. There will be homemade strawberry shortcake, fresh strawberry smoothies, strawberry ice cream, strawberry lemonade and lots of just-picked berries and specialties from local farms & bakeries. Music by the Billy Bauer Band from 10 to Noon and a talk about canning by LLPG’s own Carrie Havranek at 10 am. Market chef demonstration by Scott Kresge of Quartz Hill Herb Farm at 11 am. This song isn’t about strawberries, but I love it and can’t wait til this berry’s here.
9. South Side Film Festival Opening Night – Party & Film Showing
Tuesday from 6 to 10 pm, Home & Planet, 25 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem
This isn’t til Tuesday, but it’s way cool so it’s going on here. The SouthSide Film Festival will kick off this year with Africa United at 8 p.m. at Broughal Middle School Auditorium, 114 Morton Street, Bethlehem. The cost is $10.
Prior to the film, there will be an Opening Night Party from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Home and Planet, catered by Alando Kenyan Cuisine of Bethlehem, including beef samosa, lentil samosa, bhajia, chicken and beef kebobs with ugali, and mandazi—Kenyan doughnuts.
DJ Telly Diacogiannis will spin discs and live music by the Lehigh Valley Drum Circle, featuring Moe Jerant, will add some rhythm to the party. Following will be the traditional opening night procession to the film venue led by the City of Bethlehem Bagpipe Band, featuring pipe major James B. Ruhf.