Laini’s List of Things to Do This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley – June 8–10
By Laini Abraham and Katie Vogel
1. 5th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival
Saturday, 12pm to 10pm, 800 Block of Hamilton Street, Allentown
With the official start of summer right around the corner that means that it’s also getting be grilling season, and of course what pairs better with delicious barbecued foods than beer and blues music! Kick your taste buds into high gear at the 5th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival in Allentown. Enjoy a good old cookout right in the heart of Allentown with food from local establishments with a non-stop lineup blues musicians. It’s like having the barbecue of all barbecues and you won’t have to wash a single dish afterwards.
2. IndieMade Craft Market
Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Bethlehem Ice Rink, Illick’s Mill Rd., Bethlehem
One of the coolest ways to support independent crafters is back — the IndieMade Craft Market! This year’s show features hip, handmade crafts, one-of-a-kind gifts and garments, cool paintings and artwork, and funky vintage goods. The first 50 adult attendees will receive awesome SWAG bags. A portion of the $3 admission fee will benefit the Baum School of Art’s scholarship fund.
3. CAT Block Party
Saturday, 8am to 4pm, 14 W. Raspberry Street, Bethlehem
Come out and support CAT — the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation this weekend at the CAT Block Party. Enjoy food, bike rides, prizes and more, all while educating yourself on proper bicycle safety and etiquette. With all this beautiful weather, it’s the perfect time to break out the bikes.
4. Full Weekend of Free Live Music at the Levitt Pavilion
Friday, 7pm, and Saturday, 11am and 7pm, Levitt SteelStacks, 789 E. First Street, Bethlehem
It’s a busy weekend at the Levitt Pavilion with fun music lineup all weekend long. On Friday, you can enjoy the unique sounds of Feufollet, a World/French/Cajun inspired group that will have you planning your next trip to Louisiana. On Saturday, you can get the kids out of bed for the Bash The Trash, a renowned educational musical group combines science, music and environmental awareness through performances. Later that night, after the kids have been worn out from BTT, you can check out the soulful R&B sounds of The Bobby Kyle Band with the Hot Horns. Their smooth and moving music will be the perfect way to end your day.
5. Katie’s Pick — Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs. Gwinnett Braves
Friday, 7:05pm, Coca-cola Park, 1050 Iron Pigs Way, Allentown
There is something about a baseball game on a warm evening that is so pleasing to the soul, even if you aren’t much of a sports fanatic, especially minor league games. Fortunately for us we our very own team right in the Lehigh Valley. This Friday, the IronPigs will duke it out with the Gwinnett Braves in the last home game before they go on the road. Get out your foam fingers, and cracker jacks after work this Friday and then finish the night with their beautiful fireworks display.
6. The Big Bloom Opening Celebration
Saturday, 4pm to 7pm, Mercantile Home, 140 Northampton Street, Easton
It’s a new art event at Mercantile Home. The Big Bloom Opening Celebration will be held on Saturday to ring in the opening of their Summer Collection 2012. Come out and embrace the art community, take it all in, and maybe even be inspired yourself!
7. First Annual Art-Mess
Saturday, 7:30pm to 11pm, High Gravity Lounge- Allentown Brew Works, 812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
What’s better than good comedy and an entertaining artist? Not much! And now is your chance to get both in one place at the First Annual Art-Mess. A $25 ticket gets you into the High Gravity Lounge to see the improv comedy group The Associated Mess, while world famous artist Barnaby Ruhe engages in a portrait marathon. Also included with your ticket purchase will be tacos from the Brew Works, as well as a free drink. There will also be a silent auction for various items, services, and an ink sketch of the comedy troupe itself.
8. Triple Play Outdoor Concert at the Riverside Barr & Grill
Saturday, 3pm, Riverside Bar & Grill, 5801 North Delaware Drive, Easton
Behold the power of three! Three great bands to see at Riverside Barr & Grill, that is. It’s the time for outdoor concerts and the Triple Play is definitely one to see. Enjoy good food and good drinks from the Riverside while checking out 3 amazing bands to rock the afternoon away into the evening, set along the scenic Delaware River.
9. Opening! Michael Haleta & Jessie Horning
Saturday, 6pm to 10pm, Soft Machine Gallery, 725 North 15th Street, Suite 7, Allentown
It’s the opening reception party for the new show at Soft Machine Gallery. This new exhibit features the work of the two very talented artists, Michael Haleta and Jessie Horning. Both artists present their work as installation pieces, collages of materials, and various mixed media in an exploration of their lives, what they grew up with, and their greatest influences. This is an intriguing exhibit unlike any other and is definitely worth seeing.