Presented by the Alternative Art Gallery, Allentown ArtsFest is a free three-day PA art festival that takes place each year at the beautiful Cedar Beach Park. Perfect for guests of all ages, the festival features a variety of mixed media art including live music from local bands, comedy and improv sets, breakdancing competitions, and artwork for sale. You’ll also find fun children’s activities and over 30 vendors selling delicious food, craft beer, wine, and more! If you’re planning a trip to the 2016 Allentown ArtsFest, book your stay at the Sayre Mansion and check out some of our favorite things to see.
Why You Need to Visit the Allentown ArtsFest
1. Live Entertainment
This year’s festival will feature three stages of live entertainment for guests to enjoy. The ArtsFest Main Stage will showcase a diverse range of touring bands as well as local performers, and the Social Medium stage will host stand-up comedians, spoken word, improv, underground theater and film screenings. The Tape Swap Radio Stage will also offer over a dozen acts throughout the weekend. All performance and entertainment schedules will be announced in late August, so be sure to check the event website for updates!
2. Graffiti Jam
During the festival, street artists will paint large graffiti panels that will be on display at the festival and then installed in various locations across the Lehigh Valley. The Graffiti Jam will feature breakdancing, DJs, and some of the most celebrated graffiti artists on the East Coast, including Distort, Mek One, Acroe, SNX, Sicks, Dafse, Yes, and more. There will also be over 100 other artists at the festival showcasing sculptures, large installations, and other work for sale.
3. Kids Activities
If you plan on bringing the little ones to the event, take them to the “Alternative Clubhouse” where they can enjoy unique art-making activities as well as demonstrations, keepsake box decorating, upcycled crafts, magic shows, face painting, balloon art, and more.
4. Food & Drink Vendors
When it’s time for lunch, head to one of the festival food trucks for a quick bite to eat and wash it down with a glass of wine or mead from Stonekeep Meadery. If you’re a fan of craft beer, six local and regional breweries will be on hand during the festival including Hijinx Brewing Co., Saucony Creek Brewing Co., The Other Farm Brewing Co., Sly Fox Beer, Funk Brewing Co. & Soul Brewing.
5. History of the Festival
Allentown ArtsFest was first launched in September 2014 and welcomed over 5,000 guests in its first year. Celebrating the diverse art, music, and culture of the Lehigh Valley, ArtsFest aims to create a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases local creators in the community. This year’s festival will be held from September 30 to October 2, 2016.
Book Your Stay at the Sayre Mansion!
After hours of fun at the festival, come back to our Bethlehem bed and breakfast and rest up for even more adventures tomorrow! Our comfortable rooms and suites are the perfect place to relax and restore, and a delicious gourmet breakfast each morning will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day. We can’t wait to hear about your experience at the Allentown ArtsFest!
For more information on the most fun things to do in Allentown, PA,
request a copy of our free Lehigh Valley vacation guide.