The Ultimate Guide to Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA
Are you ready to attend the biggest non-gated free music festival in the nation? Book your room at Sayre Mansion to attend Musikfest! Located in Bethlehem, PA, Musikfest draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lehigh Valley every year. Since the first festival in 1984, Musikfest has been growing every year, featuring more performers and activities. There’s no better place to experience music, art, food, and fun than Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA.
Looking for more great festival like Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA? Download our Vacation Guide! We’ve listed our favorite annual festivals and events throughout the year, from the Celtic Classic to the Easton Garlic Festival. You’ll also find our recommendations for the best restaurants, hiking trails, and museums in the area. With our Vacation Guide, planning your stay at Sayre Mansion is easy!
History of Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA
Musikfest was first founded in 1984 by ArtsQuest, a community-based nonprofit organization. From the beginning, this Bethlehem music festival has been enormously successful. It attracted 180,000 people just in the first year. Since then, millions of visitors have come to Bethlehem to enjoy this amazing event. Every year, the festival begins on the first Friday of August and runs for ten days. All proceeds from Musikfest support the Banana Factory, which is ArtsQuest’s community arts center and gallery in Bethlehem, as well as other nonprofit groups in the region.
The Music of Musikfest
Every year, the performances of MusikFest are held in over a dozen venues. These stages are called “platzes,” the German word for “place.” This is in homage to Bethlehem’s Germanic heritage. The only shows that require tickets are those held at Wind Creek Steel Stage; all others are completely free! Almost every musical genre conceivable is represented, easy when you have over 300 performances scheduled.
Explore History During Musikfest
Musikfest is about more than just music. It’s about celebrating Bethlehem, PA, from its history to its present. Every year, the festival sponsors activities for children as well as art exhibits, walking tours, and historic sites featuring reenactors. Stop by the Visitors Center when you visit to get the full list of activities.
Visit the Vendors
It wouldn’t be a festival without vendors! Musikfest features an incredible range of food and artisan vendors. Just like the music, the food and art are varied. Browsing the list of artisans and retailers, you’ll find everything from jewelry to decor to handmade candles. Come hungry, because there are dozens of food vendors for you to choose from, serving up everything from barbecue to Asian noodles to Greek goodies. Make sure to save room for dessert because there are always plenty of those around!
Return to the Beautiful Sayre Mansion
Whether you’re staying for all 10 days or just a couple, book your room reservation at Sayre Mansion. Our historic mansion combines historic charm with modern amenities, including a Tesla Charging Station on the grounds. Start your day with our incredible breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, home-baked muffins and breads, as well as a selection of hot entrees. Pair that with our naturally fresh-squeezed orange juice and rich-roasted hot coffee, and you’re on your way to a great day! Browse our accommodations and book your room today!