BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest says its programming generated more than $192 million in economic impact for the Lehigh Valley last year.
The organization says the $192,685,075 is a record and represents a 34% increase over 2024.
Musikfest 2025 delivered an economic impact of $121,370,178, up 30.9% from 2024, ArtsQuest said in a news release Wednesday.
Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial generated $14,087,391 — a 27.2% increase following the debut of its Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, and expanded holiday programming, ArtsQuest said.
ArtsQuest says it offered nearly 4,000 events, festivals, classes, performances and workshops in 2025.
ArtsQuest says its programming supported a total of 1,533 full-time equivalent jobs in the Lehigh Valley in 2025 — a 34% increase over 2024 — across hospitality, events, retail, production and the creative economy.
The organization is expecting continued economic expansion with the completion of its Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign in 2027.
Major developments include the Creative Factory powered by PPL — a hands-on arts education and workforce development hub — along with the revitalization of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, according to the news release.
ArtsQuest provided a 2025 Economic Impact Snapshot:
Total Economic Impact
$192.7 Million (+34%)
Musikfest Impact
$121.4 Million (+30.9%)
Christkindlmarkt Impact
$14.1 Million (+27.2%)
Events Hosted
Nearly 4,000 (32% free)
Jobs Supported
1,533 full time equivalent (FTEs) (+34%)
Growth Since 2010
$35.8M → $192.7M