Celebrate the nation’s founding in Easton, enjoy the sounds of reggae and take in some Shakespeare this weekend in the Lehigh Valley.
Here are some best bets for fun.
Easton hosts 50th annual Heritage Day with weekend of events
Easton will celebrate its role in America’s founding during its annual Heritage Day weekend.
On Friday, visit the 1753 Bachmann Publick House for a block party and World Cup watch party featuring performances by Joe Cirotti Trio, Christian Peslak, Lilly Moss, Old Lady and Rayland Baxter. The Bachmann Block Party will happen 3-10 p.m. on Second Street in front of the Bachmann Publick House.
Then on Saturday, Easton Heritage Day not only celebrates its 50th year, but 250 years of America during a day of history exhibitors, the return of the Easton Farmers’ Market to Centre Square (for one day only), and a music festival featuring acts like Son Little, Rayland Baxter and the Deslondes. World Cup quarterfinals will also be airing at the Heritage Tavern in the South Third Street Parking Lot beginning at 5 p.m.
“America’s 250th anniversary presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase Easton’s significance in our nation’s history,” said Jared Mast, executive director of the Greater Easton Development Partnership. “This year’s Heritage Day is more than just a repeat of an annual tradition. It’s part of a larger national celebration that recognizes the people, places, and moments that helped shape the United States. We hope to set a new standard this year and build on it in the years ahead.”
If you go: The Bachman Block Party on Second Street is 3-10 p.m. Friday. Easton Heritage Day history programming will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, with the Easton Farmers’ Market running 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The World Cup watch party begins at 5 p.m. Live music is 1-10 p.m. For a full schedule and complete lineup, go to HeritageDay.org.
One Earth Reggae Festival returns to SteelStacks
One Earth Reggae Festival, one of the nation’s largest festivals dedicated to the genre, returns for its fifth year to SteelStacks in Bethlehem on Saturday.
The party starts at noon. Performances from globally recognized acts including headliner Jesse Royal, as well as regional and local artists will occur across three stages (Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage and Williams Brew Stage) until 1:30 a.m. Sunday
“For its 5th consecutive year, One Earth Reggae Festival will bring the joyful rhythms of reggae back to the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks,” said Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest chief programming officer. “Bringing cultures together all while uplifting the community is what this festival does best. From vibrant melodies to family fun, this is an event where everyone can come together, relax and enjoy the positive energy of the day.”
Other national acts performing at One Earth Reggae Festival include Latino reggae-rock Fayuca and Jamaican pop band The Big Takeover.
If you go: One Earth Reggae Festival will be noon Saturday to 1:30 a.m. Sunday at SteelStacks campus. Go to artsquest.org for more info. The event is free.
Marrissa Joy of Philadelphia sings on stage during the One Earth ReggaeFest on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The festival included vendors, music and food. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival continues
One of the highlights of the summer theater season continues during the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University.
Sunday is your last chance to enjoy “The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged,” a whirlwind, laugh-out-loud tour of the author’s beloved novels and characters. Tickets are still available for the show’s final performances at DeSales’ Schubert Theater: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The festival dedicated to the bard is far from over, however. Shakespeare’s famed “Romeo and Juliet,” starring Maya Jean and Austin Nedrow in his PSF debut, is on the Main Stage through Aug. 2. Starting July 16, Ken Ludwing’s “Moriarty,” dedicated to the Sherlock Holmes villain, will play in repertory on the Main Stage, through Aug. 1.
For kids, “Sheila the Magical” and “Shakespeare for Kids” continue through Aug. 1.
The final show of the season, “Coriolanus,” runs July 22-Aug. 2.
If you go: For a complete schedule and tickets, go to pashakespeare.org.
Have an event for us to consider? Email us at goguide@mcall.com.