This weekend marks the return of a number of fan-favorite events to the Lehigh Valley.
Here are our top picks for getting out of the house and enjoying the summer sunshine — or an air-conditioned theater.
Celebrate the ‘Rhythms of India’ in Allentown
India Heritage Day, presented by Saara Arts, returns Sunday to Allentown Arts Park for its ninth year.
This free, family-friendly festival celebrates the vibrant arts, culture, cuisine and traditions of India, with this year’s theme highlighting the country’s rich musical and dance traditions.
The celebration begins with a traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel, symbolizing the beginning of the festivities and the shared spirit ofcommunity, knowledge and cultural appreciation. Other festival highlights include authentic cuisine from local Indian restaurants, interactive art and cultural workshops, live dance performances and dance workshops, musical entertainment and more.
The show ends with the Saree Show Finale showcasing the elegance, diversity and artistry of India’s traditional attire.
If you go: 3-6 p.m. Sunday at Allentown Arts Park, 24-35 N. Fifth St. Free.
Sci-fi films hit the screen in Bethlehem
Also returning this weekend is Beep Boop, Beep Boop: A Sci-Fi Film Festival, running Thursday through Sunday at ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.
Highlights include the area premiere of “Between Two Waves,” a drama about a woman who returns home after her mother’s death, only to find the house harboring some chilling secrets. Directors Mark Sposato and Lehigh Valley native Courtney Sposato will lead a live Q&A talkback following the screening.
Enjoy a showing of “Blade Runner: The Final Cut” with a Q&A with Gregory Reihman, vice provost for arts and libraries at Lehigh University; “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with a live performance from the Spaced Out Sensations shadowcast; the 70th anniversary edition of “Forbidden Planet” featuring an introduction from the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival highlighting how the sci-fi classic reimagines Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”; and many more.
If you go: Thursday through Sunday at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. For a complete schedule, festival passes and individual tickets, go to artsquest.org/performing-arts/cinema/beep-boop-beep-boop-a-sci-fi-film-series/.
Beep Boop, Beep Boop: A Sci-Fi Film Festival runs Thursday, July 23, 2026, through Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas in Bethlehem. (ArtsQuest)
A circus comes to Center Valley
Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township will once again host Cirque de Paris, presented by Anouchka Bouglione, for a two-week run starting Thursday.
Rooted in the circus traditions of France, this one-ring production features an international cast of aerialists, tightwire artists, jugglers, clowns and more, who bring a blend of thrills, humor and elegance to audiences of all ages.
Bouglione is a seventh-generation member of France’s Bouglione circus family. This year’s show includes the Supka Family juggling troupe, two traditional circus clowns to keep the crowd laughing and Bouglione’s two children, Noah and Alyana, making their season debut.
If you go: Cirque de Paris will be in the parking lot behind Capital Blue Cross. Shows run July 23-Aug. 2. For a complete schedule, and to purchase tickets, go to promenadesauconvalley.com/events.
High-flying aerialist Violet Valla performs as part of the Cirque de Paris presented by Anouchka Bouglione under the Big Top on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Promenade Saucon Valley in Center Valley. The shows returns this year from July 23-Aug. 2. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Music on Main Street
The Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce presents the return of Martin on Main on Saturday in downtown Nazareth, home to famed guitar maker C.F. Martin & Co.
The recurring event draws more than 6,000 visits each year to enjoy seven hours of live music, local food and drink, vendors, family activities including the popular Raging Reptiles Petting Zoo, and more. The Nazareth Farmers Market will have extended hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with some vendors remaining open until the festival close at 7 p.m.
“Martin on Main is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Nazareth special,” said Emily Sewilo, manager of the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Main Stage, at the corner of South Main and Belvidere Streets, will feature Martin Guitar Forum artists throughout the afternoon, while the Circle Acoustic Stage will showcase local musicians performing every 15 minutes. Bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.
Main stage artists are: Tim Harakal, noon; Jay Lapp, 1 p.m.; Billy Bauer Band, 2 p.m.; Ceviche, 3 p.m.; Brandellis, 4 p.m.; and The Hazmats, 5-7 p.m.
If you go: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday on Main Street in Nazareth. Main Street and the Center Circle through Belvidere Street will be closed to vehicle traffic. This is a free event; $10 raffle tickets for a Martin guitar prize package are available. For more information, including a complete schedule, go to lehighvalleychamber.org/martinonmain.html.
Dina Hall performs in front of the crowd Saturday, July 26, 2025, during the Martin on Main festival in Nazareth where the company has its headquarters. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Have an event for us to consider? Email us at goguide@mcall.com.