BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The music is still playing, the mugs are still out, and the fun is far from over at Musikfest.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay spoke to crews at ArtsQuest about its number of record-breaking days they had this year and how they make sure this festival is accessible for everyone.
The sun rises over SteelStacks, giving light to an already busy morning at Musikfest Friday.
Country artist Parker McCollum’s tour buses roll in just hours after Bailey Zimmerman’s performance on the Wind Creek Steel Stage.
“Just last night, these seats weren’t here. We had a standing room only pit. Overnight, crews reset these seats so that we’re ready for a great night with Parker McCollum,” said Patrick Brogan, the chief programming officer at ArtsQuest.
The heat and humidity haven’t been forgiving this last week, a factor that impacts production, especially on the main stage.
“The wind is really important, the wind direction is really important, the humidity is important… The walls are made out of a tarp-like material and they do catch wind and the stage could shift,” said ArtsQuest Production Coordinator Grace Mack.
The weather hasn’t slowed down turnout, with ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic’s show on Tuesday marking the festival’s largest weekday crowd ever.
It’s one diverse show after another, along with an army of staff and volunteers behind it.
“Pack your patience, pack your sunscreen, and come down to Musikfest for our final blow out weekend here at the party,” said Brogan.
For those looking to fest, but also need a place to take a breather, they can stop by the Inclusion Zones on the North and South sides.
“We have lots of sensory toys, mindfulness opportunities. Lots of different opportunities for relaxation and play as well,” Leah Barron said, who’s the director of the Inclusion Zones.
The zones provide a safe space for those with sensory challenges or in need of a break thanks to Accessible Festivals and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation.
The rehab center has been working with ArtsQuest on accessibility at Musikfest for the last several years.
“We identified with them the opportunity to provide accessible seating for wheelchair users at the main stage,” said Mike Walbert, the director of marketing at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation.
Musikfest’s Inclusion Day at the Levitt Pavilion will kick off on Saturday, August 8 at 6 p.m.
Did we catch you at the festival on Thursday? Check out our photo gallery here!
Visit 69 Newsplatz on Spring Street, located between Festplatz and Plaza Tropical at Musikfest 2026.