Want to escape the freezing cold this weekend? There’s a lot to do indoors throughout the Lehigh Valley, from the culinary scene, to fun with your four-legged friends.
The Morning Call has a list of top events to check out:
A Friday night comedy show
Lisa VanArsdale, a Lehigh Valley comedian, will host a one-woman show titled “Lisa Joins A Cult,” which spotlights her “sense of curiosity about people and a fascination with religiosity,” according to her website.
VanArsdale most recently performed her show in Denver last weekend, and performed standup in three continents. Her shows feature an array of memorabilia — described on her website as “culty artifacts” — on display prior to the performance.
Her trailer video features clips of previous performances, as VanArsdale claimed she watched the pope ride his famous “pope-mobile” through Central Park, New York — among other globetrotter experiences.
If you go: Show begins 8 p.m. Friday at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. More details, including purchasing tickets, can be found on the ArtsQuest website.
Lehigh Valley comedian Lisa VanArsdale, seen here in 2020, brings her one-woman show, “Lisa Joins A Cult,” to SteelStacks on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Bethlehem. (David Garrett / Special to The Morning Call)
The bowl before the Super Bowl
Mourning the Philadelphia Eagles’ defeat ahead of this year’s Super Bowl? Likely. Cold? More than likely. There’s nothing to do about the former, but you can warm up this weekend at SteelStacks during the 16th Annual “Souper Bowl,” a soup competition featuring restaurants and caterers from around the region.
Participating restaurants include Cathy’s Creative Catering, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Taichi Bubble Tea and more.
In addition to a judges’ favorite category, a people’s choice award will allow attendees to get in on the action.
If you go: Event starts 1 p.m. Sunday at Musikfest Cafe. Tickets can be purchased online.
Another big city restaurant week
If you missed Bethlehem’s restaurant week, 14 restaurants are participating in Allentown’s restaurant week, which kicks off Sunday. The event runs until Feb. 7.
The event features a variety of specials and prix fixe menus. Some menus, such as one at The Dime, features a $60 per person three-course prix fixe featuring grilled octopus, steak frites and tiramisu.
Other restaurants, such as Bru Daddy’s, feature a simpler shareable and pizza deal for $20.
The complete list of participating restaurants can be found at downtownallentownrestaurantweek.com.
Pet frenzy in Allentown
The Lehigh Valley Pet Expo will provide animal lovers with three days of pet fun in Allentown, for its 12th year.
More than a dozen events are on the schedule, which begins Friday at 3 p.m.
Special attractions include performing dog acts, a rainforest reptile show and a pig exhibit showcasing pig tricks. “Well behaved” pets on a leash are welcome at the exhibition, according to the event’s website.
If you go: Hours are 3-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday at the Allentown Fairgrounds. There are reduced prices for children ($6), and children under 3 are admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased online.
Echo, a rescue dog, performs tricks Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, during the Dynamo Dogs performance at the Lehigh Valley Pet Expo at the Allentown Agri-Plex in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)
Andreas Pelekis is a freelance writer. Send him weekend tips at atp3417@gmail.com.