Friday, October 8

The Rocky Horror Show comes to Civic Theatre in Allentown and now’s your chance to catch one of the showings. Tickets are $26-$31. Tonight’s show begins at 8 p.m. For info, click civictheatre.com.

Saturday, October 9

Visit Historic Downtown Bethlehem for the 5^th Annual Bethlehem Harvest Festival from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wristbands are available for purchase for unlimited beer tasting. The Harvest Soup contest and sampling is only $5. Open air produce market. Delicious food. Coca Cola pong tournament. Grape stomping. Harvest Pie contest and much more. Visit bethlehemharvestfestival.com.

Sunday, October 10

The event of the decade is finally here! Join the Style staff as we celebrate our 10^th Anniversary on 10.10.10. The party goes down at 5 p.m. at 74 W. Broad Street in Bethlehem at the Liberty Street Center above American Hairlines. DJ Cyn and DJ Sweetlife will be spinning on the 1 and 2’s. Lots of dancing! Stylish contests with prizes. A photo booth. Delicious food from some of the area’s finest restaurants. Cash only cash bar, please. The Styletini is the featured drink of the night. Dress to impress! There are a limited number of tickets still available at lehighvalleystyle.com. Don’t miss this! Proceeds benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.

Saturday, October 2

Eat, drink, and stink! The Easton Garlic Fest at the Farmers’ Market in Centre Square is back again for another year beginning at 9 a.m. Enjoy all things garlic all day! Food, drink, music events, and garlic-inspired contests. Visit eastongarlicfest.com.

Saturday, October 2

‘Tis the season for pumpkin ale! Welcome in the month of October in Allentown with the Third Annual West End Oktoberfest beginning at noon. Six live bands, a selection of food vendors, arts and crafts, and lots of beer. Proceeds benefit West End Alliance and Lehigh Valley Arts Council. For more info, visit westendoktoberfest.com.

Sunday, October 3

Build a biodegradable cardboard boat to race in this year’s Float Your Boat Race at Sand Island in Bethlehem beginning at 1 p.m. The course is 250 feet on the Lehigh River. Rain or shine. $10 entrance fee. Spectator are free.

Saturday, September 18

Hop on the bus! The Downtown Bethlehem Association presents Loopapalooza from 2-8 p.m. featuring food, live music, special shopping discounts, and more. The event is a hop-on, hop-off The Loop bus between North and South sides and is to encourage people to use public transit. Also check out the Go Green Indie Mart with vendors, arts, crafts, and more. Advance tickets are $10 or $15 on event day. Purchase them by calling 610.841.5831 or myloopapalooza.com.

Sunday, September 19

Love your heart! This year’s Lehigh Valley Start! Heart Walk steps off this Sunday at Lehigh Valley Industrial Park IV in Bethlehem at 8:30 a.m. Walk begins at 10 a.m. The 2.4-mile non-competitive course is great for families and is stroller- and dog-friendly. Register for free at americanheart.org/lehighvalley.

Sunday, September 19

After the Heart Walk, make your way to Sand Island in Bethlehem for Paws 4 a Beat from noon-8 p.m. This benefit concert event will feature live music from local bands, a silent auction with great items from local retailers, and a meet-and-greet with dogs from The Center for Animal Health and Welfare. A $5 donation will be taken at the door.

Friday, September 10-Sunday, September 12

Tonight kicks off the 33^rd Annual Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (Exit 310 off I-80). Enjoy an entire weekend filled with jazz performances, strolling musicians, arts and crafts, food vendors, storytelling, and so much more. Find info at cotajazz.org.

Saturday, September 11

Gone, but never forgotten. In honor of the 9/11 victims, Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Burn Recovery Team presents Community Remembrance Day honoring 9/11 at Starters on 378 in Bethlehem from 1:30-5:30 p.m. This must-attend fundraiser event benefits LVHM burn survivors and will feature Audio Dynamikz DJs, free arts and crafts to send to our troops, fire education by The Burn Prevention Foundation, silent auction, a butterfly and dove release, and more. Food specials, goodie bags, event t-shirts will be available.

Sunday, September 12

If you like good food and want to support sustainable agriculture, head to Taste of the Valley 2010 at Melt at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley from 1-4 p.m. Taste test a selection of savory foods and beverages from more than 20 Valley restaurants and purveyors. Proceeds benefit Buy Fresh/Buy Local Lehigh Valley. $30 tickets are available at Melt or online at puresprouts.com.

View of Bethlehem Steel from Fahy Bridge.

I had a rather interesting Labor Day weekend. It was pleasantly relaxing, but surprisingly eventful, too. My extended weekend began with a walk around the South Side visiting the usual characters for a lively First Friday.

After popping into some of my favorite shops, my sister, Jess, and I walked down to Northampton Community College’s Fowler Family Southside Center on Third Street for the opening reception of “More Serious Business” featuring some 55 well-respected artists from in and around the Valley including my friend Josh “NoNo” Novak of the LVAN.

The place was a maze! From one room to another, people shuffled in and out viewing works from photos to oil paintings and even 3D stuff. My sister, having been a Fine Arts major at Kutztown University, ran into several of her former professors. I spent a few moments chatting with Anthony of Connexions in Easton.

To start my Saturday off, I headed to Art n Soul Studios in Allentown to finish a new tattoo with Curtis Richter. Nothing like the sensation of a tattoo gun to wake you up (I love it!). After an afternoon family picnic, I retreated to the South Side and found myself at Molly’s (formerly Lehigh Pub and Bridgeworks) with Jess and a few of Homebase’s finest.

Where’d we go next? The Bookstore, of course! The motley crew (sarcasm!) and I sat around a candle-lit table and mulled over the menu and the “rules,” which I don’t quite remember from previous visits. Perhaps a new addition? Check them out the next time you’re there. Number 5 is silly!

The original crew had come and gone but was replaced by Aaron from B104 and his girlfriend and Cap Cee of Audio Dynamkiz and his fiancée. Our waitress spilled one-and-a-half drinks across our table, but apologized profusely the moment the first glass tumbled. No worries!

At 2 a.m., Andy, the group, and I decided to check out one of the new hookah lounges. Has anyone else noticed that they’ve been popping up all over the Valley lately? Sultana Lounge was far too club-y for our liking so we walked down the street to Essence Hookah Lounge, but there was a $5 cover charge–something none of us wanted to pay. I’ve never been to a hookah bar before, but I’d assume it’s much nicer on a chill night without dance-y beats and loud bass. The group agreed and we all parted ways for the night.

That leads me to Sunday. Did anyone attend Sophistikate’s grand opening celebration on Friday night? This new soho-chic boutique is located on Main and Broad streets in North Bethlehem. I couldn’t make the opening (I admit, it took me far too long to choose an outfit that night) so I decided to take advantage of the beautiful afternoon and walk there. Knowing that it was supposed to be open until 5 p.m., I timed my walk for plenty of time for boutique browsing.

Only, apparently I didn’t. According to my trusty iPhone, it was 4:40 p.m. when I arrived, but the double glass doors were locked. A woman came to the door to announce that she was closing and handed me a flyer. I’m sorry, but I thought I had 20 minutes to shop. Instead of saying something, I took the snub, turned around, and patronized Moravian Book Shop. I purchased Little Bee and walked to Wired Café for a smoothie then sat outside at a little table to read in the sun–the perfect way to spend my day.

Then, I found myself at the bar at Hotel Bethlehem with friend and former LVS intern (now contributor) Amanda Harding. We both opted for the Hotel B Sweet Tea–a much better version of a Long Island Iced Tea–and chatted for a good hour or so before I left for my journey home to the South Side.

OK, it’s not really a journey. The walk is about 20 minutes or so. As I crossed the Fahy Bridge on that gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Bethlehem all over again. It was the prettiest day. The sunshine and crisp, blue sky made every detail on every tree and building stand out so vividly. The river sparkled below. The movement of the city was alive and I was a part of it.

In a flash, I straightened my hair, changed my shoes, and found myself at a late dinner at White Orchids. It was my first visit and I left feeling satisfied. Thai isn’t exactly my favorite food, but my curry chicken dish was yummy albeit a bit too spicy for my bland palate. Beautiful place, though!

My Labor Day weekend concluded with a girls’ day/night with long-time friend Erin, who recently moved into a condo at Riverport, and a friend from high school who I haven’t seen since we graduated. I Skyped (is that even a verb?) for the very first time with two good friends who are traveling Ireland. We ordered a large half plain, half Hawaiian pizza from Lehigh Pizza. We gossiped, drank wine, played dress up, took photos, and totally vegged out. It was perfect!

Have I mentioned that I love living on the South Side? For obvious reasons, some aforementioned, Bethlehem surely helps to make my weekends lively and exciting.

Friday, September 3

First Friday in Bethlehem has recently received a facelift and now it’s better than ever! There is so much going on tonight on and around Third and Fourth Streets on the South Side including the opening reception for “More Serious Business: Art of the Valley” at Northampton Community College’s Fowler Family Southside Center on Third Street featuring more than 55 local artists. For the rest of the lineup, visit firstfridaybethlehem.com.

Saturday, September 4

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Cedar Crest College Butterfly Garden, the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley will host The Wings of Hope Butterfly Release. Free and open to the public. Help release 250 butterflies in honor and memory of those who have faced a cancer diagnosis. Crafts, raffles, refreshments, and more.

Sunday, September 5 & Monday, September 6

Get your last Great Allentown Fair fix in on Sunday and Monday. Catch the Jeff Dunham show on Sunday and the J & J Demolition Derby on Monday plus so much more (including my favorite part: the petting zoo!).

Friday, August 20

Happening now and until about midnight tonight, join DJ Cap Cee at Red Robin at Tilghman Square in Allentown for the End of Summer Bash featuring a balloon artist and face painter, flaming hula hoop girls, food eat contests, drink specials, giveaways and more.

Friday, August 20

Another great Friday night event is happening in Easton beginning at 8 p.m. Tonight the Third Street Alliance presents Dancing on the Thirds where you can learn the West Coast Swing. A free dance following will end at 11 p.m. It’s the perfect night to dance! Admission is $10. Visit eastonmainstreet.org for more.

Saturday, August 21

Allentown Brew Works will host a unique event from 5-8 p.m. this Saturday called Bourbon, Beer, and Bryson featuring an evening of Bourbon, brews, bountiful bites, and Bourbon round table seminars hosted by the award-winning writer Lew Bryson. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 610.433.7777 ext. 25. Visit thebrewworks.com for more info.

Friday, August 6

It’s a double whammy in Bethlehem tonight! Take your pick or be a little adventurous and check out both. Dust your mug off and let the official ‘festing begin at Musikfest’s kick off night beginning at 5 p.m. featuring the Counting Crows concert at Sands RiverPlace. Hop over the bridge for South Side’s First Friday, too. I’m stopping by Apotheca Salon & Boutique for its grand opening celebration. The Wildflower Café is also having a 6^th Anniversary party with six of the best local bands and BYOB.

Saturday, August 7-Sunday, August 8

If you’re into classic cars, arts and crafts, and fireworks, check out the 47^th Annual Das Awkscht Fescht event at Macungie Memorial Park. Entry fee is $7 or $2 for kids 14 and younger. This year’s event highlights the T-Bird. Fireworks are on Saturday  night. For additional info, click awkscht.com.

Friday, July 30

It’s the perfect night to sit out under the stars and enjoy the movie theatre outdoors. Grab your lawn chairs, a blanket, and even some snacks and watch “Where the Wild Things Are” at Community Arts Park at 5^th and Court Streets in Allentown. The show begins at dusk, but I suggest arriving early to score a good seat. For more, visit allentownpa.gov.

Saturday, July 31-Sunday, August 1

Immerse yourself in the rich Lebanese culture and all of its delicious foods and authentic dancing at this year’s Lebanese Heritage Day on Saturday from 5-11 p.m. and on Sunday from noon-11 p.m. Enjoy two fun-filled days at this annual event that takes place at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Easton. Visit mountlebanon.org.

Sunday, August 1

For the Philadelphia Eagles fans, training camp is back! Practice begins at 8:15 a.m. and again at 2:45 p.m. at the Lehigh fields at Stabler Arena. There will also be an autograph session. Don’t forget to pick up your official football merch! For a schedule and more, visit philadelphiaeagles.com.

Friday, July 23-Sunday, July 25

Looking for some action? Blue Mountain is only a short drive from the Lehigh Valley, and if you’re into camping, live music, and mountain bikes you need to check this event out. Introducing the first ever Fat Tire Festival, a weekend filled with camping, kids activities, demos, a bike bog, music, and more. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday. Festival entry is free. Visit skibluemt.com or verticalearthpa.com.

Saturday, July 24

An event for a good cause! This Saturday enjoy live music, belly dancing, activities, entertainment, craft workshops, and more at the “Every Breath” Fundraiser for Lung Cancer from noon-6 p.m. at the Rose Garden in Bethlehem sponsored by Community Artists of Bethlehem. Free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged at the entrance to benefit the Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership.

Sunday, July 25

Experience Bethlehem’s first Rooftop Fancy Flea Market atop the North Street Parking Garage from noon-4 p.m. Featuring more than 40 local retailers and food vendors. Great goods at wallet-friendly prices! Free and open to the public. Free parking in the garage.