The Lehigh Valley loves its fests. Our region’s social calendar is chock-full of events and happenings celebrating our favorite foods, pastimes, traditions and cultural diversity. But of all the fests that pop up over the course of a year, there’s one that is a must-attend for many, a summertime jubilee that brings visitors from all over the region, and even the world, to the heart of Bethlehem. So, let’s raise a refillable mug to that glorious celebration of song, food and fellowship that is Musikfest.
Musikfest was born in 1984, during a time when Bethlehem needed a bit of a boost. The city’s major economic engine—Bethlehem Steel—was in decline, and its historic Main Street was struggling to attract businesses. Musikfest was conceived as an outdoor music festival that would both elevate the spirit of the city and contribute to the local economy.
Ever since that first year, Musikfest has grown and thrived and can now claim the crown as the largest non-gated music festival in the nation. And yet, its mission remains the same—it’s all about bringing people together, says Demko. Nearly 1.2 million people checked out the fest in 2017, an attendance record. And among them were visitors from at least 42 different states and 12 countries.
