Good morning, Bethlehem.

The nearly 30-year-old Banana Factory closed on Jan.

1 and demolition began earlier this week as an excavator moved wood and metal at the site. A five-story Creative Factory powered by PPL will be built on the site at a cost of $26 million—set to be finished in late 2026 with 36 artist studios and a large glass studio.

City of Bethlehem officials are planning a community center on Mechanic Street along the South Bethlehem Greenway after community engagement and a feasibility study confirmed local need—final plans now depend on fundraising and funding evaluations.

The Bethlehem Area Public Library resumed its bookmobile service on April 1 with a new vehicle after a pause caused by its old bookmobile breaking down last year.

Mike Henninger now drives the bookmobile to high-traffic areas and selects books based on local interests — the service functions as an extra branch for community borrowers.

Nestle Purina workers ended a seven-week strike after agreeing to a new four-year contract that includes wage increases, a faster grievance process and stronger worker protections.

The plant at the intersection of Route 309 and Pope Road employs over 450 workers and makes dog and cat food.

Three prominent acts will perform at Musikfest Cafe at SteelStacks; Black Violin will play on November 9, Dark Star Orchestra on July 15, and Sam Bush on July 16.

Tickets for Black Violin and Dark Star Orchestra go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the SteelStacks website or box office — while Bush's tickets are already available — providing Bethlehem with a variety of unique music experiences.

HopePHL released data showing that over 1,000 public school children in the Lehigh Valley were homeless during the 2022-23 school year—a record high for Pennsylvania.

Bethlehem Area reported 344 students, and Lehigh County saw a 32% rise in student homelessness from the prior year, highlighting the need for increased family support.

Lehigh University Jazz Orchestra Concert

3-6 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Enjoy a spring concert featuring contemporary jazz works performed by Lehigh University students and faculty under the direction of Bill Warfield.

Live Jazz with Joe Mixon

8-11 p.m. — Riegelsville Inn — Cost not specified — Enjoy a night of smooth jazz, blues, and fusion music performed by guitarist and vocalist Joe Mixon.

Downtown Bethlehem Fine Art and Craft Show

May 10-11 — Downtown Bethlehem Association — Free entry — Celebrate local artistry with awards, receptions, and exceptional crafts.

Mother's Day Brunch

10 AM – 1 PM — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Ticketed event — Celebrate Mother's Day with delicious food and live music by Joe Lazorik.

Celtic Herbology Workshop

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Celtic Cultural Alliance — Workshop fee applies — Explore the uses of Celtic herbs and create your own healing products.

2025 Levitt Pavilion Concert Season

May 16-17 — Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks — Free entry — Enjoy free live music at the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces.

The Doo Wop Project

7:30-9 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the evolution of Doo Wop from classic harmonies to contemporary hits.

Lehigh Valley Wicked Plant Fest

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Vendor fees apply — Explore a vibrant plant festival with over 100 vendors, artisans, food, and entertainment in the heart of Bethlehem.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Vault 634 — Ticket prices vary — Experience Coldplay’s music performed by a string quartet in a stunning candlelit setting.

The Wizard of Oz Ballet

May 24-25 — Zoellner Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an all-new family-friendly ballet adaptation of the beloved Oz story.