Bethlehem Today Logo Bethlehem Today

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

SHARE
SPONSORED BY
Advertiser Logo

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bethlehem Today.

Good morning, Bethlehem. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of May.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • 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.  WFMZ
  • 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 Brown and White
  • 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.  The Brown and White

BUSINESS NEWS

  • 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.  WFMZ

CULTURE NEWS

  • 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.  Lehigh Valley News

EDUCATION NEWS

  • 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 Valley Live

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sun, 5/4/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 5/9/25

    View event
  • Downtown Bethlehem Fine Art and Craft Show

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

    Sat, 5/10/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 5/11/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 5/13/25

    View event
  • 2025 Levitt Pavilion Concert Season

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

    Fri, 5/16/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/17/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 5/18/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 5/21/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/24/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Instant Refresh with Volume – No Wash Needed

Get fresh, clean-looking hair in seconds with this innovative dry shampoo powder. Perfect for busy mornings or post-workout touch-ups, it instantly revives your style without the need for water or rinsing.

The built-in brush applicator makes it easy to target roots and distribute the powder evenly, leaving no mess or residue behind. Designed for convenience, it's ideal for travel, your gym bag, or a quick refresh between meetings.

Formulated without parabens, the dry shampoo not only absorbs oil but also adds volume and texture to limp, lifeless hair. Enjoy fuller-looking locks and a boost of confidence — anytime, anywhere.

Get started with The Buy today

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bethlehem Today.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About Bethlehem Today

Welcome to the Bethlehem Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania community. If you like the Bethlehem Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bethlehem.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bethlehem and across Pennsylvania. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Bethlehem Today

A free Bethlehem community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here