Good morning, Bethlehem.

On Saturday, May 10, two bystanders rescued an 80-year-old driver from his Dodge pickup when it slid into a Slate Belt pond near Roseto Rod & Gun Club in Washington Township at around 3 p.m. with no injuries reported.

Insomnia Cookies will open its first Lehigh Valley store at Six10 Flats on East 3rd Street this summer, offering warm cookies until late at night and a new full-time general manager position.

The move is seen as a boost to local business growth on the South Side — a sign of increased development.

The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem will open its second location called Oasis in the Walnut Street Garage—currently under construction in the historic district—to offer meditation and holistic wellness classes and create a space where people feel supported and connected.

The new business is set to open later this year.

LVEDC released the May LVstartup newsletter that shows how Bethlehem small business owners celebrated Main Street being named the best in the U.S. by USA Today readers— the issue also covers recent pitch competitions, awards won by Allentown Economic Development Corporation, and features Sea-Gal Technologies Inc. as its startup of the month.

Charter Arts senior Isavel Mendoza won the national Poetry Out Loud competition and a $20,000 prize with his recitation at George Washington University—he will study theater at Pace University this fall and hopes to publish a collection of his poems.

Lehigh Valley comedian Tyler Rothrock will film his first comedy special at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem on June 28 at 7 p.m. (tickets cost $20.50 in advance and $25.50 at the door) as he plans to self-produce and release the show on YouTube to expand his audience.

Lafayette College, Lehigh University, and DeSales University have agreed to a $2.7M settlement for students who paid for on campus classes but had to switch to remote learning in spring 2020 due to the pandemic—settlement deals still await judge approval.

Affected students will receive around $224, $183, or $140 each, while Lafayette College students will also get five game tickets for a season game between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.

State parks in the Lehigh Valley and across the commonwealth are preparing for a busy summer season—officials report that federal campgrounds are closing due to staffing shortages and that attendance is rising.

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, Hickory Run, and Beltzville State Park are updating facilities and trail routes while urging visitors to plan ahead for camping reservations.

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.

Wing & Wheels at The Steel Pub

7-10 p.m. — The Steel Pub Sports Bar and Grille — Wings 5 for $3.75 — Enjoy live music by The Castaways Band while indulging in delicious wing specials.

Easton Street Eats Food Truck Festival

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Cottingham Stadium — Free entry — Indulge in various food trucks while enjoying a community-focused atmosphere.

Blue Zones Kick-Off Well-being Trail Event

1-4 p.m. — Sun Inn Courtyard — Free entry — Celebrate community health and well-being at this engaging outdoor event.