things to do in Bethlehem PA and Lehigh Valley PA this week (Mon, Sept 1 – Sun, Sept 7, 2025)

Wrap up summer with a fair finale, arts-filled Friday, heritage celebrations and family attractions—plus great places to eat and relax.

Colorful Ferris wheel at the Great Allentown Fair

Fair & Festival

Great Allentown Fair (Aug 27 – Sept 1)

Closing out the Labor Day weekend, the 170‑year‑old Allentown Fair offers a mix of rides, games, live concerts and international cuisine while supporting farmers and gardeners【164913437987013†L193-L201】.

Where: Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 N 17th St, Allentown, PA 18104
Hours: Open daily through Sept 1.
Learn more: allentownfair.com

Image credit: Allentown Fair

Art & Music

First Friday at ArtsQuest (Sept 5)

Kick off September with free live music, art exhibitions and hands‑on creative activities at the ArtsQuest Center. Planet Infamy performs 6 – 7:15 p.m. and local artists host workshops and a Wine'd Down art class【273335293300086†L181-L205】.

Where: ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Phone: (610) 332‑1300
Details: Discover Lehigh Valley

Image credit: SteelStacks / ArtsQuest

Heritage & Community

World Heritage Community Celebration (Sept 6)

Celebrate Bethlehem’s UNESCO World Heritage designation at a free block party around Central Moravian Church, Payrow Plaza and Main Street. Enjoy an opening ceremony, live music, historic tours, a lovefeast and demonstrations, plus crafts and food vendors【899347498985156†L38-L66】【899347498985156†L129-L135】.

Where: Central Moravian Church & Payrow Plaza area, Bethlehem, PA
Time: Noon – 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: Moravian University News

Image credit: SteelStacks / Bethlehem

Museum

National Museum of Industrial History

Discover America’s industrial heritage inside a restored Bethlehem Steel facility. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum features 20,000 square feet of exhibits, including a model Corliss engine and artifacts telling the story of the Industrial Revolution【424338440790846†L31-L45】【424338440790846†L94-L116】.

Where: 602 E 2nd St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Hours: Wed – Sun, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: (610) 694–8164
Website: nmih.org

Image credit: National Museum of Industrial History

Bethlehem • 4.4★+

1741 on the Terrace

Located inside Historic Hotel Bethlehem, this refined restaurant features floor‑to‑ceiling Palladian windows overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage site. Executive Chef Rodney Rivera offers seasonal dishes and an extensive wine list, with lunch, dinner and musical brunch service【736885720380288†L58-L75】.

Address: 437 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: (855) 264–1608
Website: hotelbethlehem.com

Image credit: Historic Hotel Bethlehem

Bethlehem • 4.5★

Social Still

A micro distillery and kitchen in a century‑old bank, Social Still serves American‑Fusion plates with unique flavor profiles, from small bites to full dinners. The distillery offers craft spirits and cocktails in a stylish industrial setting【288737144827118†L23-L28】.

Address: 530 E 3rd St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: (610) 625‑4585
Website: socialstill.com

Image credit: Social Still

Allentown • 4.5★+

Grille 3501

Known for its sophisticated yet unpretentious atmosphere, Grille 3501 serves unique New American cuisine with warm hospitality. Conveniently located with ample off‑street parking and open for lunch, dinner and Saturday evenings【321255067429073†L31-L40】【321255067429073†L88-L95】.

Address: 3501 Broadway, Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: (610) 432‑3505
Website: grille3501.com

Image credit: Grille 3501

Bethlehem • 4.5★

Edge Restaurant & Lounge

This downtown hotspot pairs French and Asian influences in scratch‑made New American cuisine. Chef Timothy Widrick offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a convenient parking deck【260836841259632†L108-L119】.

Address: 74 W Broad St, Suite 220, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: (610) 814‐0100
Website: edgerestaurant.net

Image credit: Edge Restaurant & Lounge

Sources & Credits

Great Allentown Fair details: Discover Lehigh Valley & Allentown Fair descriptions noting the fair's history and offerings【164913437987013†L193-L201】.
First Friday at ArtsQuest details: Discover Lehigh Valley event listing with schedule, activities and contact info【273335293300086†L181-L205】.
World Heritage Community Celebration details: Moravian University News announcement describing the event activities, location and schedule【899347498985156†L38-L66】【899347498985156†L129-L135】.
National Museum of Industrial History information: America's Best History article detailing the museum's exhibits, size and visiting hours【424338440790846†L31-L45】【424338440790846†L94-L116】.
1741 on the Terrace description and hours: Historic Hotel Bethlehem dining page【736885720380288†L58-L75】.
Social Still description and contact info: Social Still website details about American-Fusion menu and hours【288737144827118†L23-L28】.
Grille 3501 description and hours: Grille 3501 website introduction and hours【321255067429073†L31-L40】【321255067429073†L88-L95】.
Edge Restaurant & Lounge description: Edge Restaurant site description of New American cuisine and amenities【260836841259632†L108-L119】.
All images are from official event or restaurant websites and credited accordingly.