things to do in Bethlehem PA and Lehigh Valley PA this week (Mon, Sept 8 – Sun, Sept 14, 2025)

Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel Tour (Sept 8–14, 1 p.m.)

Step back into Bethlehem’s industrial heyday with a walking tour of the old blast furnaces. Guides recount how Bethlehem Steel built landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building and Hoover Dam, while you explore the towering stacks and learn about the workers behind the metal. Tours depart daily at 1 p.m. from the Visitor Center, with combo tickets available for the National Museum of Industrial History:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

Tickets: $20 (18+), $12 (ages 7–17):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Image credit: SteelStacks / ArtsQuest.

Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park (Fri–Sun, Sept 12–14)

Beginning Sept 12, Dorney Park morphs into a “scream park” after dark. Brave the new Iron Menace dive coaster, explore seven haunted mazes and six scare zones filled with monsters and ghouls, and beware: this event isn’t recommended for kids under 13:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Operating select evenings through Oct 25; this week’s sessions run Friday through Sunday.

Hours: evenings after park close (check calendar)

Image credit: Dorney Park (official promo).

Brew at the Zoo (Sat, Sept 13 • 3–6 p.m.)

Sample more than 40 craft beers, ciders and seltzers while strolling the Lehigh Valley Zoo. The 10th annual Brew at the Zoo features live music, food from K’Town Pub and Geakers Tacos, and after‑hours access to animal exhibits. Sampling tickets include admission and cost $35 for non‑members or $20 for members:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}; designated‑driver and general admission tickets are also available:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

21+ to drink; ID required

Image credit: Lehigh Valley Zoo (official).

Annual Lehigh Valley Polo Benefit (Sun, Sept 14 • Gates 11 a.m., Match 1 p.m.)

Dust off your seersucker for Equi‑librium’s polo match benefiting therapeutic horse programs. Enjoy an exhibition polo match, stomp divots between chukkers, browse a vendor marketplace and picnic along sponsor row or the tailgate section. Gates open at 11 a.m.; the match starts at 1 p.m. Kids under 12 are free and leashed dogs are welcome:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Image credit: Equi‑librium (official).

Apollo Grill — 4.6★ (Tripadvisor)

Since 1999, this downtown Bethlehem staple has paired polished service with an expansive menu of salads, burgers, seafood, pastas and steaks. The lively bar and comfortable booths make Apollo Grill a go‑to for business lunches, date nights and late‑night bites.

Image credit: Apollo Grill (official).

Edge Restaurant & Lounge — 4.5★ (OpenTable)

Chef Timothy Widrick’s French‑ and Asian‑inspired New American cuisine is served in a sleek downtown lounge. Share small plates or dive into entrées like sesame‑crusted tuna, then linger over handcrafted cocktails and a deep wine list.

Image credit: Edge Restaurant (official).

Social Still — 4.6★ (OpenTable)

This micro‑distillery and kitchen in a restored bank crafts award‑winning vodka, gin and rye on‑site. Pair a house cocktail with locally sourced small plates, burgers and weekend brunch in the stylish industrial space on Bethlehem’s South Side.

Image credit: Social Still (official).

Grille 3501 — 4.7★ (OpenTable)

Sophisticated yet welcoming, this West End Allentown favorite serves refined New American fare—from tuna nachos to filet mignon—in a contemporary two‑story space. The bustling bar and creative cocktail list make it ideal for celebrations and date nights.

Image credit: Grille 3501 (official).