Good morning, ‘festers. Today is Sunday August 14, 2011, the last day of Musikfest. This is your last chance to enjoy the best party in the Lehigh Valley all year. We’re not going to lie to you. The weather forecast looks horrific. The National Weather Service says there is a 90 percent chance that it will rain, with a possibility of one or two more inches on top of the three inches that fell after nightfall Saturday. Volksplatz is almost certainly a mudpit, if it’s not even worse. We’ll just have to hope that the perseverance of the ArtsQuest staff and volunteers gets us through this one …

Despite the great party and all the free fun Musikfest has to offer, we know that times are still tight for a lot of folks out there. Over the course of a 10-day festival, things can get kind of pricey, even though most items really aren't much more than you'd pay for take-out anyway. Still, there are a number of delicious and substantial Musikfest foodie treats to be had for $5 or under, making the task of keeping your energy up or your little ones happy and occupied while you bop to the beat a bit less expensive. Better yet, most do offer some decent nutrition, even if they could be a bit …

Face it, somewhat clichéd or not, souvenirs from an event you've enjoyed are always appealing. Event vendors know this, and often capitalize on public sentimentality to overcome people's usual aversion to paying too much or to push useless chatchka items that may fetch their owners a quarter at next spring's yard sale. But there are definitely some items at Musikfest that seem worth the price tag, and all that we've chosen are under $10. The Official Musikfest mug - $9Our top pick and the mark of any serious 'fest-goer, this mug will pay for itself quickly with the discounts you'll receive on…

Every year at Musikfest, there is a little area in the Colonial Industrial Quarter, between Festplatz and Volksplatz, where the emphasis is not so much on music, but artisan crafters and their wares. They call it Handwerkplatz. Veteran ‘festers know it as the place to buy unique items like handmade soaps, handcrafted jewelry and original works of art. All of the vendors there share the common bond of selling items they made themselves. Here is a closer look at one of them:   A Natural Alternative Soaps & Toiletries   Owner: Hedge Sefcovic , PO Box 1 Emmaus, Pa. 18049  610-974-8349 hedge@a-…

Every year at Musikfest, there is a little area in the Colonial Industrial Quarter, between Festplatz and Volksplatz, where the emphasis is not so much on music, but artisan crafters and their wares. They call it Handwerkplatz. Veteran ‘festers know it as the place to buy unique items like handmade soaps, handcrafted jewelry and original works of art. All of the vendors there share the common bond of selling items they made themselves. Here is a closer look at one of them:   The Salsa Guy   Owner:  George Gilreath, Bethlehem.  Products: 14 flavors by Casa DeJorge, including Fruit Salsas: …

About a million people come through the city of Bethlehem over the 10-day stretch of Musikfest, a fact that is not lost on both large corporations and local companies alike. This is a great opportunity to get their products and services in front of you, or even just remind you they exist, meaning there are a number of places at the festival where you can pick up some fun and useful free goodies. So, keep an eye out. In addition to these five known opportunities below, we're sure there may be a few others. The Official Musikfest program guide This slick, thick, glossy booklet has absolutely …

Bethlehem’s Musikfest is known for its wide variety of music. Classical music has usually been present, but has not held the largest niche among the hundreds of concerts each year. Moreover, public awareness of the classical concerts offered is likely to be less widespread than for many of the other acts. Classical music is typically performed unamplified. It’s much more rewarding for musicians and audiences alike when the concerts are held indoors. Therefore, those in the know go, but the indoor concerts don’t attract the walk-by attention that the outdoor stages can. However, with a bit of …

The new Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema has two theatres—one that seats 100, and another that seats 200 people. Dedicated to independent, foreign, scientific and documentary films, as the name suggests, beer and wine is allowed in the cinema. So consider stopping by to check out a flick on the cheap—what better way to take a break at Musikfest than over a great rock movie, or end your evening with a late-night horror classic... The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights Aug. 7 at 8 p.m.; Aug. 8 at 5 p.m.; Aug. 10 at 2 p.m.; Aug. 11 at 8 p.m. The World According to John Coltrane Aug. 7 at…

One of the wonderful things about any music festival is the opportunity to put your everyday cares aside and just enjoy the groove. But key to being able to do that is having the right stuff with you, and leaving the things that won't enhance your day safely at home. You don't need a lot — after all, Musikfest happens in the middle of urban Bethlehem. A few useful items and bits of information will ensure all you'll need to worry about is what great thing you'll see next, in between seeking out your favorite 'fest foodie bits. To bring: Dress for the day. A shirt and shoes are required on …

Kids are not an afterthought at Musikfest. Music, activites and events targeted at entertaining children and families are an integral part of Musikfest with cool crafts and treasure hunts as well as street and stage performers dedicated to family entertainment. “For families looking for an affordable day out, Musikfest is really a great option with all the free music and free activities,” said Mark Demko, Assistant Director of Editorial Services at Artsquest.  Most of the kids activities will be at either the Fowler and Pena Banana Island or Main Street location although there are no areas …

Musikfest 2011 gets under way at 5 this evening in Historic Downtown and SouthSide Bethlehem. This will be the largest and most ambitious festival in the 28-year history of the biggest and most ambitious annual festival in the Lehigh Valley. We are talking about more than 300 live performances on 15 stages in addition to a whole host of other activities. With all the talk of change coming with this festival, veteran fest-goers will find that plenty also remains familiar -- as this year's festival slogan says "The Song Remains ..." But a lot will be new. Here, we get you up to speed. Unless …