Get Out: Independence Day Weekend

The Fourth of July is not until Monday but chances are you have at least a three-day or maybe a four-day weekend. While picnics and fireworks will inevitably be part of the mix, there are lots of patriotic activities to get you and your family out for art, live music and even apple pie.

Kick off July with First Friday activities on the South Side of Bethlehem for jungle surprises at the safari-themed celebration. The artists will have their studios open to the public and Third Street Shops and restaurants will have discounts and specials as always. 

The Promenade Shops continues the QNB concert series by celebrating the Fourth with a live song-and-dance performance by the Kids of America.  With discounts beginning at 5 pm, grab a bite to eat at the Pita Pit, Cosi or maybe even Red Robin and save the grilling for Monday.  

If a spectator sport is what you’re looking for, the family will have a great time as the FC Sonic Lehigh Valley soccer team battles the Pocono Snow on the turf at . One spectator sport you cannot take the kids to is Fight Night at the , but if you’re all in for a knockout, get your seats for this historic boxing match in Bethlehem -- the first-ever boxing match at the casino-resort.

Saturday through Monday, Artsquest is hosting its Independence Day Celebration at the. With live music, crafts and All-American activities including storytelling and an apple pie eating contest, this is sure to be a winner with the family. Even the animals are celebrating Independence Day, at least the ones at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, where the Red, White and Zoo program will feature patriotic animal and guest enrichment activities.

Freedom is a wonderful thing and definitely worth celebrating.  Have a great Fourth of July and enjoy the picnics, fireworks and all the great events this weekend.

BEST PICKS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

FIRST FRIDAY ()

• WHERE/WHEN: 25 W. Third St. South Side Bethlehem, Friday 6pm – 10pm. 
• WHY GO: This month’s theme is a safari celebration! Enjoy food samples! Each business will host samples of select authentic cuisine, fresh fruit and jungle surprises! Come out to listen to themed live music and take advantage of discounts and fun at all the venues along Third Street. 
• PRICING: Free, as always, for the whole family, sponsored by the Second Annual Rooftop Beach Party.

QNB SUMMER CONCERT SERIES (THE PROMENADE SHOPS)

• WHERE/WHEN: 2845 Center Valley Parkway, Town Square at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, Friday, 7pm.
• WHY GO: Listen to a free concert by Kids for America featuring the Gilbert Family, five talented and patriotic kids who sing and dance. Take advantage of the concert night specials at local restaurants starting at 5pm.
• COST: Free

FC SONIC LEHIGH VALLEY (PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE)

• WHERE/WHEN: Lehigh University, Ulirich Sports Complex at Goodman Campus, Bethlehem, Friday, 7:30pm.
• WHY GO:  For some fun and live, action-packed soccer, check out the FC Sonic Lehigh Valley vs. Pocono Snow as they tear up the turf.
• COST: Adult Ticket $5, child $3, pay at the event.

FIGHT NIGHT AT THE SANDS (SANDS HOTEL & CASINO)

• WHERE/WHEN: Sands Hotel and Casino, 77 Sands Boulevard, Bethlehem, Friday, 7:30pm. 
• WHY GO: The first-ever boxing event at the Sands Bethlehem will feature the undefeated welterweight prospect Ronald Cruz against the hard-hitting Doel Carrasquillo headlining a seven-match card.
• COST: Ticket, $51 and $78.

INDEPENDENCE DAY (ARTSQUEST)

• WHERE/WHEN: SteelStacks Campus, Founder’s Way, Bethlehem, Saturday, noon – 11pm., Sunday, 11am. – 6pm. & Monday, noon – 11pm.
• WHY GO:  This three-day family friendly celebration will bring out the patriot in you, All-American events like an Apple Pie Eating Contest, 100 years of Chevrolet Car Show, storytelling from Once Upon a Nation, kids crafts and live music. 
• COST: Free, except for concerts in Musikfest Café.

RED, WHITE AND ZOO (LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO)

• WHERE/WHEN: Lehigh Valley Zoo, 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, Saturday, 10am. – 4pm.
• WHY GO: Highlighting the Zoo’s animal enrichment program, special activities and talks will demonstrate the unique qualities of the animals. See the red-tailed hawk, white snow owl and blue-tongued skink for a presentation full of patriotic surprises. 
• COST: Tickets, Adult, $9.75; Seniors, $8.75 and children (2 – 11), $7.75.