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Musikfest 2025 closes with explosive records

Published August 19. 2025 07:41PM

With blue skies overhead and a vibrant energy on the ground, Musikfest 2025 brought unprecedented crowds, unforgettable performances and an outpouring of community spirit and camaraderie that turned Bethlehem into the heart of a summer celebration! As the final notes fade, numbers show that this year’s festival has broken multiple all-time records, including:

• 1,449,000 in attendance, from 49 states and 7 countries (including Canada, Columbia, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands and South Africa) + Puerto Rico and Washington, DC

• 60,800 headliner tickets sold, a new record by 10% (6,000 tickets) over the festival history dating back to 1984

Additionally, four headliner acts sold-out: Megan Moroney, Riley Green, Darius Rucker and Jordan Davis - (tied with 2024) and eight headliner acts sold over 5,000 tickets (also tied with 2024).

“This year’s Musikfest was truly one for the record books! From the highest number of attendees to the most headliner tickets sold in 42 years, all fueled by amazing weather for 10 days and 11 nights and incredible community spirit,” commented Kassie Hilgert, ArtsQuest President and CEO.

“None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers, the generosity of our members, sponsors and partners along with the dedication of our official food vendors, artisans and crafters, local businesses and lodging and of course local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and emergency responders who kept the community safe throughout the entirety of the festival. Together, we’ve created an unforgettable experience that not only celebrates the arts but strengthens the bonds of our community and boosts the Lehigh Valley in countless ways.”

Widely regarded as one of the best weathered Musikfest in recent memory, 1,449,000 attendees enjoyed 10 sunny days and 11 comfortable nights that created the perfect atmosphere for exploring the festival’s 50+ acres sprawled across Bethlehem’s Historic Moravian District and SouthSide Arts District. With 15 free stages and one ticketed Wind Creek Steel Stage, there was a wide variety of music in every genre, food choices to entice any palette, shopping with local and regional artisans and crafters, family activities to participate in and endless fun for all! And a few drops of liquid sunshine on preview night were actually a welcome respite and soon disappeared from view.

“Musikfest continues to be a shining example of what makes Bethlehem so special, a vibrant celebration that brings people together with great music, great food and an incredible sense of community pride,” said Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds. “This year’s perfect weather only added to the excitement, helping fuel a safe and fun festival experience. Beyond the joy it brings, Musikfest is a major economic driver for our city, attracting visitors from near and far who support local businesses and showcase the best of the Lehigh Valley.”

Contributed article

Press photo by Dana GrubbMusikfest 2025 is in the books, having been blessed by wonderfully temperate and sunny weather throughout its 10 day run. As a result, steady crowds on both the Northside and Southside festival areas enjoyed the many free performances, as well as 10 headline acts at the Wind Creek Bethlehem Steel Stage at PNC Plaza without having to keep an eye on the sky. It was also a time for culinary treats with nearly 60 food vendors spread across the event. The 42nd annual Musikfest was punctuated with a pyrotechnic exclamation point as fest goers and others viewed the fireworks that lit the night sky from vantage points around Bethlehem. See a related story in today’s Focus section.
This year’s free stage lineup featured more than 400 artists performing 552 free musical performances across 15 stages. Director of Room Sales & Guest Experience Hotel Bethlehem Kelly Ronalds said, “Musikfest generates over $70 million in economic impact each year for Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley, attracting more than 1 million visits over 10 days from across the U.S. and around the world, with one-third of the nation’s population within a day’s drive. The festival fuels the local economy, supports small businesses and engages the community. Nearly 40 percent of ArtsQuest programming remains free and accessible, ensuring the arts thrive for everyone while showcasing the region’s music, food, and creativity.”