July 11

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday Parkland Garden Club will hold its Star-Spangled Garden Tour 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine. Visit a variety of unique gardens, meet gardening author Eva Monheim, experience local history, a silent auction and more. There will be special guest appearances by Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin and John Bartram. Advance ticket sales are available at the following locations: Crooked Row Farm, Orefield, Eagle Point Farm Market, Trexlertown, Herbein’s Garden Center, Emmaus, Kospia Farms, Alburtis, Lehigh Home and Garden Center and Phoebe Floral and Home Decor, both in Allentown, and Ross Plants and Flowers, Orefield. Tickets can also be purchased at any of the gardens the day of the tour. For more information, contact Barbara at 610-432-3313 or Judy at 610-285-4112.

July 13-17

Jordan Lutheran Church, 5103 Snowdrift Rd., Orefield, will hold its Vacation Bible School 9 a.m. to noon. The theme is Rain Forest Falls. Register at vbspro.events/p/f1884a.

St. John’s UCC, 1027 Church St., Fogelsville, is hosting its “Paul and the Underground Church” Vacation Bible School in partnership with St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, also in Fogelsville, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Journey back to ancient Rome as they learn the story of Marcus and the early Christians who hid in the catacombs of Rome to worship. They will also hear from Paul while he’s in prison waiting to present the Gospel of Jesus to Caesar. There will be a light lunch before the start of VBS. Call 484-553-6841 for more information.

July 14

Parkland Trojan Alumni Varsity Club will be meeting 6 p.m. at the HOPS-Fogelsville Hotel, 7921 Main St., Fogelsville. The speaker will be Chris Strelecki, a 1999 graduate of Parkland. Currently he is coaching at Somerville High School in New Jersey. All are invited to attend. There is a cost per person for the dinner.

July 18

Kuhnsville Car Wash, 5675 Tilghman St., Allentown, will be hosting a Driven to Donate event. A portion of the proceeds from all full-service car washes will be donated to support The Sanctuary at Haafsville. Rain date is July 25. For more information, go to kcwash.com.

July 26

Saara Arts proudly presents the ninth annual India Heritage Day, a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the vibrant arts, culture, cuisine, and traditions of India, 3 to 6 p.m. at the Allentown Arts Park. This year’s theme, “Rhythms of India,” highlights the rich musical and dance traditions that have shaped India’s diverse cultural heritage for centuries. The festival offers an immersive cultural experience designed to educate and engage visitors of all ages through interactive arts programming, live performances, authentic cuisine, and hands-on activities. Admission is free and this event is open to the public. For more information, go to www.saaraarts.org.

July 27-31

Elementary school-aged children can enjoy a low-cost day camp designed to encourage cooperation, understanding of other cultures, reverence for our planet and much more at the 37th annual LEPOCO Young People Making Peace Summer Day Camp 9 a.m. to noon at the First Presbyterian Church in Allentown. Enrollment costs on a sliding scale from $10 to $50/week. Children who have completed kindergarten through seventh grade are welcome. To register or volunteer, go to LEPOCO.org or call 610-691-8730.

Sept. 19

Lace up your sneakers and join the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley for the 17th annual Ready, Set, GOLD 5K Walk, 8K Run & Kids’ Fun Run, presented by Heavy and Highway Construction Laborers’ Local 158. Join the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley at the Ironton Rail Trail for a morning of fitness, family fun, and community — all while making a meaningful difference for local kids with cancer and their families. Enjoy food, music, raffles, superhero fun, and more. Every registration helps PCFLV provide critical support, joyful programs, and lasting memories for families in the Lehigh Valley facing pediatric cancer. The 8K Run starts at 8:30 a.m. The 5K Walk will start at 9 a.m. and the Fun Run/Obstacle Course for kids 12 and under starts at 10:30 a.m. All participants who are registered by Aug. 15 will receive an event T-shirt and a goody bag.