Musikfest returns to Bethlehem Friday, July 31, opening its 10-day run of music, food, entertainment and family activities across the city’s North and South sides.

Presented by ArtsQuest, the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival runs through Aug. 9 and annually attracts more than 1 million visitors. Hundreds of performances are scheduled on multiple stages in Bethlehem’s historic district and at the SteelStacks campus.

This year’s lineup includes nationally known performers Russell Dickerson, Bailey Zimmerman, Parker McCollum, Train, Third Eye Blind, comedian John Mulaney, rapper T.I. with special guest DaBaby and “Weird Al” Yankovic at the ticketed Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza.

Musikfest also highlights the Lehigh Valley’s vibrant music scene with free performances by regional and local acts, including Craig Thatcher, Trouble City All-Stars, GoGo Gadget, Erin Kelly Band, The Large Flowerheads, Flirtin’ With the Mob and The Castaway Band. National rock band The Verve Pipe also will perform a free opening-night concert.

New this year, festival activities begin with a Preview Night on Thursday, July 30, giving visitors an early opportunity to enjoy music, food and entertainment before the official opening. ArtsQuest also has introduced an updated Musikfest app that allows festivalgoers to browse performances, build personalized schedules and navigate the festival grounds. The 2026 official festival poster, created by illustrator Doug Boehm, celebrates America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, while approximately 34% of the festival’s more than 300 free acts are from the Lehigh Valley.

Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy artisan vendors, street performers, family activities, visual arts, comedy and dozens of food vendors offering festival favorites. Festival Plaza at SteelStacks anchors South Side activities, while Bethlehem’s historic district is home to many of the free stages, craft vendors and family attractions.

Admission to Musikfest is free except for headline concerts and a limited number of special events. Organizers encourage visitors to plan ahead by reviewing parking, shuttle and transportation options before arriving, particularly during busy weekend and evening hours.

A complete performance schedule, maps, parking information and tickets for paid shows are available on the official Musikfest website.

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