ArtsQuest has announced a number of new attractions and expanded offerings for the 43rd annual Musikfest, which opens Friday, July 31, and runs through Aug. 9. Among the highlights are:

• UNESCO partnership: A new collaboration celebrates Bethlehem’s Moravian Church Settlements - Bethlehem designation, with Main Street serving as a gateway to the city’s World Heritage district.

• Improved transportation: Free Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority Gold Line shuttle service will connect the Historic Moravian District and SouthSide festival venues, complemented by satellite parking shuttles.

• Enhanced app: The official Musikfest app now lets users share personalized schedules with friends and family while continuing to provide maps, parking information and real-time updates.

• New food vendors: First-time vendors will offer barbecue, Southern cuisine, Tibetan dumplings, gourmet ice cream, cookie dough desserts and stuffed waffles, among other specialties.

• New experiences: Expanded attractions include Martin Guitar pop-up events, an I LOVE NY exhibit, Monster Energy’s BMX show and NASCAR simulator, and Sun Cruiser as the festival’s official ready-to-drink beverage partner.

• More shopping: New artisan and retail vendors, a light-up collectible Musikfest mug and official festival merchandise will be available throughout the grounds.

• Returning favorites: SoberPlatz, the Musikfest Music Industry Conference, the Hot Glass Experience, the Start-up Lehigh Valley Pitch Competition, comedy performances and Cast in Bronze (“The Bell Guy”) all return this year.

Festival officials also reminded visitors that official food and beverage vendors remain cashless and that volunteers are still being recruited for this year’s event.

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