The Hogar Crea crew readies shish kabob for their customers.

press photos by dana grubbMusik #2: The opening weekend of Musikfest filled Bethlehem’s historic district with live music, food, arts and entertainment as visitors enjoyed the annual festival’s many stages and attractions. At FestPlatz, Bunchafunk vocalists Deborah D’Haiti and Reggie Brown perform during one of the festival’s opening weekend concerts. The Pennsylvania-based funk, soul and R&B band helped kick off the first weekend of Musikfest, which continues through Aug. 9 with hundreds of performances and activities throughout the city. More photos on A12.

Kal and Pat Holetz, Musikfest’s ‘Chicken Lady’ for 20 years, came north from their Florida home to volunteer at Musikfest 2026.

Jesse Papp, from Northampton, visited Musikfest the first three days with his feline pal, 3-month old Loki.

Under the supervision of U.S. Army Staff Sgt.Brett Jordan, Bethlehem resident Edil Sanchez does a dead lift. Sanchez is a junior at Lincoln Leadership Academic Charter School who says he’ll be eventually considering enlisting in the National Guard.

Lori and Tim Schwager of Bechtelsville give a toast to Musikfest 2026 on Main Street. “We love the music on both sides of Musikfest and just joined Artsquest,” says Lori.

Bethlehem residents Alex Guslin and Gabrielle Zabosky found a quiet spot next to Central Moravian Church.