
Opening Celebration
A joyful Festival kickoff featuring John Gorka, Festival performers, and much, much more!
Wednesday, Sept 28 - 6-8 pm
Barrio Stage @ Touchstone
OUTDOOR EVENT
TICKETS: FREE! Donations gratefully accepted.
No reservations required; all are welcome!
Meet us at the Barrio Stage and the Greenway behind Touchstone for a fun-filled sneak-peek at the Festival ahead! Beginning at 6pm, enjoy the Festival Fair along the Greenway with tables and booths set up with interactive games, art making, and much more! Then at 7pm, the official Opening begins. Folk icon John Gorka has returned to his beloved Bethlehem to join this year’s Festival, and he’ll take the stage this evening to help kick things off. Along with the Broughal Middle School Choir, a panoply of Festival performers, and lots of special guests, we’ll celebrate the five art-filled days to come. See you there—and bring a friend! Following the program, from 8-9pm hang out and enjoy the chance to meet, greet and chat with artists, friends, and neighbors and share your thoughts with us through our Community Conversations.
Digital program book HERE!
WHAT TO EXPECT
6-7pm – Festival Fair on the Greenway right behind Touchstone
7-8 – Opening Celebration on Touchstone’s Barrio Stage
8-9 – Mingling with friends new and old, and Community Conversations
**See below for the rain plan**
FOOD & DRINK: Five Maidens Cider Company will be open with (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) drinks available for purchase. Bottled water will also be provided to audience members.
VENUE: Barrio Stage at Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem, PA 18015 (This is our outdoor venue located in our parking lot; see below for alternate parking options.)
PARKING: There is nearby street or lot parking (here’s a link to Bethlehem parking options). Recommended options include: 1) Mechanic Street Parking Lot between Webster & Taylor Streets and Mechanic Street and the Greenway – 3 min walk; 2) Third & Taylor Street lot next to Southside 313 at 313 E. 3rd St. – 3 min. walk; or 3) the South New St. Garage (324 S. New Street), which is a 7 minute walk along the Greenway to the theatre.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: Accessible restrooms are available inside Touchstone Theatre. Accessible seating is available; please contact Touchstone Theatre via phone at (610) 867-1689 or via email at touchstone@touchstone.org to reserve accessible seating in advance or inquire about accessible parking. Please note that seating is in the Touchstone parking lot which is accessed via a sloped driveway.
What happens if it rains?!
VENUE: In the case of rain, this event will take place at the Charles A. Brown Ice House, 56 River St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.
PARKING: Free parking is available immediately adjacent to the Ice House, with additional metered parking in the Lehigh Street Lot across from the Wooden Match (61 W. Lehigh Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018).
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: Accessible seating is available; please contact Touchstone Theatre via phone at (610) 867-1689 or via email at touchstone@touchstone.org to reserve accessible seating in advance. Accessible restrooms are also available. Parking is available in designated handicap spots next to the venue.