ArtsQuest Hosting Fall and Holiday Festivals in Bethlehem, Pa

Lehigh Valley arts and culture organization is holding four upcoming indoor festivals: Blast Furnace Blues, Oktoberfest, SteelJam Festival and Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (Thursday, September 6, 2012) – If you are looking for a classic autumn or holiday festival filled with live music, great food, and one-of-a-kind markets, ArtsQuest has you covered. Lehigh Valley’s non-profit arts and culture organization is holding four upcoming indoor festivals in Bethlehem, Pa. this year, including: Blast Furnace Blues, Oktoberfest, SteelJam Festival and Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem.

“Festivals don’t have to end just because summer is over,” said Michael Stershic, President of Discover Lehigh Valley. “Indoor festivals are perfect for weekend travelers looking for an affordable getaway. ArtsQuest is known for Musikfest, the nation’s largest 10-day free music festival, and the organization’s upcoming fall and holiday festivals are sure to entertain visitors with incredible live bands, authentic food and a cup of hot apple cider.”

Autumn and holiday ArtsQuest festivals in Lehigh Valley include:

ArtsQuest Blast Furnace Blues
Dates: Sept. 14-16, 2012
Location: SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem, Pa.
What a way to end the summer - enjoy three days of blues music as SteelStacks welcomes some of the finest contemporary and traditional blues artists from around the region and throughout the nation. Artist bios, ticket information and a contest to win VIP tickets and a two-night stay at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem can be found at www.artsquest.org/festivals/blastfurnaceblues.

ArtsQuest Oktoberfest
Dates: Oct. 5-7 and Oct. 12-14, 2012
Location: SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem, Pa.
Experience an authentic German Oktoberfest with a special Pennsylvania flair. Highlighting the event is the 100-foot by 240-foot Yuengling Festhalle tent at PNC Plaza, featuring German food, beer, and German, rock and polka music. For a detailed list of events, and to purchase tickets, visit www.artsquest.org/festivals/oktoberfest.

ArtsQuest SteelJam Festival
Dates: Nov. 9-10, 2012
Location: SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem, Pa.
Performances by The Victor Wooten Band, The Jimmy Herring Band and Conspirator highlight two nights of nonstop jamming as SteelJam returns to Lehigh Valley. For detailed descriptions on all the bands, and to purchase tickets, visitwww.artsquest.org/festivals/steeljam.

ArtsQuest Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
Dates: Nov. 15 – Dec. 23, 2012 (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
Location: Several locations throughout downtown Bethlehem, Pa. and at the SteelStacks campus
Recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the top holiday markets in the world, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans, the heart-warming sounds of live Christmas music, delicious food and more. Be sure to stop by the glassblowing booth, where beautiful ornaments and decorations are always being made. You can even try your hand at making your own glass ornament, perfect for gift giving or the family's Christmas tree. Learn more at www.artsquest.org/christkindlmarkt.

The Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania is located about one hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City. It is home to the three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

About Discover Lehigh Valley
Discover Lehigh Valley is the designated destination marketing organization of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to promote and develop Lehigh Valley as a leisure and business travel destination. Created in 1984, Discover Lehigh Valley assists in promoting regional tourism, an industry that generates $1.5 billion in annual revenue and accounts for more than 22,000 jobs in Lehigh Valley. For more information on Discover Lehigh Valley and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call 1-800-MEET-HERE, or visit the official tourism website of Lehigh Valley at www.DiscoverLehighValley.com.

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