This annual 10 day music and entertainment festival in Bethlehem, PA has venues of every type including rock, polka, swing band, jazz, mummers, brass band, blue grass, classical, folk and more. The festival is 95 percent free with tickets needed for a few of the evening performances of nationally known groups.
Upon arrival you will see and enjoy hearing street musicians playing everywhere.
There are always special ad hoc street entertainers, for example: the man who was hoisted 20 feet above the crowd in a straight jacket, a dozen drummers on the lawn by the Hotel Bethlehem and every year someone always brings a segway.
This street entertainer lit a skate board on fire and jumped over two patrons from the audience.
One of the main tents had excellent Spanish music and dancing.
There are 7 areas of entertainment and fast food is available in every area. Bethlehem also has many fine restaurants including the one within the Hotel Bethlehem.
One of the very popular venues was in the "Polka tent" area. Every year the world famous Jimmy Sturr Orchestra plays to an overflow crowd. Many other polka bands play during the 10 days and there is usually a polka band from Europe to provide an evenings special entertainment. During the ten days, there are also swing bands sharing the main tent area and there is a dance floor in front of the band stand for everyone to participate.
Musikfest has any kind of music that you desire, including a most talented group of colorful, costumed men from Ecuador, providing music and dance, almost every year.
There is a kids area with face painting and caricature is also popular with adults.
It was interesting to watch cigar making on main street, you could buy one too.
Everyone enjoys people watching, and it was everywhere.
Click HERE to view our 2012 visit to MUSIKFEST