Each summer, Bethlehem comes alive as the tradition of Musikfest returns to the city.
Named Best Music Festival in the United States in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Musikfest kicks off on the first Friday of August and continues for 10 consecutive days, packed with music, food, and plenty of fun for all ages.
Your first time attending the ‘Fest can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. We’ve compiled some tips for a happy Musikfest experience, including must-see artists, eats, guides to parking, and even where to take a potty break.
Ready to start planning your visit? Jump to the sections below to learn more about Musikfest:
Named twice the No. 1 Music Festival in North America by the USA Today/10Best readers’ poll, Musikfest® features hundreds of performances on stages (referred to as ‘platzes’ to pay homage to the city’s Germanic heritage) throughout Bethlehem over 10 days. The 2027 festival runs August 5 through August 15, 2027.
The festival is spread throughout the city of Bethlehem, on the north side covering the Historic Moravian District and on the SouthSide at the SteelStacks™ campus in the SouthSide Arts District. It's easy to get overwhelmed when looking at all that's going on, but you'll find fun tucked around every corner. We recommend that first-timers to Musikfest spend some time getting lost as you wander through the festival grounds. Don't miss award-winning food vendors, local craft vendors, artists at work, and hands-on art activations that are spread throughout the festival. Enjoy free wifi throughout the 10-day festival, courtesy of the City of Bethlehem!
North Side Hours
(Historic Moravian District)
SouthSide
But don’t discount the hundreds of free performances during Musikfest! Across the festival's Bethlehem footprint, visitors will find stages brimming with local artists and nationally recognized acts.
If you’re driving to the festival, don’t waste time searching for street parking. Instead, head right for one of the available satellite lots where you can park for free (to North Side – 1525 Valley Center Parkway, Bethlehem. To South Side – Penn State Lehigh Valley, 2809 Saucon Valley Rd., Center Valley). The Shuttle cost is $10 per adult (13 and over); $8 per child ages 3-12 and free for children 2 and under (must be able to sit on the lap of an adult).
Another solid option is to check out availability within the two parking garages on the city’s North Side - Walnut Street and North Street. Though there is a fee to park in these garages, you’ll be steps away from the action. Additionally, the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) offers additional service during the festival, including a loop shuttle between North & South Bethlehem.
Find more information on Musikfest parking, ride-shares, shuttles, and public transportation.
You're sure to get in your 10,000 steps exploring all the "Platz" at Musikfest! We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes as the footprint of the festival is quite large and does include travel on both paved and gravel paths with some incline. August days in Pennsylvania can be toasty, so be sure to stay hydrated as you're exploring!
When nature calls, you’ll find plenty of facilities available for use. On the South Side, take advantage of indoor bathrooms at the Visitors Center, as well as within the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. On the North Side, consider using the bathrooms near Volksplatz in the Colonial Industrial Quarter for some slightly less trafficked resources.
For a relaxing break without alcohol involved, head over to SoberPlatz! Located on the SteelStacks Campus next to Air Products Americaplatz, it's a space where those looking to enjoy the music without alcohol, or simply just need a break from the crowds, can hang out and relax. The space will offer wellness activities, group meetups, and chances to explore recovery resources and community support. Everyone is welcome to check it out!
The 2026 Musikfest poster was designed by painter and illustrator Doug Boehm. Boehm, who originally designed the 2020 poster, was unable to experience the full role of poster artist due to the pandemic.
“My poster is a play on the great seal of the United States, but with a unity theme centered around the topic of music, commented Boehm. “The theme this year is ‘Music Unites,’ and that message couldn’t be more needed right now. Let’s be real: we’re a little divided as a country. But when the music starts? Suddenly, we’re all singing the same song, dancing in the same street and feeling the same good vibes. That’s what I wanted the poster to capture-joy, energy and the power of music to bring us all together, no matter who we are or where we come from.”
The artwork carries special meaning as the country looks ahead to America 250, the nation’s semi-quincentennial celebration. Boehm’s design captures both the festive spirit of Musikfest and the way music brings people together during this milestone moment.
With all the walking and dancing that comes along with enjoying Musikfest, you’ll work up quite an appetite. Luckily, there are endless amounts of food and beverage options to savor. Pay for food and drinks with a credit, debit, or a reloadable CashCard. At Musikfest, you’ll find everything from your traditional fair favorites (deep-fried Oreos, anyone?) to more unique eats. Classic choices include delicious grilled kebabs from Hogar Crea, bratwurst, halupki, Aw Shucks roasted corn, Island Noodles, and The Flying V.
Pick up an iconic Musikfest Mug to keep your beverage of choice nice and cold—plus, you’ll help the crews cut down on waste. Mugs are reusable year to year, but it’s never too early to start your collection! Fill your mug at stations throughout the festival. Plenty of non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase throughout the festival grounds.
Music isn’t the only form of entertainment you’ll find. Throughout the festival, be sure to stop and see various street performers delighting crowds young & old. You can also enjoy — or even take part! — in a number of hands-on art activities including glassblowing, paper poppy making, the Crayola Creativity tent, and more. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities on site as well. Browse the wares of local craft vendors, admire artists at work, and explore the hands-on art activations that are spread throughout the festival.
Looking to make it an overnight? Bethlehem Musikfest has many hotels nearby in Bethlehem.
