Get Out: Festival Season Starts This Weekend

Put some spice in your plans this weekend. South Bethlehem will be jumping with Saturday’s 16^th Annual Spring on Fourth! What on Third? Festival and Chili Cook-off. 

If you’d rather be at the ball game, you are in luck; the IronPigs play the Pawtucket Red Sox on Friday and the Buffalo Bisons on Saturday and Sunday.

If luck is what you’re after, though, you may prefer the in Hellertown. It won’t break the bank!

Ladies, if you want to fortify your bank roll and hone your entrepreneurial talents, the Day of Inspiration for Happening Mama’s will inspire you to make your dreams come true. 

The Promenade is going to the dogs with Paws on Parade. Parade your well-dressed dog, watch or talk to representatives from local animal shelters about making a shelter dog’s dreams come true. 

On Saturday night, let your own Knight in shining armor take you to the theatre to see Camelot for a taste of chivalry.  Sunday, take the kids for a magical adventure that rivals Merlin’s tricks and brings the Magical Tales into the 21^st century with a Harry Potteresque performance set to music.

There is something to inspire everyone this weekend you just have to get out because the spring is starting to heat up with more things to do for singles, couples, families and even pets.

BEST PICKS FOR THE WEEK

• MONTE CARLO NIGHT ()

Where/When: 99 W Walnut St, Hellertown, Friday, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

Why Go: While taking a trip to the casino’s could bankrupt you, here is some fun that won’t.  Enjoy an evening watching the horses run, playing cards and rolling dice. Whether you go for the games or for the conversation, it’s a winner.

Pricing: $10 Donation; sponsored by the Hellertown Historical Society.

• THE 16^TH ANNUAL SPRING ON FOURTH! WHAT’S ON THIRD? (STREET FESTIVAL AND CHILI COOK-OFF) 

Where/When: 3^rd, 4^th & New Streets, South Bethlehem, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Why Go: This is the first festival to kick off all of the other summer festivals. Live entertainment, family activities and the Spring on Fourth chili contest with all of the South Side favorite shops, galleries and stores open for business, many of which are offering discounts.

Pricing: Free; Chili tasting passport is $10 for 25 tastings, $5 for 10 and $3 for 5.

LEHIGH VALLEY IRON PIGS (LV IRON PIGS)

Where/When: Coca Cola Park, 1050 Iron Pigs Way, Allentown, Friday, 7:00 p.m. v. the Pawtucket Red Sox; Saturday, 6:35 p.m. & Sunday, 1:35 p.m. v. the Buffalo Bisons.

Why Go: Ride the high of the winning season and join in on the excitement. The IronPigs are back in town for some affordable family fun at the ball field. Fireworks after the game on Friday; players’ jersey auction to benefit the Miracle League on Saturday; and free IronPigs oven mitts to the first 3,000 adult fans on Sunday.

Pricing: Tickets, $9.00 field level, $6:00 general admission.

• DAY OF INSPIRATION FOR HAPPENIN’ MAMAS (MAMAS MAKE IT HAPPEN)

Where/When: Twin Ponds Intergrative Health Center, 628 Twin Ponds Road, Breinigsville, Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Why Go: Mom’s, if you ever pictured yourself in business, you will want to cash in on this opportunity to learn all about Mamapreneurship. This event will offer 12 workshops on areas including wellness, parenting, creativity, and a keynote conversation with Oprah Summer Reading list author, Robin Black.

 Pricing: Fee, $80 includes a catered vegan lunch.

• PAWS ON THE PROMENADE (PROMENADE SHOPS AT SAUCON VALLEY)

Where/When: Between Barnes & Noble and Old Navy, Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, Center Valley, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Why Go:  It’s pets on parade at the Promenade, a day when you can take your best dressed dog for a stroll where you can enter and win awards based on the creativity of your dog’s costume.  There is also a owner/pet look-alike contest! Don’t miss “Yappy Hour” for treats for you and your pet.

Pricing: $5 cash per dog / $10 cash per dog, Register at Paws on the Promenade, proceeds benefit participating animal shelters.

• CAMELOT (DESALES UNIVERSITY)

Where/When:  DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley Campus, Main Stage, Friday & Saturday, 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

Why Go: It’s like an afternoon trip to the medieval era. Join King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in a return to Camelot and the days of chivalry that features a brilliant score of enchanting songs.  

Pricing: Tickets: $22 /student, $24 /regular admission. Box Office: (610) 282-3192.

• MAGICAL TALES (ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY HALL)

Where/When: Allentown Symphony, 23 N. 6th St., Allentown, Sunday, 2:00 p.m. Musical Petting Zoo at 12:30 p.m.

Why Go: Pre-concert activities start off this fun-filled afternoon of educational, inspiration and magical tales from “Harry’s Wondrous World.”  If you enjoy the Harry Potter series, this is a must see performance.

Pricing: Tickets $15/Adult; $8/Child. Purchase tickets online.