Allentown, Pennsylvania hums with tradition, food, music, and lights throughout the year. From a 19th-century fair that still fills the grandstands to a downtown blues block party and a beloved drive-through light show, the city delivers a full calendar of can’t-miss events. Below are four signature festivals that locals count on and visitors plan trips around—complete with on-the-ground impressions and practical tips to help you make the most of each one.
The Great Allentown Fair (Late August–Early September)
Few events define Allentown like The Great Allentown Fair, an agricultural celebration that began in 1852 and still takes over the Allentown Fairgrounds each year with midway rides, concerts, livestock showcases, and competitive exhibits. It’s not just an amusement bash; it’s a living link to the Lehigh Valley’s farm heritage curated by the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. The fair has consistently ranked among North America’s notable fairs and pairs cotton candy and grandstand headliners with ag education and 4-H pride. Organizers note its long history and top-50 status, while recent schedules have included free entertainment areas, culinary demos, and big-ticket shows at the grandstand.
Dates shift slightly year to year but typically land the week leading up to Labor Day. For example, tourism guides list the 2025 fair running August 27–September 1, 2025. Expect classic carnival fare, a sprawling midway, and a crowd that ranges from families with strollers to lifelong fairgoers who treat this as a standing reunion.
What people say: On travel forums and review sites, visitors regularly highlight the fair’s mix of history and fun. One TripAdvisor user put it plainly: “One place you won’t want to miss is the Great Allentown Fair.” Another source summarizes the essence: it’s “one of the oldest fairs in the United States” with modern concerts and carnival energy layered onto agricultural roots.
How to do it: Go early in the day if you’re bringing kids—the lines are shorter and Agri-Land is calmer. For grandstand concerts, buy tickets in advance and budget time to stroll the competitive exhibit halls. If you’re hungry, the Farmers Market on site and nearby neighborhood institutions add local flavor before or after your visit.
Mayfair Festival of the Arts (Memorial Day Weekend)
Every May, Allentown kicks off summer with Mayfair Festival of the Arts on the leafy campus of Cedar Crest College. It’s a free, three-day community celebration where regional artists sell work, food trucks park under the trees, and multiple stages run live music and dance across the weekend. The official 2024 program featured a full performance schedule, a festival map, and dozens of artist and food vendors—useful for pre-planning what to see and taste (2024 digital program).
Mayfair’s legacy stretches back decades. The festival began in the 1980s, paused in 2020, then returned in 2021 on Cedar Crest’s campus and has continued since. In short, it’s baked into the city’s cultural calendar (festival history and dates). Expect family zones for hands-on art, lawn-chair audiences for evening sets, and a browse-and-sip pace that suits a spring afternoon.
What people say: Community posts and coverage capture the vibe well. One local note called it a “30+ year Lehigh Valley tradition,” while event teasers emphasize “food trucks, craft vendors, artists, [and] two stages of music.” On Instagram, organizers describe it simply as a “FREE music and arts festival” on a beautiful campus.
How to do it: Arrive midday for browsing and return at dusk for music when the lawn cools off. Parking is on campus or nearby streets; bring a tote for art finds and a blanket for the evening sets.
Blues, Brews & Barbecue (June)
When summer hits, Hamilton Street turns into one long block party for Blues, Brews & Barbecue, the city’s signature downtown festival. Stages anchor the corridor from 8th to 12th Streets, local and regional pit-masters line the curb, and thousands of people drift between riffs and rib tips. The 17th annual edition ran noon to 8 p.m. with a stacked lineup and free admission, according to both city and regional listings (City of Allentown event page; LehighValleyNews coverage).
What people say: City posts summed up the draw: “amazing Blues music, delicious food, and drinks.” A regional BBQ blog captured the atmosphere after the event’s pandemic hiatus: “The blues music filled the background and the smokers filled the air.” And video recaps from the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance routinely show packed blocks and hands-up crowds (see this highlight reel).
How to do it: Start at the east end to sample a few vendors first, then migrate stage-to-stage. Bring cash for faster lines. If you’re with kids, plan breaks at pocket parks or shaded stoops along Hamilton.
Lights in the Parkway (Late November–Early January)
Allentown closes the year with pure holiday magic: Lights in the Parkway, a drive-through wonderland that strings more than a mile of displays through Lehigh Parkway. The 28th season ran from late November into early January with evening hours, according to the city’s announcement (city news release). Families tune radios to holiday music, roll down the windows, and cruise past tunnels of lights and animated scenes.
What people say: Reviews consistently point to the family-friendly, cozy vibe. One TripAdvisor visitor wrote, “Everyone was amazed with all the beautiful lights and seasonal decorations!” A Yelp review adds a practical note: “It took us about 30 minutes to go through the whole display.” Travel writers also call it “a beautiful way to experience the holiday season” in the region (UncoveringPA).
How to do it: Buy tickets early in the season for the most options. Aim for weeknights to avoid the longest lines. Bring hot cocoa and a playlist for the queue—kids love the build-up.
Bonus: St. Patrick’s Parade (March)
If you’re in town in March, the city’s green-clad standout is the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade, which marches through the West End and begins with massed bands at 19th & Liberty. Recent posts and roundups list timing details and the long tradition (66+ years and counting) (Parade page; regional parade listing).
Planning Your Festival Year in Allentown
- Timing: Target March (St. Patrick’s Parade), Memorial Day weekend (Mayfair), June (Blues, Brews & Barbecue), late Aug–early Sept (Great Allentown Fair), and late Nov–early Jan (Lights in the Parkway).
- Where to stay: Downtown hotels put you within walking distance of Hamilton Street events; neighborhoods near the Fairgrounds are a quick rideshare from the action.
- Getting around: Downtown festivals are walkable; for fair and light displays, driving or rideshare is easiest. Always check road closures and parking advisories on official event pages.
- What to bring: For summer events, pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle; for winter lights, bring blankets and a thermos.