FAQ
An intro to all things Musikfest
Welcome to the largest FREE music festival in the nation! This summer we are celebrating 42 years of Musikfest, brought to you by ArtsQuest, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to the arts for all through programming (including Musikfest) with over 50% free to the public.
If you’re a ‘fest newbie, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. For starters, Musikfest is 10 days (with an added preview night) of great live music on 16 different free stages throughout Bethlehem’s Historic District on the North Side and the SteelStacks campus on the SouthSide. Ticketed headliner acts perform on the Wind Creek Steel Stage. From opening note to the closing act, there are more than 500 FREE performances that will take place in the city’s streets, parks, plazas and historic areas.
If that’s not exciting enough, our festival also features:
- 49 vendors offering a variety of great eats
- 11 nights of headline shows at our Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza
- Dozens of the Nation’s finest artisans
- Children’s and family activities galore
- A fabulous fireworks display on Sunday, August 10
- AND MUCH MORE!
If you enjoy music as much as we do, you will love enjoying your first Musikfest and celebrating 42 years with us. From Bach to bluegrass and rock to reggae, we are positive you can find something that appeals to your musical tastes!
The Basics
- Musikfest is August 1-10.
- “How do I get across the river?” you may ask. Simple. There is a transfer site on each side. Hop on a bus at the transfer site and you’ll be taken to the other side.
- The easiest entrance strategy is to use our satellite parking lots and shuttle system.
The Performances
- Only the shows at Wind Creek Steel Stage require tickets.
- Almost every musical genre conceivable is represented.
- Stages are called “platzes,” an homage to the city’s Germanic heritage (platz being German for “place”).
The Food
- Food and drink is available pretty much everywhere.
- Musikfest has famous beverage mugs. They keep your beverages cold in the hot summer sun, plus you get a discount on beer refills. Also, you’re helping us to reduce waste by using them. You can purchase this year’s mug here, in the ArtsQuest Center Box Office, or at our merchandise tents throughout the festival.
ArtsQuest Member Benefits
Did you know ArtsQuest Members get special benefits at the ‘fest? Become a member today!
ArtsQuest Circle
ArtsQuest Circle donors champion ArtsQuest’s mission to use arts and culture as key elements of economic development for the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Circle memberships start at $2,500 annually.
CIRCLE BENEFITS
- Level 1 Pre-Sale Ticket Access
- Concierge Ticket Service for Purchases and Reservations
- “Day Of” Complimentary Tickets to Select Performances (subject to availability)
- Complimentary Admission to Yuengling Flight Deck Oasis at Wind Creek Steel Stage (concert ticket required)*
- Priority Parking, including the Moravian Lot on the Northside and Ruins East on the South Side
- Member Lounges at Service Electric Festplatz, Musikfest Café, and PNC Stadtplatz*
- Member Line at Wind Creek Steel Stage (concert ticket required)*
- Free Rides on the North-South Transfer*
- North Side Indoor Air-Conditioned Restrooms at Luckenbach Mill*
- VIP Circle Event
- Musikfest Boot Camp & Best of the Fest Event
- One Complimentary 2025 Musikfest Poster
- Two Exclusive Circle Musikfest Mugs (Mugs given once, the year the Donor joins ArtsQuest Circle or in the current year if the donor has not received the MF Circle mugs)
- 30-50% Discount on Facility Fees for ArtsQuest Rentals (rates vary by level)
- 20% Discount on Merchandise
*Circle Donor Card or Guest Card required for access. One person per valid card.
**Benefits are subject to change and are made available in accordance with current safety guidelines.
ArtsQuest Membership
As an ArtsQuest Member, you will not only enjoy access, discounts, and other exclusive benefits, you will also become a partner in providing access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences for our community. Memberships start at $125 annually.
MEMBER BENEFITS
- Pre-Sale Ticket Access Based on Membership Level
- Parking Pass (Silver and up)
- Member Lounges at Service Electric Festplatz, Musikfest Café, and PNC Stadtplatz*
- Member Line at Wind Creek Steel Stage (concert ticket required)*
- Free Rides on the North-South Transfer*
- North Side Indoor Air-Conditioned Restrooms at Luckenbach Mill*
- Musikfest Boot Camp & Best of the Fest Event
- One Complimentary 2024 Musikfest Poster (Gold and up)
- 10-20% Discount on Facility Fees for ArtsQuest Rentals (Platinum and Steel)
- 10% Discount on Merchandise
*Member Card or Guest Card required for access. One person per valid card.
**Benefits are subject to change and are made available in accordance with current safety guidelines.
Miscellaneous ‘fest Knowledge
- Facebook and Twitter are great ways to get the latest ‘fest news.
- You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube!
- The very first Musikfest was held in 1984. 182,000 people showed up.
- The festival is presented by the nonprofit arts organization ArtsQuest. Read more about ArtsQuest.
- All proceeds from the ‘fest support ArtsQuest™ which is a Bethlehem, PA-based nonprofit dedicated to presenting music, arts, festivals, cultural experiences and educational and outreach programs that aid in economic development, urban revitalization and community enrichment. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest®; the Banana Factory® Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center and SteelStacks™ arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually.
