Get Out: Independence Day Weekend

                                                                      The Fourth of July is not until Monday, but chances are you have at least a three- or maybe four-day weekend ahead of you. While picnics and fireworks will inevitably be part of the mix, there are lots of patriotic activities planned that will get you and your family out for art, live music and even apple pie.

Kick off July with First Friday activities on the South Side of Bethlehem for jungle surprises at the safari-themed celebration. The Banana Factory artists will have their studios open to the public and Third Street shops and restaurants will have discounts and specials as always. 

At the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley the QNB summer concert series will continue with a live song and dance performance by the Kids of America. With restaurant discounts beginning at 5 p.m., grab a bite to eat at the Pita Pit, Cosi, or maybe even Red Robin. 

If spectator sport is what you’re looking for, you and the family can expect to have a great time as the FC Sonic Lehigh Valley battle the Pocono Snow on turf at Lehigh University. One spectator event you won't want to take the kids to is Fight Night at the Sands, but if you’re all in for a knock-out, reserve your seats for this historic boxing match in Bethlehem.

Saturday through Monday, ArtsQuest will host its Independence Day Celebration at the Steel Stacks Campus in Bethlehem. With live music, crafts and All-American activities planned--including storytelling and an apple pie eating contest--this is sure to be a hit with the family. Even the animals will be celebrating America's independence at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, where the Red, White and Zoo program will feature patriotic guest enrichment activities.

Freedom is a wonderful thing and definitely worth celebrating. Have a great Fourth of July and enjoy the picnics, fireworks and all the great events this weekend.

BEST PICKS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

FIRST FRIDAY

• WHERE/WHEN: 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem, Friday 6 – 10 p.m. 
• WHY GO: This month’s theme is a safari celebration. Enjoy food samples of select authentic cuisine, fresh fruit and jungle surprises. Come out to listen to themed live music and take advantage of discounts and fun at all the venues along the South Side's Third Street. 
• PRICING: Free, as always, for the whole family. Sponsored by the Second Annual Rooftop Beach Party.

QNB SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

• WHERE/WHEN: Town Square, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 2845 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley, Friday, 7 p.m.
• WHY GO: Listen to a free concert by Kids for America featuring the Gilbert Family--five talented and patriotic kids who sing and dance. Take advantage of concert night specials at restaurants starting at 5 p.m.
• COST: Free.

• WHERE/WHEN: Lehigh University, Ulrich Sports Complex at Goodman Campus, Bethlehem, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
• WHY GO: For some fun, action-packed soccer, check out the FC Sonic Lehigh Valley versus the Pocono Snow as they tear up the turf.
• COST: Adult tickets $5, children $3. Pay at the event.

FIGHT NIGHT AT THE SANDS

• WHERE/WHEN: Sands Hotel and Casino, 77 Sands Boulevard, Bethlehem, Friday, 7:30 p.m. 
• WHY GO: The first-ever boxing event at the Sands Casino-Resort Bethlehem will feature undefeated welterweight prospect Ronal Cruz versus the hard-hitting Doel Carrasquillo headlining a seven match card.
• COST: Tickets: $51 and $78.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

• WHERE/WHEN: SteelStacks Campus, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, Saturday, noon – 11:00 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Monday, noon – 11 p.m.
• WHY GO: This three-day family-friendly celebration will bring out the patriot in you. Featuring all-American events like an Apple Pie Eating Contest, the 100 Years of Chevrolet Car Show, storytelling from Once Upon a Nation, kids' crafts and live music. 
• COST: Free, except for concerts in the Musikfest Café.

RED, WHITE AND ZOO

• WHERE/WHEN: Lehigh Valley Zoo, 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• WHY GO: Highlighting the zoo’s animal enrichment program, special activities and talks will demonstrate the unique qualities of the animals. See the red-tailed hawk, white snow owl and blue-tongued skink for a presentation full of patriotic surprises. 
• COST:Tickets: Adult, $9.75; Seniors, $8.75 and Children (2-11), $7.75.