About

The Bureau of Special Events is responsible for large-scale special events on behalf of the City. Efforts include Juneteenth, Fourth of July Celebrations and Fireworks, Halloween Festival, Classics and Cruisers on Hamilton Street, Veterans Appreciation Month, and Lights in the Parkway, which will be celebrating its' 28th anniversary in 2024.

 

More about City-Run Events:

The Allentown Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a heartfelt initiative designed to honor and recognize our local veterans who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. This living tribute celebrates their dedication and sacrifice.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for a banner, a veteran must have a connection to Allentown, such as attending local schools, having local relatives or friends, or those honored on Allentown War Memorials who are recommended from local VFW and American Legion Posts are also accepted.

Banner Specifications:

HometownHeroesBanner

  • Size: 30” x 60”
  • Material: Durable 18 oz. heavy vinyl
  • Design: Each banner features the veteran’s photograph, full name, branch of the military, and era of service (e.g., WWI, WWII, Vietnam). The design is printed on both sides.
  • Display Period: Banners will be prominently displayed from Memorial Day (May) through Veterans Day (November) in 2025 and 2026. After this period, banners will be carefully removed and stored and then re-displayed in the following year.

Application Process

  1. Complete the Hometown Hero Form: Obtain and fill out the form to apply for a banner.
  2. Submit a Photograph: Provide a high-quality photograph of the veteran in uniform.
  3. Payment: A fee of $150 per banner is required. Make checks payable to “Hometown Heroes.”
  4. Mailing Instructions: Send the completed form, photograph, and payment to:
    Anne Henning Scheuring
    225 South Line Street,
    Lansdale, PA 19446

Contact Information

For more details or any inquiries, please reach out to Anne Henning Scheuring:

  • Email: heroes@verizon.net
  • Phone: (215) 855-1743

We look forward to celebrating and honoring our Hometown Heroes through this special program!

 

Hometown Heroes Banner Location Map (arcgis.com)

Earth Day in the Park is celebrating it's 6th year in the City. It was started in 2018 in honor of the Global Earth Day holiday to increase awareness around environmental protection. The event will offer "green" games and activities for attendees, education around environmental stewardship, and include local eco-friendly vendors.

The 2025 Earth Day in the Park Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 12pm to 4pm at Cedar Beach Park at 2600 Parkway Blvd.

Come join us for our free event, complete with food, music, giveaways, environmental vendors, and family-friendly activities! We are currently looking for the following vendors:

  • Upcycled vendors reusing and/or repurposing materials;
  • Artists utilizing various mediums;
  • Environmental education vendors

The Juneteenth Celebration in Allentown will include a variety of activities, a celebration, basketball & flag - football tournaments. Please stay tuned for specific event information for 2026.

 

Look for opportunities to REGISTER FOR ACTIVITIES ON THE CITY'S MyRec SITE in 2026:

  • Basketball Tournament
  • Flag Football Tournament Registration
  • Vendor Opportunities

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Allentown will hold a flag raising ceremony at City Hall to commemorate on Juneteenth on June 19th at noon.

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Thank you for joining us for Allentown’s 4th of July Celebration at Cedar Beach Park on Friday, July 4!

This year, we held the celebration throughout Cedar Beach Park, with activities, entertainment, and plenty of food & drink vendors from noon - 9pm.

Fireworks kicked off at 9:15pm, launched safely from the nearby ball field — spectators brought their blankets, lawn chairs, and claimed their favorite viewing spots!

We had such a great time; we look forward to doing it again in 2026!! Stay tuned for details and information about 2026’s celebration.

Here are photos from 2025’s 4th of July Celebration: 

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Classics and Cruisers on Hamilton is an event unique to the City and recreates the renaissance of the ‘70s and early ‘80s cruising Allentown. This year's event is Sunday August 10 with a rain date of Sunday August 17.

Attendees will be able to admire hundreds of classic cars staged in downtown Allentown. The event includes an open house at the America on Wheels Museum and RB Collection, a police-escorted cruise, and an awards ceremony that will include Top 60 Plaques, 200 Dash Plaques, 28 Best of Awards, 10 Specialty Trophies, and 3 Best in Show Awards!

All proceeds benefit the Allentown Police Department Honor Guard and the America on Wheels Museum.

Click here to register!

The 2025 Hallo-weekend events include City-wide Trick-or-Treat, the Halloween Festival, and Día de los Muertos Celebration.

The Halloween Festival is a modern approach to the traditional parade structure of years past. The 2025 Festival will build on the momentum from last year’s event and continue to emphasize safe streets, focusing on children and families and eliminating moving vehicles. The event will feature bands, dance groups, local organizations, and vendors.

Interested vendors should contact events@allentownpa.gov for more information. 

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally a Mexican holiday that honors the deceased. The event will be held in partnership with Interlace Cultural y Desarrollo Integral Mexicano de Lehigh Valley Inc. and the Baum School of Art, and is an opportunity for families to enjoy music, dance, and cultural celebration. In respect of the Mexican culture, participating vendors for the Dia de los Muertos celebration will be limited to local, authentic Mexican businesses and organizations.

  • Friday, October 24th, 2025
    Movie In the Park – Location: Arts Park (24 – 35 N. 5th St.) Come enjoy the movie “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” (starts at sunset – 9:30pm) Pre-movie activities begin at 5:30pm.
  • Friday, October 31st, 2025
    City-wide Trick-or-Treat Night (6:00-8:00pm)
  • Saturday, November 1st, 2025 (Rain date: Sunday, November 2nd)
    Halloween Walking Parade in Downtown Allentown (8th to 11th and Hamilton Sts.) – (11:00am - 2:00pm)
  • Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
    Dia de los Muertos in the Arts Park (1:00-5:00pm)

Halloween Photo

Join us for the 29th Annual Lights in the Parkway, a beloved holiday tradition that transforms Lehigh Parkway into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. This year, enjoy an enchanting drive-thru experience featuring spectacular light displays from the comfort of your vehicle.

Event Details

  • Dates: Friday, November 28th, 2025, through Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
  • Hours: 5:30pm to 10:00pm nightly. Closed on Christmas – Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day.

Event Highlights:

  • Magical Drive-Thru Display: Experience a spectacular one-mile journey through Lehigh Parkway, featuring 175,000-200,000 twinkling string lights and over 90,000 illuminated bulbs. Marvel at festive scenes including twinkling tunnels, Santa and his reindeer, and more—all from the comfort of your vehicle.
  • Move it Mondays: Starting December 1st, join us every Monday from 5:30pm to 10:00pm for Move it Mondays. Enjoy a unique experience by walking, running, or biking through the light displays. This free event is open to all ages and abilities and provides a special opportunity to enjoy the holiday magic up close.
    *Bonus walking date: Tuesday, January 6th, 2026.

Ticket Information:

  • Price: $16 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) or $26 for commercial vans, minibuses, or limousines under 14 feet. Online processing fees apply.
  • Advance Purchase: Tickets must be bought in advance online. No cash or credit sales on site.

Community Impact:

All proceeds from Lights in the Parkway benefit local Allentown-based nonprofit organizations, supporting their important missions and strengthening our community.

Don't miss out on this spectacular holiday event. Purchase your tickets today and create lasting memories with family and friends as you explore the dazzling Lights of the Parkway!

Contact

Contact Information
Special Events Bureau

Forms

Allentown Hometown Heroes Application
Classics and Cruisers Registration Form