The City of Allentown is celebrating both the restoration of the historic Union Terrace Amphitheater and its successful new partnership with ArtsQuest to bring concerts and cultural programming to the community.
September 11, 2025 — The City of Allentown is celebrating both the restoration of the historic Union Terrace Amphitheater and its successful new partnership with ArtsQuest to bring concerts and cultural programming to the community.
Built in 1937 through President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) Program, Union Terrace Amphitheater has long served as one of Allentown’s most cherished public spaces. The amphitheater received major renovations this year, including repointing of historic stonework and replacement of damaged stones at the entrance steps, stage, and pylons (pillars).
The $382,000 project was funded by the Trexler Trust and the City of Allentown. Restoration was completed by local masonry contractor Penn Mount Stone, with work guided by heritage conservation standards.
In addition to the restoration, the City and ArtsQuest successfully launched a new summer music tradition with the FREE Friday Concerts at Union Terrace Amphitheater presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health. This inaugural season drew hundreds of residents and visitors, showcasing the power of community partnerships in activating Allentown’s public spaces.
Looking ahead, the City of Allentown and ArtsQuest are excited to announce that the Union Terrace Concert Series will return in 2026 with an expanded lineup, building on the momentum of this year’s successful season.
“Union Terrace Amphitheater is an iconic and historic landmark, as well as a place where our community gathers, celebrates, and connects,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “Through this restoration and our growing partnership with ArtsQuest, we are honoring the past while creating new traditions for the future.”
ArtsQuest leaders also celebrated the collaboration and its future potential. “We are thrilled to partner with the City of Allentown to bring high-quality arts and entertainment to Union Terrace,” said Kassie Hilgert, CEO of ArtsQuest. “This year’s concerts proved that when we invest in culture and community together, the impact is powerful. We can’t wait to return next summer with more energy and more reasons for people to fall in love with this incredible space.”
Details of the 2026 Union Terrace Concert Series will be shared early next year.