Monthlong celebration to feature live FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties, Bethlehem’s soccer history and arts & cultural programming
Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, April 9, 2026 – ArtsQuest today announced it will transform its campus at SteelStacks into the Lehigh Valley’s premier soccer destination with an expanded SoccerFest, a monthlong celebration of the FIFA World Cup 26™ running from June 11 through July 19.
The event will continue an ArtsQuest tradition since 2014, broadcasting every match live via FOX Sports on large screens across SteelStacks for an immersive viewing experience for thousands of fans of all ages. But with the eyes of the world on the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup 26™, this year’s SoccerFest is bigger, bolder and unique to Bethlehem, whose roots in American soccer date to the early 20th century.
In addition to the live FIFA World Cup 26™ match parties, fans, families and communities across the region will have the opportunity to experience youth programming and cultural events, live music and global cuisine, and learn about Bethlehem’s legacy as a historic epicenter of American soccer. Key dates include U.S. matches on June 12, June 19, June 25 and July 4 celebrations honoring America’s 250th anniversary with live music and fireworks.
“SoccerFest is about more than watching matches—it’s about bringing people together through a shared global experience right here in Bethlehem,” said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer at ArtsQuest. “From the energy of the FIFA World Cup 26™ to Bethlehem’s role in shaping American soccer, this festival reflects who we are as a region–a place where culture, history and community come together to celebrate the world’s game.”
A special exhibit at the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health will highlight the storied history of the legendary Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club. Sponsored by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, the team reigned as an American soccer powerhouse from 1907 to 1930 with 11 championships, including 5 U.S. Open Cup titles. Local historian Dan Morrison will deliver two talks on the team, and the history of soccer in the region on June 20 at 12 p.m. and at 3 p.m. between matches.
“Bethlehem is the bedrock of American soccer history,” said Morrison, a history professor at Manor College in Jenkintown, PA. “This town built the best team and launched America’s first fully professional soccer league. SoccerFest connects the past and present, and the legacy of the Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club lives on in the passion we see in today’s players and fans.”
That legacy continues to grow through a robust lineup of youth-focused programming designed to inspire the next generation of players. SoccerFest will feature clinics, 3v3 tournaments and inclusive programming for young athletes of all abilities, reinforcing the Lehigh Valley’s role as an omnipresent and growing hub for youth soccer. Clinics will be led by regional soccer coaches including Dean Koski, men’s head soccer coach at Lehigh University and President of Allentown-based Penn Rising XI (formerly Lehigh Valley United); Greg Ramos, Executive Director of Soccer Operations and Technical Director of Penn Rising XI and Fernando Carrizo, Assistant Technical Director of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.
“The Lehigh Valley has a strong soccer tradition,” said Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Commissioner of the U.S. Soccer Youth Council. “Opportunities like SoccerFest not only bring excitement around the FIFA World Cup 26™, but also create invaluable opportunities for kids to learn, play and fall in love with the game right here in their own community.”
Beyond the matches, SoccerFest will feature a dynamic lineup of arts and cultural programming at SteelStacks, including live music, international food, and festivals that reflect the global spirit of the FIFA World Cup 26™. From iSabor! and One Earth Reggae Festival to Fourth of July celebrations and the free summer concert series at the Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks, the event will showcase the diversity and vitality of the region while drawing visitors to Bethlehem throughout the tournament.
“Events like SoccerFest highlight Bethlehem’s role as a destination for arts, culture and community-driven experiences,” said Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds. “As we welcome visitors from across the region during the FIFA World Cup 26™, this celebration not only brings people together, but also supports local businesses and showcases everything our city has to offer.”
During SoccerFest, donations of new and gently used soccer equipment and gear will be accepted on site at SteelStacks and the Lou Ramos Center in Allentown to benefit the inaugural elementary athletic league of the Allentown School District.
Key dates for SoccerFest at SteelStacks include:
- U.S. vs. Paraguay – Friday, June 12
- U.S. vs. Australia – Friday, June 19
- Bethlehem Steel SC Talks with Dan Morrison- Saturday, June 20
- U.S. vs Türkiye – Thursday, June 25
- ¡Sabor! Latin Music Festival presented by Highmark Blue Shield- Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27
- Independence Day/America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations – Saturday, July 4
- One Earth Reggae Festival presented by Movement Moves Media- Saturday, July 11
- Blast Furnace Blues: Stars, Stripes & Steel presented by Highmark Blue Shield- Saturday, July 18
SoccerFest is made possible through tremendous community support from a grant from Northampton County and sponsors, ABARTA Coca-Cola, B.Braun, Discover Lehigh Valley, Klunk & Millan, Monster Energy and Wind Creek Bethlehem along with youth soccer organizations Penn Rising XI and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. Other businesses and youth soccer organizations interested in getting involved should reach out to ArtsQuest COO Curt Mosel, cmosel@artsquest.org.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit Lehigh Valley SoccerFest – ArtsQuest.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.
Information provided to TVL by:
Tehani Boyer
