Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. April 22, 2026 – ArtsQuest is proud to introduce CountryFest, a brand-new celebration of country music and culture set to take over the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks for an unforgettable summer weekend. On Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, CountryFest will bring the heart and soul of country music to the Lehigh Valley with two full days of live performances, great food and high-energy fun.
This exciting new festival will showcase a dynamic lineup of nationally touring country artists, rising stars and beloved local performers, creating a vibrant soundtrack for fans of all ages. Headlining the weekend are standout performers Clayton Mullen, Luke Borchelt and Peytan Porter, bringing their fresh country sounds to the stage. Fans will also enjoy electrifying tribute performances, including Kevin Kenny – The Chesney Show, honoring the legendary Kenny Chesney, and Lainey Nation – a Tribute to Lainey Wilson, celebrating one of today’s most influential voices in country music.
“ArtsQuest’s latest festival celebration, CountryFest, arrives not a day too soon for a genre that has been a mainstay for Lehigh Valley audiences for decades now,” said Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer. “And what better time. Country music is everywhere, attracting fans of all ages and delivering some of the most engaging shows on tour today. The team here has put together a mix of emerging national country headliners of tomorrow alongside some truly talented acts covering country’s biggest names in Kenny Chesney & Lainey Wilson – all weekend long, all free! We can’t wait to see where audiences take this festival in the years to come.”
Friday’s Schedule:
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | 6 – 7:15 p.m. | Erin Kelly |
| Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health | 7:30 – 9 p.m. | Kevin Kenny – The Chesney Show |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | 9 – 9:40 p.m. | Stomp & Shine (Line Dance Lessons with Whiskey and Roses) |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | 9 – 11 p.m. | Whiskey and Roses |
After more than six years of dancing and three years of teaching, Aleah—the personality behind Stomp & Shine—has built a reputation for creating a fun, welcoming environment where anyone can feel at ease. Known for her high-energy, beginner-friendly instruction, she believes line dancing should be accessible to all. Now, she’s bringing that inclusive spirit to the Lehigh Valley for the first-ever CountryFest, inviting attendees of all experience levels to join in and dance together.
Saturday’s Schedule:
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | 4 – 5 p.m. | Luke Borchelt |
| Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health | 5 – tbd | Clayton Mullen |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Peytan Porter |
| Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health | 7:30 – 9 p.m. | Lainey Nation – A Tribute to Lainey Wilson |
| Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square | 9 – 11 p.m. | Adam and the Armadillos |
Beyond the music, guests can indulge in BBQ favorites from Red Cedar Grill and delicious bacon from Bacon on a Stick, cool off with ice cream from Batch Micro-Creamery, sip on refreshing beverages and take part in interactive activities like Axe Throwing throughout the weekend. The festival will also feature local artisans and crafters offering unique handmade goods, country-inspired pieces and one-of-a-kind finds that celebrate the creativity of the region.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to have fun, line dancing lessons and crowd-friendly entertainment are sure to keep the energy high. CountryFest is the perfect way for the Lehigh Valley’s country music community to come together and is a must-attend summer festival for country fans near and far.
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, and generated 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.
Media Contact
Bryn E. Keeney
