ALLENTOWN, PA – April 22, 2025 – The unmistakable aroma of smoked meats, the soul-stirring sound of blues, and the buzz of downtown excitement return this summer as the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance, in proud partnership with the Allentown Chamber of Commerce and the City of Allentown, announces the 17th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival coming Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12–8 PM.

Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, craft enthusiast, or just craving a perfect Saturday, Blues, Brews & Barbecue 2025 is where you want to be. This FREE, family-friendly event is back bigger, louder, and smokier than ever with a reimagined layout featuring four stages (including one in the new Moxy Allentown Courtyard), a full day of world-class entertainment, food, and art activations right in the heart of the Queen City.

Headlining this year’s festival is Parker Barrow, the blazing Southern blues-rock band led by real-life couple Megan Kane and Dylan Turner. Their breakout album Jukebox Gypsies wowed critics, with Rock & Blues Muse hailing their sound as “genuine and true.” Expect powerhouse vocals, sizzling guitars, and a live show with charisma and grit.

Joining Parker Barrow as our opener is Shane Guerrette, the retro soul-rocker with millions of streams and many tours under his wing, known for electrifying performances that nod to legends while forging his own path.

The full lineup includes a diverse mix of national talent and hometown heroes:

• Co. Spirals – Surf, psych, and twang from Lehigh Valley’s rising alt-blues scene
• Audio Files (Blues Set) – Local band bringing homegrown blues energy and soulful sounds to the stage
• Dirty Mae – A genre-bending, theatrical ride through blues, folk, and Americana
• James Supra Band – Lehigh Valley blues royalty known for explosive harmonica-fueled performances
• Mississippi Pig Farmers – Blues storytelling from a lifetime of gigs and grit
• Regina Bonelli – A powerhouse blues singer and keyboardist with soulful storytelling
• Steve Johnson – Colorado man’s rock show and Lehigh Valley musical marvel
• The Blues Reincarnation Project – Youthful energy, global roots, and guitar mastery
• The Groove Merchants – High-octane funk and soul fusion from festival circuit favorites
• Tavern Tan – “Live American Music” from dive bar legends and roots-rock masters
• More to be announced!

4 STAGES | AMAZING BBQ | REFRESHING DRINKS | UNFORGETTABLE ENERGY! Our music will not be the only thing that will have you singing. Prepare your taste buds for BBQ heaven! The All-New BBQ Tasting Contest, presented by Friends of Allentown Parks, pits top pitmasters like Atomic Hogs, Grumpy’s, Granny Jz’s, Taste Smokers, Grill N’ Chill Spot, and Lenwood BBQ against each other in a smoky showdown for Queen City bragging rights.

Wash the delicious barbecue down with refreshing sips. New this year: local craft brews, wine, and spirits from top names like Bru Daddy’s, Allentown Brew Works, Hijinx, Bovino’s Brewery, County Seats, Franklin Hill, Social Still, Hardball Cider, and more. Sip and savor your way through the afternoon! 

Festivalgoers will l.o.v.e the A True L.O.V.E. Story Zone, a creative explosion of live painting, chalk murals, interactive art, artisan vendors, and kids’ activities in partnership with Inkwell.

Bring the whole family for a full day of free fun, hands-on interactive activation, local businesses, and music with delicious food to match; a perfect way to spend a summer Saturday in Downtown Allentown. Following a full festival day, check out the renowned bluegrass band, The Mountain Grass Unit, at 8:00 p.m. at Archer Music Hall, along with many other afterparties scattered throughout Hamilton Street.

Let the music move you, the barbecue tempt you, and the brews refresh you. Let Downtown Allentown remind you what it feels like to fall in love with your city all over again.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Time: 12 Noon – 8 PM

Where: Downtown Allentown (Hamilton Street, 8th St. – 12th St.)

FREE Admission

More info: https://www.facebook.com/share/16RyS52HwS/ | BluesBrewsandBarbecue.com

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

We’re seeking vendors, sponsors, and volunteers to help bring the magic to life!

Contact Brittney Ciardi at brittneyc@lehighvalleychamber.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS

Presenting Partner: City of Allentown and Lehigh County

Stage Sponsors: The Hamilton at Grand Plaza (& Kid Zone Sponsor), Moxy Allentown Hotel

Main Stage Entertainment Sponsor: Archer Music Hall

BBQ Contest Sponsor: Friends of Allentown Parks

Entertainment Sponsor: ArtsQuest

Bronze Sponsor: QNB Bank

Volunteer T-Shirt Sponsor: City Center Group

Community Supporter Sponsors: Alvin H. Butz Corp., Lehigh Valley Phantoms, St. Luke’s University Health Network, and more.

Video Sponsor: ASR Media

Media Partners: Astound and Countess Communications

About the Chamber: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to serve as the voice for business by continuously improving the economic climate and creating growth opportunities for the Greater Lehigh Valley region. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money-saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives, public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000 individuals, The Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and in the top ten nationwide.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Allentown Chamber of Commerce