ALLENTOWN, PA – March 31, 2026 – Get ready for one of the Lehigh Valley’s most anticipated summer traditions to return. The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber and Allentown Chamber in partnership with the City of Allentown, proudly announce the 18th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival, reimagined for 2026 as “Red, White & Blues,” a high-energy celebration in honor of PA250.
Taking over downtown Allentown on Saturday, June 13, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., this free, family-friendly festival will transform Hamilton Street from 8th to 12th Street into a vibrant, open-air celebration featuring three stages of live music, award-winning barbecue, craft beverages, local artisans, and an unbeatable community atmosphere.
Headlining this year’s festival is national blues sensation Jovin Webb, the Baton Rouge native who captured America’s heart as a Top 10 finalist on American Idol. Webb’s soulful sound and chart-topping debut album Drifter, produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, promise a powerhouse performance that will anchor the day’s festivities.
Opening for the festival is The Nth Power, a genre-defying trio blending soul, funk, rock, and rhythm & blues into an unforgettable live experience. Featuring powerhouse drummer Nikki Glaspie (formerly of Beyoncé’s world tour band and Snarky Puppy), the group brings unmatched energy and musicality that has captivated audiences nationwide.
Returning by popular demand is Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen, Pennsylvania’s premier blues-rock trio, known for their gritty sound and magnetic stage presence.
The festival also showcases an impressive lineup of regional favorites and rising stars, including:
- Craig Thatcher Band
- The Blues Reincarnation Project
- Pentley Holmes Band
- Tavern Tan
- And many more across three stages throughout downtown
Beyond the music, festivalgoers can indulge in a curated selection of smoky barbecue from top vendors, alongside a variety of beloved local food trucks. Attendees can sip and savor offerings from regional favorites, including Bru Daddy’s Brewing Company, Social Still Distillery, Franklin Hill Vineyards, and more. Hamilton Street’s vibrant downtown will be alive with artisan vendors, interactive activities, local shopping, and open restaurants, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
“This festival is a celebration of Allentown’s energy, culture, and community spirit,” said Brittney Ciardi, SVP of Allentown Initiatives for the Allentown Chamber. “For 18 years, the beloved Blues, Brews & Barbecue has brought people together, and this year’s ‘Red, White & Blues’ theme makes it even more special as we honor Pennsylvania’s 250th anniversary.”
Produced in collaboration with the City of Allentown, Chamber leadership, dedicated volunteers, and downtown partners, the event continues to serve as a cornerstone of summer in the city for supporting local businesses while providing free, high-quality entertainment accessible to all.
Event Details
- What: 18th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival – Red, White & Blues
- When: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Hamilton Street, 8th to 12th Street, Allentown, PA
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Sponsors: Our Partners: The City of Allentown, Lehigh County, Alvin H. Butz Corp., and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Silver Sponsor: Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, Mitri Brothers General Contractors & Roofing, Visions Federal Credit Union,
Stage Sponsor: Archer Music Hall, Moxy Allentown Hotel, and DLP Capital (The Hamilton at Grand Plaza)
Media Sponsor: Astound Business Solutions and McKinney Media
Get Involved
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses looking to align with one of the region’s most celebrated festivals. Please reach out to Brittney Ciardi at brittneyc@lehighvalleychamber.org for sponsorship opportunities and Emily Brosky at emilyb@lehighvalleychamber.org for vendor opportunities.
For more information, visit lehighvalleychamber.org/events or follow along on social media for updates.
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:
Brittney Ciardi
