{"id":148589,"date":"2026-04-09T22:04:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T02:04:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=148589"},"modified":"2026-04-09T22:04:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T02:04:16","slug":"artsquest-announces-soccerfest-2026-bringing-fifa-world-cup-26-energy-to-the-lehigh-valley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=148589","title":{"rendered":"ArtsQuest Announces SoccerFest 2026, Bringing FIFA World Cup 26\u2122 Energy to the Lehigh Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"

Monthlong celebration to feature live FIFA World Cup 26<\/em>\u2122\u00a0watch parties, Bethlehem\u2019s soccer\u00a0history\u00a0and arts & cultural programming<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, April 9, 2026 –\u00a0\u00a0ArtsQuest<\/a>\u00a0today announced it will transform its campus at SteelStacks into the Lehigh Valley\u2019s premier soccer destination with an expanded SoccerFest, a monthlong celebration of the FIFA World Cup 26\u2122 running from June 11 through July 19.<\/p>\n

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\u2122, this year\u2019s SoccerFest is bigger,\u00a0bolder\u00a0and unique to Bethlehem, whose roots in American soccer date to the early 20th<\/sup>\u00a0century.<\/p>\n

In addition to the live FIFA World Cup 26\u2122 match parties, fans,\u00a0families\u00a0and communities across the region will have the opportunity to experience youth programming and cultural events, live\u00a0music\u00a0and global cuisine, and learn about Bethlehem\u2019s legacy as a historic epicenter of American soccer. Key dates include U.S. matches on June 12, June 19, June\u00a025\u00a0and July 4 celebrations honoring America\u2019s 250th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary with live music and fireworks.<\/p>\n

\u201cSoccerFest is about more than watching matches\u2014it\u2019s about bringing people together through a shared global experience right here in Bethlehem,\u201d said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer at ArtsQuest. \u201cFrom the energy of the FIFA World Cup 26\u2122 to Bethlehem\u2019s 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\u2019s game.\u201d<\/p>\n

A special exhibit at the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson\u00a0Health\u00a0will highlight the\u00a0storied history\u00a0of the\u00a0legendary 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.\u00a0Local 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cBethlehem is the bedrock of American soccer history,\u201d said Morrison, a history professor at Manor College in Jenkintown, PA. \u201cThis town built the best team and launched America\u2019s 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\u2019s players and fans.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s role as an omnipresent and growing hub for youth soccer. Clinics will be led by regional soccer coaches including Dean Koski, men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lehigh Valley has a strong soccer tradition,\u201d said Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Commissioner of the U.S. Soccer Youth Council. \u201cOpportunities like SoccerFest not only bring excitement around the FIFA World Cup 26\u2122, but also create invaluable opportunities for kids to learn, play and fall in love with the game right here in their own community.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2122. 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\u00a0showcase\u00a0the diversity and vitality of the region while drawing visitors to Bethlehem throughout the tournament.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvents like SoccerFest highlight Bethlehem\u2019s role as a destination for arts, culture and community-driven experiences,\u201d said Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds. \u201cAs we welcome visitors from across the region during the FIFA World Cup 26\u2122, this celebration not only brings people together, but also supports local businesses and showcases everything our city has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Key dates for SoccerFest at SteelStacks include:<\/strong><\/p>\n