Doug Boehm Returns as Musikfest Poster Artist with 2026 Design Celebrating America 250
Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. September 15, 2025 – ArtsQuest is proud to announce the official Musikfest 2026 Poster, created by painter and illustrator Doug Boehm. The announcement was made during the 2nd annual Jeff Parks Founders Society celebration, that honors the legacy of ArtsQuest founder Jeffrey Parks and recognizes the generous donors who support the program.
Boehm, who originally designed the 2020 poster, was unable to experience the full role of poster artist due to the pandemic. His return for 2026 holds special meaning, as ArtsQuest is thrilled to not only celebrate his vision once again but also offer him the complete Musikfest experience six years later. “I had a lot of fun creating the 2020 poster, but of course, that was the year the world was turned upside down,” Boehm commented. “I was thrilled to be invited to design the 2026 poster. To be invited back to design a second poster during a historic year is such an honor.”
The 2026 design holds added significance as the nation prepares to celebrate America 250, the semi quincentennial of the United States. Boehm’s artwork reflects both the joy of Musikfest and the unifying power of music during this historic moment.
“My poster is a play on the great seal of the United States but with a unity theme centered around the topic of music, commented Boehm. “The theme this year is ‘Music Unites’ and that message couldn’t be more needed right now. Let’s be real: we’re a little divided as a country. But when the music starts? Suddenly, we’re all singing the same song, dancing in the same street and feeling the same good vibes. That’s what I wanted the poster to capture-joy, energy and the power of music to bring us all together, no matter who we are or where we come from.”
“The Musikfest poster has always been more than just a piece of art, it’s a symbol of the festival’s energy, creativity and connection to community,” said Lisa Harms, ArtsQuest Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education. “Inviting Doug back for 2026 felt especially meaningful as we celebrate America 250, and his design beautifully captures both the joy of Musikfest and the spirit of this historic moment.”
Boehm approached the design process by sketching several options, then painting the poster as a black and white before adding color with photoshop. A former Banana Factory Resident Artist, Boehm’s career has spanned galleries across the United States, with his personal work collected internationally in the US, UK, Australia and Taiwan. His illustrations have appeared in national publications and on tour posters.
The 2026 Musikfest poster continues a beloved tradition of original artwork that celebrates the festival’s spirit and its connection to the community. Posters, Musikfest mugs and related merchandise will be available for purchase at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks and online.
Musikfest is set for July 31 – August 9, 2026. Additional details will be announced about the nation’s largest free non-gated music festival throughout the year. Visit musikfest.org for more information.
About Musikfest
A total of 1,449,000 people attended Musikfest in 2025. The 11-day festival featured over 500 free performances, across 16 stages located throughout both the north and south-sides of Bethlehem. The 43rd Musikfest is scheduled for July 31 – August 9, 2026. This year’s Musikfest 2026 poster artist is Doug Boehm. To see the poster and learn more about Boehm’s vision for it, along with information about the festival, visit musikfest.org.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 40 percent are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.
