Musikfest 2025 Shatters Records During Sun-Soaked Celebration of Music, Community and Culture
The nation’s largest free music festival tops the charts in attendance, headliner tickets sold and more!
Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. August 12, 2025 – With blue skies overhead and a vibrant energy on the ground, Musikfest 2025 brought unprecedented crowds, unforgettable performances and an outpouring of community spirit and camaraderie that turned Bethlehem into the heart of a summer celebration! As the final notes fade, numbers show that this year’s festival has broken multiple all-time records, including:
- 1,449,000 in attendance, from 49 states and 7 countries (including Canada, Columbia, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands and South Africa) + Puerto Rico and Washington, DC
- 60,800 headliner tickets sold, a new record by 10% (6,000 tickets) over the festival history dating back to 1984
Additionally, four headliner acts sold-out: Megan Moroney, Riley Green, Darius Rucker and Jordan Davis – (tied with 2024) and eight headliner acts sold over 5,000 tickets (also tied with 2024).
“This year’s Musikfest was truly one for the record books! From the highest number of attendees to the most headliner tickets sold in 42 years, all fueled by amazing weather for 10 days and 11 nights and incredible community spirit,” commented Kassie Hilgert, ArtsQuest President and CEO.
“None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers, the generosity of our members, sponsors and partners along with the dedication of our official food vendors, artisans and crafters, local businesses and lodging and of course local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and emergency responders who kept the community safe throughout the entirety of the festival. Together, we’ve created an unforgettable experience that not only celebrates the arts but strengthens the bonds of our community and boosts the Lehigh Valley in countless ways.”
Widely regarded as one of the best weathered Musikfest in recent memory, 1,449,000 attendees enjoyed 10 sunny days and 11 comfortable nights that created the perfect atmosphere for exploring the festival’s 50+ acres sprawled across Bethlehem’s Historic Moravian District and SouthSide Arts District. With 15 free stages and one ticketed Wind Creek Steel Stage, there was a wide variety of music in every genre, food choices to entice any palette, shopping with local and regional artisans and crafters, family activities to participate in and endless fun for all! And a few drops of liquid sunshine on preview night were actually a welcome respite and soon disappeared from view.
“Musikfest continues to be a shining example of what makes Bethlehem so special, a vibrant celebration that brings people together with great music, great food and an incredible sense of community pride,” said Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds. “This year’s perfect weather only added to the excitement, helping fuel a safe and fun festival experience. Beyond the joy it brings, Musikfest is a major economic driver for our city, attracting visitors from near and far who support local businesses and showcase the best of the Lehigh Valley.”
The Music
The Wind Creek Steel Stage welcomed an incredible lineup of national acts and achieved the most tickets sold in Musikfest history.
This year’s free stage lineup featured more than 400 artists performing 552 free musical performances across 15 stages. Thirty percent of these acts were homegrown talent from right here in the Lehigh Valley, while the remaining performers represented 25 different states – from Los Angeles, Austin, Nashville and Michigan to Florida, Maine and across the eastern region – as well as six countries. The result was a truly global mix of sounds and styles that made Musikfest’s free stages a worldwide destination.
“We’ve seen phenomenal headliners and incredible performances throughout the festival. This year’s beautiful weather brought record crowds, creating an unforgettable atmosphere across Bethlehem. Beyond the music, Musikfest delivers a tremendous economic boost for the Lehigh Valley, bringing over 1 million visitors from near and far to enjoy our community, support local businesses and celebrate the arts in a way that’s truly unmatched,” commented Joe Bergstein, Board of Trustees, ArtsQuest.
Economic and Community Impact
“As a proud historic partner of Musikfest, we’re honored to welcome thousands of out-of-town guests each year who make the festival part of their summer tradition. Hosting one of the 15 free stages right here at Historic Hotel Bethlehem allows us to share in the magic, giving visitors and locals alike a chance to enjoy incredible live music in the heart of our city,” commented Kelly Ronalds, Director of Room Sales & Guest Experience Hotel Bethlehem. “Musikfest brings energy, excitement and community spirit to Bethlehem that unites residents and visitors in music for an unforgettable experience.”
Musikfest generates over $70 million in economic impact each year for Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley, attracting more than 1 million visits over 10 days from across the U.S. and around the world, with one-third of the nation’s population within a day’s drive. The festival fuels the local economy, supports small businesses and engages the community. Nearly 40% of ArtsQuest programming remains free and accessible, ensuring the arts thrive for everyone while showcasing the region’s music, food, and creativity.
“Our business has more than doubled during Musikfest, and we’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many new customers along the way. Being right on the festival footprint allows us to be part of the excitement, and we’re proud to support ArtsQuest not only during Musikfest, but also as a longtime vendor at Christkindlmarkt and other events throughout the year. These festivals bring incredible energy to Bethlehem and are a vital part of our community’s success,” commented Neville Gardner, Owner, Red Stag Pub.
The Food and Artisans/Crafters
Whether you were hungry, hunting for handmade works of art or ready to shop, Musikfest delivered with over 45 food vendors, 40 artisans and 10 unique retailers. One staple to Musikfest, Heaven On A Bun’s Mike Taylor had this to say, “Heaven On A Bun was my father-in-law Jack Sinnitz’s vision and passion. His dream was to be a vendor at Musikfest, and once he got the chance, he became a mainstay and favorite. The festival gave him the joy of reconnecting with friends, meeting visitors from all over and working closely with the ArtsQuest team, who became part of our family. I was lucky to work alongside Jack for 15 years before he passed, and his last request was that we keep Heaven On A Bun going. With the support of family and ArtsQuest, we’ve reached our 30-year anniversary. As a vendor, Musikfest is 10 days in a world-class environment where I get to see old friends, make new ones and put smiles on thousands of faces while filling their bellies.”
The Volunteers
Upwards of 1,050 volunteers donated their time and talent this year (more than 100 volunteers compared to 2024) including 30 groups of local businesses and organizations. Nine volunteers trained to become site supervisors and the Northampton Area High School students got involved in volunteering at this year’s Musikfest.
Bonnie Zsilavec, one of 10 volunteers who has been with Musikfest for 42 years, couldn’t recall better weather than this year’s festival. “I started volunteering at Musikfest in 1984 and have loved every moment since, from counting cash inside the trailer for 41 years to welcoming guests at different venues, scanning tickets and working alongside so many friendly, helpful volunteers. I still love the polkas, the familiar faces and walking the festival footprint each year. At 76, I’m grateful to be part of this incredible tradition.”
Sponsors and Activations / Media Partners
“Musikfest is grateful to the 171 businesses and organizations that sponsored the festival throughout these eleven days, making it all possible, including 16 new partners,” commented Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer. This year, the Martin Guitar stage at Yuengling Lagerplatz and Crayola Creativity Tent in NJM Insurance Company Familienplatz were expanded, NJM Insurance Company returned to Familienplatz and a big thank you to Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health, for keeping everyone cool and providing first aid inside several Healthplatz tents that were located throughout the festival.
This year featured 14 exciting activations throughout the festival grounds, engaging attendees with unique experiences and brand collaborations. Highlights included the ILOVENY campaign from the New York State Urban Development Authority and Sweet Baby Ray’s delicious presence, alongside the return of fan favorites like Monster Energy BMX, the Big Bite Tour, Highmark Blue Shield Boost Zone and Wawa.
The support of our media partners is essential in bringing Musikfest to audiences both near and far. Service Electric Network provided over 220 hours of comprehensive Musikfest coverage, allowing those who couldn’t attend in person to experience the festival from the comfort of their homes. Their broadcast helps extend the reach of Musikfest beyond Bethlehem, connecting the broader community to the excitement, performances and spirit of the event.
A big thanks goes to PNC for once again helping enhance the Musikfest experience through innovative tools, engaging activations and community-focused initiatives. “PNC is proud to once again join with ArtsQuest to bring the Musikfest experience to life in new and in engaging ways,” said Pete Danchak, PNC regional president for Northeast PA. “This year, the Musikfest app powered by PNC set a new record with 32,638 downloads, helping festgoers navigate the festival, plan their schedules and discover new favorites. We also loved seeing audiences follow along with the MusikFEAST food reviews on Musikfest’s social channels and taking part in hands-on fun at our PNC Mobile Learning Adventure that highlights the importance of early childhood education. Fostering community connection and inspiring learning is what makes the ‘fest the best and we are honored to help create unforgettable experiences at Musikfest.”
Countess Communications contributed invaluable video and drone coverage, capturing stunning visuals and dynamic perspectives that showcased the festival’s scale, energy and vibrant atmosphere. Together, these media partners help amplify Musikfest’s impact and celebrate the arts in innovative ways.
Additionally, longtime Wind Creek Steel Stage sponsor 6ABC provided invaluable drone footage of both sides of the festival, captured in partnership with ASR Media.
New and Fan Faves at Musikfest
Felted Fiber Art Goes Mainstage. For the first time in Musikfest history, the official festival poster was created using fiber art. Fiber artist and art educator Mallory Zondag brought the 2025 design to life with rich texture and intricate detail, making this year’s poster a vibrant and tactile celebration of the festival’s spirit.
Poster Artist Panel. Musikfest also hosted its first-ever poster artist panel, bringing together creators from the past seven years for a special discussion at Lyrikplatz in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas on preview night. Panelists included: 2019 – Jessica Bastidas, 2020 – Doug Boehm, 2021 – Mandy Martin, 2022 – Bart Cooper, 2023 – Maltas Con Leche, 2024 – Lauren Beck, 2025 – Mallory Zondag.
SoberPlatz. One of this year’s newest and most welcomed additions was the debut of SoberPlatz, Musikfest’s first-ever alcohol-free zone in partnership with SYNC Recovery and Northampton County. Meet-ups, wellness activities like yoga and silent disco were just a few activities held here for those in recovery, sober curious guests or anyone seeking mindful festival enjoyment. The response from festivalgoers was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the new platz as a refreshing and thoughtful addition to the Musikfest experience. “This year, the recovery community came back to Musikfest in full force, thanks to SoberPlatz, a safe, vibrant space where joy, music and connection could thrive without alcohol,” commented Laura Waits of SYNC Recovery. “For many, it was the first time in years they could join the festivities, and the energy was unforgettable. We’re endlessly grateful to our incredible volunteers, Northampton County’s support and the ArtsQuest staff whose dedication made this celebration possible.”
Saurus. There were many memorable moments throughout Musikfest, including the return of Saurus, the larger-than-life street theater performance featuring towering, prehistoric creatures who roamed the Musikfest grounds. Last seen at the festival nearly a decade ago, Saurus (from the Netherlands) captivated new audiences and longtime fest fans alike with its immersive, crowd-interacting spectacle.
Cast in Bronze. The mesmerizing performances of Cast in Bronze returned to Musikfest, captivating audiences at Martin Guitar Handwerkplatz with the haunting, melodic tones of 35 bronze bells. Cast in Bronze is the creation of Frank DellaPenna, a West Chester University graduate and alumnus of The French Carillon School. DellaPenna founded the Cast in Bronze Society, which provides scholarship for musicians to attend the North American Carillon School.
Annual Competitions
The annual Aw Shucks Corn Eating Competition resulted in a late announced tie with both Alex Unrue and Josh Krady downing five ears of corn in just 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship Qualifiers were Rachel Ewaniuk (2 minutes, 55 seconds) for the female category and Bob Shalack and Jim Thompson (10 minutes) for the male category.
Transportation
LANTA Bus Service returned with EBS Gold, blue & Green Lines, offering free (within the festival) ADA-accessible transportation throughout the festival footprint. “LANTA is proud to provide transit service to Musikfest. This year was a smashing success with over 23,811 riders provided within the Musikfest footprint over the 10-day festival. We look forward to growing our service with the festival next year and beyond. EBS Blue and Green Lines will continue connecting Bethlehem beyond the festival, with frequent service daily,” commented AJ Jordan, Director of Planning & Scheduling.
Trans-Bridge Lines kept the Musikfest spirit rolling, shuttling 6,883 guests to and from satellite parking lots: on the North Side at 1525 Valley Center Parkway in Bethlehem and on the SouthSide at Penn State Lehigh Valley in Center Valley, right to the heart of the festivities.
Additional Highlights
A Cashless Festival. This year marked the introduction of a fully cashless Musikfest — a change that will continue not only at future festivals but across all ArtsQuest events. The reusable CashCard never expires and can be used year-round at any ArtsQuest venue or program.
ArtsQuest Glass Studio offered a new item at the Hot Glass Experience, the Cup. “This has been our most customer interactive experience we’ve had yet,” commented Joe Capparell, Hot Glass Instructor. The Cup has been very popular with customers who were able to create their very own piece of art from molten glass. And the annual Mug Making Competition returned, where artists competed to complete an original work of art in the theme of the “Musikfest Mug.” Voting is open now through August 18, here.
NJM Insurance Group Familienplatz offered family fun with the Crayola Creativity tent bigger, better and busier than ever, with a total of 6,800 crafts; two community art projects sponsored by Martin Guitar with 300 Martin Guitar tops and sound hole paint by numbers; three new murals thanks to local mural artist Matt Halm working with the ArtsQuest summer campers; three free felting workshops lead by poster artist Mallory Zondag with over 100 participants; daily free Children’s performances and a sensory-supportive space at the Inclusion Zone, in partnership with Accessible Festivals and presented by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network.
Comedy kept ‘festers laughing all week long, with many performances playing to capacity crowds. From stand-up sets and hilarious Lip Sync Battles to quick-witted improv, the audience-favorite Sequel Show and the dating-game-style fun of Swipe Right, the festival’s comedy lineup delivered nonstop entertainment and plenty of unforgettable moments.
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.
