BETHLEHEM PA – “CountryFest,” a new celebration of country music and culture that is hoped could become an annual event, is scheduled for the SteelStacks performance campus Aug. 21-22 (2026; Friday and Saturday) in Bethlehem, the non-profit ArtsQuest organization says.
The festival “will bring the heart and soul of country music to the Lehigh Valley with two full days of live performances, great food and high-energy fun,” ArtsQuest adds.
Organizers say they anticipate CountryFest will “showcase a dynamic lineup of nationally touring country artists, rising stars and beloved local performers.” Headlining the weekend are performers Clayton Mullen, Luke Borchelt and Peytan Porter, all bringing fresh country sounds to the stage.
Fans also should enjoy several tribute performances. They include “Kevin Kenny – The Chesney Show,” honoring the legendary Kenny Chesney; and “Lainey Nation – a Tribute to Lainey Wilson.”
“Country music is everywhere, attracting fans of all ages and delivering some of the most engaging shows on tour today,” ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan proclaims. The non-profit’s team “has put together a mix of emerging national country headliners … alongside some truly talented acts covering country’s biggest names.”
Beyond the music, guests can buy and indulge in BBQ favorites, cool off with ice cream, sip on refreshing beverages, and take part in interactive activities – like axe-throwing – throughout the weekend. The festival also features local artisans and crafters selling handmade goods, country-inspired pieces, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Top photo by Ruslan Sikunov on Unsplash, used under license
Graphic provided by ArtsQuest
Who’s Performing, When, and Where
Here’s the CountryFest performance schedule for Aug. 21 (Friday):
- Erin Kelly, 6-7:15 p.m., on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage at Air Products Town Square;
- “Kevin Kenny – The Chesney Show,” 7:30-9 p.m., at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health;
- “Stomp & Shine: Line Dance Lessons” featuring the “high-energy, beginner-friendly instruction” of Aleah, 9-9:40 p.m., on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage; and
- Whiskey and Roses, 9-11 p.m., on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage.
Saturday’s (Aug. 22) performance schedule includes:
- Luke Borchelt, 4-5 p.m., on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage;
- Clayton Mullen, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks;
- Peytan Porter, 6:30-7:30 p.m., on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage;
- “Lainey Nation – A Tribute to Lainey Wilson,” 7:30-9 p.m., at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks; and
- Adam and the Armadillos, 9-11 p.m., on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage.
Our entertainment reporting covers the arts and culture, shows, exhibits, performances, festivals, and community-related activities within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more entertainment articles here. Also, see and join the Pottstown Arts and Cultural Alliance group on Facebook.
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