Hello Allentown! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Nokia’s $30 million expansion, Seussical, and movies in the pool with Lilo and Stitch + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Business growth in Allentown: On June 22, Nokia announced a $30 million expansion of its Allentown semiconductor test and packaging operations, aiming to push staffing past 500 with new equipment and expanded space -- get all the details.
Family restaurant expansion: UNO Taqueria, the Montoya family’s taco spot, opened its second Lehigh Valley location this week at Lower Macungie’s West Valley Marketplace, serving birria tacos, nachos and more Mexican favorites -- see the new taqueria.
Rules face renewed scrutiny: Allentown will review amendments to its new data center rules this week after outcry, as activists seek stricter energy use, noise, and pollution limits. A warehouse conversion plan remains unaffected -- see the ordinance review.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Power up your weekend: Back to the Arcade brings retro vibes to the South Mall with classic cabinets and a rotating pinball lineup, perfect for chasing high scores and childhood bragging rights without rummaging for quarters. Easy local reset button when your week hits Game Over.
Hook, launch, relax: Canal Park delivers easy after-work breathing room with fishing that actually feels productive, a picnic pavilion with just enough shade, and a legit boat launch, plus about 1.5 miles of mellow walking trails. Sneak in a quick cast or paddle, then linger and let the week exhale.
Build your own jungle: Sterner's Stems is the local spot for turning dirt and glass into something you’ll proudly water. Hit the terrarium bar, pick your pieces, and let their plant pros guide the magic. Perfect for a low-key date, friend hang, or quick vibe upgrade at home.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎭 Seussical @ Baker Theatre | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – Seussical lands on the Muhlenberg stage, brought to life by students from its Theatre Program, hopping from the Jungle of Nool to Circus McGurkus, and the Whos. Two hours of color, rhyme, and nostalgia, delighting kids, grandparents, and the snack bar. Select character meet-and-greets, too.
💃 ¡Sabor! Latin Festival @ SteelStacks (Bethlehem) | Thursday (6/25) at 7:00 PM – SteelStacks throws a free, three-day Latin bash with live music, a Puerto Rican flag raising, and starlit dancing, because your salsa hips deserve a night out. Expect family-friendly fun, plus plates from Holy Infancy Church, Hogar Crea, La Frikitona, and La Cocina del Abuelo.
🏃 Field Day Frenzy @ Kids Quest at Wind Creek (Bethlehem) | Friday (6/26) at 3:00 PM – Kids Quest at Wind Creek Bethlehem is turning into a Field Day playground all month, with goofy races, skill challenges, crafts, and kid-approved snacks. Let the little athletes chase bragging rights while you enjoy the luxury of supervising, and skipping the grass stains.
🎉 Special Event Celebrating Farmer's Market 73rd and America's 250th Anniversary @ Allentown Fairgrounds | Friday (6/26) at 5:00 PM – Take a victory lap for 73 years of pierogies and 250 years of everything else at the Allentown Fairgrounds, Summer Concert Series spot. Flirtin With the Mob brings the soul-energizing jams, the Market brings the eats, and yes, you’ll want the trusty lawn chair.
🏊 Movies in the Pool - Lilo and Stitch @ Mack Pool | Friday (6/26) at 6:30 PM – Swap the couch for a pool float and watch Lilo & Stitch at Mack Pool in Allentown, a breezy dip into summer that pairs well with snacks. Finally, a movie where splashing is on-theme, the kids are occupied, and you can call it low-impact cross-training.
⚾ Syracuse Mets at Lehigh Valley IronPigs @ Coca-Cola Park | Friday (6/26) at 6:45 PM – Coca-Cola Park on game night means sizzling bats, bacon on a stick, and that glorious Pork Race between innings. The Syracuse Mets roll in, the IronPigs defend home grill, and the locals enjoy foul balls, dad jokes, and zero stress, just quality time.
💃 Father’s Day Dance @ Change on Hamilton | Saturday (6/27) at 6:00 PM – Take a break from lawn-mowing glory and slide into a free Father’s Day dance at Change on Hamilton. Music, neon crafts, snacks, and plenty of chances to embarrass your kids with respectable moves. Chill vibes, real laughs, Allentown pride.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Allentown report Weather forecastToday — High: 83°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 0% Sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. West wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 85°F — Low: 63°F — Precip: 8% Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Parkland gem in South Whitehall Township pairs everyday convenience with plenty of charm. Hardwood floors and rich wood trim warm the main level, while French doors connect the family room to the patio and fenced backyard. An updated kitchen, enclosed side porch, fire pit area, and full basement add even more appeal.
Take a peek inside → | | |