ARTSQUEST ANNOUNCES SPRING BANANA FACTORY BLOCK PARTY

The reimagined family friendly event, formerly known as SouthSide Arts & Music Festival, returns this May

ArtsQuest invites the community to a free family-friendly Banana Factory Block Party at the Banana Factory Arts Center in SouthSide Bethlehem beginning Friday, May 6 to Saturday May 7, 2022. The two-day event will feature live music, comedy, exhibitions, art workshops and more throughout the weekend.  

“This is the perfect opportunity for the community to experience the arts in its many forms,” Lisa Harms, ArtsQuest’s Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education said. “From painting to dance to comedy, there is something for everyone at this free festival. We are excited for our neighbors of all ages to come out and explore.”

Formerly known as the SouthSide Arts & Music Festival (SSAMF), this two-day family-friendly celebration will feature musical performances by Trouble City All Stars and Big Easy Easton Brass, art-making activities with mural artist Symone Salib, a Bob Ross Paint-along, Salsa and Bachata dance workshops facilitated by Aja Jefferson, a free photo print swap hosted by Dan’s Camera City and a live comedy program called “I’m Probably Reading Into This” with Aliya Brown and Addyson Teal. Attendees are also invited to enjoy current exhibitions on display including “Heroes” by Musikfest poster artist Bart Cooper, “My Mind is an Escape Room” by Kailey Atkinson and “Abecynnia” by William Harris. This art-inclusive weekend will also feature ArtsQuest’s new All AccessIBLE arts program with a sensory friendly touch collection made by Mallory Zondag.

Other featured events during the weekend-long celebration include Yoga & Art Workshop with Mindfulness Educator Brooke Kohler, Small Works Art Sale featuring the work of the Banana Factory Resident Artists, glassblowing demonstrations, screen printed tote bag workshop, Drag Queen Story Hour with Miss Amie, lawn games and so much more.

Party activities will take place outside, as well as throughout Banana Factory’s art galleries, glassblowing studio, artist studios and classrooms. Snacks at this event can be purchased from Simply Skewered and Kona Ice. There will also be a cash bar available.

Special thanks to the Borgenicht Foundation for making our mural artist program possible. The Banana Factory Block Party is for the community by the community and is made possible by many local partners including Bethlehem Area Public Library, Salsa Instructor Aja Jefferson, Dan’s Camera City, MAKE Lehigh Valley and More Than Music.   Festivities will begin Friday at 6 p.m. at ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory, located at 25 W. Third St., and last throughout Saturday afternoon. For a full schedule visit bananafactory.org.