Pennsylvania Allentown

Allentown, Pennsylvania, blends authentic Lehigh Valley charm with rich industrial and immigrant heritage and a proud, tight-knit community spirit rooted in its manufacturing and cultural history, all just minutes from the Lehigh River, rolling Appalachian foothills, and expansive urban parks. Locals live for exploring the scenic trails in Lehigh Parkway, relaxing or picnicking at Cedar Beach Park, touring unique sites like the Allentown Art Museum or America On Wheels Museum, or enjoying playgrounds and splash pads in local parks. The revitalized downtown and surrounding neighborhoods keep the social scene buzzing with seasonal markets, arts festivals, and events like the Allentown Fair and Mayfair Festival of the Arts that bring neighbors together year after year.

Hiking, Biking & Trails
Allentown offers an extensive network of parks and trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, highlighted by the multi-use paths through Lehigh Parkway (including paved trails for walking and biking along the Little Lehigh Creek), scenic loops in Cedar Creek Parkway with creek views, and connections to the broader Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor trail system. These routes wind through wooded valleys, riverside areas, open meadows, and wildlife habitats, linking neighborhoods to picnic spots, playgrounds, and nearby attractions like Trexler Nature Preserve or Covered Bridges trails, connecting to the greater Lehigh Valley outdoor network.

Family-Friendly Activities
Families flock to the playgrounds, pools, and rose gardens at Cedar Beach Park, interactive exhibits at the Da Vinci Science Center (nearby), and hands-on automotive history at America On Wheels Museum. The Allentown Farmers Market brings fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, and food vendors to the historic market hall, while the city's lively Allentown Fair with rides, concerts, livestock shows, and family fun remains a beloved tradition.

Local Breweries & Dining
Allentown’s craft beer scene thrives at spots like Fegley's Brew Works, with its welcoming taproom featuring house-brewed beers, seasonal rotations, and a lively vibe. For eats, Yocco's serves iconic Pennsylvania Dutch hot dogs and cheesesteaks, The Hamilton Kitchen offers farm-to-table American classics, and casual favorites like Griddle 145 keep it fun and delicious with breakfast staples and comfort food perfect for family gatherings.

https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/
https://www.allentownpa.gov/Parks-and-Recreation
https://www.allentownfair.org/
https://www.allentownfarmersmarket.com/

Allentown is a haven for active lifestyles and sports fans, fueled by Allentown Central Catholic and William Allen High Schools’ passionate Vikings and Canaries athletics programs and diverse outdoor pursuits across the Lehigh Valley parks, rivers, and nearby Appalachian foothills—all just minutes from downtown and scenic urban landscapes.

While Allentown has no major-league teams, pro-level action is abundant nearby: cheer for the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) and Eagles (NFL) in Philadelphia (about 1 hour away), or minor-league excitement with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A affiliate) at Coca-Cola Park and Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL hockey) at PPL Center.

Allentown’s public high schools deliver electric action with proud traditions in Pennsylvania’s competitive Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC), excelling in football, basketball, soccer, track and field, wrestling, baseball, softball, swimming, and more at local stadiums like J. Milo Sewards Field and facilities.

The city shines with welcoming facilities and endless recreational playgrounds. The Parks & Recreation Department offers youth and adult leagues in soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and flag football at venues like Cedar Beach Park and Irving Park. Locals flock to the scenic Allentown Municipal Golf Course, Iron Lakes Country Club, and pools/splash pads in parks.

Just beyond city limits, Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Nature Preserve provide multi-use trails for hiking and biking, fishing spots along the Lehigh River and Little Lehigh Creek, disc golf, and wildlife viewing amid wooded valleys. With four distinct seasons and year-round opportunities—from winter sledding to summer festivals and fall trail runs—Allentown inspires an effortlessly active, community-packed lifestyle full of family fun and outdoor adventure.

https://www.allentownpa.gov/Parks-and-Recreation
https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley
https://www.phantomshockey.com/
https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/things-to-do/outdoors/trails/

Allentown, Pennsylvania, is an outdoor lover’s paradise nestled in the scenic Lehigh Valley, surrounded by rolling Appalachian foothills, the winding Lehigh River, lush urban parks, and nearby Blue Mountain ridges. Walk or bike the extensive multi-use trails through Lehigh Parkway along the Little Lehigh Creek, explore boardwalks and meadows at Trexler Nature Preserve, cast a line for trout in the Lehigh River or local creeks, or head to nearby Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center for wooded paths and historical sites. Thrill-seekers enjoy mountain biking at Jordan Creek trails or skiing at Blue Mountain Resort, while families love playgrounds, picnics under shaded trees, birdwatching in wetlands, disc golf courses, and wildlife spotting along the trails.

History and culture weave through every outing. Step back in time at the Allentown Art Museum with its impressive collection of American and European works, visit the America On Wheels Museum showcasing transportation history with vintage cars and trucks, or tour the Liberty Bell Museum with replicas and exhibits on the famous bell hidden in Allentown during the Revolutionary War. Nearby sites add depth with interpretive paths at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum highlighting industrial and immigrant heritage.

Year-round festivals—from the vibrant Allentown Fair with rides, concerts, and livestock shows to the Mayfair Festival of the Arts with performers and crafts, seasonal farmers markets, summer Blues Brews & Barbecue, fall harvest events, and holiday Lights in the Parkway drive-through—keep the energy high and the community tight. Whether you crave riverside trail adventures through wooded valleys or peaceful stargazing under clear Lehigh Valley skies, Allentown delivers authentic Pennsylvania adventures for every age and pace.

https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/
https://www.allentownpa.gov/Parks-and-Recreation
https://www.allentownartmuseum.org/
https://www.allentownfair.org/

Allentown embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its Lehigh Valley heritage, industrial legacy, diverse immigrant roots, and vibrant community culture.

Spring
As temperatures warm and parks bloom with greenery, Allentown comes alive with arts and outdoor energy. The Mayfair Festival of the Arts in late May brings live performances, crafts, food vendors, and family activities to Cedar Beach Park, fostering fresh seasonal spirit.

Summer
Summertime in Allentown pulses with markets, music, and patriotic festivities. The Allentown Farmers Market and outdoor markets run regularly with fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, and food vendors, while parks invite picnics, concerts, and trail adventures under sunny skies. The spectacular Fourth of July events dazzle with parades, fireworks at J. Birney Crum Stadium, and community gatherings.

Fall
With crisp breezes and colorful foliage, Allentown celebrates fair season. The Great Allentown Fair in late August/early September transforms the Fairgrounds with carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, food vendors, demolition derbies, and exhibits spotlighting local agriculture with games and a kids' zone.

Winter
Allentown’s winter sparkles with festive lights and heartfelt holiday traditions. Lights in the Parkway, a drive-through holiday light display in Lehigh Parkway starting late November, features dazzling scenes, music, and community cheer, while downtown tree lightings and holiday markets nurture joyful connections amid the chilly Pennsylvania air.

Throughout the year, Allentown’s calendar brims with Farmers Markets, summer concerts in West Park, Blues Brews & Barbecue festival, arts events, and neighborhood gatherings that reflect its welcoming, resilient character.

https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/
https://www.allentownpa.gov/Community-Events
https://www.allentownfair.org/
https://www.mayfairfestival.org/