Fresh & Flavorful: What’s New at the 2026 Blueberry Festival!

By Phoebe Cunningham

Blueberry Festival is bringing new flavors, foods, and experiences in 2026! On July 18-19 at Historic Burnside in Bethlehem, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is introducing a spectacular lineup of first-time activities, exciting entertainment, and fresh local vendors that elevate the festival experience for visitors of all ages. 

Here is your exclusive first look at everything new this year: 

Brand-New Family Fun & Entertainment

• Folk Dancing & Kid-Friendly Shakespeare: Immerse yourself in culture with the folk dancing program presented by Hearthsong Folk Arts. The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival will also be performing the iconic balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, and all ages can take part by learning the art of staged sword fighting.  
• Watch 18th-century cider-making demonstrations while enjoying a crisp, refreshing cider from the award-winning Bucktail Cider,
• A Petting Zoo Complete with Goat Snuggling: While it made its debut last year, the goat snuggling ($10) was so popular we had to sneak it in here this year. At the petting zoo, kids can get up close and personal with friendly farm animals including chickens, rabbits and those adorable, aforementioned goats! 

Fresh Beats at the Brewberry Tavern Stage 

• Singer-songwriter Adeline Csontos kicks off the tunes on Saturday. 
• Dance to the island vibes of first-time Blueberry Festival performers, including the Big Wahu Caribbean Band and the soulful sounds of Salt Hill on Sunday. 
• Closing out Sunday’s festivities is a high-energy performance by a Lehigh Valley favorite The Wonton Soups! 

Immersive History & Friendly Competition 

• The History Makers Zone: Step back in time! Kids of all ages can work alongside an HBMS guide in colonial attire to handcraft three 18th-century items: a beeswax candle, tin-punch wall hanging, and a traditional toy. You’ll get to learn exactly why each item was so vital to 18th-century life, plus take your work home with you! Cost is $7 in advance, or $10 day of the festival. Reserve your historic fun today!
• The Storybook Characters: We have revamped our Community Stage! Bring the kids to see majestic princesses and magical fairies. A special Storybook Party character group will take the stage each day to sing along to favorite tunes. 
• History Detective Scavenger Hunt: Explore our historic demonstrations with this fun, interactive hunt. Search through Burnside grounds to find unique hidden objects. Then, turn in your completed sheet at the Information Booth to be entered to win awesome prizes, including a $15 gift certificate to the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe and other kid-friendly surprises! 

Expanded Shopping and Great Eats at Vendor Village 

The festival’s Vendor Village is bigger and broader than ever before. Be sure to check out all of the food and craft vendors, including new additions such as: 

• Holy Macaroni: Serving up customized, gourmet mac and cheese to satisfy your comfort food cravings. 
• True Honey Teas: A Christkindlmarkt favorite making its very first appearance at Blueberry Festival! 
• The Wicked Botanist: The perfect stop for plant lovers looking for unique greenery. 
• Shante’s Travel Things: Featuring unique, must-have travel accessories and goods. 

For the complete list of Blueberry Festival activities, performances, and vendors, visit historicbethlehem.org/blueberry-festival.