Happy September! As we turn the page on summer and
step into the new school year, our calendars start filling up
with back-to-school nights, sports practices, and those first
cozy signs of fall. Today's rundown has everything you
need to make the most of Labor Day, keep the kids
entertained, and plan ahead for a busy (but exciting) season.
Grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s
happening around Northampton County!
Thanks,
Mark & The Local Rundown Northampton Crew
In This Issue
🎡 One Last Spin: Closing Day at the Great Allentown Fair
🍂 Sneak Peek: Lehigh Valley Fall Festivals
🍷 Parents’ Night Out: Lehigh Valley Wine Auction
"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family... in another city."
— George Burns
🎡 One Last Spin: Closing Day at the Great Allentown Fair
If you’ve been meaning to get to the Great Allentown Fair, Labor Day—Monday, September 1—is your last chance before the gates close for another year. The fair has been buzzing since August, and the final day always has its own special energy. Families come out for one more ride on the Ferris wheel, one more round of fair food, and one last chance to soak up that summer magic.
The midway will be open with all the classics—bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl, and the squeal-inducing drop tower that older kids can’t get enough of. Younger ones will love the gentler kiddie rides and carnival games, while parents can sneak in a visit to the livestock barns or admire the prize-winning pies and plants. Of course, the smells drifting through the fairgrounds—funnel cakes, corn dogs, and roasted corn—make it hard to leave without a treat (or three).
Parent Tips
Arrive earlier in the day: Crowds tend to build toward the evening, especially since it’s the holiday.
Watch for closing-day deals: Vendors sometimes discount food or souvenirs on the final day—perfect for saving a few dollars.
Capture the memory: Take a family photo in front of the Ferris wheel at sunset; it’s a classic end-of-summer keepsake.
There’s something nostalgic about being at the fair on its very last day—it feels like saying goodbye to summer itself. If you want one final hurrah before school routines kick in, Labor Day at the Great Allentown Fair is the place to be.
📍 Location: Allentown Fairgrounds, 17th & Chew Streets, Allentown
📅 Date: Monday, September 1, 2025
💲 Cost: Admission fee + optional ride passes and vendor purchases
🍂 Sneak Peek: Lehigh Valley Fall Festivals Worth Bookmarking
September may still feel like summer, but fall is right around the corner—and with it comes a full lineup of festivals that families won’t want to miss. Here’s a quick look at some of the biggest, most family-friendly celebrations happening in October across the Lehigh Valley.
🎃 Grim’s Fall Festival (Brecknock Township – Late Sept through October)
Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and apple picking—it’s everything you’d want from a classic fall outing rolled into one. Families love the mix of farm fun and fall treats.
🍺 Oktoberfest at SteelStacks (Bethlehem – October 4–5 & 11–12)
It’s not just for adults! This two-weekend celebration includes live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and kids’ activities alongside the traditional beer garden atmosphere.
🥓 PA Bacon Fest (Easton – November 1–2)
Okay, technically this one is in early November, but it’s too big not to mention. With bacon-themed eats, cooking demos, live entertainment, and family fun, it’s one of the top-ranked food festivals in the country.
👻 Family-Friendly Halloween Events (All October)
From Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience (starting Sept 20) to Dorney Park’s Tricks & Treats Festival, kids have plenty of scare-free options to get in the Halloween spirit before the big day.
Parent Tips
Mark calendars early: Many of these festivals draw big crowds, so planning ahead helps avoid last-minute stress.
Budget for food & extras: Most are free to enter but expect tempting treats and vendor goods once you’re there.
Layer up: Fall weather can be unpredictable—warm in the afternoon, chilly once the sun sets.
Whether your family loves corn mazes, cultural celebrations, or just an excuse to eat bacon on a stick, fall in the Lehigh Valley has something for everyone. Keep these dates on your radar now, and you’ll be ready to dive into the season with no shortage of family adventures.
📍 Locations: Bethlehem, Easton, Brecknock Township & beyond
📅 Dates: Late September through November 2, 2025
💲 Cost: Many events free admission; food and activities vary
🍷 Parents’ Night Out: Lehigh Valley Wine Auction
Parents, this one’s for you. If you’ve been craving a night that doesn’t involve chicken nuggets or refereeing bedtime squabbles, the Lehigh Valley Wine Auction on Saturday, September 6 is the perfect excuse to call the sitter and dress up a little.
Hosted at the Sigal Museum in Easton, the event combines fine dining, wine tasting, and lively auctions—all to raise money for local education and arts programs. Guests can sip world-class wines, enjoy thoughtfully paired dishes, and maybe even win a few bottles to take home. The evening blends elegance with community spirit, making it a feel-good night out.
Think of it as a mini date-night adventure without leaving Northampton County. You’ll mingle with neighbors, enjoy live entertainment, and feel like you’re part of something bigger than just a fun evening—every ticket sold helps support vital programs right here in the Valley.
Parent Tips
Line up childcare early: Babysitters book quickly on weekend nights, especially when events like this are happening.
Dress comfortably chic: While it’s a classy event, you’ll want to be relaxed enough to enjoy the evening.
Set a budget for the auction: Between wine and exciting auction items, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment.
It’s rare to find a local event that feels both sophisticated and close to home, but the Lehigh Valley Wine Auction strikes that balance beautifully. Consider it a toast to yourselves—you’ve survived the summer and school routines are back in motion. Why not celebrate with a little wine, laughter, and community spirit?
📍 Location: Sigal Museum, Easton, PA
📅 Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
💲 Cost: Ticketed event (benefits local nonprofits)
Where was the modern birthday cake invented?
The Local Rundown
🕓 All day · Allentown Fairgrounds · cost may vary; kids entry often free · 🌟 All Ages
Annual fair with music, rides, demolition derby & iconic fair foods.
🕓 All day · Lehigh Valley Zoo · free entry (food extra) · All Ages
Food trucks and family festival fun at the zoo.
🕓 All day · Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom · admission applies · All Ages
Enjoy water rides & slides before the seasonal transition.
Tuesday, Sep 2
🕓 Check museum hours · Easton · museum admission · Kids (5–12), Teens (13–17), All Ages
Historic canal boat rides pulled by mules—fun and educational.
🕓 Daytime · Lowhill Township · Free · All Ages
Explore trails and wildlife in a scenic natural preserve.
🕓 Afternoon/evening · Bethlehem · Free (some ticketed events) · All Ages
Historic walking tours + outdoor film at Bethlehem Steel site.
Wednesday, Sep 3
🕓 Morning–afternoon · Catasauqua · Free · All Ages
Explore a historic iron furnace and enjoy a guided walking tour.
🕓 Daytime · Whitehall Township · Free · All Ages
Relaxing park with a mix of history, nature, and open green space.
🕓 Daytime · Trexler Nature Preserve (Schnecksville) · Zoo admission · All Ages
Visit the zoo in a peaceful preserve—great animal encounters.
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The Local Rundown.
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See you soon,
Mark