Free This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley: October 17-18, 2026

Looking for free things to do in the Lehigh Valley this weekend? Here are five verified free events happening Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, across Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem, and nearby Carbon County. Each pick includes confirmed dates, times, locations, and a link to the official event page.

Every event below was checked against its official listing on October 16, 2026, and each one is genuinely free to attend, though a couple require a free reservation or have separately priced extras. Details can always change, so please confirm times and any weather notices on the official pages before you head out.

1. The Allentown Band's 2026 Family Concert, Miller Symphony Hall

The Allentown Band presents its 2026 Family Concert on Saturday afternoon at Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown. The program, "America 250: Yankee Doodling," includes "A Young Person's Guide to the Concert Band" performed with the Freedom High School Fife and Drum Corps. Admission is free, but reservations are required in advance through the box office.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth Street, Allentown, PA
Admission: Free; reservations required

Official source: millersymphonyhall.org/event/the-allentown-bands-2026-family-concert

2. Easton Book Festival: Closing Weekend

The 8th annual Easton Book Festival wraps up this weekend with free programming across downtown Easton. Saturday highlights include a children's storytime at the Easton Public Market, author panels, an open mic, and an evening "Meet Mark Twain" performance. Sunday brings the Small Press Vendor Expo at the Sigal Museum from noon to 4:00 p.m., along with storytimes and author readings at venues around the city. All festival programs are free and open to everyone.

When: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026; program times vary by event
Where: Multiple venues in downtown Easton, PA, including the Sigal Museum, Easton Public Market, Book and Puppet Company, and Quadrant Book Mart
Admission: Free; all events open to all

Official source: eastonbookfestival.com/events-list

3. Lehigh Valley Open Gate Farm Tours

Penn State Extension's annual Lehigh Valley Open Gate Farm Tours return this weekend, with farms across Lehigh and Northampton Counties opening their gates to the public. Each farm sets its own hours and offerings, and touring the operations is free, while some farms charge separately for extras such as pumpkins or hayrides. The extension page lists participating farms and their schedules.

When: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026; hours vary by farm
Where: Participating farms across Lehigh and Northampton Counties, PA
Admission: Free to tour; some farms price extras separately

Official source: extension.psu.edu/lehigh-valley-open-gate-farm-tours

4. Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival: Final Weekend

In nearby Carbon County, the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival closes out its three October weekends this Saturday and Sunday. Craft and food vendors set up along the streets of Historic Downtown Jim Thorpe, with free live music at outdoor stages. Attendance is free; parking, food and drink, scenic train and trolley rides, and mansion tours are separately priced.

When: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026; craft and food vendors 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, PA
Admission: Free to attend; parking, rides, tours, and food are separately priced

Official source: discovernepa.com/events/fairs-and-festivals/jim-thorpe-fall-foliage-festival

5. LUAG All Ages Workshop: Wildlife Light Box Dioramas, Lehigh University

The Lehigh University Art Galleries host a free all-ages workshop on Saturday afternoon at the Zoellner Arts Center. Participants explore the exhibition "This Little Land" and build their own wildlife light box dioramas. The workshop is open to visitors of all ages, with materials provided.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Zoellner Arts Center, LUAG Lower Gallery, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Admission: Free

Official source: luag.lehigh.edu/events

Before You Go

Event schedules and weather plans can change, especially for outdoor festivals and farm tours. Confirm the latest hours, any reservation requirements, and any updates on the official pages linked above, and check each venue before you travel. Northampton County parks and trails (including Archibald Johnston Conservation Area, Mount Jack, and Mud Run Conservation Area) are also free public spaces if you are looking for an easy outdoor option.

This is part of a weekly Free This Weekend series. Check back each week for a fresh list of verified free events across the Lehigh Valley, and if you are sorting out where to live in the region, I can help with that too.

About Tim Tepes

Tim Tepes is a Pennsylvania Licensed Associate Broker and REALTOR® with more than 36 years of experience serving the Lehigh Valley. He is the founder of Tim Tepes Real Estate LLC, affiliated with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Cassidon Realty, and has helped more than 2,000 clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate since 1990. He specializes in residential resale, new construction, investment properties, probate and estate sales, downsizing, and small multifamily assets across Northampton, Lehigh, and Carbon Counties.

Tim Tepes, Broker Associate

Phone: (484) 275-0056
Email: timtepes@gmail.com
Website: timtepes.com
Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/timtepes/30min

Tim Tepes is a licensed Associate Broker in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA License #AB062628L), affiliated with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Cassidon Realty, and a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS (GLVR). Equal Housing Opportunity. REALTOR®.