Free This Weekend in the Lehigh Valley: October 3-4, 2026

Looking for free things to do in the Lehigh Valley this weekend? Here are five verified free events happening Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, across Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Each pick includes confirmed dates, times, locations, and a link to the official event page.

Every event below was checked against its official listing before publishing, and each one is genuinely free to attend. Details can always change, so please confirm times and any weather notices on the official pages before you head out.

1. Easton Garlic Fest

Easton's signature garlic festival returns to Centre Square for a weekend of garlic-themed food, more than 100 vendors, live music on two stages, chef competitions, games, and a kids' area. The festival runs rain or shine.

When: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Centre Square, 3rd and Northampton Streets, Easton, PA
Admission: Free

Official source: eastongarlicfest.com

2. Oktoberfest at SteelStacks, ArtsQuest

ArtsQuest's 16th annual Oktoberfest opens its first of two weekends at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem. The festival features live music, German food and brews, four biergartens, steinholding championships, and wiener-dog races on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free; food and drink are pay-as-you-go.

When: Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, 2026 (second weekend October 9-11). Friday 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., Saturday noon to 10:00 p.m., Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m.
Where: SteelStacks campus, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
Admission: Free (select add-ons such as the bourbon tasting and the Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K are separately ticketed)

Official source: artsquest.org/oktoberfest

3. Community Arts Fair at Lafayette College

Lafayette College's Fall Arts Festival wraps up Sunday, October 4 after running Thursday through Sunday. The centerpiece for the weekend is the Community Arts Fair in Ahart Plaza, with hands-on art activities, live music, and food, free and open to all. The festival also includes free film screenings at Landis Cinema, gallery receptions, and performances at the Williams Center.

When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (festival runs October 1-4)
Where: Ahart Plaza, Lafayette College, Easton, PA
Admission: Free

Official source: the-arts.lafayette.edu/fall-arts-festival-2026

4. Allentown Art Museum

The Allentown Art Museum offers free admission to all visitors on every open day, with free parking in the Linden Street lot. On view this weekend are "Revolution Retold: Commemorating American Independence in Art and Design," open through October 18, 2026, and an exhibition pairing the work of artist Kay WalkingStick with the Hudson River School, open through October 11, 2026.

When: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 31 North 5th Street, Allentown, PA
Admission: Free for all visitors; free parking in the Linden Street lot

Official source: allentownartmuseum.org

5. Lehigh Valley CaresFest Fall Festival

The fourth annual Lehigh Valley CaresFest Fall Festival is a completely free fall community festival hosted by the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley. The afternoon features music, food, games and prizes, a petting zoo, local vendors, and raffle tickets.

When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 2132 South 12th Street, Allentown, PA 18103
Admission: Free

Official source: cvclv.org/caresfest

Before You Go

Event schedules and weather plans can change, especially for outdoor festivals. Confirm the latest hours 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 the first post in 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®.