When is Dorney Park’s opening day? What to know for 2023 | Hours, tickets and events
Warmer weather means it’s almost amusement park season.
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom just outside Allentown is gearing up for its Summer 2023.
Slate of special events, from Fourth of July fireworks to the popular Halloween Haunt.
No new rides are open this year, but a new roller coaster is in the works for 2024.
Here’s what to know about Dorney Park’s hours, tickets and events for 2023.
Dorney Park’s Opening Day 2023
Dorney Park’s opening day for 2023 is Friday, May 12. Wildwater Kingdom will open Saturday, May 27.
Season pass holders get access to preview days — one for Dorney Park on May 7, and for Wildwater Kingdom on May 21.
Dorney Park’s 2023 Hours
Dorney Park will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 28, when it switches to daily operation. Wildwater Kingdom also is open weekends initially and moves to daily operation June 5 through Labor Day. Dorney Park stays open weekends through October.
Exact dates and hours vary, but Dorney is generally open during the summer from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends with an earlier closing on weekdays. Wildwater Kingdom is generally open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Dorney Park’s 2023 Tickets
Daily admission starts at $39.99. Season passes are available at the Silver, Gold and Platinum level. Costs for those run $94, $109 or $280, respectively.
Dorney Park’s 2023 Events
Fourth of July Celebration
- When: July 4
- What is it? Independence Day fireworks with patriotic music beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Grand Carnivale
- When: Select dates from July 22 to Aug. 6
- What is it? A “global celebration” with live music, international food, games and crafts, with a Spectacle of Color parade after sundown.
Food Truck Rally
- When: Aug. 26 and 27
- What is it? A smorgasbord of food trucks from across the region.
Halloween Haunt
- When: Select nights from Sept. 15 to Oct. 28
- What is it? Zombies, vampires and other ghouls take over the park, which features scare mazes and entertainment plus the usual rides into the night.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
- When: Weekends from Sept. 16 to Oct. 29
- What is it? A fall harvest festival full of family-friendly games and activities.
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Hellertown-Lower Saucon: Light Up Night 2024 Nov 29 Family Fun at Morris J. Dimmick Park
Hellertown-Lower Saucon: Light Up Night 2024 Nov 29 Family Fun at Morris J. Dimmick Park
The Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber, a proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is thrilled to present the annual Light Up Night, happening on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Morris J. Dimmick Park (570 Durham Street, Hellertown). This hallmark event promises an evening full of holiday joy, delicious food, live entertainment, and a dazzling tree-lighting ceremony to kick off the festive season.
“Come join the jolly community spirit! We have great performances from the Saucon Valley Band and Choir to the local Cub Scouts Group #349, plus lots of tasty treats and gifts for everyone,” says Rod Long, Chairman of the Light Up Night committee. This year’s presenting sponsors are Mobile Technology Graphics and Bethlehem Landfill.
Event Highlights:
Light Up Night will feature something for everyone, from families looking to create cherished memories to adults enjoying seasonal beverages. Santa Claus will make a special appearance all the way from the North Pole with a few of his reindeer friends, and live entertainment from local organizations such as the Saucon Valley School District Band and Choir will keep spirits bright throughout the evening. There will be a live ice carving demonstration, free children’s activities and crafts, cash family wagon rides, special appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and so much more! Guests can shop for unique holiday gifts at vendor stalls and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages.
Make sure to stop by Chamber tent to pick up your Candy Cane Lane passport! This is the inaugural running of the trail, spanning from November 30th to December 7th encompassing your favorite businesses and restaurants in the area. Stop at each location and find the hiding Candy Cane, submit a completed passport to the Chamber to be entered into a raffle!
Food and Beverage Vendors:
This year’s event will include a mouthwatering lineup of food and drink vendors: Big Poppa’s Backyard BBQ, Cosmic Kettle Corn, Couchpota.doh, DonutNV, Fired Up Artisan Pizza, Hausman’s Fruit Farms, Nick and Noah’s, Race to Taste Curbside Grill, RK Mobile, and Tommy’s Italian Kitchen.
For those seeking seasonal drinks, Easton Wine Project, Five Maidens Cider Company, and Lost Tavern Brewing will serve a selection of wines, ciders, and craft brews. Please note: Patrons must be at least 21 years old to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
Sponsors:
The success of Light Up Night is made possible by the generous support of local businesses and organizations, including:
- Host Sponsor: Borough of Hellertown
- Presenting Sponsors: Bethlehem Landfill, Mobile Technology Graphics
- Reindeer Sponsor: Heintzelman’s Funeral Home
- Santa’s Sleigh Sponsor: Ron Smith
- Candy Cane Sponsor: Sure Fix Remodeling
- Hot Chocolate and Cookies Sponsors: ASR Media/Fig Magazine, Creekview Veterinary Hospital, Hellertown Dental Group, Lindsay O. Albert, EA, Service Electric Cable TV & Communications
- Sleigh Supporting Sponsor: Jim Gardner, State Farm Agency
- Tractor Ride Sponsor: Steel Club
- Wagon Sponsor: Hausman Fruit Farms
- Comfort Station Sponsors: Carl Volkman & Sons HVAC, Dewey Fire Co.
- Warm Hands Sponsors: Truist, Saucon Valley Bikes
- Jolly Supporting Sponsors: Designing Wealth Management of Raymond James, Hellertown Veterinary Center
- Decoration Sponsors: Andy’s & Pennewell’s Flower Shop, JP Mascaro, Limon Authentic Turkish Kebap House, Lost River Caverns, Saucon Valley Karate Academy
- Apple Sponsor: Bechdolt Orchards
- Cookies Sponsor: GIANT Food Stores
- Cozy Corner Sponsor: Dewey Fire Co.
- Print Sponsor: FastSIGNS of Easton
This year’s Light Up Night is expected to draw thousands of attendees, making it the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and celebrate the season. Admission is free and open to the public.
For more details, visit the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber website or contact the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber via email at AaronG@lehighvalleychamber.org.
Don’t miss this cherished tradition—let’s light up the night and welcome the holiday season together!
About the Chamber: The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.
Thanksgiving in Lehigh Valley: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [recipe inside]
This Thanksgiving in the Lehigh Valley, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
ELIXIR Health and Wellness, Bethlehem’s premier destination for non-invasive, anti-aging therapies, is excited to announce a special Election Day initiative to promote community engagement and support voter turnout. On Tuesday, November 5th, all voters across the Lehigh Valley are invited to stop by Elixir Health and Wellness, located at 1021 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA, for a complimentary session of red light or compression therapy between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“At Elixir Health and Wellness, we believe in the power of caring, both for the body and the community,” said Yuliya, owner of Elixir Health and Wellness.
“We’re thrilled to offer this special opportunity as a way to give back to our neighbors who make their voices heard on Election Day. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape our community, and we want to support everyone who takes the time to participate.”
To take advantage of this Election Day offer, individuals simply need to show proof of voting, such as an “I Voted” sticker. Those who voted early are welcome to participate as well. Elixir Health and Wellness will be open all day to provide red light and compression therapy sessions that can help rejuvenate individuals after casting a ballot.
For those registered near Elixir Health and Wellness, the nearest polling location is:
College Hill Moravian Church
72 W. Laurel St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Whether you’re looking for a wellness boost or a relaxing break, Elixir Health and Wellness invites the Bethlehem community to experience its renowned anti-aging therapies and celebrate the importance of civic engagement.
For more information about Elixir Health and Wellness and this Election Day event, please visit our website at www.elixirlv.com.
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Easton’s Summer Restaurant Week begins July 17th, featuring delicious local cuisine at amazing prices
Easton’s Summer Restaurant Week begins Sunday, July 17th, featuring delicious local cuisine at amazing prices including Italian, French, Pizza, beer, wine and more!
Enjoy dining that will make your taste buds smile!
Browse set price menus for lunch and dinner specials. Try new places, or visit your traditional favs!
Easton’s 2022 Summer Restaurant Week!
From Sunday, July 17th – Saturday, July 23rd, food lovers from across the Lehigh Valley can get a taste of everything that the Easton food and beverage scene has to offer.
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Easton’s Summer Restaurant Week
Easton’s Summer Restaurant Week gives patrons a chance to return to their favorite spots, while also providing participants with an opportunity to reach new customers with enticing deals.
All Restaurants are offering special set menus just for the diners of Easton Restaurant Week!
Participating Restaurants:
ANTONIO’S PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT
BIG PAPA’S RESTAURANT & CATERING
Participants’ Specials: Offers can be viewed at: https://eastonrestaurantweek.com/restaurants/
Pricing: Varies depending on each offer.
Sponsors:
Title Sponsor
KLYR Rums
Meticulously Crafted, Simply Enjoyed
KLYR was born from scribbling outside the margins and the pursuit of the irrefutable. We’re purists because we believe in a silver rum that’s smooth from start to finish.
Full Circle Veggies
We are proud to offer full service installation and maintenance plans for your homesteading. and gardening needs.
Contact us for your full plan and design spec of your full garden, garden box, and more! (We will install your hive, maintain your hive and harvest your honey for you!)
Maverick Media
Pennsylvania’s full service (women-owned) marketing agency that exists to generate measurable, positive results for you. We know the value we bring to the brands we serve. We measure daily.
We are honored to be a winner in the 2020 Reader Ranking Awards for Best of the Best in the Lehigh Valley in the categories for Social Media Firm and Marketing/Advertising Agency.
State Theatre
The State Theatre is supported entirely by donations from people like you!
New members that join at the $125 Curtain Call level (or higher)* will receive a voucher good for two tickets to one of the following shows!
For more information: https://eastonrestaurantweek.com/
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Wind Creek’s 2023 Halloween Party on October 28
This year Wind Creek’s 2023 Halloween Party on October 28.
The Lehigh Valley’s BIGGEST and BEST Halloween Party returns on Saturday, October 28th…but we are not alone!
Aliens have invaded The Club at the Wind Creek Event Center! Grab your friends, get your best costumes together and get ready for an out of this world party!
$500 Cash Prize for Best Costume
Dancers from Go Gurlz Entertainment
& MORE!Tickets and more info for Wind Creek’s 2023 Halloween Party on October 28
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Dorney Park’s Live Shows Fun for the Whole Family
Dorney Park’s live shows are fun for the whole family prove that rides aren’t the only fun activities at Dorney Park.
Music has a way of bringing the family together!
When you are looking for a break from the world-class thrills of Dorney Park, catching one of our live entertainment shows or saying hi to one of your favorite PEANUTS™ characters is the perfect option!
Related:
Lehigh Valley’s own Dorney Park announces Summer Celebrations
All About The Brass
Make way in the midway, this brass band is jamming all over the park and ready to be the soundtrack of your afternoon. Old fashioned favorites and all new contemporary hits will have you movin’ and groovin’ to an unforgettable beat in the heat! Don’t miss All About That Brass as they make their way through Dorney Park’s midways.
Location: Catch them on midways throughout the park
Dates & Times:
- Wednesday – Monday (off Tuesdays)
- May 28 – July 22: 11, 12, 1, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30
- July 23 – August 7: 11, 12, 1
- August 8 – September 5: 11, 12, 1, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30
Meet The Peanuts
Come say hi to your favorite PEANUTS™ characters at their meet & greet location at the PEANUTS™ Pavilion! Wave hi to Snoopy, get a selfie with Lucy, or ask Schroeder about his sweet piano skills.
Members of the Peanuts Gang are ready to say hello at various times throughout the day. Make sure to check the schedule posted at PEANUTS™ Pavilion for character appearances and times.
Location: PEANUTS™ Pavilion located in Planet Snoopy
Schedule:
- Daily*, Check Meet & Greet area in Planet Snoopy for the day’s schedule.
Space Beagle
Guests of all ages go on an out-of-this-world journey that will capture your imagination with a connection to America’s history in space exploration. Space Beagle takes guests of all ages on an out-of-this-world journey with catchy songs and humor.
Location: PEANUTS™ Showplace in Planet Snoopy
Dates & Times:
- May 14 – 15, 21 – 22: 11:30, 12:30, 2:30, 3:30
- May 28 – July 22: 11:30, 12:30, 2:30, 3:30
- July 23 – August 7: 11:30, 12:30, 1:30
- August 8 – August 21: 11:30, 12:30, 3:30, 4:30
Related:
An Evening with James Taylor at PPL Center June 27
The Coastal Currents
Know what makes summertime gatherings fun? AMAZING music! Join us to hear your new favorite fun-in-the-sun band, The Coastal Currents. With a mix of current hits and golden oldies you know by heart, The Coastal Currents are the perfect combo of live entertainment and easy-breezy family fun.
When it’s time for The Coastal Currents to take the stage, head over to The Oasis in Wildwater Kingdom and our spacious, open-air performance area. As our talented musical trio starts playing, you’ll recall great times and great friends – and start to make new memories. Make sure to catch this family entertainment show and its feel-good vibes that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Location: Oasis Bar at The Cove in Wildwater Kingdom
Dates & Times:
Tuesday – Sunday (Off Mondays)
- May 28 – July 22: 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30
- July 23 – August 7: 1, 2, 3
- August 8 – September 5: 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30
The UpRights
Grab a beverage, funnel cake, or ice cream and take a seat at Center Stage. Each time this dazzling group takes the stage the show is uniquely different. You never know what tune you’ll hear coming out of their pianos!
Location: Center Stage
Dates & Times:
- Thursday – Tuesday
- May 27 – September 5: Check mobile app for times
