New for 2017: Musikfest’s Spark Orthodontics Familienplatz

Think Musikfest only offers live music? Think again! See a different side of Musikfest this year. New for 2017, the Spark Orthodontics Familienplatz boasts creative arts, workshops, rides, and more. Nestled in the colonial industrial quarter next to the Monocacy Creek on Bethlehem’s north side, Familienplatz has something for every Musikfester—from tots to adults, inexperienced to expert—all ‘fest long.

CREATE & COLLABORATE

Indulge your artistic side and learn from Banana Factory Arts Center teaching and resident artists who will lead free crafts in the Crayola Creativity Tent from 12 – 9 p.m. each day. These crafts are inspired by the natural elements of earth, wind, fire, and water: Create a chia pet friend, build straw rockets, craft a sun-catcher, make tie-dye art, and more!

You can also purchase tickets to participate in a new Discover Workshop for Adults or Hot Glass Experiences. Led by Banana Factory Arts Center teaching and resident artists, the visual arts workshops at Familienplatz allow ‘festers to create a unique piece to commemorate this year’s Musikfest. They range from Glass Paperweights and Moroccan Mason Jars to Mosaic Tiles and Wire Wrapped Glass Pendants. See more details on Discover Workshops and Hot Glass Experiences here.

Familienplatz is also home to community art projects and interactive elements. Painting the walls of a transparent room and ground weaving are only two of the several community projects taking place here. Interact with your art by playing a PVC pipe xylophone, animating your drawings with the Crayola Color Magic Station, and creating a chalk mural!

Familienplatz is nestled in the colonial industrial quarter of North Bethlehem. Image attribution: Musikfest.org

CHILL

Familienplatz is—you guessed it—family-friendly. All are welcome! Bring the whole family or come solo to take a break from all the hubbub and the heat. Even if you don’t feel like creating a piece of art, you can take in the Musikfest sculpture garden featuring “Spinning Skirts” by Michael Biano from the NCC Fab Lab and a fiber installation created by local fiber arts with the Knitter’s Edge.

The ArtsQuest Glass Studio is also hosting their first Hot Shotz Competition at Familienplatz. Come out and vote for the best shot glass and watch flame working artists as they create from 12 – 3 p.m. and 7 – 10 p.m. on August 5-11th.

Don’t forget to ride the rides! We have a zip line, bounce house, Whisper Cars, and bungee/trampoline/rock wall. Or, for those who enjoy a more relaxed experience, simply hang out in the shaded, grassy refuge of the gorgeous colonial industrial quarter.

Familienplatz is the place to create, collaborate, and chill during Musikfest. Be sure to stop by and stay awhile.

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