Ah, Bethlehem, PA: where the streets are narrow, the festivals are plenty, and parking spots are as elusive as a quiet moment at Musikfest. If you’ve ever tried to park in Bethlehem during one of its many festivals, you know it’s like playing a game of musical chairs, but the chairs are compact cars and the music never stops.
Fear not, festival-goers! We’ve got some insider tips that’ll have you parking like a pro, or at least like someone who won’t end up circling the block for hours. Let’s dive into the world of Bethlehem parking – a place where patience is tested, but the rewards are plenty (if you consider finding a parking spot a reward, that is).
Parking Locations
North Street Parking Garage
Address: 85 W North St, Bethlehem, PA
Operated by the Bethlehem Parking Authority, the North Street Parking Garage is a reliable parking option for festival-goers.
Satellite Parking Lots
Locations: 1525 Valley Center Parkway and 240 Emery Street off of Rt. 412
These remote lots feature air-conditioned motorcoach shuttle services to the festival grounds, operating Monday to Friday from 5-11 p.m. and on weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Polk Street Parking Garage
Location: Just off of East Third Street
A new addition to Bethlehem’s South Side, the Polk Street Parking Garage, offers 731 parking spaces near the SteelStacks stages, enhancing access to Musikfest’s events.
Parking Tips
Purchase Tickets in Advance
For those attending a concert at the Wind Creek Steel Stage, securing a parking pass by purchasing two tickets to the Yuengling Flight Deck Oasis can save time. This pass provides convenient parking and access to exclusive amenities.
Use the Shuttle Service
Taking advantage of the shuttle service from the satellite parking lots not only eases access to the festival grounds but also avoids the stress of finding parking in busy areas. Shuttle fares are $9 for adults and $7 for children aged 3-12, accompanied by an adult.
Be Patient and Follow Signs
Musikfest’s popularity can lead to traffic disruptions. Patience, attentiveness to signage, and readiness to follow alternate directions are crucial for a smooth parking experience.
Consider Permit Parking
Residents near the festival may apply for a Musikfest parking permit, securing a spot in the designated area on the 400 block of High Street for the festival’s duration.
Shuttle Services
Musikfest’s shuttle services from the satellite lots are not only convenient but also a cooler way to travel to the festival, thanks to air-conditioned coaches. The service schedule caters to both early birds and night owls, ensuring everyone can enjoy the full fest experience.
LANTA Buses
The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) enhances Musikfest’s accessibility with additional services, including a loop shuttle between North and South Bethlehem. The EBS System, featuring the EBS Blue and Green Lines, offers westbound services every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays. LANTA’s integration with the Transit app and Google Maps makes planning your Musikfest journey easier than ever.
Remember, during Musikfest, the Main Street Ramp off Route 378 North is closed to all traffic. Planning your visit with these tips and locations in mind will ensure a smooth and enjoyable Musikfest experience.
Christopher Smith, the publisher of this website is a lifetime lover of music, great food, fishing and local bars. After moving to the Lehigh Valley in 1992, he quickly discovered the charm of Historic Bethlehem, also known as Christmas City, with it's cobblestone streets, amazing restaurants, Artsquest and of course, Musikfest.
While living in the Reading area for the past 25 years, Christopher frequently ventured back to the Bethlehem for Musikfest, fishing the Lehigh, floating the Delaware River and exploring the Monocacy Creek, as well as enjoying many of the bars and restaurants he loves.
Having moved back to the area recently, you will find him fishing the Lehigh for smallmouth bass, frequenting Tapas On Main, enjoying the Pan Seared Scallops at the Apollo Grill or sipping an Old Fashioned at McCarthy's.
Join him as he shares his love for Bethlehem and the evolution of a city built on silk and steel, but transformed into a modern oasis of fun that offers enjoyment and excitement for everyone.