ArtsQuest announced that its programming generated a record $192,685,075 in economic impact for the Lehigh Valley in 2025 — a 34% increase over 2024 — marking the strongest year to date in the organization’s 42-year history of fueling tourism, job creation and community growth across the region.

“ArtsQuest was built on the idea that investing in arts and culture can transform a community economically, socially and creatively, and today we are seeing that vision realized at an unprecedented scale,” said Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO of ArtsQuest.

“Reaching nearly $193 million in economic impact reflects not only record attendance at our festivals, but also the power of sustained partnerships, accessible programming and experiences that draw visitors, support local businesses and positions the Lehigh Valley as a premier cultural destination.”

Signature events played a key role in the record-setting year. Musikfest 2025 delivered an economic impact of $121,370,178, up 30.9% from 2024, while Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial generated $14,087,391 — a 27.2% increase following the debut of its Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health and expanded holiday programming.

“Cultural experiences are one of the strongest drivers of visitor spending in today’s travel economy, and ArtsQuest has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most powerful tourism anchors,” said Alex Michaels, President & CEO of Discover Lehigh Valley.

“Through our ongoing partnership, we’ve seen firsthand how signature events like Musikfest and Christkindlmarkt bring new visitors to the region, extend overnight stays and spur economic activity for hotels, restaurants and small businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley.”

Throughout 2025, ArtsQuest offered nearly 4,000 events, festivals, classes, performances and workshops — with 32% free and open to the public — ensuring broad community access while driving year-round economic activity.

“The transformation of Bethlehem into a vibrant arts, tourism and community destination has been built through strong public-private partnerships, and ArtsQuest has been one of the most impactful collaborators in that journey,” said Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds. “Working alongside the city and regional partners, ArtsQuest has helped revitalize our historic SteelStacks campus, create jobs, energize downtown and position Bethlehem as a national model for arts-driven economic development.”

The organization’s impact extended strongly into employment, supporting a total of 1,533 full-time equivalent jobs in the Lehigh Valley in 2025 — a 34% increase over 2024 — across hospitality, events, retail, production and the creative economy.

“Quality of life is an essential element to the health of a community and its economic growth,” said Don Cunningham, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. “And ArtsQuest has been a driving force behind the Lehigh Valley’s thriving arts and culture sector and a lead reason why people visit and discover Bethlehem and our region. The facilities, programming, and festivals of ArtsQuest – and its engagement with the community – is a cornerstone of the Lehigh Valley’s community and economic growth.”

Over the last 16 years, ArtsQuest’s economic impact has surged from $35.8 million in 2010 to more than $192 million in 2025, rebounding strongly from pre-pandemic totals of $116 million in 2018 and $136 million in 2019 — a testament to both resilience and strategic growth.

Future developments include the Creative Factory powered by PPL — a hands-on arts education and workforce development hub — along with the revitalization of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, creating new mixed-use destinations that will further elevate tourism, programming and job growth in 2026 and beyond.

“As we look to the future, our focus is on building even greater opportunities for creativity, education and economic growth across the region,” Hilgert added. “The completion of the Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign will allow us to expand year-round programming, welcome new audiences and create multi-use spaces that will inspire the next generation while continuing to drive tourism, job creation and community investment for years to come.”