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“Verano Vibrante” is a summer-long celebration of Hispanic culture, tradition, and community at the Allentown Art Museum (AAM) in 2026. Inspired by the recent arrival of three works of art from El Museo del Barrio, the Museum is highlighting the voices, creativity, and identities of some of Allentown’s largest and most vibrant communities. All Verano Vibrante programs and events are free and open to all, as is Museum admission.
The official kick off for Verano Vibrante will be the AAM’s Nuyorican Hip-Hop Bash on Saturday, June 6, featuring music, dance, food, and artmaking inspired by Puerto Rican traditions and sponsored by La Mega Radio. Each month everyone is invited to participate in free Community Art Lab workshops led by local artists, starting on the third Thursday in May with bilingual (English and Spanish) zine making using Taíno symbols. And, on second Saturdays in July through September, the AAM will present full days of free activities during Neighborhood Saturdays, when artists, musicians, performers, and bilingual storytellers will provide engaging fun for all ages.
All of the Verano Vibrante offerings are in addition to the Museum’s ongoing bilingual programming on the first Saturday of each month, including the Arte y Espanol literacy program for children and free Spanish-language gallery tours for adults and families.
See below for more information on Verano Vibrante, which is made possible by the generous support of the Art Bridges Foundation.
Nuyorican Hip-Hop Bash
Saturday, June 6th, 2026: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
DJ Chenzo
Hip-Hop and Nuyorican culture will take center stage during this free indoor/outdoor event. Sponsor La Mega Radio‘s “Mega Monster” mobile soundstage will set the tone for the day with music by DJ Lazar in front of the Museum 11 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by DJ Chenzo in Arts Park, plus dance performances, artmaking inspired by graffiti culture, a Taíno ceremony, and English- and Spanish-language tours of the galleries. Also, food truck by La Frikitona.
See full schedule of events and learn more HERE.
Community Art Labs
Third Thursdays, 5:30-730 p.m.
Jenylin Rodriguez
Every third Thursday of the month the Museum stays open late, until 8 p.m., and offers free guided artmaking workshops. Third Thursday Art Labs generally run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and participants can stay the entire time or drop in. On Thursday, May 21, artist Jenylin Rodriguez will lead a bilingual creative session on drawing, collaging, and zine making using popular symbols from Taíno culture.
See the full schedule and learn more HERE.
Neighborhood Saturdays
Second Saturdays, July-October, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Rigo Peralta
This series of Saturdays jam packed with things to do and see for all ages is an extension of the Museum’s ongoing programming for diverse audiences and interests. There’s contemporary dance in July, poetry reading in August, and printmaking with artist Rigo Peralta in September, plus tours and storytelling in English and Spanish, music, and more every month. Spend the day at the Museum on the second Saturday in July through September–and bring the kids! Light refreshments in our Lounge.
Full schedule coming soon.
Related Programming
Public tours in Spanish / Visitas públicas en español
First Saturdays • 2-2:45 p.m.
May 2, June 6, July 11, August 1, September 5, October 3
This guided tour in Spanish of select works in our American galleries includes a discussion of the three artworks from El Museo del Barrio along with works by local artists whose Caribbean heritage informs their creative practice. Free, just drop in.
(Private guided tours are also available any day at a nominal cost, click HERE for details.)
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ArtVentures in May
Saturdays & Sundays in May • 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 2-3, May 9-10, May 16-17, May 23-24, May 30-31
Learn about Taíno culture as you make art that incorporates Taíno symbols. Today, descendants of the Taíno people use the symbols to embrace their roots and pay homage to their ancestors. Free and open to all ages. Create together as a family!
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ArtVentures in August
Saturdays & Sundays in August • 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
August 1-2, August 8-9, August 15-16, August 22-23, August 29-30
Take inspiration from the artwork by Wanda Maria Quiñones and create one-of-a-kind prints using paint and crayon while learning about the Taíno symbols in Quiñones’ work. Free and open to all ages. Create together as a family!