A Golden Partnership: Service Electric Celebrates Musikfest as the #1 Music Festival in the USA!
At Service Electric, we’ve always known there is something magical about the music, the food, and the community spirit that takes over Bethlehem every August. Now, the rest of the country officially knows it, too.
We are absolutely thrilled to congratulate our long-time partners at ArtsQuest on a historic achievement: Musikfest has been named the Best Music Festival in the United States by the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards!
A Legacy Built Together
This recognition is incredibly special to us. Service Electric has been a proud partner of Musikfest since the very first note was played in 1984. For over four decades, we have grown alongside this festival, working hand-in-hand with ArtsQuest to bring the sights and sounds of Bethlehem to screens across the region.
From the early days of the festival to the record-breaking 2025 season—which saw nearly 1.45 million visitors and a staggering $121.4 million economic impact—Service Electric has been there to capture the moments that define our community. Whether you are watching the headliners on the Wind Creek Steel Stage or discovering a new local favorite at one of the 16 free stages, our mission at Service Electric and The Service Electric Network (SEN) has always been to ensure the “Fest” experience is accessible to everyone.
Why Musikfest Shines
Being named the best in the nation for the fourth time isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the atmosphere. As ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert noted, this award is a testament to the “energy, creativity, and community spirit” of the Lehigh Valley.
Musikfest isn’t just a concert series—it’s a 10-day transformation of the historic SteelStacks campus and the SouthSide Arts District. It’s a place where over 500 performances bring people together from all 50 states and across the globe.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The celebration is only beginning. As we look toward the 43rd Musikfest (scheduled for July 31 – August 9, 2026), we are more committed than ever to our partnership. This year holds even deeper significance as the nation prepares for America 250, and we can’t wait to see how poster artist Doug Boehm’s vision comes to life on the streets of Bethlehem.
To our friends at ArtsQuest, the thousands of volunteers, the talented musicians, and—most importantly—the fans who voted: Congratulations! We are honored to be your hometown connection to the best music festival in America.
Want to relive the magic? Stay tuned to Service Electric Network (SEN) for exclusive coverage and highlights from the festival grounds. See you at the Fest!
(Photo courtesy of Lisa Boehm)