FESTIVAL UNBOUND

Architect and educator Wes Hiatt has been studying the spaces and places of South Bethlehem and you re invited to join him on a 45-minute walking tour to see, track, and name the changes in the physical, living record of the ever-evolving community around us. Following a custom-made map, explore everyday historical landmarks and the ways, over time, we affect place.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This will be an approximately 45-minute guided walking tour, beginning in the park next to Touchstone Theatre, traveling through the alleyways and side streets of the southside of Bethlehem, and ending at The Bethlehem Skateplaza. Guides will be available to lead you back to Touchstone once the tour has finished, which is a one-mile/approximately 20-minute walk along the South Bethlehem Greenway where you ll get an excellent view of the Lehigh University Art Galleries latest Greenway exhibit called Bodies of Knowledge.

*Please wear comfortable, sturdy, walking shoes, and bring along a bottle of water, a jacket in case it s chilly, and anything else you might need to further enjoy this outdoor walking experience.

STARTING POINT: Parham Park, 317 E 4th St, Bethlehem, PA 18015 (This is the park directly next to Touchstone Theatre.)

RUN TIME: Approximately 45 minutes; plus, the walk back.

PARKING: There is a small parking lot directly behind Touchstone Theatre that will be available for you to park in. If that s full, there is nearby street or lot parking (here s a link to Bethlehem parking options). Recommended options include: 1) Mechanic Street Parking Lot between Webster & Taylor Streets and Mechanic Street and the Greenway 3 minute walk or 2) the Polk St. Garage (400 Block E. 3rd St.) 3 minute walk.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: Maps will be provided to those who might wish to walk the path of the tour after the event has ended. These will be available to pick up at Touchstone Theatre. Touchstone strives to create an environment where all members of our community, of all abilities, feel welcome. Please contact (610) 867-1689 or via email at touchstone@touchstone.org to request accessibility accommodations in advance.

What happens if it rains?!

If there s light rain, we will have umbrellas available for you to use, or feel free to bring your own! If there s heavy rain, there will be a 15-minute rain delay with Touchstone s cafe available to wait out the weather; after which, Wes will make a call with the guests as to whether or not to venture out.

[Image description: An amalgamation of different houses all merged with each other. The bottom a collage of different colored bricks, and drain pipes pointing off in various directions. The top a Frankenstein-esque arrangement of windows, steeples, and roofs, blending into and out of each other. The background a solid grey.]