In honor of Musikfest's 30th year, the 2013 festival will feature special events and activities.

John Gorka returns: In August 1984, a young folksinger named John Gorka played the very first notes at the very first Musikfest. This year the renowned artist is back at the festival to perform at its opening ceremonies, 6 p.m. Aug. 2, Aetna Americaplatz, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks. Gorka takes the stage later in the evening for a free concert at one of the festival's other stages.

Bethlehem Area School District: For 2013, the Bethlehem Area School District and ArtsQuest are partnering on an educational initiative in which Liberty and Freedom high school students will present and promote two afternoons of music programming at Plaza Tropical. Students from Anne Skelly's Liberty and Rob Petrosky's Freedom "Intermediate Marketing-Marketing Musikfest 30" classes will book up to four artists to perform between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. each Saturday. Performers and details are to be announced.

Backstage Lounge: The Backstage Lounge, located behind the backstage area at the Sands Steel Stage, is a private event space to host family and class reunions, and client and employee appreciation events. Guests have access to food and a bar while in earshot of the concerts by stars such as Carly Rae Jepsen, Darius Rucker and more. Information: ArtsQuest Vice President of Hospitality Susan Drexinger, sdrexinger@artsquest.org, 610-297-7141

Musikfest Late Night: While the festival officially closes at 11 p.m. each night, the Musikfest Café will be open until 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays (Aug. 2, 3, 9, 10). Look for performances by local and regional dance and party bands like Lucky Seven (Aug. 9). Late-night comedy shows are back Friday and Saturday nights in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.

Musikfest Volunteer Photography: The first juried exhibition highlights the work of the volunteer photographers who have been capturing the spirit of Musikfest over the years, June 1 - Aug. 11, Alvin H. Butz Gallery, ArtsQuest Center.

Information: musikfest.org