Palette & Pour was launched in November 2020 in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

With the easing of COVID safety protocol in Pennsylvania, Palette & Pour on the first floor of ArtsQuest Center, SteelStacks, Bethlehem, has become a destination for music and food.

The name, Palette & Pour, was inspired by the union of art and a renovated venue.

“We knew the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center had more potential and so the redesign is intended to engage guests with great food, great drinks and an upgraded performance experience to showcase local and nationally touring artists,” says Patrick Brogan, Chief Programming Officer and Manager of ArtsQuest Center.

The venue changes included improved seating for audiences and higher-quality acoustics and production technology for performers.

The new Williams Brew stage was made possible by ArtsQuest Circle donors Dr. Mary Ellen Williams and John Brew. Entertainment is free, but there’s a $10 per person food-drink minimum.

Performances resumed mid-January in Musikfest Cafe on the third floor of ArtsQuest Center. Tickets are required.

“Folks are so happy to be a part of live music again and we are doing what we can to keep the community connected,” says Anne Sturm, ArtsQuest Senior Talent Buyer and Levitt Pavilion Executive Director.

She’s optimistic that more outdoor concerts can be held during the April - November season.

Palette & Pour serves as a bar and restaurant as well as a concession stand for the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. The two movie theaters can be rented by groups, which can range from a couple’s night out to a child’s birthday party.

For film screenings, capacity of a theater is limited to 15 percent, which translates to 15 in the smaller theater and 30 in the larger theater.

Prior to a screening, ArtsQuest-produced and CinemaSafe movie industry films are shown, explaining how the theaters are being kept safe and clean.

“We are dedicated to a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone,” says Anthony DeSanctis, ArtsQuest Cinema-Comedy Specialist.

ArtsQuest has invested time and money into keeping not only its theaters, but the entire SteelStacks campus safe.

Face masks are required.

Hand-sanitizer stations are located outside of entrances for people to use as they enter and leave the building.

Electrostatic disinfectant sprayers are used between events.

A patron’s temperature is taken with a contactless electronic thermometer at the entrance.

Information: www.steelstacks.org