Uptown Northampton Street Fair returns for the 36th year with 100+ vendors

NORTHAMPTON, Pa. — Main Street will transform into a bustling marketplace this Saturday, September 13th, as the borough hosts its 36th Annual Uptown Northampton Street Fair from 11 am to 4 pm.

“We have more vendors than we ever have before in all of our years of doing this festival,” said Caitlin Hamlin, Assistant Vice President of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and local liaison for the Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s stronger than ever.”

More than 100 local vendors will line four and a half blocks of Main Street, from the Gin Mill down to Asante, selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade soaps. The street closure will create what Hamlin describes as the complete “Uptown footprint” for the festival.

Hungry fairgoers can choose from food trucks serving “cuisine from all across the world,” alongside local favorites and classic carnival treats.

Entertainment will anchor the festivities, with two bands gracing the main stage throughout the day. But this year brings a festival first, as comedian Scott Henninger will take center stage for the first time in the event’s 36-year run.

Families will find plenty of kid-friendly entertainment, including Mini Moo’s Cow Cuddling and mini golf. Local community groups will showcase their talents throughout the day, with Boy Scout Troop 93 helping with opening ceremonies and performances from the Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy scheduled from 1:30 to 2 pm.

Festival-goers can also expect to tour the iconic Roxy Theater, which Hamlin notes Northampton is “so well known for.”

For Hamlin, the street fair represents something special about the Lehigh Valley’s sense of community. She ensures “the same atmosphere, community, feel-good-type of event” that longtime attendees know and love.

“It’s a really fun mix of community and family and friendship and unity,” Hamlin said.

The event showcases what makes small-town festivals across the Lehigh Valley so special: a blend of informative and nonprofit vendors alongside craft and small business vendors, all coming together to celebrate what Hamlin calls this “staple” of the Northampton community.

With Saturday’s forecast calling for 75 degrees and sunny skies, conditions look ideal for what organizers hope will be their most successful festival yet. As Hamlin noted, “whenever it is such a nice day, it always works out really, really well.”

The Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce, which has organized the street fair for more than three decades, encourages community members to stay engaged year-round by visiting their website for information about upcoming events, including the Christmas at the Roxy celebration.

Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, sampling delicious cuisine, or simply want to experience the community spirit that has kept this festival thriving for 36 years, the Uptown Northampton Street Fair offers something for everyone. 

For more information about the event of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, please visit https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ or contact Caitlin Hamlin directly at [email protected].