The beat of a drum mixes with the smell of smoked ribs. Laughter echoes through the crowd as kids dance near the stage and vintage cars line the edge of the fairgrounds. Picnic tables fill with families, and music fans tap their feet as the band warms up under a summer sky.

This is Music Alive at the Ritz, a Sunday concert series that blends local jazz, soul, and rock with classic Pennsylvania barbecue and a relaxed, open-air vibe. But even in laid-back spaces, slips and stumbles can happen. If a slip, trip or concert-related mishap spoils your groove, skilled Allentown personal injury lawyers are here to help you get back on beat.

Here’s a look at what to expect this season — plus a few smart tips to keep your visit safe.

Event Details and Who’s Behind It

The concert series is organized by the Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society (PAMPS) in collaboration with Ritz Barbecue and the Allentown Fairgrounds.

It runs every Sunday from April through mid-September (4–7 p.m.), then shifts to 3–6 p.m. through October. Admission is free, with a $5 option for reserved seating (free for PA Music Society members).

The event celebrates Pennsylvania’s music history while creating a space for the community to relax and reconnect through live music.

Who’s Playing: Bands and Music Styles

The 2025 season kicks off on July 13 with The Castaway Band, known for their mix of jazz rock and soul. On July 27, The Main Street Cruisers bring classic rock favorites, and on August 10, Flirtin’ With the Mob takes the stage with Motown and soul grooves.

Later in the season, both The Castaway Band and Cruisers return for encore performances. October will feature Lucky Seven and additional sets from Flirtin’ With the Mob.

Genres range from upbeat jazz and nostalgic rock to smooth soul — all while supporting local Pennsylvania talent and preserving the region’s musical roots.

Food, Drinks, and What to Watch Out For

No concert is complete without good food, and Ritz Barbecue delivers. Expect pulled pork, smoked ribs, chicken, and classic sides served curbside next to the stage.

Nearby, food trucks offer funnel cakes, ice cream, and drinks — a perfect fit for the casual setting. Most seating is at picnic tables under tents or open-air spaces, but if it’s rained recently, the grass can be wet or soft, which may make footing uneven.

Spills near food lines are common. If you’re walking between vendors and seating areas, keep an eye out for slick patches or hidden dips in the ground.

Managing Crowds and Staying Comfortable

The event is located near the Allentown Farmers Market, with open lots for parking and easy walking paths into the concert space.

Expect 200+ attendees at peak times, especially during popular performances or when vintage car shows are on-site. These can add extra foot traffic and congestion.

Seating includes folding chairs and lawn setups — but power cords, hoses, and temporary walkways may cross your path between the stage, food trucks, and bathrooms. Security staff are on hand to monitor the crowd, and portable restrooms are close by — though conditions can get slick, especially in warm, humid weather.

Show Times and Accessibility

Bands typically soundcheck around 2–3 p.m., with pre-show music starting at 3:30 p.m. and main acts running from 4 to 7 p.m. (or 3 to 6 p.m. in the fall).

You’re welcome to bring your own chairs, but $5 reserved seating ensures you won’t have to stand. The fairgrounds are generally ADA-accessible, with flat walking paths and well-maintained public spaces.

That said, temporary stage setups may create small but noticeable uneven spots — especially around edges or cables. If you use a mobility aid or are guiding someone who does, plan ahead for safe routes.

Staying Safe on the Grounds

Even in calm, family-friendly environments, accidents can happen. At these events, the most common hazards include:

  • Wet grass, especially after rain
  • Loose cords or hoses from food stations or sound equipment
  • Low visibility as the sun sets
  • Crowded walkways where people may suddenly stop, turn, or block paths

If you do slip or fall, here’s what to do:

  1. Photograph the scene and any hazards involved
  2. Collect contact info from nearby witnesses
  3. Alert event staff or medics right away
  4. Hold on to any documents — such as parking stubs or medical records

Legal Tips for Concertgoers

Under premises liability law, festival and event organizers have a duty to keep walkways, seating areas, and vendor zones reasonably safe. If you’re injured due to unsafe conditions, you may be eligible for compensation.

Contacting Allentown personal injury lawyers soon after the event helps you preserve evidence, document the cause, and protect your rights. It also ensures that someone is handling communications with vendors, event insurance providers, or fairground staff — so you don’t have to.

How We Can Help

We don’t just focus on medical cases. We also handle slip-and-fall claims, trip injuries, and other accidents that happen at public events and venues.

We assist with:

  • On-site investigations
  • Reviewing your medical care
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Filing claims in local courts

Our team knows the local event setup, safety expectations, and liability rules in Allentown — and we’re here to help if your night out doesn’t go as planned.

Final Thoughts

Music Alive at the Ritz is a highlight of Allentown’s summer — offering free live music, classic BBQ, vintage cars, and a relaxed setting for families and music lovers alike.

So enjoy the live beats — and if a fall, trip, or mishap occurs during the fun, reach out to trusted Lehigh Valley Medical Malpractice Lawyers to protect your right to recovery.

Check the band schedule, arrive early for the best seats, and stay safe. If something goes wrong, know we’re ready to help.