Arts & Culture
Music unites
Fans of Bethlehem’s Musikfest have reason to celebrate early.
Painter and illustrator Doug Boehm returns as the festival’s official poster artist, bringing his signature style and energy to the 2026 design. Doug first created a Musikfest poster in 2020, but the pandemic meant he couldn’t fully experience his role. Six years later, he returns with the full Musikfest experience and the opportunity to design a poster for a historic moment: America 250.
Doug’s 2026 artwork celebrates both Musikfest and the semi-quincentennial of the United States. Inspired by music’s unifying power, the poster reimagines the Great Seal of the United States, conveying the theme “Music Unites.” “We’re a little divided as a country right now, but when the music starts, we’re all singing the same song, dancing in the same street, and feeling the same good vibes,” Doug said.
Inviting Doug back felt especially meaningful in a year of national celebration. Lisa Harms, ArtsQuest Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education, noted that the Musikfest poster has always been more than a piece of art. “It is a symbol of the festival’s energy, creativity, and connection to community,” she said. “His design beautifully captures both the joy of Musikfest and the spirit of this historic moment.”
Doug’s artistic process blended traditional and digital techniques. He sketched multiple concepts, painted in black and white, and then added vibrant color in Photoshop. A former Banana Factory Resident Artist, his work has appeared in galleries worldwide, in national publications, and on tour posters.
The 2026 poster is the latest addition to Musikfest merchandise, including mugs and other collectibles, all available at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks and online. Musikfest 2026, set for July 31 through August 9, continues the tradition of the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival, packed with performances, fun, and beloved festival fare.
Celebrate the return of Doug Boehm and Musikfest by visiting musikfest.org for updates, merchandise, and the latest festival news.
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