Breaking News: Lehigh University’s SouthSide Sale Only Comes Around Once a Year Here’s Why You Don’t Want to Miss It.
Breaking News: Lehigh University’s SouthSide Sale Only Comes Around Once a Year Here’s Why You Don’t Want to Miss It.
Every spring, as the academic year winds down and students at Lehigh University prepare to move out, a unique tradition returns to Bethlehem’s South Side: the SouthSide Sale. This one-day-only event hosted annually at the end of the spring semester transforms campus leftovers into community treasure, all while supporting sustainability and local nonprofits.
What Is the SouthSide Sale?
The SouthSide Sale is a large-scale yard sale run by volunteers and organized in collaboration with Lehigh University’s Office of Sustainability, Community Service Office, and several community partners. As students pack up for the summer, they donate everything from clothing, dorm furniture, and small appliances to books, electronics, and unopened food. These items are collected, sorted, and offered to the public at bargain prices during the sale.
Why It Matters
The sale is more than just a chance to score a mini-fridge or a lamp for five bucks it’s a community-building and environmentally conscious initiative. Each year, the event diverts tons of usable goods from local landfills. In 2024 alone, the SouthSide Sale collected and resold over 30,000 pounds of donated items, raising thousands of dollars for local nonprofits and saving students from the hassle of wasteful disposal.
It’s truly a win-win, said Jenna Lewis, a volunteer coordinator. “Students get to declutter sustainably, residents find great deals, and proceeds go right back into the community.
When and Where
The SouthSide Sale is held just once a year, typically the first Saturday after Lehigh’s spring semester ends making it one of Bethlehem’s most anticipated spring events. This year, the sale was held on June 1, 2025, at the former Broughal Middle School gym on 4th Street. Lines began forming as early as 7 a.m., with savvy shoppers eager to snag high-quality goods at rock-bottom prices.
How to Get Involved
Community members can participate in the SouthSide Sale by:
- Donating gently used items (especially from graduating students or those moving off-campus)
- Volunteering to help with collection, sorting, or staffing the event
- Shopping and bringing your own reusable bags and a little patience for the crowds
Looking Ahead
With its growing popularity and positive environmental impact, the SouthSide Sale continues to be a shining example of how college campuses can connect with surrounding neighborhoods in meaningful, sustainable ways. Whether you’re a student, a local, or just someone who loves a good deal, mark your calendar this is one annual event you definitely don’t want.
