Music in Berks County PA

Pennsylvania’s Americana Region is home to a rich and diverse music scene. From concerts and festivals featuring international talent to local musical showcases, there’s plenty to do and even more to hear in and around Berks County.

Music Venues Abound

In the heart of downtown Reading, you’ll find two of Berks County’s top destinations for live entertainment.

The Santander Performing Arts Center is home to the Reading Symphony Orchestra and has offered a stage to diverse acts since the 1870s. That includes Broadway national tours, music artists like Willie Nelson and Joan Jett, and comedians, including Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld. This classic venue was refurbished into a state-of-the-art concert hall where you can enjoy live performances in an intimate setting. 

Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the Santander Arena, which can accommodate nearly 9,000 concert-goers and has hosted big names in music like Rod Stewart, Carrie Underwood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Cardi B.

Seasonal Festivals in Berks County

The Boscov's Berks Jazz Festival has been going strong for over three decades. For 10 days each spring, Berks County becomes a hub for free and ticketed live music acts spanning jazz, funk, soul, bluegrass, and everything in between. When you’re looking for things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania, this world-renowned jazz festival should be at the top of your list.

If you plan to visit the Americana Region in the fall, you don’t want to miss the Berks Fiddle Fest. Every third Sunday in September, thousands of music lovers flock to the family-friendly festival in Macungie, PA, to celebrate the region’s rich musical heritage. Live music, a fiddle playing contest, and local homemade foods make this the premier event to explore the vibrant folk music scene of Berks County.

For blues lovers, the Reading Blues Fest takes place over four days in November and features many of the nation’s top blues talent performing in local Reading venues, including bars, theaters, parks, and restaurants.

More Berks County Traditions

When it comes to music, Berks County has plenty to offer year-round. The Bandshell Concert Series takes place Friday nights in July and features free outdoor concerts at Reading City Park. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and dance the night away!

For additional live music, the Miller Center for the Arts in Reading hosts a diverse calendar that includes concerts, plays, and performances suited for people of all ages. 

If movies are more your thing, check out the Reading Film Fest held annually in October. This festival welcomes independent filmmakers from around the world, and hosts screenings, workshops, and networking events in different venues across Reading, including the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.