Airplane WWII Photo Courtesy of Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

Festivals & Major Events

All year-long, Pennsylvania’s Americana Region hosts vibrant festivals and major events in Reading and across Berks County.

Eat Your Way Through Reading PA

There’s no shortage of events and festivals revolving around food.

In January, our region puts on the West Reading Ice ‘N Spice Festival. Ice sculptors demonstrate their skills, carving crystalline sculptures while you watch. Nosh on your favorite salty snack and brew in April during the West Reading Craft Pretzel & Beer Fest. The name almost says it all, but there’s also live music, a home-brew competition, and a three-hour ticketed tasting of regional food and drink.

Bowers becomes a spicy lover’s dream when the Chile Pepper Food Festival comes to town in September. This event brings the heat and plenty of cool beverages while you enjoy various activities. Over in Wyomissing, gut health and wellness take center stage at the Guts & Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo, also in September.

Discover Art 

Many Reading and Berks County events spotlight the art that adds color to our rich landscape. 

Check out the West Reading Art on the Avenue held every June. Berks County’s premier art festival spotlights local creators along a pedestrian-friendly, four-block route.

Filmgoers rejoice each October as Reading showcases everything cinematic at the Reading Film Fest. See live art demonstrations and enjoy hands-on workshops in December during the Handcrafted Holiday Market at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.

Seasonal Events

Whatever season of the year you visit, there’s always something to do in Berks County.

Summer and spring are full of festivals and events for families. When the leaves turn into colors of orange and red for fall, enjoy autumn-themed festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations. The Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest offers five days of German food, beer, and fun between September and October. 

There are plenty of holiday events to warm you up. Koziar’s Christmas Village is a must-see winter wonderland with hot cocoa, stunning Christmas lights and decorations, and music.

Feel the Music

Music is food for the soul and is the highlight of many of our events. 

Every spring, Berks Arts hosts the long-running Berks Jazz Fest. Some of the best names in jazz, blues, funk, and soul grace the stage. For Irish music, attend the Berks Celtic Festival. This June party is a great time featuring Irish music and fun, just as you would expect from a Celtic event. In September, the Berks Fiddle Fest celebrates American folklore and traditional music at Bear Creek Mountain Resort. 

Immerse Yourself in History & Culture

Soak in history and culture at various Reading and Berks County events throughout the year.

February is a time to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans during Black History Month. Dive into history at the Hopewell Furnace, where African Americans played a vital role in the day-to-day production of iron.

Every first weekend of June, WWII Weekend takes over the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, showcasing the area’s rich World War II history through air shows and re-enactors.

Kutztown lights up in July for its annual Folk Festival, the “oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America.” The nine-day celebration celebrates our PA Dutch history through music, crafts, and food. Also in July is the Reading Pride Celebration, which paints the town rainbow to foster inclusivity, diversity, and equity. 

From food and music to culture and history, you’ll find every event imaginable in Reading and Berks County.