Summer Events Guide
Summer is in full swing in Berks County! There is no shortage of events in our area, with something to interest everyone in the family. Here’s a brief sampling of fun activities in our area taking place through the end of July:
Kutztown Folk Festival
June 29–July 7, 9am–6pm
Come celebrate Pennsylvania Dutch culture at the oldest folklife festival in the United States, now in its 64th year. It’s great for kids and grown-ups alike, with loads of hands-on activities, folklife demonstrations, continuous entertainment, historical reenactments, and of course—tons of delicious food. One long-standing tradition is the daily baking of bread in the Festival’s 19th century oven. For more information, visit the Kutztown Folk Festival website.
Renningers Antiques & Collectors Extravaganza
June 27–29, 8am–5pm
It’s no coincidence that one of the most famous antiques fairs in the country is called an extravaganza! It features hundreds of dealers from all over the country. It’s been the place for dealers and collectors to wheel and deal since 1975. This is the second of three shows held each year. The show is set up behind Renningers Antiques & Farmers Market in Kutztown. Learn more here.
The Painters of Berks
Now through September 21, 11am–5pm
This centennial exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of the Reading Public Museum. It features 60 works from Berks County artists who were active in the 19th and 20th centuries. The paintings feature the natural beauty of our area as well as notable residents.
Masterpiece Weddings
June 30, 12–4pm
The first annual “Masterpiece Weddings” event at the Reading Public Museum is free to all Berks brides. The bridal fair will be held in the museum’s new Stone Terrace tent; brides can sample goodies from caterers and bakers and chat with photographers and DJs. Champagne is free! Visitors can tour the museum campus to scout potential ceremony and reception venues.
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Train Rides
Every Sunday, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, & 4pm through November
This is the golden anniversary of the Wanaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad (WKS), so take the family for a ride on the Hawk Mountain Line. The train departs at 4 different times on Sundays for a three-mile ride. The WKS is available for charters and rentals and has special rides throughout the season, such as the Murder Mystery in August and the Halloween Spooktacular in October.
Reading Symphony Orchestra Star-Spangled Spectacular
July 4, 8pm; gates open 6pm
Celebrate the 4th of July with the Reading Symphony Orchestra, one of the longest continuously-performing symphonies in the country. After the concert, stick around for the 4th of July Fireworks Show at FirstEnergy Stadium. Admission is free; rain date is July 5.
Jazz Under the Stars: Red, White & Blues Party
July 4, 6pm
If you like blues with your fireworks, join the Red, White & Blues Party to celebrate the 4th of July at the Reading Public Museum. Part of the Thursday “Jazz Under the Stars” series, this holiday concert will take place in the tent on the museum’s new Stone Terrace. Philadelphia’s Deb Callahan Band rocks for the night; stay to view the fireworks from the West Reading Playground. Reservations are suggested.
Reading Fightin Phils
July 11–July 17, game times vary
Take in a game at FirstEnergy Stadium during this week-long homestand for the Fightin Phils, our Double A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The New Hampshire Fisher Cats come to town July 11–14, followed by the Trenton Thunder from July 15–17.
Reading Pops Orchestra Concert in the Park
July 14, 6:30pm
The Reading Pops Orchestra plays in the Concert in the Park series on the grounds of the Wyomissing Stone House. This performance features Berks County Youth soloists from area high schools and college students studying music. The rain date is July 15.
Super Chevy Show
July 19-21, gates open 8am
If you’re into Chevys, you don’t want to miss this event at the Maple Grove Raceway—it’s the largest single-make car show in the country. Experience it all in during the weekend, from drag racing to autocross to the car show and swap meet. Local racers can participate, too!
Jack and the Giant
July 19–20, 7pm; July 21, 3pm
See young performers from the Berks County area in this musical adaptation of the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The Miller Center for the Arts hosts this Rainbow Theatre production. The cast includes more than 30 students, aged eight to 16.
Garden – Life – Balance: Growing the Natural Agriculture Way
July 26 and 27, 9am–5pm
Are you interested in organic gardening or sustainable agriculture? This two-day conference at the Rodale Institute focuses on Shumei Natural Agriculture, which doesn’t require any additives, chemicals or fertilizers. Learn about continuous cropping and seed saving as well. Shumei Natural Agriculture was founded in Japan in the 1930s. Pre-registration is required.
