Ah, August. The Sunday of summer is upon us. Fear not; there is so much to experience and enjoy in Berks County for the rest of the season. Check out these top things to do in Pennsylvania's Americana Region this month.
1. Indigenous People of Berks County- August 4th
Join Amanda Funk, the Executive Director of Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge at Berks County Heritage Center for an introductory presentation about Native American history and cultures in Berks County and Pennsylvania at large. Topics of discussion include misconceptions of Native American Identity, what the local Native American community looks like today, and the evolution of local Indigenous cultures and identities to better understand the complex diversity of Native American peoples.
2. Kutztown Fair- August 5th - 10th
There's no better way to enjoy summer than at the fair! Eat delicious food, and experience live music, animals, crafts, contests, and rides at the Kutztown Fair! Gates open every day Monday - Friday at 4 pm and at 2 pm on Saturday for Children's Day.
3. Cars & Cones - August 8th
The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles invites you our 3rd Annual Cars & Cones Cruise-in from 4 – 6:30 PM. This low-key cruise-in will be held in the Museum parking lot, adjacent to the Museum entrance. No registration required! This event is FREE for both vehicles cruising in, as well as spectators. The Museum will be OPEN with extended hours.
Suggested contribution: $10 – Adults, $9 – Seniors (60+) or AAA, FREE – Children under 15*, FREE – Members. Ice cream and other refreshing novelties for purchase.
4. Smokey's 80th Birthday Celebration- August 10th
Celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday with Smokey and friends at Berks County Heritage Center! Visit with conservation and forestry vendors to play games, get Smokey Bear swag, and learn about efforts to preserve our forests and open spaces. Food trucks on site: Greco’s Ice Creamery, Lio Colon’s Food Bus. This event is free and open to the public.
5. Starfest - August 10th
Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other "iron plantations" laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.
An evening of night sky programs, activities, and telescope viewing for the whole family! Event runs from 6PM to 11PM.
The National Park Service and the ChesMont Astronomical Society will celebrate the night sky during StarFest at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. This free event will include formal presentations and kids' activities beginning at 7:00 PM, followed by the opportunity to observe the night skies through a variety of telescopes provided by members of the ChesMont Astronomical Society.
Vehicle parking is available on site. Due to the number of program participants, a short walk from the parking area to the observation area is required. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight.
6. Paddle & Play - August 13th
Spend quality time with your little one while introducing them to the joy of the outdoors on a stand up paddle board. Children ride on the front of your board as you explore Blue Marsh Lake with the group. Beginner-friendly, no previous paddling experience is required. Class is intended for children ages 3+. More than one child may ride on board as long as the combined weight of children does not exceed 100 lbs. If multiple boards are needed, purchase additional tickets. Paddle instruction will be given throughout the hour class making this beginner friendly. Price includes all equipment for adults, please bring a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life vest for your child. Use your board and receive a discount using code "BYOB" at checkout.
7. Paws on the Path Dog Walk - August 18th
Join Daniel Boone Homestead for a walk with your furry friend. All dogs must be well-behaved around other dogs and be on a leash. This event takes place from 9 - 10 am.
8. RiverFest - August 23 - 25th
Year after year RiverFest continues to grow and has become something everyone looks forward to as the unofficial end of the summer. Mark your calendar for this year's event.
The trail opens up for the full event Saturday, August 26 from 11AM to 10PM and continues through Sunday, August 27 from 11AM to 7PM at Jim Dietrich Park. The backdrop of the Schuylkill River will be our vista for this Food & Music Festival. We will have great music, a beer and wine garden, food vendors of a wide variety as well as artisan and home-based businesses all weekend long. Come join in the fun for the entire family along the Schuylkill River.
9. 58th Annual Duryea Day - August 31st
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is excited to host the 58th Annual Duryea Day Antique & Classic Car & Truck Show and Flea Market. It will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 9 am to 3 pm at Boyertown Community Park. Hundreds of vehicles will be on display throughout the park. Shuttle service will also be available between the Park and Museum throughout the event. Pre-registration and day-of-show registration for show vehicles are available—all makes, models, and years are welcome. Spectator admission is $10 for adults, free for ages 15 & under, and includes both the Park and Museum.
10. Taste of Hamburg-er Festival - August 31st
We are looking forward to the 21st Annual Taste of Hamburger Festival! Feel free to browse around… but be warned: you WILL get hungry. The Hamburger Festival takes place on Saturday, August 31, 2024 (ALWAYS the Saturday before Labor Day) from 10 am to 6 pm, in Hamburg, PA, situated in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This family fun event attracts people from all over the east coast and beyond, because each year they beef up the festivities!