July in Berks County is packed-full of exciting activities and events around every corner. Whether you're a local resident or visiting for the first time, there are many experiences to be enjoyed. Explore the culture of the Kutztown Folk Festival, hop on a kayak, and celebrate Pride and our country's independence, all in Pennsylvania's Americana Region. Let us help you plan! We have compiled a list of 10 great things to do this month. 

 

Little girls on a green tractor at the Kutztown Folk Festival

@kutztownfolkfest

1. Kutztown Folk Festival: June 29th- July 7th 

 

The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. This nine-day event continues to draw visitors from all over the world, entertaining families while providing valuable insight into the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. Children's activities abound and admission is free for children 12 and under. The festival also houses the largest quilt sale in America and has an internationally attended Quilt Auction of top prize-winning quilts. 

 

Fireworks Display

 

2. 4th of July Celebrations 

 

Read our last blog about all of the 4th of July celebrations happening in Berks County this year, or click the links below to read more! 

 

Sensory Fireworks at Reading Public Museum

Hopewell Furnace July 4 Celebration 

Independence Day at Daniel Boone Homestead

Fireworks Express at Colebrookdale Railroad

 

Berks County Fair

 

3. Berks County Fair: July 10 -13 

Contests, Food, Animals and Fun! The Berks County Fair provides fun for the entire family to enjoy including farm and agricultural events, ​track events and delicious Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.

 

Summer Evening Starwatch

 

4. Summer Evening Starwatch: July 12th 

Join Berks County Parks and Recreation Department as well as members of the Berks County Astronomical Society for an evening gazing at the stars, moon, nebulae, and galaxies through their powerful telescopes. Bring along a chair or blanket and a small flashlight (red lens if possible) to make your way from the parking area. This event is free, but registration is suggested. 
 

3 men in a field at rodale institute, inspecting the crops

Sarah Lucas

5. Organic Field Day: July 19th 

Join Rodale Institute’s researchers and expert staff at our annual Organic Field Day to learn the latest results of our farming trials and visit nearly 20 demonstration stations on our 386-acre experimental farm.

Participants will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with Rodale Institute experts and learn about a wide variety of research and demonstration projects, all focused on organic agriculture. Stations will be set up throughout the farm, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore our living laboratory by walking or enjoying a leisurely wagon ride from site-to-site.
Space is limited and registration is required. Please bring your own lunch (there will also be food on-site available for purchase).

 

Kayaking

@theamishrican

 

6. Drift Jam: July 20th 

Kayak with Muhlenberg Township Parks & Recreation from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM; then enjoy live music by the water with a variety of food/drink vendors. (You do not have to participate in kayaking to jam!)

Purchase tickets ahead of time through our website, www.muhlenbergtwp.com, to kayak. The music is free! 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
 

Pride Fest

@rdgderbygirls

7. Berks Pride Fest: July 21st 

Berks Pride Fest is the LGBTQ+ Pride festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community of Berks County & its allies. Join them for their 18th annual festival. Featuring over 35 performers, 10+ food trucks, 150+ vendors and local organizations. 

 

Berks Summer Fest

@berkscountyviews

 

8. Berks Summer Fest: July 27 

As part of a special initiative, Berks Arts has partnered with the Reading Fightin Phils to present Berks Summer Fest at FirstEnergy Stadium, scheduled for July 27, 2024.

Thanks to our title sponsor, Supportive Concepts for Families, along with the County of Berks and many sponsors and partners, Berks Arts is thrilled for the opportunity to present a FREE, FUN, FAMILY FRIENDLY arts festival for the entire family.

Enjoy a major concert on the Supportive Concepts Main Stage on the field, support local musicians on the Plaza Stage, let the kids loose in the Fightin Phils Phunland, and grab a drink & a bite from the delicious stadium concessions onsite, or join the Cornhole Tournament to raise funds for Supportive Concepts for Families.

 

People at a concert.

Santander Arena

9. Attend a Summer Concert 

There is no shortage of summer concerts in Berks County. Check out all of the fun shows happening throughout the month of July! 

Muhlenberg Arts Board Summer Concert Series 

Berks County Parks Summer Concert Series 

Shows at Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center

 

BARNopoly

10. B.A.R.N.opoly 

 

Exciting news! We teamed up with our partner, Berks Agricultural Resource Network, and added their popular summer challenge, B.A.R.N.opoly, to our collection of FREE experience passes.

This seasonal activity invites you to visit Berks County farms, farmers' markets, farm stores, agricultural events, and wineries from June through September 30, 2024. When visiting B.A.R.N.opoly locations, take time to learn, explore, and shop our farming community.

Collect points at B.A.R.N.opoly stops to qualify for a prize drawing at the end of September. Share B.A.R.N.opoly experiences by posting your pictures on social media with the hashtags #barnopoly, #BerksCounty, or #visitpaamericana