Leaves are changing color, and there's a crispness to the air. It's September in Pennsylvania's Americana Region. If you're planning a visit, you're in luck! The month is packed with fun-filled festivals and events, sure to make your trip memorable. From mouthwatering burger extravaganzas to authentic Oktoberfest celebrations, we won't disappoint. We've listed ten of our favorite things to do in September in Berks County. Visit our website calendar for even ideas and activities.

 

Participants try to eat the most hamburgers at Taste of Hamburger Fest competition.

Taste of Hamburg-er Festival 
September 2

Burger enthusiasts, you are going to love the Taste of Hamburg-er Festival. Every year, on the Saturday before Labor Day, Hamburg, PA becomes a haven for meat lovers and culinary adventurers. The town's main thoroughfare becomes a showcase for burger vendors crafting mouthwatering creations. From artisanal blends of meats to unexpected combinations of toppings, every bite is a delight. In addition to the burger stands, the day packs in burger-eating contests, live musical entertainment, kids' activities, vendors, and beer and wine stops. Taste of Hamburg-er Festival is a must for anyone and everyone who loves this American classic. 

 

Jambalaya stand at Bowers Chile Pepper Food Festival

27th Annual Chile Pepper Food Festival 
September 8 & 9

The Chile Pepper Food Festival is your ticket to one hot culinary adventure. The fest celebrates the bold flavors of fiery hot peppers and showcases the many creative ways peppers are used. Sample and purchase a variety of "hot" products, crafted by dedicated artisans. Test your heat tolerance by participating in the pepper-eating contests, where participants compete to conquer peppers that range from pleasantly spicy to searingly intense. Embark on an excursion to nearby Meadowview Farm, where you can personally pick your own peppers and tomatoes. The Chile Pepper Food Festival is a sizzling celebration of the power of spice and a culinary happening you don't want to miss. 

 

Dancers at Boyertown Oktoberfest

Boyertown’s Oktoberfest 
September 15 & 16

Celebrate our German roots and the arrival of autumn at Boyertown’s Oktoberfest. Now in its 16th year, the family-friendly event transforms the Town Center parking lot into a German-themed festival complete with a beer garden, and concert venue. Oktoberfest is free and welcomes all to enjoy wonderful food and drinks, family activities, shopping, singing, dancing, and great entertainment. 

 

Fall Fest West Reading

West Reading Fall Festival 
September 16

Spend a Saturday this September at West Reading's Fall Festival. Three blocks of Penn Avenue are closed to traffic so festival-goers can enjoy the day's offerings. The street fills with food and craft vendors, non-stop entertainment, beer and wine gardens, and a sea of happy visitors. It's one of West Reading's most popular events. Be there!

 

Oley Fair

76th Annual Oley Valley Community Fair
September 21 - 23

Step back in time and enjoy the nostalgia of the Oley Valley Community Fair. The annual event features everything you might expect to find at a country fair, 4-H exhibits showcasing ribbon-winning livestock and vegetables, tractor pulls, a midway filled with games, wonderful homemade foods, live entertainment, and a real sense of community. Be sure to try the french fries! 

Guts & Glory Expo

10th Annual Guts & Glory Digestive & Wellness Expo September 23

Get to know your gut at Guts & Glory Digestive & Wellness Expo. Now in its tenth year, the Expo promotes health and wellness through preventative health care and holistic well-being. The “feel good” event is free to everyone and is jammed packed with activities, food, and information to help you live and feel your best. Witness captivating live demonstrations, engage with expert lectures covering nutrition, fitness, and healthy living, and explore a vibrant Farmer’s & Makers’ Market. Groove to the rhythm of live music as you enjoy FREE health screenings and indulge in nourishing food and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Be part of interactive live active demos, designed to encourage your participation, and explore dedicated zones for kids to learn about healthy eating and exercise. Delve into holistic well-being with insights from experts and stress relief tips. Don’t miss the fascinating MEGA-colon gut-health exhibit and discover alternative therapies. Engage with community partners, nonprofit organizations, and applaud the efforts of First Responders. This event is your gateway to a healthier, happier you!

 

Heemet Fescht

Heemet Fescht - September 23

Experience Pennsylvania Dutch farm life at Heemet Fescht, a harvest and folk culture celebration. Hosted by the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at an authentic PA Dutch farm. The free, family-friendly event offers a delightful array of activities, music, food, and retail vendors, Learn about PA German traditions that have been passed down through generations at Heemet Fescht.

 

Berks Summer Fest

Berks Summer Fest - September 22 – 23

The buzz is all about the unmissable Berks Summer Fest, a collaboration between Berks Arts and the Reading Fightin’ Phils, happening at the vibrant FirstEnergy Stadium. Families and friends are invited to this free, welcoming arts festival that offers live music galore on the Supportive Concepts Mainstage. From the electrifying Richie Cannata & The Billy Joel All-Star Band to other sensational acts, there's something for everyone. The Commercial Roofing Plaza Stage is your ticket to discovering local gems like the Edgardo Cintron Inca Band and Stephanie Grace. And the fun doesn't stop there – relish stadium treats, let the little ones loose at Fightin’ Phils Phunland, and groove at the lively Post-Concert Plaza Party with Scotti Mann. Make lasting memories with arts, music, and good times at Berks Summer Fest!

 

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary - Annual Raptor Migration

Ends December 15

Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike are drawn to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for the annual raptor migration. Beginning in mid-August, the sanctuary begins counting the birds of prey as they head south. Hawk Mountain's lookouts provide the perfect vantage spot to observe the diverse raptors as they journey south, especially as leaves start to change color in the background. Beyond the visual splendor, Hawk Mountain's commitment to raptor conservation is evident through essential research and educational programs. Don't miss this extraordinary event that not only celebrates nature's beauty but also actively contributes to conservation endeavors. Whether seeking adventure or knowledge, attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable experience surrounded by the grandeur of nature.

 

Liederkranz

Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest 

September 27 - October 1

Prepare yourself for a genuine Oktoberfest experience at the Reading Liederkranz, where the spirit of Bavaria comes alive in all its glory. Recognized as one of Pennsylvania's oldest and most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations, this event offers five days of merriment that captures the essence of German culture. The festivities are nothing short of extraordinary, with every detail meticulously curated to transport you to the heart of Bavaria. Revel in the infectious beats of traditional German music, lose yourself in the rhythm of dance, and indulge in a symphony of flavors with an array of delectable food and the finest German beers. But the experience goes beyond the gustatory pleasures; it's a gathering of families, friends, and newcomers, united by the joy of shared traditions and the thrill of celebration. With each passing year, the Reading Liederkranz's reputation has grown, drawing over 15,000 enthusiastic attendees from all over who annually flock to this incredible fest. Here, under the sprawling tents and beneath the twinkling lights, you'll find a community that transcends boundaries and celebrates life in its most vibrant form. Join this spirited congregation and become a part of the living legacy of the Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest – a place where cherished traditions meet modern revelry in a harmonious dance that will resonate in your heart long after the fest concludes.