Things To Do in Berks County

There’s no better introduction to Berks County than a visit to one of the famous fairs and festivals in PA’s Americana Region. Choose from events that feature music like Berks Jazz Fest, Berks Country Fest, and Berks Blues Fest.  Foodies, Taste of Hamburg-er Fest and Chile Pepper Food Festival are a must-see or taste. The old-fashioned Oley Valley Fair is a nod to our farming community, complete with scrumptious foods and ribbon-winning competitions. The arts take center stage at ArtsFestivalReading and ReadingFilmFest.  History and tradition are on full display at World War II Weekend, Kutztown Folk Festival, and PA German Cultural Heritage Center’s Heemet Fescht, Christmas on the Farm, and Easter on the Farm. In the fall, Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest reminds us of our Germanic roots and those who influenced our culture. Next time you search for things to do or festivals in PA, look no further than Reading, PA.

Be sure to enjoy all the free things to do in Reading, PA. Discover activities and attractions for everyone, even American treasures!

Spend some time outdoors! There are so many places to pedal, paddle and trek your way to fun and adventure in Berks County. A favorite of mountain bikers and hikers alike is the Greater Reading Trails System (GRTS).  Stretching over 125 miles, the trail system is an IMBA* Bronze Level Ride Center, one of only 37 such ride centers in the world.  Berks County Parks & Recreation keep a full roster of events going year-round in the region’s parks. Activities include everything from guided walks, and yoga classes to nature talks, kite-flying festivals, and weekend concerts. For a challenging workout, hike to the top of The Pinnacle, a premier lookout along the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail. Less difficult trails at Nolde Forest and French Creek State Park are a wonderful option too. Blue Marsh Lake Recreation Area is perfect for swimming and boating in the summer, horseback riding and mountain biking in spring and fall, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Built at the dawn of the American Revolution, it stands today as one of America’s finest examples of an 18th-century iron plantation. The site is free to the public, including entrance to its many weekend programs. Climb to the top of Reading’s Pagoda for fantastic views of the city and beyond. The landmark has been watching over Reading since 1908. Entrance is free but donations are appreciated.

Tour the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, PA. Once a factory, it is now a community art and cultural center for Berks County.  See artists at work, watch demonstrations, and walk its art galleries. Throughout the Reading, enjoy a variety of murals that decorate the sides of buildings. Across the Penn Street Bridge, West Reading’s many murals create a walking trail of colorful displays.

Drive the beautiful country roads of Berks County and follow self-guided driving tours of the region’s historic covered bridges and hex barn art. In summer, catch some of the free outdoor concerts held in our parks, and downtown Reading. Who knew there were so many fun and free things to do in Reading and Berks County?

Discover the treasures at Antiques Capital USA in Adamstown and Renningers’s Farm Market and Antiques in Kutztown. Find just what you were looking for at craft shows and flea markets. Delight in the bargains offered by America’s original outlet store, VF Outlet and the unique items available in the trendy stores that line our Main Streets. Shop for farm-fresh foods at our farmers’ markets, and be sure to take home a bag of premise baked Tom Sturgis Pretzels.

Dine at Deitsch Eck Restaurant for a traditional PA Dutch meal or enjoy the hometown ambiance of Jimmie Kramer’s The Peanut Bar where you can throw peanut shells on the floor without getting scolded! For great beer, try the Ugly Oyster Draft Haus, an authentic Guinness pub, or sample craft beers at Chatty Monk Brewing Company. Spend an afternoon or two, tasting the wines grown and vinted in Berks County wineries.

Take in a show or a sporting event at Santander Arena, or a concert or play at Santander Performing Arts Center. Speaking of shows, there is no better place to watch nature’s greatest air show, the annual hawk migration, than Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. And, FirstEnergy Stadium, home to the Reading Fightin Phils offers dinner and a show for a fraction of the cost of attending a major league baseball game.

Learn the history of Berks County with visits to some of our historic sites and museums. The Daniel Boone Homestead, and Conrad Weiser Homestead provide fascinating insights into the challenges of lives of early settlers. There are museums that chronicle the various forms of transportation like the Reading Railroad and the Duryea Car.

So many options and so many things to so in PA this weekend.

Winter brings wonder and enchantment to Berks County. Experience the spirit of the holiday season with a visit filled with seasonal activities like a holiday parade, breakfast with Santa, Christmas craft shows, holiday concerts, and lots of “olde tyme” fun.

Spend an evening marveling at the beautiful decorations that sparkle and shine along our Main Streets. Not an actual town, but a memorable village, be sure to stop at Koziar’s Christmas Village. Adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, the village has attained worldwide attention and has become an annual Christmas tradition for many families.

As for Christmas gifts and treats, look no further than our many specialty stores.  You can even shop for Christmas all year round at Murdough’s Christmas Barn, filled to the rafters with decorations and trim.  Soak up all the fun and amazing things to do in Berks County any season of the year.

So if you’re looking for things to do in Berks County this weekend, there is no better place than the PA Americana Region