Things To Do in Berks County

Reading and Berks County deliver a host of fresh and exciting things to do all year long. Experience the region's outstanding outdoor activities. Discover our homegrown PA Dutch culture and traditions. Try regional foods and cooking styles. Learn about the amazing people and the events that shaped the area. You'll find Reading and Berks County is an exciting place to visit that offers interesting things to do in Pennsylvania.

Fairs and Festivals in Reading, PA

Woman smiling holding a peace sign up to the camera while selling her bottles of hot sauce at the chile pepper festival

There’s no better way to experience Berks County than by diving into its vibrant fairs and festivals.

For the music fans:

Berks Jazz Fest
Berks Blues Fest

For the foodies:

For the history buffs and arts & culture lovers:

Reading Liederkranz's Oktoberfest
World War II Weekend
Heemet Fescht at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center
Seasonal events at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

If you're searching for can’t-miss festivals in Pennsylvania, look no further than Berks County — where culture, creativity, and community come together all year long.

Artist painting at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

Free things to do in Reading, PA

History & Culture Highlights (No Admission Fees):

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: Step back in time at this preserved 18th-century iron plantation, open to the public year-round.
Reading Pagoda: Enjoy panoramic views from this historic 1908 mountaintop landmark. PLEASE NOTE: The Pagoda is currently under renovations, but the grounds are still open from 7 AM to 9 PM.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts: Explore galleries, watch artist demos, and take a self-guided tour of this former factory-turned-art center.
Murals in Reading & West Reading: Take a free walking tour of colorful public art across city streets and alleyways.

Scenic Drives & Seasonal Fun:

Covered Bridge & Hex Barn Art Tours: Follow self-guided routes through Berks County’s scenic backroads and historic sites.
Free Outdoor Concerts: Enjoy live music during the summer in local parks and downtown Reading.

Berks County offers plenty of ways to explore the outdoors, discover local culture, and enjoy meaningful experiences — all without spending a dime.

Outdoor Adventures:

Greater Reading Trails System (GRTS): 125+ miles of scenic hiking and biking trails; recognized as an IMBA Bronze Level Ride Center.
The Pinnacle: A stunning Appalachian Trail lookout for experienced hikers.
Nolde Forest & French Creek State Park: Easy-to-access wooded trails and nature escapes.
Blue Marsh Lake: Free access to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter sports.
Berks County Parks & Recreation: Free programs like guided walks, yoga in the park, nature talks, and seasonal events.

Woman standing in front of the butterfly mural in West Reading

More to Explore

Catch a concert, play, or game at the Santander Arena, Santander Performing Arts Center, or FirstEnergy Stadium for fun at an affordable price. Witness the annual hawk migration at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, or take a scenic ride on the historic Colebrookdale Railroad.

Explore local history at the Daniel Boone Homestead, Conrad Weiser Homestead, and museums celebrating the Reading Railroad and local heritage. Go underground at Crystal Cave, where guided tours reveal beautiful natural formations.

Find all of this and more in Reading & Berks County, Pennsylvania!

Fall Foliage at Hawk Mountain

Things To Do in Berks County

Fairs and Festivals in Reading, PA

Arts & Culture

Historic Sites

Museums

Free things to do in Reading, PA

More to Explore