Welcome
TO THE SUMMER OF A LIFETIME!
There are summers when Berks County feels like a cozy, familiar haven of backyard barbecues and local pool days—and then there are summers that completely rewrite the rulebook.
Welcome to the latter.
This summer, Berks County finds itself at the direct crossroads of local tradition, historic national milestones and an absolute explosion of global sports culture. Whether you are stepping out onto the avenues of West Reading, taking a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Kutztown or heading downtown into the heart of Reading, you’re about to experience a summer that will be talked about for summers to come.
A Century in the Making: America250
It’s not every day a nation turns a quarter of a millennium old, and because of our deep colonial roots, Pennsylvania is the epicenter of the United States’ Semiquincentennial— 250th anniversary. Berks County is honoring this milestone with a lineup of unforgettable, once-in-a-generation events:
• Celebration of Heroes (Late June – July 6): Walk among 250 American flags erected at the Wyomissing Stone House Pond, where community members have dedicated flags honoring veterans, active-duty military, first responders and hometown heroes.
• Star-Spangled Spectacular (July 4): Head to the Berks County Fairgrounds in Leesport for an incredible, free Independence Day celebration featuring a sweeping performance by the Reading Symphony Orchestra and a massive fireworks display.
• The Berks County Liberty Bell Event (July 8): Gather in front of the Berks County Services Center at noon for the official culmination of our local America250 events. Witness the Ringgold Band playing historic anthems; a reading of the Declaration of Independence in English, Spanish and German; and the ceremonial 13-strike ringing of our very own Berks County Liberty Bell.
Global Party: The World Cup Arrives
As if the country’s 250th birthday wasn’t enough, the biggest sporting event on the planet is happening right in our backyard. With Philadelphia serving as an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the electric, global soccer energy is spilling directly into Berks County.
You don’t need a ticket to the stadium to feel the roar of the crowd. The epicenter of local fandom is heading indoors to Santander Arena in Reading. On July 3, the arena is transforming into an official World Cup Fan Zone Watch Party. Grab your jerseys and bring the family out for massive live match screenings of the tournament. Enjoy the festivities with local food trucks, beverage vendors, live entertainment and an atmosphere that will rival any stadium in the world.
Berks on Display: Summer Festivals
Tying this monumental summer together is our rich tapestry of local community celebrations. Our seasonal staples are back and bigger than ever, offering a taste of the art, music and heritage that make our county unique.
This summer isn’t just about packed calendars; it’s about shared experiences. It’s about cheering alongside neighbors you’ve never met, honoring the history beneath our feet and savoring the local flavors that define us. As you flip through this issue of Avenues, we invite you to map out your season, step outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the historic, global and homegrown magic that is Berks County this summer.
See you out on the avenues!
4 The 3rd & Spruce: The Return of a Berks County Favorite
8 A Season of Celebration: Summer Festivals Across Berks County
12 Where History Rings Out Across Berks County
15 Plein Air West Reading Puts Art at the Heart of America’s 250th
16 Global Game, Local Passion: Reading to Host 2026 World Cup Fan Zone
18 How Does the FIFA World Cup Work? A Primer to the Most Anticipated World Sporting Event of 2026
20 Spuds and Summer Vibes Along Penn Avenue
22 Celebrating 50 Years of Community Magic: Governor Mifflin Community Days
26 Must-Attend Events
ON THE COVER: Executive Chef Jacob Brewer and Owner Danny DeCarlo, Jr. ABOVE: Tom Szurgot
Spread the Word: #AvenuesMag
/AvenuesMag
THE 3RD & SPRUCE
The Return of a Berks County Favorite
The best stories in the restaurant industry do not start in executive offices or culinary schools. They start in the dish pit.
For Chef Jacob Brewer and 3rd & Spruce owner Danny DeCarlo, their paths began in similar ways. Both started working in restaurants as young teens, learning the business from the ground up through dishwashing and bussing tables.
Danny DeCarlo’s journey was built around family and tradition. He spent decades working under his father and grandmother, learning every aspect of the business. Funny enough, he also had a connection to 3rd & Spruce long before becoming its owner—he actually spent a year bartending there back in the ’90s. He recalls only the best of the best industry professionals working there.
Jacob Brewer built his career through kitchens and restaurants across Berks County, working at Tailgaters, Viva, Massimo’s, Blind Hartman’s Tavern, Dundore & Heister, Say Cheese and the West Reading Motor
That meeting became the foundation for their shared mission: bringing 3rd & Spruce back to its heyday with exceptional food and memorable service.
Club. Along the way, he learned different approaches to service and hospitality while developing the comfort-classic cooking style he carries today.
Years later, Jacob and his culinary team were searching for a new place to call home when he first sat down to meet Decarlo, who was in the process of purchasing the Spruce through a friend, Victor Pytleski. What was supposed to be a one-hour meeting turned into a four-hour conversation where they shared their passion for the industry and discussed what they believed restaurants should be. That meeting became the foundation for their shared mission: bringing 3rd & Spruce back to its heyday with exceptional food and memorable service.
The food program underwent a complete transformation, emphasizing scratch cooking and addictive, tasty dishes that leave you wanting more. Signature items like housemade sourdough pizza and scratch-made sandwiches like their smoked pastrami reuben helped define a new identity while maintaining the approachable atmosphere that people loved. Most recently, the Spruce team has been making pierogies as part of their weekly offerings, serving up a classic sharp cheddar and chive, and even fusion ones like a Korean-inspired bulgogi pierogi.
A hallmark of Spruce was their infamous buck-a-shuck oyster night. One could sit at the bar, order fresh oysters and watch the staff prepare them for you. “We wanted to take the oysters out of the kitchen and let
our guests see the show at our shucking table in the dining room,” said Tom Szurgot. The Spruce’s residential oyster head can be found at the shucking table in the dining room every Wednesday from 5-9 p.m.
Weekdays, they also have a lunch menu where you can pick two items for $14 and enjoy traditional staples like their French onion soup and deviled egg salad sandwich at a great value.
While their regular menu is a hit, their brunch menu is specially crafted and served every Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sous Chef Nathan Pugliese leads the charge, serving up favorites like their cinnamon roll pancakes, breakfast burritos, eggs Benedict varieties and house-made black pepper and chive biscuits. They also serve up a variety of $3 mimosas!
Given Decarlo’s background behind the bar, the drink line-up has always been just as important as the food. Their mixologist, Jena Noll, always has new creative cocktails up her sleeve in addition to the seasonal cocktail menu she provides.
But Brewer believes the biggest strength of the restaurant is not the menu. It’s their team.
“The restaurant industry is known for high turnover, but not so much for our crew,” Brewer says. “Both our front and back of house have worked together for years, and we’ve created a bond and a chemistry that’s hard to replicate.” That consistency has become part of the restaurant’s identity. “It takes a special group
of people to perform seven days a week and deliver the same experience to guests day in and day out,” Brewer says. “Our 52 employees take a lot of pride in that.”
The restaurant’s evolution wasn’t limited to the kitchen. Alongside social media coordinator Anthony Matz, the team also set out to reshape what people thought they knew about 3rd & Spruce. “We wanted people to see that this wasn’t the same place they remembered,” Decarlo says. “We wanted them to see the energy, the food and the people behind it.”
The venue boasts spacious dining room and outdoor seating options, alongside a second-floor bar called the Loft. This upstairs space hosts live entertainment on weekends and is available for private event rentals, allowing guests to enjoy their in-house catering menu in a casual setting.
3rd & Spruce is your go-to neighborhood destination for outstanding food made by their talented culinary team. With 26 draft beers, craft cocktails and wine offerings, there’s something for everyone. They are proud to be a family restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Join them for live entertainment, trivia nights, all you can eat wing night and the best damn happy hour in Berks.
The 3rd & Spruce is located at 238 S. 3rd Avenue in West Reading and online at www.3rdspruce.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
A SEASON OF CELEBRATION
Summer Festivals Across Berks County
When spring gives way to summer, Berks County slips into festival mode. Main streets fill, parks hum with activity and the scent of grilled favorites and sweet treats hangs in the air. Across the county, summer festivals do more than entertain—they celebrate heritage, spotlight local talent and bring neighbors together in ways that feel both timeless and distinctly homegrown.
From deep-rooted Pennsylvania Dutch traditions to newer community favorites, the season offers no shortage of reasons to get out and explore. Behind every successful event is a network of volunteers, local partners and community champions who keep these celebrations thriving. In a world increasingly lived through screens, Berks County’s summer festivals offer something refreshingly tangible: a chance to linger, connect, shop local and experience the culture of the county up close.
June kicks off the season with two summer stalwarts: Art on the Avenue and Berks Celtic Fest.
Art on the Avenue began in the mid-1990s as a grassroots neighborhood effort supporting the borough’s then-new Main Street Program. What started as a showcase for local artists soon helped spark a broader public art movement, including the realization of Dean Rohrbach’s vision for a “Mural Corridor.” Today, that legacy lives on in the murals lining Kline and Cherry streets—known collectively as “Dean’s Way.”
Plein Air West Reading—one of the region’s premier juried outdoor painting events—is a feature of the festival, further cementing West Reading’s reputation as the artistic nucleus of Berks County.
The story of Art on the Avenue is, in many ways, the story of West Reading itself. As Penn Avenue evolved into a destination for independent boutiques and eclectic dining, the festival grew alongside it—becoming a four-block celebration that draws thousands each year. For one lively day of summer, the avenue closes to traffic and opens to artists, makers, musicians, community groups and food vendors, turning the district into a walkable showcase of local creative energy.
Berks Celtic Fest pays tribute to the lasting influence of Irish immigrants who helped shape the county in the 19th century. Many came to the region to build the Schuylkill Canal and the Reading Railroad, taking on punishing labor while laying the foundations for vibrant local communities. Today, the festival transforms that history into a lively celebration of culture, music and shared heritage.
The Berks County Irish American Fraternal Association (BCIAFA) is a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving Celtic heritage through education and cultural events. This annual celebration brings the spirit of the Emerald Isle to Reading with Irish pipe bands, contemporary Celtic rock, step dancing demonstrations and classic Gaelic fare ranging from shepherd’s pie to properly poured pints of stout.
As summer slides into July, festival season continues with more celebrations of the arts, community and heritage.
Next comes the Eastern PA Homestead Festival in Kutztown, a fourday event over Independence Day weekend that nods to the legacy of the historic Kutztown Folk Festival, which ceased operations after 2024 and was once the oldest of its kind in the country. The festival celebrates regional craftsmanship, traditional skills and selfsufficient living through folklife demonstrations, master artisans, agricultural education, live roots music and authentic local food.
With a focus on modern homesteading alongside time-honored Pennsylvania Dutch traditions—such as quilting, blacksmithing and heirloom gardening—the Eastern PA Homestead Festival bridges the gap between historical regional survival skills and contemporary sustainable living.
Fresh off the holiday weekend, Berks Summer Fest brings the energy back to the heart of Reading. A reimagining of the long-running Bandshell Concert Series, the event was launched by Berks Arts in 2023 as part of its mission to make the arts accessible to everyone in Greater Reading. The result is a free, family-friendly gathering packed with youth crafts, face painting, a magic show and a strong lineup of local musical talent.
OPENS
This year’s event will take place at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in their new outdoor space, Thorn Alley. By holding Summer Fest at the GoggleWorks—a former safety goggle factory transformed into one of the nation’s largest community arts centers— the festival utilizes a historic industrial space to foster modern community unity.
Wrapping up July and celebrating 20 years of visibility and advocacy, Berks Pride Fest has grown from a small grassroots gathering into one of the largest and most impactful Pride celebrations in regional Pennsylvania. Hosted by the Reading Pride Celebration, the festival features a vibrant array of artists, local vendors, resource exhibitors and live entertainment. It is a joyful, inclusive space designed to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its allies across the region. The festival represents a milestone in the county’s social history, reflecting an ongoing commitment to building a more welcoming, affirming and diverse Berks County.
Coming on the tail end of the dog days of summer, August means it’s time for the Kutztown Fair. The Kutztown Fair is one of the oldest continuously operating institutions in Berks County, as well as one of Pennsylvania’s oldest traditions. The fair grew out of “Battalion Days” events, which served as annual reunions for local military veterans of the War of 1812. The events gradually included entertainments such as horse races and hot-air balloon rides, but the ensuing mayhem led to the town council banning the days around the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War.
In the late 19th century, the Keystone Agricultural and Horticultural Society organized the first formal Kutztown Fair to promote regional agriculture, domestic arts and mechanical manufacturing. The fair dissolved after 30 years and was reborn in the early 20th century. Since then, it has remained a vital yearly touchstone. It preserves the deep-seated agrarian identity of northern Berks County, proving that our
connection to the land remains strong even in the modern digital era.
A quintessential slice of Americana, the Kutztown Fair features agricultural track events, livestock competitions, midway rides, carnival games and agricultural halls filled with prize-winning vegetables, baked goods and local crafts.
For over a century, the Schuylkill River was primarily viewed through an industrial lens, serving as a vital commercial highway for coal and manufacturing transport. In recent decades, community initiatives have successfully reclaimed the riverfront for recreation and conservation. Muhlenberg Township’s RiverFest Food & Music Festival was established to celebrate this environmental turning point, turning Jim Dietrich Park into a premier gathering space that honors the river as a natural treasure rather than an industrial utility. RiverFest is a free, three-day celebration featuring continuous live music across multiple stages
(including the Main Stage and the Trail Stage), artisan crafters and a massive selection of regional food vendors and local beer.
Although summer doesn’t officially end until later in September, Labor Day weekend is recognized as the end of the season, and there’s no better event to close the summer season than the Taste of Hamburg-er Festival. Held annually in downtown Hamburg in northern Berks County, the event is one of the East Coast’s premier celebrations of the quintessential American food item.
The festival originally launched as a modest three-block event designed to support downtown small businesses and local civic organizations. Now, 23 years later, the massive single-day block party shuts down multiple blocks of the town center and attracts roughly 40,000 visitors. Custom burger stands and food vendors cook more than 160 varieties of burgers, competing for prizes in categories like Best Taste, Most
Original and Grand Champion. The free event also boasts activities including the legendary Burger Eating Contest, a Dine and Dash foot race, a mooing contest (yes, mooooooo-ing!) and more.
This list is only a snapshot of the summer fun unfolding across the county. From major regional festivals to hometown community days and holiday celebrations, the season is packed with reasons to head out and join in. With America’s 250th and Berks County’s 275th birthdays adding even more excitement to the calendar, summer 2026 is shaping up to be especially festive.
So, as you make your way across Berks County this summer, look beyond the food stands, music stages and midway lights. Each festival is rooted in history, powered by community effort and shaped by the people who return year after year to keep the tradition alive. Here’s to a vibrant festival season in 2026!
UPCOMING FESTIVALS
Art on the Avenue
June 20
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Penn Ave, West Reading
Berks Celtic Fest
June 26 to 27
Friday (6 to 10 p.m.) &
Saturday (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Reading Liederkrantz
Eastern PA Homestead Festival
July 2 to 5
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (July 4 until 9 p.m.)
Kutztown Fairgrounds
Berks Summer Fest
July 11
11:30 a.m.
GoggleWorks, Reading
Berks Pride Fest
July 19
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jim Dietrich Park, Muhlenberg
Kutztown Fair
August 3 to 8
Monday to Friday, 4 p.m.
Saturday, 2 p.m.
Kutztown Fairgrounds
RiverFest
August 21 to 23
Times vary daily
Jim Dietrich Park, Muhlenberg
Taste of Hamburg-er
September 5
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Downtown Hamburg
WHERE HISTORY RINGS OUT ACROSS BERKS COUNTY
As America Turns 250 and Berks Approaches 275, A Year of Remembrance and Celebration is Taking Shape
In Berks County, 2026 arrived, bringing with it the weight of history and the anticipation of an energetic community celebration. The nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026 and Berks County’s 275th anniversary in 2027 are giving local officials, historians and civic groups a rare chance to tell two stories at once: the story of American independence and the story of the people and places that shaped this corner of Pennsylvania.
Through America250PA Berks and Berks 275, that story is unfolding in public—through commemorations, concerts, ceremonies and community gatherings that invite residents not just to remember the past, but to step into it. Across the county, the calendar is filling with events that blend civic pride, local memory and summer pageantry.
A Summer Calendar Rooted in History
Led by Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach and supported by fellow Commissioners Michael Rivera and Dante Santoni—plus, a dedicated group of
community leaders and volunteers—the America250PA Berks effort is weaving the country’s 250th anniversary theme through a season of familiar local traditions. The result is a lineup that feels both ceremonial and welcoming: events where history is not confined to a museum label, but carried into parks, fairgrounds and gathering places across the county.
Among the standout events on the summer calendar:
• WWII Weekend (June 5–7): The MidAtlantic Air Museum’s annual World War II Weekend returns to Reading with vintage aircraft, reenactments and educational programming that transform the grounds into a living tableau of 20th-century history. maam.org/wwii/
• Berks County Field of Heroes (July 2 ceremony; display June 29–July 6): Presented by the Rotary Club of West Reading-Wyomissing, the display at Stone House Pond will
honor service members, veterans, first responders, educators, community leaders and other hometown heroes in a setting designed for reflection as much as recognition. portal.clubrunner. ca/6818/page/field-of-heroes-2026
• Star-Spangled Spectacular (July 4): This free community event at the Berks County Fairgrounds will feature a performance by the Reading Symphony Orchestra and fireworks in a classic Independence Day finale. www.starspangledberks.com
When the Liberty Bell Speaks for Berks At the center of the anniversary calendar is a noon commemoration on July 8, 2026, at the Berks County Services Center in Reading—an event built around one of the county’s most resonant historic symbols.
The date echoes a local tradition tied to July 8, 1776, when Berks County Sheriff Henry Vanderslice rang the courthouse bell in Penn Square to summon the citizens of Reading and publicly read the newly
Scan here for menus and up to date information www.ThornAlleyKitchen.com
Wednesday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
adopted Declaration of Independence. For the 2026 observance, direct descendants of Vanderslice—5th great grandson Dr. Dale Cake and 6th great granddaughter Jennifer Loveland—will read the Declaration. Additional readings will be conducted in Spanish and German.
The event will also feature music by the Ringgold Band, the story of the Berks Liberty Bell and a symbolic 13-strike ringing of the bell—a program that links ceremony with memory.
From Commemoration to Countywide Celebration
The July 8 Berks Liberty Bell commemoration is expected to serve as a handoff of sorts, linking the county’s America250 programming with the broader Berks 275 observance as the countdown continues toward March 11, 2027, the official 275th anniversary of Berks County’s founding.
That broader celebration began on March 11, 2026, with a public kickoff at the Miller Center for the Arts at Reading Area Community College. Historical presentations, musical performances and remarks from county officials gave the launch the feel of both a birthday party and an invitation—a grand opening for the months of reflection and celebration still to come.
A Story Meant to Include Everyone
What gives the twin anniversaries their broader meaning is the emphasis on inclusion. Organizers have said they want both longtime Berks County families and newer residents to recognize themselves
in the county’s story—not as spectators to history, but as part of its next chapter.
From the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center’s Heemet Fescht in September to multicultural block parties in downtown Reading, the anniversaries will be a platform for celebrating not only where Berks County has been, but who calls it home today.
At the Berks 275 launch, Commissioner Michael Rivera summarized the effort this way: “What began as a growing colonial community has become the vibrant, diverse and resilient county we know today. For nearly three centuries, Berks County has been a place of hard work, innovation and community pride.”
As the commemorations continue, residents will have plenty of chances to follow the schedule, volunteer and take part in the events that are turning these anniversaries into something larger than mere dates on the calendar. These events are shared moments, connecting generations across the centuries, showing us where we came from and what is yet to come.
For more information about America250 PA Berks, go to america250paberks.com.
PUTS ART AT THE HEART OF AMERICA’S 250TH Plein Air West Reading
History-rich Berks County is one of the most natural places in the country to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Over three centuries, it has transitioned from the frontier of colonial civilization to an agricultural Eden and an industrial powerhouse. Vestiges of every phase remain throughout the county, interwoven with the natural resources that drew it all here in the first place.
These are some of the attributes that attracted a talented pool of artists who participated in the fine art competition, the 11th Plein Air West Reading (PAWR). From June 13–20, 30 accomplished artists from eight states focused on capturing the beauty, character and—especially this year—heritage of Berks County on canvas.
This year’s competition included several awards that tie in with our national celebration, including the “America’s 250th Award,” sponsored by the Berks History Center. Artists were invited to paint any or all of five sites that were active in 1776:
• Morlatton Village, Douglasville, PA , preserves a tavern, mansion, general store and the oldest known structure in Berks County—the Mouns Jones (also known as “Old Swede’s”) House, built in 1701.
• Wyomissing Stone House, situated in the middle of Wyomissing Park, was built around 1760 by John Schmucher, whose descendants went on to found a jelly dynasty.
• The Speckled Hen , formerly known as Widow Finney’s Tavern and Market House, is a log cabin on South Fourth Street considered the oldest preserved structure in the city of Reading.
• Exeter Friends Meeting House , 191 Meetinghouse Road, Exeter Township, was established in 1726 on land donated by George Boone Jr. The present structure was built in 1759.
• The Sacred Oak, an ancient behemoth in Oley Valley, is estimated to be more than 700 years old. It was considered a sacred site by the Lenni-Lenape people and later cultures.
Several other awards also aligned with the historic celebration. The “Remembering Reading Award,” sponsored by Shelby Davis Hutchison and Sherry Davis, honored a piece capturing echoes of Reading’s past in the city’s quintessential architecture.
Within the Berks watershed of the revitalized Schuylkill River are more than 60 rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds. The best painting of these earned the “Berks Waterways Award” from the Schuylkill River Greenways Organization. Giving a nod to those who get us across all those waterways was the “Bridges of Berks County Award,” sponsored by Pottstownbased New Wave Art Products.
The PAWR exhibit was unveiled to the public during Art on the Avenue in West Reading on June 20.
GLOBAL GAME, LOCAL PASSION
Reading to Host 2026
World Cup Fan Zone
The countdown is on. In weeks, the world’s biggest soccer tournament will bring its energy to North America—and Reading is getting in on the action in a big way.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history, with 48 national teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Philadelphia Stadium—better known to many locals as Lincoln Financial Field—will host six matches between June 14 and July 4, placing Berks County within easy reach of one of the summer’s biggest international sporting events.
That excitement will not stop at the Philadelphia city line. In March, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Reading to announce that the city had been selected as one of three Pennsylvania communities—alongside Pittsburgh and Scranton—to host a free 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone, giving local residents a chance to be part of the celebration close to home.
For Reading, the fan zone is about more than soccer. It is a chance to showcase the city’s energy, welcome visitors downtown and create the kind of community gathering that feels distinctly Berks County—spirited, inclusive and proud of where it comes from. Local organizers, civic leaders and regional sports partners are shaping an experience that reflects both the game’s international appeal and Reading’s hometown character. “Reading is a hard-working city built on culture, diversity and community,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Moran. “We know how to come together to celebrate, whether for the arts, music or one of the biggest sporting events in the world this summer. We look forward to bringing folks together and inviting people from all over to experience the pride and energy that Reading has to offer.”
At the center of it all will be Santander Arena, set to become a lively downtown hub where neighbors, families and visiting fans can gather to watch the matches together. With live screenings, a festive atmosphere, local food and family-friendly activities, the Fan Zone is designed to make the World Cup feel both global and close to home.
Outside the arena, Penn Street will help carry that energy through downtown with block parties during each match, complete with live entertainment, local vendors and plenty to eat and drink. It is the kind of setup that invites people to linger, explore and experience Reading at its most welcoming.
The benefits will stretch well beyond match days. For Reading-area restaurants, shops, hotels and small businesses, the Fan Zone presents an opportunity to welcome new faces and introduce visitors to the region’s food, culture and hospitality. According to Philadelphia Soccer, Philadelphia’s role as a host city is expected to draw about 500,000 visitors and generate roughly $770 million in economic impact across Pennsylvania. Whether you are a lifelong soccer fan, someone who loves a good downtown event or simply looking for a memorable way to spend a summer day with family and friends, Reading’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone is shaping up to be one of the season’s standout gatherings. It is a chance to celebrate an international moment in a way that still feels unmistakably local—and that may be what makes it special.
References: www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/world-cup/
berksweekly.com/news/sports/governor-shapiro-unveils-three-free-fifa-fan-zones-acrosspennsylvania-for-the-2026-fifa-world-cup/
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Santander Arena at 700 Penn Street in downtown Reading will host Fan Zone Watch Parties, and outside, Penn Street will be the site of fan block parties. Tickets for the arena watch parties are required but are FREE!
Fan Zone Events
• Friday, July 3, Noon to 11:30 p.m.
ˏ 2 p.m.: Round of 32 Knockout Match
ˏ 6 p.m.: Round of 32 Knockout Match
• Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ˏ 1 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match
ˏ 5 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match
• Saturday, July 18, 3 to 8 p.m.
ˏ 5 p.m.: World Cup Bronze Final
• Sunday, July 19, 2 to 6 p.m.
ˏ 3 p.m.: World Cup Final
For tickets, go to www.universe.com/events/ pennsylvania-world-cup-reading-fan-zonetickets-M5VWH8.
HOW DOES THE FIFA WORLD CUP WORK?
A Primer to the Most Anticipated World Sporting Event of 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces the most dramatic format overhaul in tournament history. To accommodate a massive expansion from 32 to 48 teams, FIFA added an entire extra round to the bracket, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104. The tournament spans 39 days, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Here is exactly how the new structure works, from the first kickoff to the final match.
The Group Stage: 12 Groups of Four
To protect competitive fairness and prevent collusion, FIFA is sticking with the traditional four-team setup:
• The 48 qualified nations are divided into 12 groups of four teams each.
• Each team plays three matches in a round-robin format within its group. A win earns three points, a draw (a tie) earns one point and a loss earns zero.
• The top two teams from each group advance automatically (24 teams).
• The eight best third-place teams also advance, based on points, goal differential and other tiebreakers. This means 32 teams will move on to the knockout stage.
The Knockout Stage: A New Bracketing System
Since 32 teams advance from the group stage—instead of the historical 16—a brand-new elimination round has been introduced.
• Round of 32: The 24 group leaders/ runners-up and the eight third-place teams play in this single-elimination round.
• Round of 16: teams face off.
• Quarterfinals & Semifinals: Eight teams compete in the quarterfinals, with four advancing to the semifinals.
The Final: July 19, 2026
The final two teams play for the trophy at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A thirdplace consolation match (the bronze medal game) is also played the day prior by the losers of the semifinals.
All matches are standard 90-minute games consisting of two 45-minute halves. If a match is tied after 90 minutes, it goes to 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if it remains tied.
To avoid lopsided pathways, FIFA’s draw places the world’s top-ranked teams on opposite sides of the bracket, meaning heavyweights like Argentina and France cannot meet until the later rounds if they win their groups.
Reference: soccer.com/guide/world-cup-2026-format48-teams
SOCCER FOR DUMMIES
Basics to Know Before You Watch the World Cup
The Basics: What and Who
Pitch: The official name for the soccer field.
Match: A soccer game, which lasts 90 minutes total, divided into two 45minute halves.
Stoppage Time (Injury Time): Time added to the end of each 45-minute half by the referee to make up for pauses in play due to injuries, substitutions, or goal celebrations.
Goalkeeper (also called the keeper): The last line of defense. They are the only player allowed to use their hands—but only within the penalty area.
Defenders: These players position themselves in front of the goalkeeper to prevent the other team from scoring.
Midfielders: These players are the heart of the team, playing in the center of the pitch and linking the defense to the offense and vice versa.
Forwards (also called strikers): These players are typically at the front of the attack, with the primary task of finishing plays and, ultimately, scoring goals.
Some Rules & “No-no’s”
Offside: An attacking player is offside if, at the moment a teammate plays the ball to them, they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent (usually the last outfield defender).
Yellow Card: A formal caution shown by the referee for a foul. Receiving
two yellow cards in a single match results in an automatic red card.
Red Card: The most serious penalty for violent conduct, serious foul play, or a second caution. The player is ejected from the match immediately, and their team must play the remainder of the game with one fewer player (for example, 10 instead of 11).
Handball: An infraction that is generally called when a field player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm, although some accidental contact can also be penalized depending on the situation.
It’s All About Footwork
Direct Free Kick: Awarded after a major foul. The attacking team can shoot the ball directly into the goal on the restart.
Indirect Free Kick: Awarded for minor infractions. The ball must touch at least one other player (on either team) before a goal can be scored.
Penalty Kick (PK): A direct shot at the goal defended only by the goalkeeper, taken from the penalty spot (12 yards out). It is awarded when a defending team commits a major foul inside its own penalty box.
Corner Kick: Awarded to the attacking team when the defending team kicks the ball over their own goal line. The ball is kicked from the nearest corner arc.
Goal Kick: Awarded to the defending team when the attacking team kicks the ball over the goal line without scoring. The ball is taken from anywhere within the goal area.
SPUDS AND SUMMER VIBES ALONG PENN AVENUE
The West Reading French Fry Fest is set to return to Penn Avenue on Saturday, August 15, 2026, serving up an afternoon of fry-focused food, fellowship and frivolity on the summer calendar. The 8th annual West Reading French Fry Fest will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. along the 600 and 700 blocks of Penn Avenue in West Reading.
Presented by the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation, this beloved block party does exactly what it promises— celebrates the humble potato in all its fried, seasoned and sauced glory, right in the heart of the borough’s buzzing dining district.
Think a French fry is just a side dish? Think again! The event was started in 2016 after Mark Woodward, owner of the West Reading Tavern, attended the nearby “Taste of Hamburg-er” Festival and thought, “Why not French fries?” Counting on the universal appeal of the seasoned spuds and recognizing that August is typically a slower time for local merchants due to summer vacations, West Reading French Fry Fest was born.
This year, more than 75 vendors will take over two full blocks of Penn Avenue to prove that fries are the main event. While local chefs are keeping their specific 2026 menus under wraps for now, past years have seen everything from classic boardwalk styles to over-the-top gourmet creations piled high with wild toppings. Whether you are a purist who just wants a perfect dusting of sea salt or an adventurer hunting for the ultimate loaded fry, you won’t leave hungry.
Past event vendors include Comalli Taqueria with their seasoned waffle fries piled high with homemade queso, pico de gallo, red cabbage and jalapenos; Tony’s of West Reading with their Korean Chicken Philly fries featuring grilled chick, gochujang sauce, and, of course, cheese whiz; and Spuds Food Truck with their shoestring fries smothered in truffles, bacon and goat cheese—to name
Admission to the festival is free, and food is available on a pay-as-you-go basis. The Penn
Avenue location makes it easy for attendees to walk between food vendors, browse local businesses and sample a variety of fry styles and toppings over the course of the day.
When looking for a casual summer event in Berks County, the West Reading French Fry Fest offers straightforward fun: a large outdoor gathering built around a familiar favorite food. The combination of community, food and local shopping in one of West Reading’s main commercial areas makes the event a seasonal attraction for residents and visitors alike. The combination of outdoor dining, local participation and a simple crowd-pleasing theme positions the 2026 West Reading French Fry Fest as one of the borough’s notable summer events.
For more information on the 2026 West Reading French Fry Fest, go to visitwestreading.com/festivals-events.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY MAGIC
Governor Mifflin Community Days
The 50th Annual Greater Governor Mifflin League Community Days will take place from Friday, June 26, through Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Shillington. This year’s event coincides with two milestones: the United States’ 250th anniversary and the semicentennial of Community Days itself. Organized by the Greater Governor Mifflin League (GGML), the fair continues a long-running local tradition centered on community participation, fundraising and free entertainment.
Held on the Governor Mifflin Intermediate School and Elementary School campuses, the event offers free admission, free entertainment, amusement rides and more than 45 food and game stands. Nightly entertainment for attendees of all ages takes place for the duration of the fair.
The [Greater Governor Mifflin League] has used Community Days to bring community residents together while helping local groups raise money for various projects and programs.
Community Days opens on Friday, June 26, with a Community Days Car Cruise in the Governor Mifflin Cumru School, and live music including the Dave Mell Band and The Legendary Groovemasters featuring Bennie Sims and Cliff Starkey. On Saturday, June 27, the fair continues with an exhibition performance by the Wyomissing Band and an evening appearance by The Mahoney Bros. California Sound & Long Live the Beatles.
This anniversary-year event will feature the GGML 50th Anniversary Parade on Sunday, June 28, at 4:30 p.m. Starting at Governor Mifflin Middle School, the hourlong parade will march down S. Brobst Street, cross over Lancaster Avenue to N. Brobst Street, where it will continue up to Pennsylvania Avenue. The route then makes a right before turning onto N. Waverly Street, heading back across Lancaster Avenue, where the parade will wind through the neighborhood to end up
at Shillington Park. The parade—including community members and organizations— will include floats, walkers, decorated bicycles and wagons, musical and dance groups, antique tractors and special vehicles. There will even be prizes awarded across various age groups for the best-decorated non-motorized vehicles.
Other events on Sunday include a reading of the Gettysburg Address by Abe Lincoln impersonator Eric Richardson and the opening ceremony flag raising by the Patriotic Order Sons of America, Camp #211.
The community fun continues throughout the week with the 3rd Annual Miss Community Days Pageant on Tuesday, June 30, and nightly performances by Erich Cawalla & The Uptown Band, Double Trouble with Jeff Krick Sr. & Jr., Go Go Gadjet, Burning House Reunion, Lovelace The 70’s Band, Echo North and Flight Risk.
The celebration culminates in the fair’s traditional fireworks display on Saturday, July 4. Visible for miles around, the display is expected to be a truly spectacular celebration during this 50th anniversary year.
Formed in 1976 as a Bicentennial Committee, the Greater Governor Mifflin League has continued as a nonprofit volunteer organization serving the Governor Mifflin School District communities, including Shillington, Mohnton, Kenhorst, Brecknock, Gouglersville and Cumru Township. Since its founding, the organization has used Community Days to bring community residents together while helping local groups raise money for various projects and programs.
Food and game stands are sponsored by or run by Governor Mifflin-based organizations, and proceeds are divided between those sponsoring groups and the GGML. The GGML then returns its share of the proceeds to the community via contributions to local fire companies, ambulance associations, scout troops, school and community projects, scholarships and other Mifflin community-related causes.
Since 1976, the organization has returned more than $500,000 in Community Day proceeds to the community.
At its core, Community Days remains a volunteer-driven event focused on community pride and fundraising. While nonprofit groups within the Governor Mifflin School District can operate stands, commercial businesses are also welcome to participate in the event. The mix of entertainment, food, fundraising and community service helps keep Community Days a “must go” event on local calendars.
Celebrating 50 years of community magic, the 2026 event is more than a nightly collection of fair food and fun. It is a reminder of community history, community pride and community support— all qualities that ensure Governor Mifflin Community Days will be celebrated for many years to come!
For the full 2026 schedule, parking information and event updates, go to the Community Days website at communitydays.com.
Summer has arrived, and our community is bursting with life! From bustling farmers markets to lively evening concerts, the upcoming months are packed with opportunities to connect, play and celebrate together. Whether you are looking for family-friendly weekend activities, local art festivals or outdoor fitness sessions, our vibrant summer calendar has something for everyone.
Grab your sunglasses, rally your neighbors and dive into the season. Check out the full lineup of events below and start planning your perfect Berks summer!
June 14 – 20
Plein Air West Reading Art Plus Gallery 604 Penn Ave., West Reading artplusgallerypa.com
June 18
Footprints in the Snow: General Washington’s Army of 1776 7 p.m.
Berks County Heritage Center 1102 Red Bridge Rd., Reading berkspa.gov/departments/ parks-and-recreation
June 20
Creek Critter Quest 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Berks Nature 575 St. Bernardine St., Reading berksnature.org
West Reading Art on the Avenue
400 – 700 Blocks of Penn Avenue visitwestreading.com
June 22 – 26
All About Animals Summer Camp 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (daily)
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton hawkmountain.org
June 25
Jeffrey Gaines w/Dylan Zangwill 7 to 9 p.m.
Thorn Alley Stage at GoggleWorks 201 Washington St., Reading goggleworks.org
June 26 – 27
Berks Celtic Festival See website for event times Reading Liederkranz 143 Spook Ln., Reading berksirish.org
June 27
A Colonial 250th Anniversary Celebration Noon to 8 p.m.
Daniel Boone Homestead
400 Daniel Boone Rd., Birdsboro thedanielboonehomestead.org
June 27 – 28 Hoods Up Weekend 9:30 a.m.
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles 85 South Walnut St., Boyertown boyertownmuseum.org
June 28
Run for the Ages, AgeGrade 10k Trail Race 8:30 a.m.
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center 2910 New Holland Rd., Reading pretzelcitysports.com
June 13
2026 Taste of Kutztown Wine & Beer Festival
J UN J UL
11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 439 E. Main St., Kutztown tasteofkutztown.com
July 3 – August 31
Bells of Boyertown Art Trail
See website for times boyertownhistory.org
July 9
Reading Roots Market GoggleWorks Center for the Arts 201 Washington St., Reading goggleworks.org
July 9 – 12
Berks Books Bonanza Sale
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 400 E. Wyomissing Ave., Mohnton berksbookbonanza.org
July 23
Lunar Paddle at Blue Marsh 7 to 9 p.m.
Blue Marsh Lake Recreation Area Old Church Road parking lot, Bernville
July 25
Bethany Children’s Home Summer Bash 2 to 9 p.m.
Bethany Children’s Home 1863 Bethany Rd., Womelsdorf bethanyhome.org/ event/bch-summer-bash/
Family Fishing Day
6 to 8 p.m.
Antietam Lake Park 230 Angora Rd., Reading countyofberks.recdesk.com/ Community/Program/ Detail?programId=373
August 11
Bryan Adams: Roll with the Punches w/Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo 7:30 p.m.
Santander Arena 700 Penn St., Reading santander-arena.com
August 14
“Nature: Up Close & Far Away” by Robin Bisaccia
Public reception 5 to 8 p.m.
Art Plus Gallery 604 Penn Ave., West Reading artplusgallerypa.com
August 15
SEPT AUG
August 2
Grings Mill Run 5k & 10k 9 a.m.
Grings Mill Park 2083 Tulpehocken Rd., Reading pretzelcitysports.com
Reading Fightin Phils & BARK in the Park Night 5:15 p.m.
First Energy Stadium 1950 Centre Ave., Reading mlb.com/milb/reading
West Reading French Fry Fest 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 600-700 Blocks of Penn Ave., West Reading
August 21 – 23
RiverFest 3 to 10 p.m.
Jim Dietrich Park 210 George St., Reading muhlenbergtwp.com/160/ Parks-Recreation
August 29
Grupo Frontera 8 p.m.
Santander Arena
700 Penn St., Reading santander-arena.com
September 1
Trail Tykes: Seed Sorters 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Berks Nature 575 St. Bernardine St., Reading berksnature.org
September 5
Paranormal After Dark Investigation 5 to 9 p.m.
Ridgewood Winery
2039 Philadelphia Ave., Birdsboro
September 11 – 12
30th Annual Chile
Pepper Food Festival
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
William DeLong Park 233 Bowers Rd., Bowers
September 11
“Oceans of Time” by Karen Burnette Garner
Public reception
5 to 8 p.m.
Art Plus Gallery
604 Penn Ave., West Reading artplusgallerypa.com
September 13
Hear Our Voices: Team
Holly 5k Run/Walk 10 a.m.
Grings Mill Park 2083 Tulpehocken Rd., Reading pretzelcitysports.com
September 19
Fall Fest on Main
3 to 9 p.m. Kutztown kutztownpartnership.org
West Reading Fall Fest
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
400-700 Blocks of Penn Ave., West Reading visitwestreading.com
September 30
Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest
143 Spook Ln., Reading readingliederkranz.com
HEIM MEANS HOME IN BERKS COUNTY!
L to R: Olivia Benek, Peter Heim, Chris Heim, Valerie Rivera-Garcia, and Brendan Johnson