There is something special going on just about every weekend over the next few months. So, before you book your summer holidays, here’s a guide to the major events on, in and around Reading this summer.

 

Reading Climate Festival

Across Reading from June 7-21

Organised by Reading Climate Action Network, the fortnight long event aims to showcase what Reading could be like as a more environmentally friendly town. The team hopes it inspires, encourages, and develops initiatives beyond the life of the event.

Highlights include tours of RISC’s roof garden in London Street (Sunday, June 8, 2pm), tours of the Green Park wind turbine (Sunday, June 8, 3pm, Saturday, June 14, noon, and Wednesday, June 18, 6pm).

MERL (the Museum of English Rural Life) is hosting a special tour of the London Road based venue on Tuesday, June 10, giving people a chance to peek behind the scenes of the popular venue and take part in conversations about rural policy and strategy.

On Tuesday, June 17, meteorologist Laura Tobin will be visiting the University of Reading to share details of the Climate Ambassadors service for schools. This runs from 10am to 11am. And in the evening on the same day, the Concert Hall is to be the venue for Emma Johnson and the Orchestra for the Environment, with a pre-concert talk available. This is the only event in the fortnight that is not free.

The event culminates in the University of Reading’s Show Your Stripes Day on Saturday, June 21.

The full programme can be seen at https://readingcan.org.uk/festival25/

 

Wokingham Party In The Park

Saturday, June 7, from 3pm

What can be better than a free day of music? Wokingham’s Elms Field is a short train or bus ride from Reading town centre, and the place to be on Saturday, June 7 for a day of live music.

Starting at 3pm, there are acts performing until 9pm: Iris is a three-part country band, SuperSKAs celebrate the era of ska and two tone, The Magnets is an acapella supergroup who have performed with Tom Jones, while Wokingham favourite Fully Funktional will be performing party anthems for fun.

In addition to the music, more than 10 different food and drink stalls will be present offering snacks, beers, meals and ice cream … but you can also bring your own picnic, while an Aldi is round the corner.

For more details, log on to:  https://www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/council_events/party-in-the-park/

 

The Palmer Park Summer Series

Friday, June 13-Sunday, June 15

Palmer Park in east Reading has been home to many events in recent years, and this year’s three-day event looks to be one of the best yet. Each day offers completely different entertainment.

On Friday, June 13, Olly Murs will be performing, followed by Stories In The Park on the Saturday. The lineup for this includes (deep breath): Bou, Wilkinson, Hybrid Minds, K MOTIONZ, Josh Baker, Sota, BassLayerz, Kanine, East End Dubs, A Little Sound, Oppidan, Fish56Octagon and Continental GT. They will perform across two stages.

Then, on Sunday, organisers are promising Nashville vibes as they bring Reading’s Biggest Country Music Festival to the Wokingham Road park. As well as tributes to Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, and Luke Combs, there will be line dancing, a rodeo bull, and country games. People are encouraged to dress up for the day.

For full details and ticket prices, log on to: https://www.palmerparksummerseries.com/

 

Woodley Carnival

Saturday, June 14, from noon

Woodley’s one-day wonder is returning: during the day Woodford Park is turned into a showground with entertainment, contests, stalls and a classic car show. A flower show is held in The Oakwood Centre, and there will be a BMX Student Show, inflatables, and a fun fair. During the evening there is live music during the Party In The Park.

Entry fees vary according to age, and which part of the day you attend.

For more details, log on to: https://www.woodleycarnival.org.uk/pages/carnival-day

 

East Reading Festival

Sunday, June 22, from noon

A community-run and community-focused festival sees east Reading-based groups coming together for an afternoon of fun and games at Palmer Park.

Local groups will have stalls, while there are stages for music, poetry, and performances. Add in a fun fair and food from around the world, and there will be something to keep all ages happy. Entry is free, while activities and food need to be paid for.

Updates on what to expect can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/EastReadingFestival/

 

Water Fest

Saturday, June 28, 11am-5pm

The Kennet and Avon Canal plays an integral part in Reading’s story, so it is right and proper that the town celebrates it with this day of messing about on, well, not quite the river, but not far off it.

Between 11am and 5pm, the area around the towpath is given over to stalls, events, performances and games.

This year’s theme will focus on how the town is aiming to reach its net zero target by 2030, and will include a sustainable fashion show, boat trips, a silent disco, craft stalls, live music, and food organised by Blue Collar.

The full programme will be available at: www.facebook.com/Rdgwaterfest

 

Tutu’s Community Festival

Sunday, June 29, from 1pm

Tutu’s Ethiopian Table is a Reading legend. The café, which started off in RISC, is now based in the café at Palmer Park, and regularly hosts community groups for special events including an open mic night and poetry café. They will all come together for a celebration of the community Tutu Melaku has cultivated. There will be live music, poetry, a barbecue, family-friendly fun and, as Tutu promises, joy.

For more details, log on to her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tutusethiopiantable

 

Henley Festival

Wednesday, July 9-Sunday, July 13

Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Hacienda Classical, Matteo Bocelli and Jamie Cullum … and that’s just the headliners.

The annual Henley Festival is a five-day extravaganza in every sense of the word. From high-end acts to high-end food, the black-tie event is a memorable experience for everyone who attends. In addition to the music and food, there is comedy and art, plus the unexpected at every turn.

This is a dedicant event in every sense of the word, and those who go will have a blast enjoying the spectacle, the star spotting, and lapping up the entertainment on the famous floating stage.

It takes place at the Leander Club in Henley. For more details, log on to on: https://henley-festival.co.uk/

 

Bastille Day Fest

July 12 and 13

The two-day celebration of our neighbouring country is set to return to Reading’s Forbury Gardens this July. This will be the 13th year the event has taken place and attractions this year include a Medieval village organised by Historia Normannis, live music from Baron Black, Maloé, Elodie Siby and the Time To Sing choir, plus a cancan show from Sandy Maya’s World. Add in French cheese, wine, sausages, bread, crepes and more and you will leave shouting Vive La France!

For more details, log on to: http://www.bastilledayreading.co.uk/

 

Heritage Live: The Wombats, Ministry of Sound, The Jacksons and The Beach Boys

July 17-20

Four days of some of the biggest names in music are coming to Englefield Estate, and memories will be made thanks to the uniqueness of the bill.

Organised by Heritage Live, the Pangbourne venue will be packed with music fans.

On Thursday, July 17, the venue will welcome The Wombats, supported by Doves, Hard-Fi, and Alfie Templeman. The following evening, The Ministry of Sound Classical show will also see sets from Paul Oakenfold and David Morales.

On Saturday, July 19, The Jacksons will perform on a star-studded bill that includes Sister Sledge and Boney M.

Finally, on Sunday, July 20, David Essex and Lulu are the supporting acts to a show by The Beach Boys – their only UK appearance this year.

For more details and tickets, log on to: https://www.heritagelive.net/whats-on

 

Marvellous Festival 2025

Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20

If you missed out on Oasis tickets, well, Marvellous might be the next best thing: the festival of fakes features some of the best bands and artists, all lovingly recreated by some of the best tribute acts in the business.

The line-up includes Andrew Browning as George Michael, Definitely Mightbe (the Oasis tribute), the Ed Sheeran Experience, Young Elton, The Rat Pack, Coldplace (Coldplay), and Flash – a tribute to Queen.

There is more than just the music: events include a fun fair, stalls, a silent disco, and plenty of food and it all takes place at Dinton Pastures.

For more details, or to book, log on to: https://www.marvellousfestivals.com/

 

Raver Tots 2025

July 20 from 1pm

Ask any parent what they miss and they may well say nights out. Raver Tots aims to solve that problem by organising a family-friendly rave in Reading’s Prospect Park. The group’s motto is throw shapes not toys, and is an opportunity to introduce youngsters to the fun of dancing to DJs. A marquee will be set up in Prospect Park, so it can take place in all weathers. Club lighting and special effects are promised and music will be kept at safe levels but some children may prefer to wear ear defenders.

For more details, log on to: https://www.ravertots.co.uk/

 

 

Rewind Festival

August 15-17

Marvellous might be a festival where you see the amazing tributes, but if you want to see the originals you need to head to Remenham for Rewind Festival.

Taking place over the weekend of August 15-17, the line-up features fondly remembered bands and artists from the 1980s and 1990s, including Haircut 100, Midge Ure, Heaven 17, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Go West, and T’Pau.

Headliners on Saturday are Soft Cell, presenting an exclusive UK show, while Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s Holly Johnson is headlining Sunday.

In addition to the tunes, there are river taxis, silent discos, a fun fair, and things for children to do.

It is possible to spend the weekend camping for three nights. And camping includes campervans and caravans, as well as boutique camping, so you do not necessarily need to slum it. Day tickets cost from £72.50 plus a booking fee, and weekend tickets from £135 plus a booking fee. There are car park charges, and additional fees for electric hook ups.

For more details, or to book, log on to: https://south.rewindfestival.com/

 

Reading Festival

Thursday, August 21 - Sunday, August 24

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend on Reading to celebrate the best bands in the world. While officially running from Friday, August 22, many festivalgoers arrive on the Thursday and soak up the atmosphere and stock up on supplies.

This year’s lineup includes Hozier, Chappell Roan, The Chats, Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit, Travis Scott, D-Block Europe, Amyl and the Sniffers, and South Arcade.

Tickets inevitably sell out, but to be honest, you will hear it as far away as Woodley depending on the direction of the wind.

Full details, lineups and more at: www.readingfestival.com

 

Caversham Rock n Ale Festival

Saturday, August 30, 6.30pm

Another music festival that takes place in Caversham … this is ever-so slightly smaller than the rock festival.

The lineup will be three Reading-based bands, each offering something different. Younger visitors will have their own entertainment. There will be two bars provided by The Last Crumb, as well as a hog roast and vegetarian food.

It raises funds for Motor Neurone Disease Association, and takes place in the playing fields of Our Lady and St Anne’s School, off Southview Avenue in Caversham.

Full details and the lineup will be published at facebook.com/rocknale

 

Down At The Abbey

Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6

Two stages, a host of bands, good food, locally-brewed beer and cider, children’s activities and more … all set against the backdrop of the Abbey Ruins.

Details of this year’s event have yet to be released, but it is organised by the team behind Are You Listening? and in previous years they have welcomed artists such as The Comet Is Coming, and Los Bitchos.

Friday night is a warm-up party, while Saturday is the main event.

For more details, and to add your name to the waiting list, visit: https://downattheabbey.gigantic.com/down-at-the-abbey-tickets/reading-reading-abbey-ruins/2025-09-05-18-00

 

Reading Vegan Festival

Saturday, September 20, 11am-4pm

One of the final events in the festival calendar is the annual Reading Vegan Festival. Several venues across the town will be taking place including an open-air celebration in Market Place and Broad Street.

Visitors can try vegan and dairy-free food, buy ethical products, find unique gifts and skincare products. And if that wasn’t enough there will be talks, music, and surprises.

It is organised by Sparkle Vegan Events which organises monthly markets in Wokingham.  

For more details, log on to: https://www.sparkleveganevents.com/readingveganfestival