Miller Center Music Festival: Free Outdoor Fest

October 7

Joe Conklin and the Rhythm City Orchestra

October 18

Steve Forbert & The New Renditions

October 28

1950’s Winter Dance Party

November 10

The Forests and Shores of Acadia by Jill Hayley

November 12

Jim Brickman: Hits Live & A Little Bit of Christmas

November 16

Squirrel Nut Zippers Holiday Caravan Tour

December 8

KATHY MATTEA

CHRISTMAS

IRISH CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OCTOBER

Lights Out: A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

February 24

Unforgettable Fire: The U2 Experience

March 8

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

March 9

The Machine performs Dark Side of the Moon

April 27 millercenter.racc.edu

Inside, outside, and on the go, extend your streaming with SECV Internet, Plume Whole-Home Wi-Fi, and TiVo Stream. secv.com 800.344.0347 berkscountyliving.com | SEPTEMBER 2023 13

16 CAMP CONRAD WEISER 26th Annual Golf Classic

Enjoy a day out on the greens all while supporting a good cause. The South Mountain YMCA Camp’s Annual Golf Classic lets golfers swing easy as they help make a difference in the lives of children in Berks County. The event includes lunch, awards, a raffle and dinner at the South Mountain YMCA’s Dining Hall. For more info visit smymca.org.

11am-7:30pm | Manor Golf Club

Sinking Spring

WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO GO

COMPILED BY DYLAN SOKOLOVICH

The Reading Science Center's ANNUAL WHISKEY EXPERIMENT

Guests can sample whiskey and spirits from local to international distilleries and can learn from the distillers themselves. Enjoy live music by Josh Taylor Band of Reading, light fare, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, demonstrations and more! All proceeds help the Reading Science Center to continue its mission of fostering a love of all things STEM in the greater Reading community, especially our youth. For more info visit readingsciencecenter.org.

7-10pm | DoubleTree by Hilton | Reading

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KU PRESENTS: THE WALLFLOWERS

If you turned on the radio at all in the late 90s, you’re probably familiar with the addictive sound of songs like One Headlight and 6th Avenue Heartache

Fronted by Jakob Dylan, for more than 30 years The Wallflowers have been recognized for their dynamic songwriting and storytelling. From their breakout radio hits to their latest album, Exit Wounds , Dylan and a rotating cast of musicians are a must-see. For more info or tickets visit kutztown.edu/about-ku/ administrative-offices/ku-presents/20232024-season/wallflowers.html.

7:30pm | Schaeffer Auditorium

Kutztown University

20 th Anniversary Taste of Hamburg-er Festival

The Taste of Hamburg-er Festival is the East Coast's premier event for any hamburger lover. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year's festivities are set to be ‘beefier’ than ever. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a classic burger or a patty served on a makeshift glazed donut bun, the festival will have what you’re in search of and more. For more info visit tasteofhamburger.com.

10am-6pm | Downtown Hamburg

24 Paw Fest 2023

Join Reading Liederkranz for its third annual Paw Fest. If you’re a fan of furry friends, this is the perfect event for you, with adoptable dogs and fun. It’s also the perfect festival to bring your family to, featuring carnival games for kids, music, vendors, a bounce house, an elimination cornhole tournament and even something for yourself: a wine pull! For more info visit readingliederkranz.com.

Noon-5pm | Reading Liederkranz

Reading

ART EXHIBITS & GALLERIES

Through September

Parallels and Rupture

When an artist spends months or even years developing a distinct style, they’re unlikely to depart from what they know. In Parallels and Rupture, guest curator Matthew Garrison looks at what happens when an artist does just that. More than a dozen artists from different backgrounds and communities are brought together to explore and experiment with the unique freedom to exhibit work that breaks away from traditional expectations. For more info visit albright.edu.

9am-5pm | Albright College’s Freedman Gallery | Reading

Through September

Scenic Art: Exhibit by Bob McClennan

McClennan’s work is loose yet palpable, recreating imagery familiar to Berks County within scenic palette knife oil paintings. Whether it's the warm orange tinge of the sun setting over Neversink Mountain or the brilliant sunflowers of Oley Valley farms, McClennan’s work, and his inspirations, are instantly captivating. For more info visit artplusgallerypa.com.

Wed-Sat: Noon-7pm & Sun: 11am-4pm Art Plus Gallery | West Reading

Benefits

Sept. 16

Dance Through the Decades

Celebrate Mardi Gras style and dance through the decades as you support a good cause. The LGBT Center of Greater Reading’s annual fundraising gala is a night of fun, networking and philanthropy as the center raises money for life-changing programs. Since its inception, the generosity of others has helped the center introduce free pantry and toiletry services, counseling, care coordination, support groups and education for members of the LGBTQ+ community. For more info visit lgbtcenterofreading.com.

5-10pm | DoubleTree by Hilton | Reading

Sept. 16

Casa Gala of Light

Experience an incredible evening of champagne, delicious hors d’oeuvres and live music. There will be remarkable art pieces from the Art Alliance to purchase and fabulous raffle items to bid on. Proceeds benefit CASA of Berks County, which provides court-appointed community

Health Fair sponsored by Entertainment by:

• “You won’t believe your eyes!”

Magic by Matty Whipple

• Tribute to Elvis by Jeff Krick, Sr.

• The music of Motown by Charles Lee

Visitor Bag giveaway sponsored by: Kuhn Funeral Home

Hat giveaway provided by: United HealthCare

Baseball concession stands in the plaza will be open for lunch.

Watch volunteers to advocate for abused, neglected or abandoned children in Berks County. Tickets are limited. For more info or to purchase tickets visit casaberks.org/galaoflight.

5pm-8pm | Bldg. 24 Kitchen & Bar

Wyomissing

Sept. 29

Cocktails & Classics

Enjoy libations, sweet and savory bites, chef and distillery stations, live and silent auctions, plus music by The Hot Club of Reading, all to benefit the Reading Public Library. For more info and tickets call 610.478.8977 or visit readingpubliclibrary.org/cocktails-classics.

6-9:30pm | DoubleTree by Hilton | Reading

Classical Music

Sept. 23

Reading Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky

Two of classical music’s most romantic Russian composers' works share the stage as presented by Reading Symphony Orchestra and legendary pianist Garrick Ohlsson. Both Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky are cherished by music lovers for their ability to create deeply felt work that explores the depths of human desire and heroism. For more info visit readingsymphony.org.

7:30pm | Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading

CONCERTS & NIGHTLIFE

Sept. 9

Berks Blues & BBQ

The sounds and tastes of the south make their way north for the Mohnton Cumru Lions Club’s third annual Berks Blues & BBQ. Live music all afternoon from the likes of Nate Myers & The Aces and Bad Influence, a competitive cornhole tournament, delicious food, beer, wine and, of course, BBQ! For more info visit mohntoncumrulions.com.

1-9pm | Mohnton Memorial Park Mohnton

Sept. 23

Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Bagpipes, drums, electric guitars and a fiery Scottish delivery, there’s no band quite as unique as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Fusing traditional Scottish music with memorable rock and pop anthems, the group has created something entirely their own, calling it “bagrock.” For more info or tickets visit millercenter.racc.edu.

7:30pm | Miller Center for the Arts | Reading

Festivals

Sept. 8-9

Leesport Area Community Days

A two-day carnival with rides, games, cash Bingo, food trucks, displays by local businesses and, of course, fireworks, Leesport Area Community Days is a great way to soak up that last bit of summer fun. Enjoy free parking, admission and live entertainment. For more info visit leesporthistory.org.

4-9pm | Leesport Area Historical Society | Leesport

Sept. 15 & 16

16th Annual Oktoberfest

Featuring activities for children and adults alike. Come enjoy brews, food and vendors galore. Entertainment will include Fitz Magee, the German Alumni Band, Happy Dutchmen and more. Free attendance. Beer tent cover charge is $5. Event parking will be street parking in the borough, the community lot behind the police station and public spaces behind St. John’s/Truist lot. For more info visit buildingabetterboyertown.org/oktoberfest.

Fri: 6-10pm, Sat: 1-10pm | Town Center Parking Lot | Boyertown

Sept. 16

West Reading Fall Festival

With the approach of Autumn comes cozy weather and the sound of crunching leaves underfoot, and there’s no better way to welcome the season of abundance than the West Reading Fall Festival. Spanning Penn Avenue, festival goers are able to shop with craft and retail vendors, indulge in a vast array of food and beverages and enjoy live music on three stages. For more info visit visitwestreading.com.

11am-7pm | Penn Avenue | West Reading

2023-2024 SEASON

Performing Artists Series

All performances at 7:30 pm

The Wallflowers

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Mark Morris Dance Group

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players Pirates of Penzance

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill & Celtic Woman’s Chloë Agnew

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 tenThing Brass Ensemble

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Del McCoury Band

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Lakecia Benjamin

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH | 1-4PM READING PUBLIC MUSEUM STONE TERRACE TENT

ENJOY BURGER & BEER SAMPLES, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, YARD GAMES & MORE! ONLY 250 TICKETS AVAILABLE!

TICKETS: $30 AT BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM

Family Series

All performances at 2:00 pm

Sugar Skull!

A Día de Muertos

Musical Adventure

Sunday, October 1, 2023

The Okee Dokee Brothers

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Janet’s Planet

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Lightwire Theater

The Ugly Duckling

Sunday, April 7, 2024

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Sept. 16

76 th Annual Oley Valley Community Fair

The Oley Valley Community Fair boasts blue skies and apple pies, local products from farm and home, nostalgic Dutch cooking, carnival rides and even a donut eating contest! For more info visit oleyfair.org.

Th & Fri: 9am-10pm, Sat: 9am-8:30pm Oley Fire Company Fairgrounds | Oley

Historical

Sept. 3

Hours:

The Broken Spokes: An Evening of Folk Music & PA Dutch Humor

The Broken Spokes, with Chris LaRose on guitar and Doug Madenford on mandolin, are one of the foremost acts still performing traditional Pennsylvania Dutch songs, jokes and stories. Combining old-timey, toe-tapping Americana with humor and storytelling, the Broken Spokes are reminiscent for some and brand new for others. For more info visit conradweiserhomestead.org.

5pm | Conrad Weiser Homestead Womelsdorf

Sept. 14

Reading 275th Anniversary Printmaking Workshop

Working alongside Berks History Center curator, Amber Vroman, celebrate Reading’s 275th Anniversary with a special printmaking workshop. You’ll learn to carve and transfer a special design of Reading’s most iconic landmark, the Pagoda. All experience levels occasion to spend with friends or family or a chance to create a unique gift for a loved one. For more info visit berkshistory.org.

5-8pm | Berks History Center | Reading

Sept. 17

Heritage Park Museum

45 th Anniversary

Heritage Park Museum celebrates its 45th anniversary with an open house, including live music from local pianist Phyllis Sands. Go back in time as you explore the 1872 train station and 1858 freight house, featuring railroad and local history displays. This event is free, open to the public and rain or shine. For more info call 610.678.4219.

1-4pm | Sinking Spring Area Historical Society and Heritage Park | Sinking Spring

Outdoor Activities

Sept. 16

Monarch Day

Flying up to 2,500 miles from the United States and Canada to the forests in Central Mexico, the monarch migration is one of the most beautiful and evolved of its kind. Join Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and monarch biologist John Drummond as you learn about the biology of these vibrant pollinators. Have fun while using microscopes to examine monarchs in all their stages, watch a live tagging demonstration and learn how you can help their declining population. For more info visit hawkmountain.org.

10am-3pm | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Sports

Sept. 1-3 & 5-10

Reading Fightin Phils

Make your way to the grandstands and enjoy some of the last baseball games of the summer as the Fightin Phils take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Portland Sea Dogs. On Sept. 2, enjoy the with Carpenter Mega Blast Fireworks. If you’re still looking for more fun with the family, come back Sept. 3 for a special appearance from the Phillie Phanatic. For game times and tickets visit fightins.com.

Gate Openings Vary | FirstEnergy Stadium | Reading

THEATER & DANCE

Sept. 22

Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis

HYPROV is a live comedy show that features the unlikely combination of the quick-witted fun of improv and the mastery of hypnosis. Featuring Colin Mochrie from Whose Line Is It Anyway? and world-renowned hypnotist

Asad Mecci, the two masters of their craft put on 85-100-minute shows that mystify and entertain fans. For more info or tickets visit millercenter.racc.edu.

7:30pm | Miller Center for the Arts | Reading

What Else

Sept. 23

10 th Annual Guts and Glory Digestive & Wellness Expo.

A free, community-wide celebration of health for all ages that showcases a farmers market, educational booths, fresh, locally sourced food, fitness zones, yoga, massage and wellness experts, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

10am-3pm | Penn State Berks Campus Wyomissing