From Berks Arts
Berks Arts, in partnership with GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, will present the fourth annual Berks Summer Fest on Saturday, July 11, at the GoggleWorks campus in Reading.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a full day of live music, children’s activities, and local arts experiences designed to bring the community together for a day of fun and creativity.
Marking the first year that GoggleWorks will host the fest, Berks Summer Fest promises entertainment and activities for attendees of all ages.
Gates will open at 11:30 a.m., with performances and interactive experiences continuing throughout the day.
Families can enjoy a wide range of activities for children, including magicians, clowns, tie-dyeing, face painting, and hands-on arts and crafts.
“We are looking forward to providing the community with an opportunity to enjoy a fun day of music and family activities,” said Tish Davis, Executive Director of Berks Arts. “We are excited to be collaborating with the GoggleWorks team.”
Fest fans will have the opportunity to visit Thorn Alley Kitchen, GoggleWorks’ newest gathering space, where food, art, and community come together. The venue will welcome attendees throughout the event with food and refreshments.
The open-air Thorn Alley Stage will feature four major performances:
1-2:30 p.m.: The Groovemasters featuring Cliff Starkey, Erich Cawalla, David Cullen, Jeremy Boyd
The iconic Berks ensemble will open the festival with a mix of R&B, funk, and soul, including a tribute to legendary singer Teena Marie.
3:15-4:30 p.m.: Dexter Sales Quartet featuring Reid Justeson, Esteban Ruiz, Julian Lee
Sales, drummer, has assembled an all-star group of emerging young musicians for an exciting jazz performance — saxophonist Justeson, a recent Kutztown High grad who will attend Temple in the fall; bassist Ruiz, an Exeter High grad who finished his freshman year at the New School in New York; and vibraphonist Lee, a sophomore at the School.
Sales and Ruiz, along with Noah Gibney, have been members of So What, the trio that won the prestigious Chuck Loeb Memorial Scholarship in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Sales was part of The Baseless Trio that won the Loeb Scholarship this year with Gabe Perry and Aidan Wilson.
5-6:45 p.m.: Caya Sol Reggae Band
Featuring Steve “Wale” Peterson, Shannon “Shan Bam” Palmer, Tom Cleary, Earl Wilt, Daryl Yancey, and Joel McDonald. The internationally influenced group blends reggae rhythms, rich harmonies, and positive energy into a vibrant musical experience.
7:30-9 p.m.: Flamin’ Dick & The Hot Rods
Celebrating 41 years of entertaining audiences, the band will close the festival with classic rock ’n’ roll favorites from the 1950s and 1960s.
The band features Flamin’ Dick Weatherholz, Glenn “GP” Balthaser, Keith “Spike” Rentschler, Rob “Cupcake” Lienti, Mike “Flyin’ A” Anderson, and Jeff “Curly” Stoner.
Their authentic renditions of songs made famous by Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Bill Haley, Dion, and others continue to delight audiences throughout the region.
“GoggleWorks is proud to partner with Berks Arts to bring the Berks Summer Fest to our campus,” said Levin Landis, President and Executive Director of GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. “Events like this celebrate the creativity and culture that make our community such a special place.
“We are thrilled to welcome families, artists, and neighbors for a day of music, art, and connection in the heart of Reading.”
The County of Berks serves as the title sponsor of Berks Summer Fest, with additional support from community partners and sponsors.
The festival will also support Helping Harvest. Collection bins will be available onsite for food donations, and attendees are encouraged to bring approved nonperishable food items to help local families in need.
For more information about Berks Summer Fest, visit Berks Arts’ website or follow Berks Arts on social media.
About Berks Arts
Berks Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, engaging, and uniting the community through arts education, collaboration, and cultural programming throughout Berks County.
