From Reading Pride Celebration
Reading Pride Celebration is excited to invite the community to Berks Pride Fest 2026, celebrating its 20th anniversary on Sunday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township.
This year marks a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in Berks County as Berks Pride Fest celebrates 20 years of Pride, visibility, and community. What began in 2006 as a grassroots gathering has grown into the county’s largest and longest-running LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, welcoming thousands of LGBTQ+ community members, allies, families, businesses, nonprofits, artists, and advocates each year for a day of celebration, education, entertainment, and connection.
As Reading Pride Celebration commemorates this anniversary, attendees can expect one of the festival’s most diverse entertainment lineups to date. While drag performances remain a beloved tradition of Berks Pride Fest, this year’s stage will feature an expanded variety of entertainment, including live singers, bands, dance teams, acrobatic performances, comedy, and everything in between. The diverse lineup reflects the creativity and talent of our community while offering an engaging, family-friendly experience with something for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond the entertainment, festivalgoers can explore local businesses, artists and makers, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, food vendors, family-friendly activities, educational resources, and opportunities to connect with organizations serving the Greater Reading area.
“Twenty years ago, a small group of dedicated volunteers believed Berks County deserved a Pride celebration of its own,” said Sean Flannery, President of Reading Pride Celebration. “Today, Berks Pride Fest has become a place where thousands of people come together to celebrate who they are, build lasting connections, and experience the strength of our community. This anniversary is an opportunity to honor everyone who helped build this tradition while looking ahead to an even brighter future. Pride is more than a single day — it’s about creating a place where everyone knows they belong. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this milestone together.”
While Pride is a celebration, it is also a reminder of the importance of visibility, belonging, and community. Berks Pride Fest continues to provide a welcoming space where LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies can gather, celebrate authentically, and demonstrate that everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and supported.
Reading Pride Celebration is still accepting applications from businesses, artists, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and food vendors interested in participating in this year’s festival. Organizations wishing to showcase their products, services, or mission are encouraged to apply soon while vendor space remains available.
The organization is also seeking additional volunteers to help make the 20th anniversary celebration a success. Volunteers assist with welcoming guests, supporting vendors and performers, providing information, helping with setup and logistics, and ensuring attendees have a positive festival experience. Community members of all backgrounds are encouraged to get involved.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at readingpride.org or at the festival entrance on the day of the event.
Berks Pride Fest is presented by Reading Pride Celebration, whose mission is to support LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy, education, and community engagement — celebrating our history, empowering our future, and ensuring everyone can live openly, authentically, and safely.
