From City of Reading
The City of Reading is announcing updates to the downtown Reading event calendar for September and October.
While the downtown Reading team was looking forward to kicking off the holiday weekend with the community, the decision was made to cancel the September First Friday event due to low vendor participation and other unforeseen scheduling changes. Rather than host an event experience that does not meet the standard residents, visitors, businesses, and vendors have come to expect from downtown Reading, the event will be cancelled, and the team will continue building the October lineup of events.
“We know people look forward to First Friday block parties, but we want to make sure that when we bring people downtown, we are giving them the experience that they have come to expect,” said Mayor Eddie Morán. “We’re using this time to continue focusing on making the month of October special.”
The City’s downtown Reading event schedule for October features celebrations of culture, community, and fun for the fall season.
October downtown events
First Friday: Oct. 2, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: October’s First Friday will be held on the 600 block of Penn Street and feature a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, highlighting the culture, traditions, and contributions of Reading’s Hispanic community.
GlowFest: Oct. 17, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Downtown Reading will host GlowFest on the 600-700 blocks of Penn Street, bringing an evening of lights, energy, and activities to downtown while collaborating with Nemesis Fitness for their Glow Run that takes off from the 600 block of Penn Street, runs through downtown and ends back at the festival.
Mayor Morán’s Halloween on Penn: Oct. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Downtown will close out the month with Mayor Morán’s Halloween on Penn, offering a festive table and treat block party celebration for families and the community.
Additional details, including events, activities, participating businesses, and vendor information, will be announced as we get closer to the event dates. The team encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting downtown businesses throughout September and looks forward to welcoming the community back for an October filled with celebration, culture, and community.





