Reading's Best Summer Festivals

28th April 2025

Summer in Reading is packed with an exciting lineup of celebrations, festivals, and cultural events that bring the town to life. Whether you're a foodie, music lover, comedy enthusiast, or just looking to enjoy the vibrant community spirit, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to what’s happening in Reading this summer: 

Are You Listening? | 10 May

Reading’s beloved multi-venue music festival returns for its 12th edition, showcasing a diverse lineup of emerging and established artists across various genres

Reading Walks Festival | 10–18 May 

Get ready to explore Reading on foot! The Walk Festival invites everyone to discover the town’s beautiful landscapes, hidden gems, and historic corners. With plenty of guided walks all over town to choose from, it's a great way to reconnect with nature and your community. 

Reading Indie Comedy Festival | 15–18 May 

Laugh out loud at the Reading Indie Comedy Festival. Featuring a brilliant mix of stand-up comedians, this festival promises four days of fresh talent, big laughs, and plenty of unforgettable performances across The Purple Turtle, The Roseate, and Double-Barrelled Brewery. This year's festival features a stellar lineup including Sean Walsh, Paul Sinha, Matt Richardson, Sara Barron, Esther Manito, and Sam Serrano. 

Community Festival | 17 May

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of the University of Reading at their Community Festival. Expect live entertainment, interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and lots of opportunities to learn more about the university's work and local collaborations. 

Reading Food Festival | 17–18 May 

Foodies, rejoice! Broad Street transforms into a bustling hub of global street food, live music, and a buzzing atmosphere during the Reading Food Festival. Sample delicious bites, sip on craft drinks, and enjoy the summer vibes in the town centre. 

Reading Climate Festival | 7–21 June 

Focused on inspiring climate action, the Reading Climate Festival brings workshops, talks, and activities to raise awareness and spark positive change. It's a great opportunity to learn how you can make a difference locally and globally. The festival also involves a Big Lunch in Forbury Gardens! Try some delicious climate-friendly food, listen to live music and get some free seedlings and advice on growing! 

Palmer Park Summer Series | 13-15 June 

Kick off summer evenings with the Palmer Park Summer Series, an open-air music festival featuring three days of completely different musical vibes and live performances. This year’s lineup ranges from Olly Murs to Stories in the Park, and Reading’s biggest country music festival with Taylor Swift and Shania Twain tributes. 

East Reading Festival | 22 June 

Celebrating the rich diversity of Reading’s East side, the East Reading Festival brings communities together with music, food, cultural performances, and fun activities for all ages. 

Water Fest | 28 June

One of Reading’s most loved summer events, Water Fest celebrates the town’s waterways with boat parades, live music, street food, crafts, and family entertainment along the scenic Kennet & Avon Canal. 

Bastille Day | 12–13 July 

Experience a slice of French culture right in Reading! Bastille Day celebrations bring French food, music, and festivities to town, offering a lively weekend with a continental twist. Expect Battle re-enactments, Baroque music, a French Can-Can by Sandy Maya's Dance, an Art Exhibition and a funfair! 

Carnival of the World | 9 August 

Travel the world without leaving Reading! The Carnival of the World is a colourful celebration of global cultures, with live music, dance performances, food stalls, and art that showcase the town’s international community. 

Reading Gin and Rum Festival | 16 August 

Raise a glass at the Reading Gin and Rum Festival! Discover over 120 of the best gins and rums, including exclusive selections. Enjoy talks from distillers, live entertainment, and themed bars. Each ticket includes a branded cup, reusable straw, and a festival guide. 

Reading Festival | 21–24 August

Image: Luke Dyson

The iconic Reading Festival needs no introduction. As one of the UK's biggest music festivals, it brings top international artists, electric energy, and thousands of music lovers together for an unforgettable weekend. Don’t miss this year’s headliners, Hozier, Chappell Roan, Travis Scott and Bring Me the Horizon! 

Reading Pride | 30 August 

Join the celebration of love, equality, and diversity at Reading Pride. With its fantastic parade, a variety of performances from choirs to drag artists, DJs to keep the energy high at the dance stage, as well as a funfair, family area and market stalls, Reading Pride is one of the most colourful events of the summer. 

Down at the Abbey | 6–7 September

Set against the stunning backdrop of Reading Abbey Ruins, Down at the Abbey offers an atmospheric two-day music festival with a carefully curated lineup of artists and a relaxed, intimate vibe. 

Readipop Fiesta | 13 September 

This year, the beloved Readipop Festival transforms into the Readipop Fiesta, a one-day extravaganza of music, arts, and community spirit. This year is headlined by Reading's own rock heroes, The Amazons.

Reading Vegan Festival | 20 September

Celebrate plant-based living at the Reading Vegan Festival. With a wide range of food stalls, talks, and eco-friendly brands, it’s the perfect place to explore sustainable and delicious alternatives. 

This summer, Reading truly has something for everyone. Whether you're planning a day out with friends, a family adventure, or simply want to soak up the lively atmosphere, the town's rich tapestry of events will keep your calendar full. Mark the dates, bring your energy, and get ready to celebrate summer the Reading way!