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Culture, Sports and Leisure

Reading truly is a place for every interest and background, offering a fantastic balance of vibrant cultural life, exceptional sports and leisure facilities and access to waterways and green spaces. This is a town full of opportunities to support a social and active lifestyle, at every age.

From music festivals and art trails to community parades and historical exhibitions, Reading’s year-round programme of events offer cultural experiences that bring people together and showcase local and global talent. But the cultural life of this town isn’t limited to the stage - wherever you turn, Reading inspires. Everyday creativity is nurtured through museums, public art and a strong independent scene supported by platforms like What's On Reading. Together, they help to make Reading a place that’s both dynamic and accessible.

Year-round events calendar
Throughout the year, the calendar is filled with events that bring people together. Whether it's Chinese New Year, Diwali, Valentine’s Day or Christmas, there’s always something to enjoy and take part in. Arts venues like The Hexagon and South Street Arts Centre add to the energy, hosting everything from big-name shows to bold new voices.
A city of festivals
Bursting with independent festivals, Reading is a place that knows how to celebrate the areas, people and interests that make up the town, including the likes of comedy, food, beer, walking, rock music, LGBTQ+ pride and climate change.
Reading on Thames
Reading supports a lifestyle that blends urban convenience with space to breathe. Not only does the River Kennet run right through the town centre, but Reading is also located on the Thames Path, offering a whopping seven miles of unspoiled riverbanks to enjoy. And if that’s not enough, you’ll find over 100 parks and gardens across the borough and a wide range of sports and leisure facilities, catering to all interests from Padel to Indoor Climbing.
Active living
Reading’s major leisure centres and modern fitness and sports amenities around the town include recently remodelled Rivermead, Palmer Park, and South Reading. Meanwhile, places like Thames Lido combine wellness with heritage, showcasing Reading’s ability to reinvent traditional spaces for contemporary living.
Entertainment for the whole family
Reading’s entertainment scene is thriving, especially in the town centre, where there’s no shortage of ways to unwind and have fun. Whether you're taking aim with AR darts or crazy golf at Spinners, diving into arcade games at Urban Fun, catching the latest film, bowling with friends, or even trying your hand at axe throwing, there’s something for every mood and moment. All of this is surrounded by a lively mix of restaurants, from popular high-street names to unique independents, bringing the place to life from day to night.