What's on in September

September means a new school term for the kids – and a new season for our wonderful cultural community. From jazz to theatre, big name comedians and bands to local acts, there’s lots of live shows to get stuck into. But September also brings three big tentpole events to town – two huge festivals at the beginning of the month, and Heritage Open Days smack in the middle. We struggled to narrow down the highlights of What’s On in September in Reading – do head to whatsonreading.com for so much more!

Reading Pride – 1 & 2 September

Love Unites is the name given to Reading Prides parade and festival – the biggest celebration of our LGBT+ community and a fun and inclusive day out for everyone. This year the route takes in even more of the town, and the main stage headliner is Claire Richards from Steps! And there are plenty of satellite events – socials, beer launches, afterparties and more – happening all over town before and after the big day, at The Rising Sun Arts Centre, Phantom Brewing Co, The Bla Bla, The Grumpy Goat and Blue Collar Corner!

Author Events – various dates

This month, even more great authors are coming to town to talk about their works. Fourbears Books host Victoria Selman and Kate Wells on 3 September and Alison Weir – one of Britain's best loved historians – on 14 September. And on 23 September, you can enjoy a Crime Thriller Afternoon at Reading Central Library with Jacqueline Sutherland and A.A. Chaudhuri.

Jazz gigs aplenty – various dates

Three of our local jazz nights kick off their new seasons with some wonderful and renowned acts that whizz across the whole spectrum of the genre! On 3 September, Pangbourne Jazz Club welcomes the much-in-demand saxman Alan Barnes; on 7 September FSJB offer up acid jazz funk band Fusion6; and on 15 September, it’s an imaginative reworking of the remarkable repertoire of Jazz's foremost composer when Pigfoot Plays Ellington for Jazz In Reading.

Progress Theatre’s New Season Begins – various dates

Reading’s long-running amateur theatre company kicks of its 23-24 season with two shows this month. On 4-9 September it’s The Effect by Lucy Prebble – an exploration of the clash between scientific advance and human impulse when Tristan and Connie fall in love during a clinical trial for an anti-depressant. And on 27-30 September, it’s the 17^th Annual Writefest, six new short plays by local writers, showcasing the many talents of Progress Theatre.

Heritage Open Days – 8-17 September

The annual celebration of our buildings, natural and cultural heritage returns for 2023 with three dozen walks, talks, tours and other events that give you a “peek behind the curtain”. From the chance to explore some of Reading’s oldest buildings or places that aren’t often open to the public, to exhibitions that celebrate this year’s theme of “Creativity Unwrapped”, there’s so much to get stuck into. This year’s highlights include The Hexagon’s Hexabition, celebrating 45 years of our town’s wonderful theatre!

Down At The Abbey Festival – 8-9 September

A single event that encompasses two of Reading’s prize assets – our vibrant music scene and our historic Abbey Ruins – Down At The Abbey returns after a fallow year bigger than before, with music spread across two days (and two stages each day, too!). This year’s line-up combines some tip-top touring bands like BC Camplight and The Comet Is Coming with the cream of the local scene, like Ben Marwood and The August List.

Big Name Comedians – various dates

Some of the cream of the comedy crop will be bringing their latest shows to Reading this month. King Gary star Tom Davis will stop by The Hexagon for two performances of “Underdog” on 8 & 9 September. The Concert Hall will play host to Mark Watson on 9 September and Bridget Christie on 23 September. 24 September sees Scott Bennett headline Mates Rates Comedy Club at the Double-Barrelled Taproom, and 28 September brings the first of a new season of Comedy Network shows at Reading Rep Theatre with headliner Olga Koch.

UK Subs: The Final Tour – 11 September

After a touring career that has spanned 45 years, punk legends the U.K. Subs have decided to quit the road and embark on just one more final farewell tour. And seeing as they’ve a fair bit of history of playing here in Reading, it’s only right that they bring their brand of old school punk rock to Sub89 one last time.

Mark Morriss – 14 September

Club Velocity once again bring The Bluetones frontman to Reading for another intimate solo show, performing some of the band’s biggest hits, some of his own solo material from the past 15 years, and a fair amount of banter too!

Reading Vegan Festival – 16 September

The sixth annual Reading Vegan Festival will take over the town centre once more, with of 50 stalls offering all manner of vegan wares, from dairy-free cakes and artisan cheezes to homeware, unique gifts and more. There’ll also be talks, entertainment, kids activities and much more throughout the day!

Local bands-dun-good – various dates

Reading’s local music scene is the envy of other towns and cities throughout the land, and some of the gigs this month very much show why that’s the case. On 16 September, you can choose from recently-signed Third Lung performing a special showcase at Brewdog, or the album launch party for local uke-poppers The Rocket Kings at Fisherman’s Cottage. On 23 September local prog icons Solar perform their landmark album Interfearon live for the first (and perhaps only) time at The Butler, and on 28 September Split The Dealer returns to Sub89 for a rare hometown show!

In the Company of Monsters: New Visions, Ancient Myths – from 23 September

The new exhibition at Reading Museum brings together strikingly contemporary works by artists Eleanor Crook, Paul Reid and Michael Ayrton for the first time. Their works share an interest in retelling ancient myths of body difference, diversity, and hybridity, asking vital questions about humanity and natural history, and contextualised by objects, texts and artworks from the University of Reading and Reading Museum collections.

Ministry of Science: Science Saved The World – 24 September

The explosive science show for kids is back at The Hexagon for another year – more explosive than ever! Join the presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! Expect Fire tornadoes, bottles rockets and even a self-built hovercraft, all live on stage! 100% Educational.  200% Entertaining.  300% Explosive. 400% Fun.