What's on in Reading this month

August brings with it the school holidays – but there’s no break for the wonderful events taking place all over Reading this summer! This month’s highlights include family-friendly festivals, open-air theatre, some big names paying us a visit and plenty of summer fun for kids. Check out our highlights of What’s On in Reading in August – and, as always, don’t forget to check whatsonreading.com for so much, much more!

Summer Holiday fun for kids and families | All Month

You’ll never hear the phrase “I’m bored!” this summer, as there’s so much creative fun for kids, teens and families to enjoy throughout August – drama, music and art workshops, activities at our libraries and museums, boat trips up our famous waterways and more! And the Reading Dino Trail continues with 19 Jurassic-sized brick sculptures dotted all over town – and there’s plenty of brick-based workshops throughout the month, too.

Summer Festivals | Various Dates

Reading in August may be known for that festival, but there’s plenty more throughout the month too! There's Reading Mela, Freedom Festival for Falasteen, the Goan Food & Culture Festival and CultureMix Arts’ Carnival of the World, all celebrating Reading's diverse communities and their culture. There's Here Comes The Sun that showcases everything the Rising Sun Arts Centre does so well, and Soultasia, bringing iconic soul stars to Prospect Park. And there's the Gin & Rum Festival, serving up all manner of tasty tipples from around the world (responsibly).

Top Tributes | Various Dates

Some of the best songs and the best artists are brought to life with some cracking tribute shows throughout the month – starting with Reading’s own Tribute Night celebrating 20 years of local artists coming together four times a year to play songs by a different artist or theme on 1 Aug. At The Flowing Spring, Thunderstruck play the hits of AC/DC on 1 Aug, Stanley Dee are Reelin’ in the Years on 7 Aug and Moonage perform the best of Bowie on 15 Aug. Sub89 offers up Britallica – the Britney Spears Metal Tribute on 7 Aug and Meteora headline a millennial tribute show on 28 Aug. And at The Facebar, there’s Sabbra Cadabra paying tribute to Black Sabbath on 7 Aug.

Turtle Underground’s International Femme Rock Fest | 3 August

The Purple Turtle brings together three exciting acts from across the globe for one explosive night of raw performances, DIY spirit and powerful songwriting. Headlining the evening are New York riot grrrl outfit Mona Freaka, joined by Australia's fierce Witch Spit, delivering their signature feral punk sound, with support from the UK's own Nell Davies, blending catchy bubblegum punk with infectious energy.

Northanger Abbey | 9 August

An open-air production of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, performed in Reading Abbey Ruins, next to where Austen went to school – how perfect is that? Moving Parts Theatre Co. bring this touring production of Austen’s most theatrical novel, but is it a thrilling Gothic tale of dark deeds, or a playful, heartwarming Regency romance. Let’s find out, shall we?

The Wildhearts | 10 August

For three decades, The Wildhearts have remained at the forefront of the UK rock scene; through incendiary, festival-topping live shows and fast-lane frolics, they have cemented their reputation as one of the finest, most prolific, most notorious outfit’s their homeland has produced. Heavy Pop brings them to Sub89, hot on the heels of their brand new studio album ‘Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts’.

Kream Cabaret Drag Night with Dakota Schiffer | 14 August

Reading’s newest regular drag night continues to grow, promising another a night full of unforgettable moments, sickening looks, laughter and CHAOS in the best way possible – and one that’s open and welcoming to everyone. The August edition sees regular host Vanilla Fuzion joined by special guest star Dakota Schiffer, the “cutest doll” from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Plus there’s Deluna the ultimate diva doll, as well as local newcomer Just Jaymes.

Interstellar: Tribute to Hans Zimmer | 14 August

The Mystery Ensemble return to the Great Hall for another night of atmospheric music. This time round, they work their magic on the soundtrack to the movie Interstellar, reimagining Hans Zimmer’s compositions for a unique ensemble of electronic and acoustic instruments.

The 48-Hour Film Challenge | 17 & 24 August

​Have you ever wanted to see your work on the big screen? Reading Biscuit Factory and Framespotting Films are challenging the creators of Reading to a high-speed cinematic showdown. Following the launch event, you’ll have one week to pick your 48-hour window, write, shoot, and edit a short film based on a secret brief – all for the chance to win a year-long cinema membership!

Readipop Yard Party | 22 August

Readipop have just refurbished their studios on Trafford Road, and now you’re all invited round for a housewarming party with a difference! Between 1-9pm, they’ll be bringing live music and DJs across two stages plus family workshops, drum performances, guided tours of the new studios, street food, licensed bar and more.

Day Party with Don Letts and The Reggae Reggae Show | 30 August

Don Letts’ reputation has been firmly established in both the film and music world by a substantial body of work from the late 70's through the 80's, 90’s and well into the millennium. He came to notoriety in the late 70's as the DJ that single handedly turned a whole generation of punks onto reggae and has barely stopped since. And he returns to the Purple Turtle for a bank holiday day party, joined behind the decks by Reading’s Reggae Reggae Show regulars Jack Hollywood and Bubblin’ Bob.