What's on in Reading this month

Summer’s here and the time is right for all manner of events, indoors and out! June’s highlights include lots of wonderful theatre, art to see and do, top tributes and big name bands and plenty of festival fun, too! So check out our highlights of What’s On in Reading in June – and, as always, don’t forget to check whatsonreading.com for so much, much more!

Theatre inside and out | Various Dates

From the open air to our local theatres, all the world truly is a stage this month. Reading Rep Theatre welcomes a new version of John Godber’s Teechers on 2-13 June; Secret Shakespeare bring Julius Caesar to the Abbey Ruins on 3-20 June; Woodley Light Operatic Society present Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on 3-6 June; Shinfield Players Theatre celebrate 70 years on 20 June; South Street welcomes Without by Neil Redman, also on 20 June; Progress Theatre bring Playhouse Creatures to the stage on 22-27 June; a new play about the Oxford Road comes to the Minghella Theatre on 23-25 June; and it’s Sheer Madness at The Mill at Sonning from 25 June!

Twyford Beer Festival | 4 – 6 June

The long-running beer festival returns for another weekend of great beers, ciders, spirits and food for our customers, as well as some brilliant music from the likes of Drop Zone, Secret Ukelele Band and Box Set. And all raising money for male cancer charity Orchid.

Festivals in Palmer Park | Various Dates

June is very much a month to look east for some great festival fun. On 5 June, it’s the Sausage & Cider Festival with sausages, cider, Chris Moyles and Pat Sharp! On 7 June, it's Summer In Nashville, a full-scale country music celebration; on 21 June, East Reading Festival celebrates the local community with stalls and performances; and on 28 June, Tutu’s Community Festival brings people together with food, music, poetry, and joy!

Top Tributes | Various Dates

Even better than the real thing? This month throws up a wide variety of top tribute shows with something truly for everyone. At the Facebar, tributes to Muse, Black Sabbath, Nightwish and The Stranglers. At The Flowing Spring, it’s The Small Faces, Travelling Wilbury’s and 80s arena rock. At The Hexagon, Michael Jackson and George Michael. And elsewhere, Happy Mondays and jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi.

Whiteknights Studio Trail | 13 & 14 June

This walking tour of artists’ studios in the University of Reading area is back for its 26th year! Across 23 venues you can browse (and, in some instances, buy) art and craft work from 33 talented local artists who will be more than happy to discuss their work – and even take commissions! A great way to get your steps in and see some wonderful art.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | 13 June

The Hexagon is one of the RPO’s official residences, and they’re back on home turf for a day of two halves! In the daytime, it's another edition of Noisy Kids, a fun-filled, interactive concert designed especially for young music lovers. The theme this time is "It Came From Outer Space"! And in the evening, it's a more traditional concert with guest conductor Cornelius Meister and soloist Clara-Jumi Kang, with a programme Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Britten’s captivating Violin Concerto and a delightful new miniature from Composer-in-Association Joe Hisaishi (Spirited Away).

Reading Comic Con | 14 June

Get your geek on! The bi-annual event returns to Loddon Valley Leisure centre for another day of stalls, cosplay, photos and special guests from the worlds of sci-fi and fantasy. Come and meet Flash Gordon himself, Sam J. Jones, plus Doctor Who’s “Paternoster Gang” Neve Mcintosh, Catrin Stewart and Dan Starkey, and creature performer Paul Warren!

Duncan Weston: Hidden Messages | 20 June

The acclaimed artist comes to the new Lower Gallery in Caversham for this participatory art event, installing artworks into the fabric of the building and involving visitors. If you want to go down in history, come and add your name to the wall that will be sealed like a time capsule.

Hawkwind | 26 June

The legendary band comes to The Hexagon for a rare summer festival warm-up show. Join them for a career-spanning set from this legendary group, which has released over 35 studio albums over nearly 60 years. Experience an immersive space-rock odyssey featuring cosmic visuals and legendary riffs with their famous full laser show – unforgettable!

Wasing Estate Concert Series | 26 June – 4 July

One of the UK’s most distinctive concert series, set within a spectacular woodland amphitheatre in Wasing Estate, returns for 2026 with a stellar line-up of festival-scale concerts. This year's programme boasts headline shows from Mika (26 June), The Pixies (27 June), Belle & Sebastian (28 June), Ben Howard (3 July) and Self Esteem (4 July) - landmark performances from world-class artists, set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most unique and stunning outdoor venues. 

Reading Water Fest | 27 June

Water Fest is Reading’s way of celebrating and showing off the Kennet Canal in all its glory, along with the gorgeous and historic spots on its towpath - complete with a programme full of fun, music, dance and activities! Take in the sights and sounds as you wander through Chestnut Walk, Forbury Gardens, and the Abbey Ruins.

Reading Buses Open Day | 28 June

The annual charity fundraiser returns with another day jam-packed with fun activities for all ages and a chance to go behind the scenes with Reading Buses! Ride through the bus wash, tour the workshop and control room, see vintage buses and even get your name up in lights – on the front display of a bus!