The Arts
From Disney to Elton John to Beethoven
We have no lack of entertainment. The Berks Jazz Fest, in March, attracts artists and music fans from all over the country. Spanning 10 days and offering 120 different concerts and events, Greater Reading and Berks County has become known nationally as a jazz destination.
"Compared to other festivals, Berks is in the top five, and that's the opinion of many of us."
- Chieli Minucci, leader of Special EFX, one of the Jazz Fest artists.
"It's always an exciting, fun and memorable time here in Berks. Just keep bringing in the great artists."
- Gwen Harris, Ohio.
Throughout the year, the 8,000+ seat Sovereign Center in Reading hosts world-famous acts like Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn, Cher, The Eagles, Elton John, Rod Stewart, the American Idols, and Matchbox 20. 
Broadway road shows and the renowned Reading Symphony Orchestra make the more intimate Sovereign Center for the Performing Arts their home. The Center continues to host sold out concert performances, including Willie Nelson, The Temptations, Dave Koz' "Smooth Jazz Christmas," Earth, Wind, & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Boney James, David Sanborn, Jerry Seinfeld, The Righteous Brothers, and a record-setting 7-minute sell-out for Hillary Duff on her inaugural tour.
In addition to the many professional acts that come through Greater Reading and Berks County, we continue to enjoy a rich tradition of community theatre. Performances by the Reading Community Players, Reading Civic Theater, Genesius Theater, and the Domino Players keep that tradition alive. With so many colleges in our community, we also enjoy special performing artists, operas, lectures and art shows which visit our campuses.
The Reading Public Museum is one of the finest of its size in the country. The museum contains priceless collections and also features a planetarium. And it's so much more than an art gallery with art, science, and general events held year round.
Some 30 additional museums and galleries are found throughout the region.
The GoggleWorks in Downtown Reading is one of the largest community arts centers in the country. The building houses 40 artist studios, galleries, performing art studios, and a coffee shop.
