Berks Summer Fest Kicks Off at GoggleWorks

The Berks Summer Fest, now in its fourth year, has found a new home at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in downtown Reading. This free event, hosted by the Berks Arts Council, brings together music, children's activities, and local art. The festival, which moved from FirstEnergy Stadium, offers a more intimate setting with indoor and outdoor spaces.

Families flocked to the GoggleWorks Center, eager to enjoy the day's festivities. The event featured a variety of local musicians, including Bennie Sims & The Groovemasters, Caya Sol Reggae Band, and Flamin' Dick & The Hot Rods. A younger crowd was treated to a performance by the Dexter Sales Quartet, a highly regarded jazz group led by teenage drummer Dexter Sales.

But it wasn't all about the music. For many families, the draw was the array of children's activities. Face painting was a big hit, with artist Alexis Marrero transforming young faces into works of art. Kids also enjoyed arts and crafts, lawn games, and a magic show by Tyler Reed.

The event also had a charitable component, with guests encouraged to donate nonperishable food items for Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank. The festival embodied the vision of a community gathering where music, art, and creativity come together.

Organizers say the partnership between Berks Arts and GoggleWorks was a natural fit, allowing them to draw on each other's strengths. The festival reflects a shift in Berks Arts' approach to programming, with a focus on showcasing local musicians. This year's event gave festivalgoers a chance to experience the best of Berks County's music scene.