Upcoming events.
Stay connected with what’s happening in our community! Check out the list below for upcoming events you won’t want to miss. From local meetings and town events, to educational workshops and public gatherings, there’s something for everyone.
Send us an email at tgregory@TheReadingObserver.com to add local events to the calendar.
Scroll down to explore highlights from past events and see what we’ve been up to!
New Year's Day
New Year’s Day marks the start of a new year, a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration. Many people gather with family and friends to welcome new beginnings, set goals, and look ahead with hope and optimism. It’s a day to rest, recharge, and embrace the possibilities the year ahead may bring.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Office with Karen Herrick
Join Select Board Member Karen Gately-Herrick at her office hours on Thursday January 8 at the Pleasant Street Center from 12:00PM-1:00PM. Come by to ask questions, share your thoughts, or just say hello!
Walker’s Brook Drive Kick-Off Meeting
The Town of Reading invites you to help shape the future of Walkers Brook Drive. We will share project updates, potential design alternatives, and next steps. Your input is key to guide this phase.
Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, a leader in the American civil rights movement. It’s a day of reflection, service, and commitment to equality, justice, and community.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Holi
Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a joyful Hindu celebration marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. People gather to throw vibrant powders, dance, share sweets, and celebrate love, renewal, and community.
Winterfest
Winterfest returns to the Reading Town Common!
Winterfest is back! Join us on Thursday, March 5th, from 5 - 8 PM
in Reading Square for this outdoor festival.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Easter
Easter celebrates renewal, hope, and joy. Many observe the day with worship services, family gatherings, and community events such as egg hunts and springtime festivities.
Local Election
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM
Location: Hawkes Fieldhouse at Reading Memorial High School (82 Oakland Road)
Vote for candidates for Select Board, School Committee, Reading Municipal Lights Department (RMLD), Board of Library Trustees (BoLT), and Town Meeting Members.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Annual Town Meeting - Night 1
Join us for Reading Annual Town Meeting, where elected Town Meeting Members will discuss and vote on key issues shaping our community. This is your opportunity to stay informed and engaged in local governance!
Annual Town Meeting - Night 2
The Town of Reading will hold Night 3 of Town Meeting to cover any remaining topics not discussed during the first two nights. Town Meeting Members will continue deliberating and voting on important local matters.
Annual Town Meeting - Night 3
The Town of Reading will hold Night 3 of Town Meeting to cover any remaining topics not discussed during the first two nights. Town Meeting Members will continue deliberating and voting on important local matters.
Annual Town Meeting - Night 4
The Town of Reading will hold Night 3 of Town Meeting to cover any remaining topics not discussed during the first two nights. Town Meeting Members will continue deliberating and voting on important local matters.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who lost their lives in military service to our nation. Communities come together to remember their sacrifice through ceremonies, parades, and acts of remembrance.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom. It’s a day of celebration, reflection, and education about freedom and equality.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Independence Day
Independence Day celebrates the founding of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Families and friends gather for parades, fireworks, and festivities that honor freedom and unity.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
State Primary Election
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM
Location: Hawkes Fieldhouse at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Vote for candidates for senators and representatives.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Labor Day
Labor Day pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of American workers. It’s both a time to celebrate the nation’s workforce and enjoy a well-deserved day of rest marking the unofficial end of summer.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the history, cultures, and resilience of Native peoples. It’s a time to recognize their enduring contributions and to reflect on the importance of truth and reconciliation.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Halloween
Halloween brings a spirit of fun and creativity as children and families dress in costumes, enjoy treats, and celebrate with festive decorations and events around town.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Diwali
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu celebration symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families and communities gather to light diyas, share sweets, exchange gifts, and celebrate joy, renewal, and hope for the year ahead.
Subsequent Town Meeting - Night 1
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Information will be updated when the warrant is posted.
Subsequent Town Meeting - Night 2
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Information will be updated when the warrant is posted.
Subsequent Town Meeting - Night 3
Date: Monday, November 16, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Information will be updated when the warrant is posted.
Subsequent Town Meeting - Night 4
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Information will be updated when the warrant is posted.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. It’s a day of reflection, generosity, and community.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Chanukah
Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Families light the menorah, share traditional foods, play games, and celebrate hope, faith, and perseverance.
Select Board Meeting
Information will be updated when the agenda and packet are posted prior to the meeting.
Christmas Day
Christmas celebrates joy, giving, and togetherness. Many observe the day with festive traditions, decorations, and gatherings with loved ones to share the spirit of the season.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African American culture, community, and heritage. Observed from December 26 to January 1, it honors seven guiding principles—including unity, self-determination, and creativity—through gatherings, reflection, and joy.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African American culture, heritage, and community observed from December 26 to January 1. Each day highlights one of the Seven Principles, including unity, self-determination, and creativity. The holiday is marked by candle lighting, reflection, music, and gatherings that honor family and cultural pride.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. It’s a day to gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, share festive meals, and embrace the spirit of generosity and peace that defines the holiday season.
Select Board Meeting
Discuss and vote to execute a new grant agreement with Reading Community Television (RCTV)
Discuss Burbank Ice Arena Memorandum of Understanding/Master License Agreement
Discuss and vote on sunset date for Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACE)
Discuss and vote on procedure for Town Manager Evaluation including selection of direct reports to participate in a 360-degree assessment as outlined in Section V.(B) of the Town Manager Contract
December Blood Pressure Screening
Take a proactive step toward better health - stop by for a free, walk-in blood pressure screening with the Town Nurse.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is a simple but powerful way to protect your health. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms but can increase your risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
December Blood Pressure Screening
Take a proactive step toward better health - stop by for a free, walk-in blood pressure screening with the Town Nurse.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is a simple but powerful way to protect your health. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms but can increase your risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Reading Town Common (16 Lowell Street) with activities to follow at the First Congressional Church (25 Woburn Street)
Chanukah
Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that honors the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Families light the menorah, enjoy traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, exchange gifts, and celebrate the triumph of light, faith, and perseverance.
Special Music Sunday at UUCR
Please join us for a Special Music Sunday this weekend, presented by our talented music ministry here at Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading.
Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair
This event is a wonderful holiday marketplace featuring approximately 50 craft vendors exhibiting and selling their creations. The RMHS Main Street hallway will be transformed with seasonal decorations and musical performances throughout the day.
Intergenerational Program - Holiday Stained Glass Art
Judy Romatelli and her staff brings their expertise in stained glass to Reading for a warm, festive intergenerational stained-glass workshop, where children, teens, adults, grandparents, any two (or more!) generations come together to create holiday-inspired stained-glass panels that can be displayed or gifted. This program is a collaborative effort between Reading Recreation and Elder & Human Services!
Select Board Meeting
Department budget presentations:
Library
Facilities
Public Services/Administrative Services
Finance
Shared costs
Budget summary
Discuss and vote on extension of deadlines for Town Manager review and notification of contract renewal
Vote to approve bond issuance of $68,915,000
Festival of Trees
Our annual holiday fundraiser is a great family event! Visitors will be delighted and inspired by a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees that are raffled off to lucky winners!
Decorated trees are donated by local families, businesses, organizations, and schools. With a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and themes to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Donors have decorated a tree as a family project, in memory of a loved one, to promote a cause, or to advertise their business.
Festival of Trees
Our annual holiday fundraiser is a great family event! Visitors will be delighted and inspired by a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees that are raffled off to lucky winners!
Decorated trees are donated by local families, businesses, organizations, and schools. With a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and themes to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Donors have decorated a tree as a family project, in memory of a loved one, to promote a cause, or to advertise their business.
Shop the Block
Celebrate local this holiday season! Come support your favorite downtown Reading businesses during Shop the Block 2025. Enjoy special promotions, festive cheer, and the chance to find unique gifts — all while supporting the small businesses that make our community thrive.
December Blood Pressure Screening
Take a proactive step toward better health - stop by for a free, walk-in blood pressure screening with the Town Nurse.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is a simple but powerful way to protect your health. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms but can increase your risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Select Board Meeting
Department budget presentations from:
Police Department
Fire Department
Health Department
Technology
Public Works
Select Board Meeting
RCTV contract update and vote
Discuss and vote on Human Rights Resolution
Update from Ad-Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACE)
Public Hearing: Discuss and vote on Change of Manager and Change of Officers for an Annual All-Alcohol Club Liquor License for Reading Veterans Association, d/b/a American Legion Post 62, Located at 37 Ash Street
Vote to Approve Annual Liquor Licenses
Vote on Submittal of Charter Amendment Home Rule Petition (Article 9 of the 2025 Subsequent Town Meeting) to the Legislature
Discuss and vote on procedure for Town Manager Evaluation
Discuss Peer Communities
Review 2026 Meeting Schedule
Executive Session (Purpose 3): Discuss potential for joining City of La Crosse v. Oshkosh Corporation, et. al. (Class Action case/Fire Truck pricing)
Executive Session Purpose 2: To conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel (Town Manager Kraunelis)
Reading Tree Lighting
The Annual Tree Lighting celebration is a community event bringing together local restaurants, retail businesses and community groups for a fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is a time to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and reflect on the many things we’re grateful for. it’s a day to enjoy traditions old and new — from turkey dinners and football games to giving back and connecting with the community.
Subsequent Town Meeting - Night 4
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Watch
Materials
November Blood Pressure Screening
Take a proactive step toward better health - stop by for a free, walk-in blood pressure screening with the Town Nurse.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is a simple but powerful way to protect your health. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms but can increase your risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Subsequent Town Meeting - Night 3
Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Watch
Materials
November Blood Pressure Screening
Take a proactive step toward better health - stop by for a free, walk-in blood pressure screening with the Town Nurse.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is a simple but powerful way to protect your health. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms but can increase your risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
RMHS Catch Me If You Can Musical
Get ready for a high-flying adventure as the RMHS Drama Club proudly presents Catch Me If You Can: The Musical, based on the hit DreamWorks film and the incredible true story that inspired it! Performances will run from November 7th-16th, at the Endslow Performing Arts Center at RMHS.
Subsequent Town Meeting - Night 2
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Watch
Materials
November Blood Pressure Screening
Take a proactive step toward better health - stop by for a free, walk-in blood pressure screening with the Town Nurse.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is a simple but powerful way to protect your health. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms but can increase your risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Veteran's Day Ceremony
Join the Town of Reading in honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The event will take place at Memorial Park, featuring remarks from local officials, a wreath-laying ceremony, and participation from community groups. All residents are invited to attend and pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Subsequent Town Meeting - Night 1
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)
Watch
Materials
Specific Town Meeting Information, including Instructional Motions.
Select Board Office with Karen Herrick
Join Select Board Member Karen Gately-Herrick at her office hours on Monday November 10 at the Pleasant Street Center from 12:15PM-1:15PM. Come by to ask questions, share your thoughts, or just say hello!
Puzzle & Board Game Swap
Do you love puzzles and games? Now's your chance to refresh your collection! Trade your old favorites for exciting new ones at the library, where you can snag a free puzzle or game!