Aprilfest returns to Reading Town Common after weather delay
(3-4 minute read)
Flyer by the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce.
After a snowy delay pushed the event out of March, the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce is bringing the celebration back this week - this time it is Aprilfest.
Residents are invited to head to the Reading Town Common on Thursday, April 16, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm for a free, family-friendly evening celebrating the community and local businesses.
Originally planned as the Chamber’s annual Winterfest, the event was postponed due to snow coverage on the Common. Now, with spring underway, the reimagined Aprilfest continues the tradition of gathering the community as the colder months come to an end.
What to expect
Aprilfest will feature a wide range of activities and attractions, all supported by local sponsors. Attendees can expect:
Fire tables and s’mores
Live music
Local food vendors
Beer & wine vendors
Lit ice sculptures
Booths from local businesses and craft artists
The event also encourages residents to explore downtown, strolling between booths, visiting local shops and restaurants, and reconnecting with neighbors after a long winter.
A community-centered tradition
Established in 2022, the Chamber’s annual winter celebration was designed to bring residents together during the transition out of winter. While this year’s shift to April was unexpected, organizers say the goal remains the same: creating a welcoming, vibrant space for the community to connect.
Sponsor spotlight
Local businesses play a key role in making Aprilfest possible. Two sponsors shared why supporting the event and the broader community matters to them.
Royal Air Systems
Royal Air Systems, a family-run residential heating and air conditioning company based in North Reading since 1980, emphasized that its involvement goes beyond sponsorship; it reflects long-standing ties to the community.
Serving many families in Reading and North Reading, the company described Aprilfest as “exactly the kind of event we like to be a part of,” pointing to its local focus and family-friendly atmosphere. Their participation marks their third year sponsoring the event, continuing a broader commitment to showing up for the community through initiatives like Town Day, Tree Lighting celebrations, and school involvement.
They also highlighted the value of these events in building relationships outside of day-to-day business.
“We’re not just a truck in the driveway - we’re part of the same community. That kind of connection builds trust.”
For Royal Air Systems, Aprilfest is as much about reconnecting with customers and neighbors as it is about supporting a local tradition.
Route 128 Honda
For Route 128 Honda, Aprilfest represents an opportunity to connect directly with the community they serve every day.
Located nearby along Route 128, the dealership noted that a significant portion of its customers come from Reading and surrounding towns, making events like Aprilfest a natural extension of its local presence.
Their approach is straightforward - show up, be visible, and build relationships.
“Events like Aprilfest bring a lot of people together in one place, and it’s an opportunity for us to be part of that.”
They emphasized that consistent participation in community events helps build recognition and trust over time, reinforcing their connection to local residents beyond the dealership.
At the same time, they pointed to the broader impact of events like Aprilfest.
“When people get out, local business show up, and families spend time together - it creates energy in the community. And when that happens, it supports everyone.”
Join the community on April 16
With warmer weather finally arriving, Aprilfest offers residents a chance to gather, reconnect, and celebrate the local community in a relaxed, festive setting.
Organizers encourage residents to stop by, explore downtown, and enjoy an evening on the Town Common.
