Berks Jazz Fest is one of the events Reading, PA, is best known for, bringing together legendary performers, emerging artists, and an audience that truly loves live music. Each spring, the region comes alive as jazz flows through theatres, clubs, and intimate venues across the area. The jazz fest attracts visitors from across the country, who come not just for the event but for the sense of community and creativity. Whether you are a lifelong jazz fan or simply looking for memorable things to do in Reading, PA, this festival offers standout performances worth planning a trip around.
Beyond the stages of the Berks Jazz Fest, there are plenty of things to do in Reading, PA. Penn Avenue in West Reading is lined with locally owned restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore between performances. The area is known for its walkable layout and great food scene, making it a favorite stop for visitors wondering what to do in Reading outside the main jazz fest schedule.
After a full day of music and exploring, returning to The South Mountain Inn is a welcome shift in energy. As a Bed and Breakfast in Reading, we attract guests with our elevated approach to lodging. We offer sweeping mountain views, thoughtful amenities, and personalized hospitality that sets us apart from traditional Reading lodging options. Guests wake up to fresh coffee delivered to their room and enjoy a full, delicious breakfast before heading out for another day of jazz. Book your stay today!
Don’t Miss the Annual Berks Jazz Fest!
The Berks Jazz Fest is an event many guests talk about long after the final performance. For thirty-five years, world-class musicians have performed in venues throughout Berks County. It’s a trip worth planning early, as tickets sell quickly and those who book ahead often enjoy a wider selection of shows, from major concerts to smaller, more intimate performances. Drawing more than 30,000 visitors each year, it remains one of the most celebrated events Reading, PA has to offer.
What makes the Berks Jazz Fest especially appealing is how easy it is to build an entire trip around it. Guests often attend an afternoon set, explore the area, enjoy a dinner in West Reading, then head back out for an evening show. Many visitors choose to see multiple Berks Jazz Fest performances over the ten-day schedule, combining major concerts by headliners with local events in smaller club settings for a well-rounded experience. Seasoned festivalgoers recommend grabbing at least one late-night set for a more relaxed vibe.
This year, the Berks Jazz Fest is being extended through the month of April in recognition of National Jazz Appreciation Month. Established by the Smithsonian in 2001, Jazz Appreciation Month honors the legacy of jazz while encouraging people of all ages to explore its history, artists, and lasting cultural impact. The extended six week Boscov’s Jazz Fest will conclude on April 30, International Jazz Day, with a special concert featuring renowned trumpeter Rick Braun performing the music of Chuck Mangione.
The festival officially kicks off with an opening night celebration concert at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Brian Culbertson will mark his 26th appearance at the Berks Jazz Fest, bringing his talents as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with 40 Billboard number one hits. Other headliners include Grammy Award winning Chris Botti, R&B artist Eric Benet, Stanley Jordan Plays the Dead, and Boney James. Additional ticketed events include popular Sunday Jazz brunches and Sunday with the Pops featuring Eric Marienthal and David Benoit. Tickets for major concerts are available through TicketMaster.
In additon to more than forty major concerts, the Berks Jazz Fest is partners with local bars, clubs, and venues to bring live music throughout Berks County. The local events schedule, updated regularly by Berks Arts, includes features free events like Soulful Jazz and Uplifting Gospel Music, Jazz Worship Service, and Swing Night. Art lovers can also explore The Art of Jazz exhibit, shown at GoogleWorks in February before moving to the DoubleTree Hotel in March.
Book the Best Bed and Breakfast in Reading
When it comes to choosing where to stay during the Berks Jazz Fest, our Bed and Breakfast in Reading PA rises well above other lodging options in the area. Located just minutes from West Reading, you’ll be welcomed with thoughtful details, like freshly made cookies, mountain views, and inviting spaces that make it easy to unplug after a full day of music and exploring events Reading PA.
Pairing the jazz fest with the best things to do in Reading creates an excellent getaway, especially when staying close enough to relax and recharge between performances. West Reading along Penn Avenue remains a top spot for dining and shopping. And allowing extra time for a casual walk often leads to unexpected discoveries. Dining in West Reading ranges from upscale dining to relaxed neighborhood spots, and reservations are strongly recommended during the Berks Jazz Fest. Between our Bed and Breakfast and West Reading, Willoughby’s on Park in Wyomissing is a fine dining steakhouse with exceptional craft cocktails. A favorite relaxed neighborhood spot is Ozgood’s Grill and Bar, serving local favorites like deep-fried pickles and smothered chicken.
One of the best things to do in Reading is to get outside. We are surrounded by scenic trails and beautiful lakes, including more than 30 miles of trails at Blue Marsh Lake and bird-watching on the Atlantic Flyway at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. The Reading Public Museum is a popular daytime attraction with a vast art collection, cultural exhibits, and collections that easily fill more time than expected. Other visitors plan a late afternoon visit to take in the views from Mt. Penn at the Reading Pagoda on Skyline Drive, one of the most iconic things to do in Reading, PA.
What makes our Bed and Breakfast especially appealing during the jazz fest is the sense of calm that greets you at the end of the day. You are close enough to all the best things to do in Reading PA, yet far enough to enjoy quiet mornings and peaceful evenings. Coffee delivered to your guest room door each morning is a favorite guest perk, and our optional add-on charcuterie makes for an easy dinner between shows. Reserving early is encouraged as Berks Jazz Fest weekends are among the most popular times of year to visit. Reserve your room now!
