YOUR DISTRICT STAFF 
Here to serve you
645 Penn Street, Suite 505
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Office: 610-376-6424
Fax: 610-376-6912
Ambassador Direct: 484-955-0315
Chuck Broad, Executive Director, 610-376-6424, ext 22
charles.broad@downtownreading.com
Lynn Patton, Office Manager, 610-376-6424, ext 21
lynn.patton@downtownreading.com
Merle Cattani, Ambassador Mgr, 610-376-6424, ext 23
merle.cattani@downtownreading.com
|
|
|
|
 |
Inaugural arts festival Reading Hosted at the Country's Largest, Most Comprehensive Interactive Arts Center, October 20 & 21
|
|
Experience a weekend of art during arts festival Reading, October 20 & 21, 10am-5pm at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts! This exciting two-day event will feature handcrafted work by more than 90 high-caliber artists and crafts people from around the country. Attendees will discover unique gift ideas -- just in time for the holidays -- including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, photography, paintings and sculpture.
"This show features a group of artists who have never been gathered before under one roof," shares Penny Golden, arts festival Reading Chair. "We are excited by the caliber of artists participating in our first festival. Many artists have been accepted into other prestigious regional shows and festivals."
See various fine art and fine craft demonstrations including hot glass, jewelry wire wrapping, lampwork beadmaking, Scherenschnitte paper cutting, weaving, Windsor Chair making and woodturning. Unique movies will be shown in the Film Theater including sing-alongs and silent movies accompanied by live music. Five area restaurants will offer a range of cuisine from local fair to Mediterranean inspired dishes.
What makes arts festival Reading truly different for other art festivals is its venue, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. The building, which is more than 140 years old, formerly housed the Willson Goggle Factory, a company that led the world in the development of safety products with groundbreaking innovations. Today the arts center offers an innovative approach to art, featuring 34 studios for working professional artists, four ever-changing galleries, a film theater, a café, Store, offices for arts and cultural organizations, as well as studios for ceramics, hot, cold and warm glass, wood sculpture, digital media, photography, jewelry and dance. Programs at GoggleWorks provide quality arts-based activities to a diverse audience throughout the year.
Admission to arts festival Reading is $7 in advance; $8 at the door. To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit artsfestivalreading.org or call 610.374.4600, ext. 104. Proceeds from this unique event benefit GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and its mission to "nurture the arts, foster creativity, promote education and enrich the community."
|
|
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a community art and cultural resource center for Berks County, Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania, and is the largest, most comprehensive interactive arts center of its kind in the country. GoggleWorks' mission is to "nurture the arts, foster creativity, promote education and enrich the community." GoggleWorks is open daily from 11a.m. to 7p.m. Free parking is available in GoggleWorks parking lot, accessible from Second, Third or Walnut Streets. For more information, call GoggleWorks at 610.374.4600 or visit www.goggleworks.org.
|
|
Make your reservations today!
Reserve your admission to this community awareness event and fundraiser for Berks Women in Crisis, by calling Karen Nein at 610-370-7810.
The Champagne Brunch will be held in the Cucina Café of the Goggleworks from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Brunch seating will flow out into the Cohen Gallery. The brunch menu will include a delicious and wide assortment of both breakfast and lunch options and assorted beverages, including champagne and mimosas. Select a time for brunch that works with your theater seating time. Seating for the brunch is limited so please reserve early.
Select one of two showing times for Telling Amy's Story in the Goggleworks Theater: 11:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
A post-film discussion will be led by Detective Dierdri Fishel of the State College Police Department, who is featured in the film.
Reservations for the brunch, which includes the film, are $25 per person.
Please make your reservations by Thursday, October 4th.
Reservations for the film screening only are available for $10.
BACK TO THE TOP
|
645 Penn Street
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: 610-374-3065
OCTOBER 22nd - 27th 2012
"The best auction on tv & on the web" click for more information
|
Christ Episcopal Church
and
Trinity Lutheran Church
Reading, PA
www.fallfestivalofthearts.org Sun., Oct. 14th 4:00 pm Trinity Lutheran Church 527 Washington Street, Reading
CANTATICA PRESENTS VIVA MUSICA!
A Celebration of Latin American Music
A truly unique and engaging chamber ensemble, CANTATICA brings to the Fall Festival of the Arts a wonderful array of Latin American music - classical, contemporary, folk and popular. Music from Cuba, Mexico, South America and the United States performed by chamber choir, solo voices, flute, strings, piano and percussion.
BACK TO THE TOP |
|
Wednesday, October 10 | 11am - 3pm
Rain Date: Wednesday, October 24 Open Air Studio
4th and Penn Streets, Reading, PA
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and Reading Downtown Improvement District (DID) are pleased to invite you to the first "Open Air Studio"! Hosted right along the Penn Corridor in downtown Reading, meet GoggleWorks' artists and performers as they showcase their talents! Come see painters, glass makers, culinary demonstrations, ceramic wheel throwing and much more. Experience the fun and power art can have as it livens up Penn Street's bustling scene!
Visit GoggleWorks Center for the Arts to see more of what you will experience during the Open Air Studio. GoggleWorks is open, free of charge, daily from 11am-7pm. Free parking, accessible from 3rd, Walnut and 2nd streets is available. Explore the largest, most comprehensive interactive arts center of its kind at 201 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601. 610.374.4600 | www.goggleworks.org
BACK TO THE TOP
|
|
Pagoda Writers the 1st Saturday of the month from 1-3pm at the Pagoda. Their mission is to inspire writers [of all ages] and provide a creative writing experience through special speakers and workshop...all this is FREE!
10/4/12 - Thursday
7:00 - 9:00 pm (1st Thursday of the Month)
SUNSET AT THE PAGODA
Have dessert and coffee while being entertained by Keith Scharlach & Erin Bailey. The Pagoda Skyline Gift Shoppe will also be open for your shopping pleasure.
For more information call 610-655-2584 ~ readingpagoda.com or visit our facebook page "ReadingPagoda"
BACK TO THE TOP
|
|
Reading Eagle Theater
700 Penn Street
Reading, PA 19602
Friday 10/19/12 6:00 pm
BELLATOR FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
The stage is set for an elite group of Bellator lightweights looking to earn their title shot as The Reading Eagle Theater at The Sovereign Center hosts Bellator 77 from Reading, Pennsylvania on October 19 LIVE on MTV2 and in commercial free HD on EPIX. The night will feature four quarterfinal fights to begin the Bellator Season 7 Lightweight Tournament, headlined by long time MMA veteran Rich "No Love" Clementi taking on undefeated Russian phenom Alexander "Tiger" Sarnavskiy, as well as a host of local talent.
Tuesday 10/12/12 7:00 pm
CHRIS TOMLIN AND IF OUR GOD IS FOR US...............TOUR
An American Christian Contemporary Music artist, worship leader, and songwriter from Grand Saline, Texas, United States. He was awarded Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2006, 2007, 2008 GMA Dove Awards, and Grammy Award Winner for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2012. He was named Artist of the Year in 2007. Tomlin released his seventh studio album, And If Our God Is for Us..., on November 16, 2010. He is one of the members of CompassionArt, a charity founded by Martin Smith (and Smith's wife, Anna) of the band Delirious?.
BACK TO THE TOP |
|
The Teen Department at
The Reading Public Library
100 South Fifth Street
Reading, PA 19602 ~ 610-655-6350
~~TEEN RESOURCES~~
BERKS TALK LINEReading Public Library has a Main library and three branches serving the Berks County community. For more information, log on to www.reading.lib.pa.us or call610-655-6365.
|
|
Sovereign Center
700 Penn Street
Reading, PA 19602
Saturday 10/13/12 7:05 pm
READING ROYALS ~ HOME OPENER
Saturday 10/20/12 7:30 pm
WWE RAW WORLD TOUR
WWE RETURNS TO READING FOR THE 1ST TIME IN 2 YEARS!
JOHN CENA VS. CM PUNK WITH PAUL HEYMAN IN HIS CORNER
- LAST MAN STANDING MATCH FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP -
KANE & DANIEL BRYAN VS. EPICO & PRIMO
- WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH -
PLUS SEE ALL YOUR FAVORITE RAW SUPERSTARS INCLUDING:
SIN CARA
RAW GM - AJ
SANTINO MARELLA
JACK SWAGGER
BRODUS CLAY
DAMIEN SANDOW
EVE
AND MANY MORE!!!
*CARD IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
Sunday 10/21/12 4:05 pm
READING ROYALS
vs Wheeling Nailers
Thursday 10/25/12 7:30 pm
CIRUE DU SOLEIL - SALTIMBANCO
Friday 10/26/12 7:30 pm
CIRUE DU SOLEIL - SALTIMBANCO
Saturday 10/27/12 3:30 pm
CIRUE DU SOLEIL - SALTIMBANCO
Sunday 10/28/12
CIRUE DU SOLEIL - SALTIMBANCO
Saltimbanco is Cirque du Soleil's longest-running touring show and has performed since 1992 to wide-spread acclaim to sell-out audiences in Europe, North and South America, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand for more than 11.5 million enthusiastic fans. Classic Cirque du Soleil at its best, Saltimbanco is a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe inspiring artistry and agility. With a cast of 50 high-caliber artists hailing from 20 different countries, Saltimbanco features breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles. From the seemingly impossible balancing, jumping and spinning during the Chinese Poles or the Russian Swing to the gravity-defying Bungees and Trapeze, the crowd pleasing Juggling and Acrobatic Bicycle, to the celebrated and very unique Clowns. Technical expertise and extravagant design are woven together by uplifting spectacular costumes, amazing lighting, humor and enchanting music and magic. Full of colour, amusement and amazement, Saltimbanco is a fun show for the whole family to enjoy. Saltimbanco
Sunday 10/28/12 5:05 pm
READING ROYALS
vs Toledo Walleys
BACK TO THE TOP |
Saturday 10/06/12 8:00 pm
WANDA SYKES
Wanda Sykes has been called "one of the funniest stand up comics" by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand up has sent her career in many different areas.
Sykes was previously seen on several television shows these past 2 years. On her own late night talk show on FOX, "The Wanda Sykes Show". In October of 2009 for her second HBO stand up special "I'ma Be Me". And in the CBS comedy "The New Adventures of Old Christine" as "Barb". Her first HBO comedy special WANDA SYKES: SICK & TIRED debuted in October 2006 and was nominated for a 2007 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special Saturday 10/13/12 8:00 pm
2012-2012 READING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA #1 Fabio Bidini, Piano
Weber - Oberon
Beethoven - Symphony No. 1
Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto No. 2
Sunday 10/14/12 7:30 pmSTYX
Tommy Shaw, James "JY" Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman and Ricky Phillips (along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo), have performed more live since '99 than all of the previous years of its career combined. Two Super-Bowl appearances, Pollstar Box Office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company (to name only a few), two more studio albums and no end in sight, STYX continues to conquer the planet, one venue at a time.
Saturday 10/20/12 7:00 pm
RON WHITE
Comedian Ron "Tater Salad" White, best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the "Blue Collar Comedy" phenomenon returns to Reading with his new stand-up show, Moral Compass. White has achieved two Grammy nominations, a Gold Record, two of the top rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, a book that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List, and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units.
Ron White "200 Proof" VIP Experience!
Wanna ask Ron a question? Take a picture with him? Just see for yourself if that's really scotch he's drinking? If your answer is yes, then purchase the Ron White "200 Proof" VIP Experience!
At the VIP experience you'll be a part of a small group of fellow fans talking with Ron White and taking a photo with him. Not only will you get this special access after Ron's show, you'll receive a VIP access pass personally signed by Ron White.
Sunday 10/28/12 5:30 pm
DINNER PRIOR TO UNDER THE STREETLAMP
Sunday 10/28/12 7:00 pm
UNDER THE STREETLAMP
With the mantra "Retro never sounded so now!", the dreamy voices of the four lead singers of pop quartet UNDER THE STREETLAMP are poised to bring the repertoire of The American Radio Songbook of the '50's, '60's and 70's to a whole new audience while simultaneously reminding the original fans why they fell in love with the music in the first place. UNDER THE STREETLAMP breathes fresh new life into the music and proves that great music is timeless.
BACK TO THE TOP
|
 PARK SMART
A REMINDER FROM Reading Parking Authority
&
Reading Downtown
Improvement District Authority
WHEREVER YOU ARE - Lock your valuables in the trunk or take them with you. Don't tempt a thief by leaving your keys, cell phone, GPS unit, satellite radio, camera, sports bag, briefcase or purse in full view. If you take your valuables, no one else can.
BACK TO THE TOP
|
|
Do you know any shopping, dining, happenings, or other inside information you think would be appropriate for the D.I.D. "Downtown Digest" or If you are a new business or would like to receive our electronic version of the "Downtown Digest/Downtown Happenings" E-mail us at: info@downtownreading.com or please feel free to contact our office 610-376-6424
BACK TO THE TOP
|
|
|
Ambassadors Schedule
6:30 am - 11:00pm M-F 10:00 am - 6:30 pm Sat
Times are subject to change according to scheduled events
If you need to report a non-emergency incident or to arrange for an escort, call the Ambassador's cell phone 484-955-0315
ALL EMERGECY'S DIAL
911
|
IN THE NEWS
|
|
The board of directors of the Reading Downtown Improvement District Authority will be holding its public meeting on Monday, October 22nd @ Noon. The meetings are held at the DID office, 645 Penn Street,
5th Floor.
|
DOWNTOWN LIVE
Our BCTV show airs the 2nd Thursday of every month (October 11th) at 6:00 pm. It features interviews with restaurant owners, chefs and other business owners within the Downtown Improvement District and highlights upcoming events. The show is produced by Barbara Tarczynski and hosted by David Kersley. The show can be viewed on Comcast Channel 13 and Service Electric Cablevision Channel 19.
To view archived editions, click here
BACK TO THE TOP
|
DOWNTOWN / MAIN STREET PROGRAM
Promotion & Marketing Meeting
The Reading Downtown Improvement District Authority together with the Main Street Program conduct meetings to promote Downtown Reading. These meeting take place on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:45 am. The meetings are open to anyone interested in promoting downtown reading. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 16th at the Outside In - 601 Penn Street, 2nd floor.
|
DOWNTOWN DINING
| |
|
4th & Penn Street Cafe Restaurant
(Formerly Batista)
400 Penn Street
610-478-4077
6th Street Deli
34 N. 6th Street
610-927-5423
Aashiyana Indian Cuisine
16 S 4th Street
610-736-0843
Abraham Lincoln Hotel
Like us on FaceBook
100 N. Fifth Street
610-372-3700
American Coffee House
601 Penn Street
610-374-9385
American Coffee House
450 Penn Street
610-685-0802
Boston House
950 Penn Street
610-373-8831
Café 631
631 Washington Street
610-685-5905
Callowhill Café
134 N. 5th Street, 1st floor
610-736-0209
Crown Chicken
533 Penn Street
610-750-5957
Crystal Palace
56 S 6th Street
610-373-9174
Dainty's
438 Walnut Street
484-794-2375
Dan's Restaurant
11th & Penn Street
610-373-2075
DeCarlo's Bar & Grill
240 Penn Street
610-378-8121
Domino's Pizza
310 Penn Street
610-376-8501
Forest Inn
904 Penn Street
610-372-4421
Galley Restaurant
154 N 6th Street
610-374-7207
Golden Bowl
850 Penn Street
610-371-8680
High Level
1034 Penn Street
610-743-5997
Hong Thanh
22 N 6th Street
610-374-0434
Hunan
334 Penn Street
610-376-8088
Italian & French
Pastry Shop
16 N 6th Street
610-376-9901
Italian Village
46-48 N. 6th Street
610-750-7416
484-706-6412
Judy's on Cherry
332 Cherry Street
610-374-8511
L' Arte della Vita
5th & Washington Street
610-372-3700
Maria's Restaurant & Lounge
408 Penn Street
610-375-7922
Marvel Ranch
359 Penn Street
610-373-7141
Mezcal's
150 N 6th Street
610-685-5272
Mi Casa Su Casa
Like us on FaceBook
"Open Mic" 1st Saturday
of the Month
320 Penn Street
610-375-1161
Off the Avenue Cafe Downtown
Outside In Restaurant & Bar
601 Penn Street, 2nd Fl
610-478-1919
Panevino Italian Restaurant
Like us on FaceBook
25 N. Second Street
Suite 5
610-376-1101
Pauline's Soups
501 Penn Street
610-375-6055
Peanut Bar
332 Penn Street
610-376-8500
Penn Street Tavern
220 Penn Street
610-208-0202
Philly Pretzel Factory
500 Penn Street
610-478-1790
Quiznos
645 Penn Street
610-288-3085
Russo Pizza
527 Penn Street
610-375-8030
Sandi's Salads
401 Penn Street
610-372-0166
Scalia's
555 Penn Street
610-373-7310
Speckled Hen
30 S 4th Street
610-685-8511
Subway
549 Penn Street
610-374-9290
Tweety's Fried Chicken
62 South 6th Street
610-898-4101
570-238-4633
Ugly Oyster
21 S 5th Street
610-373-6791
|
|
|
