THECITYBRIEF

Reading

What's On in Reading – Events This Week & Things To Do

Reading right now: 5 events this week · 1 categories

Subscribe now for a free, weekly personalised email on what's going on in Reading.
Delivered every Thursday.

Only for Reading and what matters to you.
One email. Every Thursday. No noise.
No spam, no cost.

Reading has layers, from the medieval charm of Greyfriars Church to Basildon Park’s 18th-century rooms, from riverside walks at View Island to The Oracle. But here's the thing: keeping up with what's actually worth doing gets lost in the noise. Local events, happenings in Whitley and Earley, seasonal activities, they all scatter across social media and community boards. That's where we come in. Every week, The City Brief brings you what matters, stripped of the scrolling. Just the best of your city, straight to your inbox.

A peek inside recent issues

Preview of The City Brief Reading weekly newsletter
Preview of The City Brief Reading weekly newsletter – sample issue
Preview of The City Brief Reading weekly newsletter – past edition

Events in Reading This Weekend

The Orb

· Nightlife & Music

The Orb performs their signature blend of psychedelic, progressive, and house-infused techno at SUB89.

Susan Calman: Tall Tales

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Susan Calman presents her stand-up show 'Tall Tales' at Reading Concert Hall.

View all events this weekend →

Events in Reading This Week

40S & 50s Singles Night @ be at One Reading | Love at First Sign

· Nightlife & Music

An astrology-themed singles night for 40s and 50s attendees features speed dating and prizes at Be At One in Reading.

30S & 40s Singles Night @ be at One Reading | Love at First Sign

· Nightlife & Music

30s & 40s singles night with astrology-themed speed dating and prizes in Reading.

The Orb

· Nightlife & Music

The Orb performs their signature blend of psychedelic, progressive, and house-infused techno at SUB89.

Susan Calman: Tall Tales

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Susan Calman presents her stand-up show 'Tall Tales' at Reading Concert Hall.

View all events this week →

Explore Events by Category

Looking for something specific in Reading?

What Readers Are Saying

The City Brief keeps me in the loop on local events. I never miss a thing anymore.

A newsletter that actually covers what's happening and not full of ads. Highly recommend.

Simple, useful, and delivered right to my inbox. Exactly what I needed.

It's the main place I check to see what's on at the weekend. Saves me doom-scrolling through everything else.

The City Brief makes it easy to spot the good stuff before everyone else does.

Upcoming Events by Category

Culture & Arts

Fundraising Forum Nov 2026 - Online Via Zoom

· Be At One, Reading · Culture & Arts

Charity fundraising forum for leaders of UK charities to discuss strategies and share best practices.

View all Culture & Arts events →

Food & Drink

Attend The Community Awards - 29 October 2026

· Reading Voluntary Action · Food & Drink

The Community Awards ceremony honours local volunteers and groups for their contributions to the community.

View all Food & Drink events →

Nightlife & Music

40S & 50s Singles Night @ be at One Reading | Love at First Sign

· Nightlife & Music

An astrology-themed singles night for 40s and 50s attendees features speed dating and prizes at Be At One in Reading.

30S & 40s Singles Night @ be at One Reading | Love at First Sign

· Nightlife & Music

30s & 40s singles night with astrology-themed speed dating and prizes in Reading.

The Orb

· Nightlife & Music

The Orb performs their signature blend of psychedelic, progressive, and house-infused techno at SUB89.

Susan Calman: Tall Tales

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Susan Calman presents her stand-up show 'Tall Tales' at Reading Concert Hall.

View all Nightlife & Music events →

Reading Places And Events Guides

Things to do in Reading

What's on in Reading covers a wide range of activities throughout the year. Whether you’re searching for things to do in Reading or looking for events in Reading, the site helps you find live music, theatre, food and drink experiences, family activities, shopping, and fitness opportunities across the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods like Whitley and Earley. From cultural performances to street food markets, there is regular programming for different interests and age groups. Reading offers diverse event types across multiple venues and spaces. You can find food festivals and street food markets, live music performances in green spaces, shopping and markets at The Oracle and beyond, family and kids activities, nightlife options in the town centre, and fitness and outdoor pursuits along the Thames Path and Kennet & Avon Canal. The town’s landmarks, including Reading Abbey Ruins and Basildon Park, host cultural events and educational activities throughout the year. The site makes it easy to browse events this week and events this weekend by category, neighbourhood, and venue. You can filter by event type such as Food & Drink, Culture & Arts, Family & Kids, Nightlife & Music, Shopping & Markets, and Fitness & Outdoors. Local guides and venue pages help you understand what's happening near you and plan visits to spaces across central Reading and areas like Calcot and Shinfield.

Common Reading Questions

### What are the most popular event categories in Reading? Reading’s event calendar covers six main categories: Food & Drink, Family & Kids, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Fitness & Outdoors, and Shopping & Markets. These reflect the city’s character, from street food markets to live music venues. You’ll find cultural experiences at Reading Abbey Ruins, recreational pursuits along the Thames Path, and entertainment at venues throughout town. ### What kinds of events happen in Reading during the week? Throughout the week, Reading hosts theatre productions, live performances, markets, and cultural exhibitions, alongside food and sports activities. The Blue Collar Street Food Market operates twice weekly, while venues across Reading regularly programme live music, comedy, and arts events. You can also find shopping experiences, fitness classes, and outdoor activities centred on landmarks such as Reading Abbey Ruins and the Kennet & Avon Canal. The City Brief’s weekly listings showcase all event types across these six categories. ### How often are Reading event listings updated? The City Brief maintains current event listings throughout the week, ensuring you have the latest information. Coverage includes recurring events like the weekly Flea Market and twice-weekly Blue Collar Street Food Market, as well as one-off performances and cultural activities. Check the weekly and weekend sections, or browse by category or venue, to discover fresh options. ### How can I find out what's on in Reading this weekend? Visit our dedicated ‘this weekend’ section to see all events across the city. You can also explore by category (Food & Drink, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Family & Kids, Fitness & Outdoors, or Shopping & Markets), browse by venue, or view curated guides. This helps you filter events by interest, whether you seek entertainment at The Oracle, outdoor experiences along the Thames Path, or cultural activities at Reading Abbey Ruins. ### Where can I find live music in Reading? Live music thrives in Reading through our Nightlife & Music category, listing performances at venues and events. From intimate pub gigs to larger concerts, the category regularly features upcoming shows and festivals. Reading Abbey Ruins also hosts music alongside other cultural events. Browse the Nightlife & Music category on The City Brief to discover the latest live music happening this week or weekend.