Good morning, Reading.

City officials opened the Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone at Santander Arena on Friday with a ribbon cutting that kicked off a weekend of free events, featuring live match broadcasts on large screens and an outdoor block party on Penn Street.

Downtown streets will remain closed through Saturday.

Friday, Reading hosted its first World Cup Fan Zone event with a watch party at Santander Arena and a block party on Penn Street that drew thousands.

Today the block party runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with games at 1 and 5 p.m.

Owen Macfarlane, a 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Scout Troop 101, replaced a deteriorating bridge on the Sacony Creek Trail in Kutztown to improve safety and access.

He managed challenges with local donations (including discounted materials from A.D. Moyer) and Borough funding to finish his project.

George Washington slept at the historic Federal Inn on Oct.

1, 1794 as he led a militia to quell a whiskey tax revolt — a key event in local heritage that developer Alan Shuman now works to preserve.

Reading Theater Project will present Judd Lear Silverman's farce 'Just What the Doctor Ordered' on July 18 at 1 p.m. at Wyomissing Library on Reading Blvd; a post-performance Q&A with the playwright follows.

Marissa Guidara, a youth services district consultant with Reading District Libraries, has been named to the 2027 Caldecott Committee — she will help choose the best illustrated American picture book for children and share local library joy with the broader literary community.

The Giant Co. and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced 21 recipients of its 2026 Healing the Planet grant program to support native plantings, awarding $100,000 for shovel-ready projects in eligible counties including Reading — where the 18th Wonder Improvement Association is one recipient.

Boyertown captured the Berks County League regular season title on Thursday night by scoring 16 runs against Topton/Oley Post 217 (its powerful offense led the win) and secured an automatic berth in the Region 2 Tournament starting July 17 to 21 in Quakertown.

Upcycled! Rugmaking Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — $10 per person — Create a unique hand-made rug using traditional techniques and modern materials from scrap fabric.

Pretzel History and Tales

7-8 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — Free entry — Discover how the pretzel lived through Prohibition and other fascinating stories.

Altoona Curve at Reading Fightin Phils

6:45-7:45 p.m. — Reading Fightin Phils — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the excitement of minor league baseball and the spectacular Carpenter MEGA BLAST FIREWORKS show!

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Watch Party

2-6 p.m. — Santander Arena — Free entry — Experience the World Cup excitement with live broadcasts and a festive atmosphere for fans of all ages.

Super Chevy Showdown

All day — Maple Grove Raceway — Check website for entry fees — A weekend filled with thrilling races, classic car shows, and all things Chevy.

The Hindley Street Country Club Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of re-imagined covers performed by a talented group of Adelaide musicians.