Good morning, Reading.

Christ Church (Episcopal) invites the community to a free Bicentennial Block Party today from noon to 5 p.m. on Court Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, featuring live music from the John King Dance Band, food trucks, a bounce house, and family activities with tables from local organizations.

Reading hosts the final weekend of the Official Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone today and tomorrow, 11 a.m. — 7 p.m. at Santander Arena and Penn Street.

Fans will watch live FIFA 2026 matches with Spanish and English broadcasts and enjoy concerts, games, and family activities while select downtown streets close.

Berks Pride Fest returns for its 20th year this weekend as organizers mark the milestone with family-friendly events and local performances, promising a festive atmosphere for the community.

Historic Burnside Plantation is hosting its 39th annual Blueberry Festival this weekend at the plantation site; crews are preparing tents and signs as thousands are expected to attend.

The event will offer local visitors a day of fun and community spirit.

Local business leaders and officials are working to help 1,500 union workers as the JBS Souderton plant prepares to close on August 14 — job fairs and buyer discussions aim to boost local employment and stabilize the economy.

The Berks Holocaust Education Center Museum opened Thursday, July 16 in Mohnton on the same lot as the Berks Military History Museum.

Rep. Mark Gillen said the museum will welcome local school groups & volunteers as it grows to better educate visitors on the Holocaust.

Berks school districts have been allocated nearly $43 million from Pennsylvania's 2026–27 budget, with Reading receiving a boost of $25.6 million through Ready to Learn Block Grants.

School leaders say the increased funding will support basic and special education as needs grow.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Albany Township has launched a multi-year research project on the vulnerable northern harrier, asking residents to report sightings from May to July (peak nesting season) in grasslands and marsh areas.

Researchers will combine satellite tracking with past data to learn how habitat changes affect nesting.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday approved a 4.75% rate rise for water and a 14.17% rise for wastewater at Pennsylvania American Water to fund repairs and upgrades in Exeter Township and Berks County (supporting efforts to protect local waterways).

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a modified rate plan for Pennsylvania American Water that cuts the proposed revenue increase by more than half while ordering customer service improvements.

The new rates (using a 4.75% increase for water and 14.17% for wastewater) take effect Aug. 13.

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.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band performing classic hits in an authentic style.