Craft Shows & Fairs in Reading, Pennsylvania
Reading sits at the center of Berks County — Pennsylvania Dutch Country's eastern edge — surrounded by farmland, historic boroughs, and a region with genuine handmade traditions. Its proximity to Kutztown, Allentown, and Lancaster puts it within reach of some of the state's most distinctive craft events, and its own Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen keeps local juried craft activity alive.
Reading's Craft Show Scene
Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen- Organizes juried craft festivals in the Reading/Berks County area
- Handmade-only standard: every item was made by the exhibiting artist
- Visitors can speak directly with makers about process and inspiration
- Festivals typically run in spring and fall at various venues
- Converted factory building; working studios, galleries, maker community
- Disciplines: glasswork, ceramics, textiles, and more
- Gallery openings and occasional artisan events year-round
- Church and school vendor shows in Boyertown, Mohnton, and surrounding boroughs
- Harvest Craft Fair (Reading) — annual fall event
- Active in October–December
County Fairs Near Reading
Berks County Fair- Location: Leesport Farmers Market & Fairgrounds (~8 miles north of Reading)
- Timing: Typically July
- Features: Livestock, 4-H, carnival, home arts judging (quilts, needlework, baked goods)
- The county's primary agricultural fair
Berks County's Pennsylvania German heritage shows in home arts competition: hex signs, decorated pottery, and quilts in traditional patterns are part of the exhibit hall experience.
Best Times to Visit Reading for Craft Events
July — Berks County Fair in Leesport; county fair season Fall (September–October) — Reading-Berks Guild events; community craft shows across the county December — Holiday craft shows at churches and community centers in Reading and surrounding boroughsFor the Kutztown Folk Festival (15 miles east, July 4–12) — the biggest regional craft event of the summer — plan to make the short drive from Reading.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Kutztown, PA — ~15 miles east; Kutztown Folk Festival (July 4–12, 200+ juried folk artists, 2,500+ quilts); Kutztown Fair
- Allentown, PA — ~35 miles northeast; Great Allentown Fair (Labor Day), Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival (September)
- Lancaster, PA — ~35 miles southwest; Lititz Craft Show (October), Heart of Lancaster (Labor Day), PA Guild Summer Fair (June)
- Harrisburg, PA — ~50 miles west; Artsfest at Riverfront Park (May, 150+ juried artisans)
- Philadelphia, PA — ~60 miles southeast; PMA Craft Show (November), Rittenhouse Square show (May)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Reading, Pennsylvania?
The Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen runs the best local juried craft festivals with a handmade-only standard. The Berks County Fair at Leesport (~8 miles north, July) is the county's primary fair event. Kutztown Folk Festival (15 miles east) and Lancaster County events (35 miles west) are accessible day trips for major regional shows.
When do craft shows happen in Reading?
Reading-Berks Guild events run in spring and fall. Berks County Fair is in July. Community craft shows concentrate in October–December.
Are there country fairs near Reading?
The Berks County Fair at Leesport is the primary county agricultural fair (~8 miles north, typically July). Boyertown Fair offers a smaller community option in northern Berks County.
Is there a handmade market scene in Reading?
The Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen is the organized core. GoggleWorks Center for the Arts supports studio artists and occasional maker events downtown. Community-level craft shows are active in fall and at the holidays.
Find Events in Reading
Search CraftShow Events to explore craft shows, county fairs, and artisan events in Reading and throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania.