The Reading Post

Pleasant Street Center - Sound Healing
2026-05-28 13:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Sound Healing
Enjoy a calming and restorative sound experience designed to promote relaxation and well-being with
Lisa Kawksi.
Thursday, May 28th |1:30–2:30 Please call 781-942-6794 to register. Limited seating. Non-Reading residents waitlisted.
Chairs provided; mats, pillows, and blankets are welcome. This program is generously funded by the Reading Cultural Council

Learn a New Language at Reading Public Library
2026-05-28 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Free English classes, language learning tools, and resources available for all ages and skill levels
Reading, MA — The Reading Public Library (RPL) invites community members to explore new language learning opportunities through free classes and resources designed for all ages and skill levels.
Beginning Thursday, April 23, the library will offer an eight-week Beginner English Class for adults. Held from 6:30–8:00 PM, the class is designed to help participants build confidence and improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The program is led by RPL Librarian Ashley Cristiano, who has more than five years of experience teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and specializes in working with adult beginners. No registration is required—participants may simply attend.
For those who prefer to learn at home, Mango Languages is available free with a library card. This online platform offers lessons in a wide range of languages, including Portuguese, Arabic, English, and American Sign Language, allowing users to learn at their own pace.
Families can also access LOTE4Kids, a digital collection featuring more than 4,500 picture books in over 70 languages, making it easy for children to enjoy stories in their native language or discover new ones.
In addition, the library offers translation tools for borrowing, including a Language Translator for documents and the PockeTalk Translator for real-time conversations. These devices are available at any service desk.
The Reading Public Library remains committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and grow. For more information, visit the library or explore its website.

Reading Public Library Outdoor Concert Series
2026-05-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Friends of the Library present free, family-friendly performances all spring, launching with Little Groove and celebrating the new terrace opening
Reading, MA — The Friends of the Reading Public Library Outdoor Concert Series kicks off on Saturday, May 2 at 10 am, launching a season of free, family-friendly performances at the Reading Public Library.
The concert series will run throughout May and into early June, featuring music and entertainment for children, families, and audiences of all ages. The opening performance welcomes toddler-friendly band Little Groove, followed by a variety of returning favorites and new acts.
Highlights include the return of the King Serpent Variety Troupe with its outlaw-style blend of singing, dancing, and storytelling, as well as performances by Speechless Pop Strings Duo, Fly By Brass Band, and other engaging musical groups. Several concerts are specifically geared toward younger children, offering interactive and age-appropriate experiences.
All concerts will take place outdoors, inviting the community to enjoy live music while taking in the spring weather on the library’s new terrace.
Concert Schedule:

Saturday, May 2 at 10 am: Little Groove (ages 0–5)
Monday, May 4 at 2 pm: King Serpent Variety Troupe
Wednesday, May 6 at 7 pm: Speechless Pop Strings Duo
Friday, May 8 at 10 am: Stacey Peasley (ages 0–5)
Tuesday, May 26 at 7 pm: Fly By Brass Band
Friday, May 29 at 10 am: Sulinha’s Music Trio (ages 0–5)
Saturday, May 30 at 10 am: Mara & Motoko (ages 0–5)
Friday, June 5 at 10 am: Rockabye Beats (ages 0–5)
Friday, June 12 at 10 am: Peter Sheridan (ages 0–5)

The community is also invited to celebrate the official opening of the Library Terrace on Thursday, June 4, at 7 pm. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be followed by light refreshments, and the event is free and open to the public.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Reading Public Library calendar online.

Quannapowitt Players To Present Comedy-Mystery “The Chesapeake Chicks”
2026-05-29 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-30 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-04 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-05 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Peter Zacharis’ new production runs May 22 through June 6 in Reading with alternating casts, mystery, comedy, and baseball nostalgia
Quannapowitt Players will present Peter Zacharis’ new comedy-mystery “The Chesapeake Chicks” from May 22 through June 6.
The play follows the former players of the all-female baseball team, The Chesapeake Chicks, as they return from the funeral of a former teammate, Ann. Their reunion takes a shocking turn when they are given Ann’s journal, containing the chilling message: “If I die tomorrow, know that someone here killed me.”
As suspicion spreads among the former teammates, secrets unravel, and tensions rise while the group races to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. The production has been described as “The Golden Girls meets Murder She Wrote with a splash of A League of Their Own.”
Directed by Angela Courtney Rossi, “The Chesapeake Chicks” features two alternating casts.
The Starting Lineup Cast includes Kate Beattie, Theresa Chiasson, Liz Robbins, Teri Muller, Matthew Lundergan, and Chris Rose.
The On Deck Cast includes Nora Falk, Mary Ellen Macri, Margaret Healey, Phyllis Uloth, Steve Bermundo, and Tommy Mastrangelo.

Performances begin May 22 and continue through June 6. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. An additional Saturday matinee performance will be held on June 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $27 general admission, $25 for seniors and students, and $20 for groups of 10 or more.
Tickets may be purchased online at QP Theater Box Office or by calling the Quannapowitt Players Box Office at (781) 942-2212. Cash and checks are accepted at performances, and credit cards are accepted for a small fee.
For additional information, visit Quannapowitt Players.

Reading Cultural Council Hosts Annual Grantee Reception
2026-06-01 18:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Community invited to meet grant recipients and explore local arts projects on June 1 at Pleasant Street Center
Reading, MA — The Reading Cultural Council invites the public to its annual Grantee Reception, taking place on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Street Center.
This free community event offers an opportunity to learn more about the many individuals and organizations who receive Reading Cultural Council grants—and to see firsthand how those funds support local arts and cultural initiatives.
Attendees will have the chance to meet grantees from the 2024–2025 funding cycle and enjoy a slide presentation showcasing a wide range of creative projects made possible through the support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Reading Cultural Council.
Past grant recipients are especially encouraged to attend and share the success of their funded projects.
Organizers say the evening highlights the depth and diversity of Reading’s cultural community and the impact of continued investment in the arts.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, visit: https://linktr.ee/readingmasscc

Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus Sponsors The Life Transition Binder Workshop
2026-06-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — How many times have family members been faced with the major responsibility of helping an elder (or any other relative/friend) who is no longer able to manage their affairs without any or very little information?
The Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus is sponsoring Sandra Batra’s “Life Transition Binder Workshop” at The Pleasant Street Center. The program is designed to help individuals organize vital personal, financial, medical and legal information. The workshop spans 4 weeks in which participants will work with Sandra to complete their own Life Transition Binder.
The sessions will be held on May 27, June 3, 10 & 17 from 10:00-11:30AM at the Pleasant Street Center. Space is limited to 30 participants, with a few spots remaining. Registration closes on May 6th. To register call the Pleasant Street Center at 781-942-6794.
This program will be invaluable for seniors and will ease the path for those family members entrusted with supporting future needs. The Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus encourage our peers to participate.
If you are interested in this program being provided in the evening or on a weekend, please email “The Friends” at friendsofreadingseniors@gmail.com

Reading Pride Parade and Celebration Returns June 6
2026-06-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Community Invited to Volunteer, Sign Support Letter, and Join Pride Sign-Making Party Ahead of Annual Event
Reading, MA — It’s time to mark your calendars for the 6th annual Reading Pride Parade and Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 6. With DJ Jazzy Jacob, games, and a bubble show, this is an exciting event for residents of all ages.
Hosted by Reading’s POP Huddle and made possible with a grant from the Reading Cultural Council, the event kicks off at 3:00 p.m. on the Town Common. We can’t do it alone, though—we need you to make it bigger and better than ever!

Sign the Statement of Support for Pride letter! We hope to collect hundreds of signatures of Reading individuals, families, businesses, clubs, and organizations that support Pride. We’ll use the names to create a rainbow chain and support signs that will decorate the Common on the day of our event.
Volunteer using this form! Whether you help prepare before the event or on the day, there are so many ways to get involved.
Attend our Pride Sign Making Party! On May 21, from 7:00-8:45 p.m., downstairs at the Reading Public Library, we will make a rainbow chain and support signs to decorate for our event. No artistic skills or materials needed.

Event organizer Laura Wilson said, “This event is a great opportunity for Reading to show our support and care for our LGBTQ+ neighbors and families. Come join the fun!”

Reading Town Forest 2026 Bird Walks
2026-06-09 07:00 - 09:00 | Reading Town Forest, Strout Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Join us for a series of free guided bird walks in the Reading Town Forest, led by Dave Williams.
Meet: Strout Avenue (near the town compost area)
Dates:

Wednesday, May 6. 7-9 am
Tuesday, June 9, 7-9 am

sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448AEAA23A2F9C16-62705928-reading#/
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and binoculars.
Loaner binoculars will be available.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome.
Sponsored by the Reading Town Forest Committee and the Reading Trails Committee.

Pleasant Street Center - Licensed Hairdresser
2026-06-15 09:00 - 13:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Linda Sullivan -Licensed Hairdresser
By appointment only: 781-942-6794
Men and Women Trim and Blow out only
Washed hair preferred – Gratuities are Welcome
Non-Reading Residents Waitlisted
Fee for Service $20.00 Reading Residents and $25.00 for Non-Reading Residents
Please call 781-942-6794 to register. No Walk-ins, No July, and No August appointments

Reading Friends and Family Day 2026
2026-06-20
Reading Lions Club invites community groups, businesses, and families to join the 21st annual Town Day celebration on June 20, featuring a Kids Fun Run, fireworks, and a full day of summer festivities
Reading, MA — Save the date! The Reading Lions Club’s 21st annual Reading Friends and Family Day (RFFD), also known as Town Day, takes place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This is Reading’s annual start-of-summer community event. Special events include a morning Kids Fun Run and the Friends of Reading Recreation evening Fireworks!
The Reading Lions Club sponsors and organizes Reading Friends and Family Day (RFFD) as a celebration of Reading, and we invite you to join in the festivities. We welcome the over 60 groups that returned to last year’s event and look forward to welcoming new participants.
Community members come for the food, crafts, games, touch-a-truck, petting zoo, giveaways, entertainment, and to learn about local organizations and businesses. Since its inception, community participation at RFFD has tripled. As a result, this fair is a great opportunity to meet the public, share your mission, welcome new members, or advertise your services.
Don’t miss this fun and promotional event. There are also opportunities to help sponsor Reading Friends and Family Day. Find out more about Registration (deadline to register is May 23rd) and Sponsorship at readinglionsclub.org.

Reading PorchFest
2026-06-27 12:00 - 18:00
Volunteer-run festival aims to top 100 acts as performers and hosts sign up for 2026 celebration of music and community

Reading, MA — Despite all the snow still on the ground, it’s time again to start thinking about PorchFest.
Reading PorchFest returns for its eighth year on Saturday, June 27. Links are now up at ReadingPorchFest.com for those who wish to perform, to host a band or solo act, or maybe both.
Reading PorchFest was born during the town’s 375th anniversary in 2019 and has grown every year since. Last year, the festival boasted 99 separate musical acts at 46 locations, including driveways, front yards, and, of course, porches. We hope to break the 100 mark this June.
To take part in this all-volunteer effort, visit the website, check out the instructions, and join in for the 2026 edition.
As we get closer to the event, the website will feature a gallery of performers, and on the Facebook page watch for music snippets featuring samples of many of the upcoming performances. A complete map and schedule will be posted about a week before the event.
It is always a great day, filled with entertainment combined with community spirit.
Make sure to save the date – June 27 – running from noon until six pm.

Wakefield Porchfest
2026-08-29 12:00
Saturday, August 29th
Celebration of Live, Local Music Sets Date for 3rd Annual Townwide Event
Rain Date on Sunday, August 30th

WAKEFIELD, MASS. – The Wakefield Porchfest Committee has selected a date for Wakefield Porchfest 2026, which will return to town on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with a rain date the following day, Sunday, August 30th. The exact time for the event has yet to be determined, but will be announced later this year, along with registration details for bands and hosts. The 2026 event will be the third annual community-wide festival, which is focused on promoting local live music across the town, with music acts hosted by homes and small businesses.
“The final weekend of August will be the perfect time for an end-of-summer celebration of live local music, and an opportunity for our community to come together before the start of school and the busy fall season,” said Porchfest Committee member Nate Johnson. “Wakefield is lucky to have one of the country’s best Fourth of July celebrations at the start of summer, and we hope Wakefield Porchfest can become an annual tradition to close out the season. We’re looking forward to getting work underway to make this the best live music event in the region!”
The 2026 event builds on the success of the previous events in 2024 and 2025, which each drew over 100 musical acts at 50 to 60 host locations around Wakefield. The community-wide event is coordinated by a group of volunteers who collaborate with musicians and the Wakefield residents, homeowners, and small businesses who host performances.
Some additional details announced by the Committee, in addition to the 2026 event date:

Registration for hosts and musical acts will also open later in the spring. Residents or businesses interested in hosting musical acts, or those interested in performing, should register on the Wakefield Porchfest website to receive an update when registration opens;
Those interested in becoming a sponsor for Porchfest 2026 can reach out via email to sponsor@wakefieldporchfest.com to communicate interest and learn about our sponsorship options; and
The exact time for the 2026 event will be announced later in the year.

Earlier this year, Wakefield Porchfest co-founder Ike Adams received the Wakefield Human Rights Commission’s Community Service Award for 2026, an honor awarded during the Town’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on January 19th. Adams was nominated by local community members Eileen Rooney and Ben Blackstone, a high school musician, who introduced him at the event, which was shown live by WCAT.
In his acceptance speech, Adams highlighted the many volunteers, hosts, musicians, sponsors, and music fans that help deliver a celebration of live music and of the community.
“We made a day all about music and filled the town with it, twice so far,” said Adams. “My goal moving forward is simply: more music, more volume, more often, more styles, more variety, more venues, more bands, more fans, more music in places we haven’t heard it yet, more people playing or singing for the first time, and more people picking back up after a long break. If any of this sounds like something you’ve been considering, this is your invitation.”
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Wakefield Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Wakefield Porchfest also receives funding and in-kind support from businesses and residents across the community.
Wakefield is one of more than 200 communities that host a Porchfest, according to organizers in Ithaca, NY, which launched the first iteration of the community-focused music event in 2007.
