The Reading Post

Laughter’s the Mane Attraction at the Reading Lions Comedy Night
2026-03-28 19:00 (America/New_York) | Wakefield Elks Lodge, 63 Bay State Road, Wakefield, MA, 01880, United States
Reading, MA — Have a great time out with friends and family on March 28 at the annual Reading Lions Comedy Night.
The Reading Lions Comedy Night returns to The Wakefield Elks, doors open at 7:00 pm for an 8:00 pm show on Saturday, March 28.
This year’s outstanding lineup includes local funny man Paul D’ Angelo. Also appearing, the master of observational humor, Steve Bjork, and hilarious Sam Pelletier. Hosted by Dave Rattigan, you’ll enjoy a night of big laughs, fun raffles, BYOF, and a cash bar. Gather up your family, neighbors, and friends and get your tickets today.
The evening’s proceeds will fund charities supporting our community: the Reading Food Pantry, scholarships, wellness exams, vision care, and more.
Tickets are $25 each and available from your friendly Reading Lions Club member or email mclough410@gmail.com. Tables seating 8 or 10 are available. Mark your calendar and we’ll see you there!
The Reading Lions Club proudly serves the community of Reading and other surrounding towns. Our fundraisers support charities in our towns and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including Mass Lions Eye Research, Reading Food Pantry, and many others. If you are interested in joining a fun, dedicated club with a mission to serve, please contact Marla Clough at mclough410@gmail.com.

Quannapowitt Players Present Something Intangible
2026-03-28 20:00, 2026-03-29 14:00, 2026-04-03 20:00, 2026-04-04 20:00 | Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Bruce Graham’s drama explores the clash between art and commerce at a Hollywood animation studio as World War II begins, running March 20 through April 4
Reading, MA — There are two very different brothers who run a Hollywood movie studio known for its’ cartoon dog, Petey Pup. The creative brother wants to produce a feature-length animated film set to classical music. His loyal brother manages everything else. Set against the backdrop of the US’s entry into World War II in 1941, this thinly veiled critique of a certain cartoon mogul highlights the tension between art and commerce as the world face and adapt to new challenges.
Directed by Andrew Boncoddo, and featuring Adam Heroux, Nick Miller, Jenny Fielding, Gordon Ellis & Nathan Mabanglo-Burgett, “Something Intangible” will open March 20th and runs through April 4th.
Single tickets are $27, $25 for Seniors/Students, $20 for Groups of 10+, and can be purchased online at qptheater.com/box-office/. Or for reservations, call the QP Box Office at (781) 942-2212. Checks and cash are accepted at performances, as well as Credit
Cards for a small fee. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 PM. Sunday performances are at 2 PM.

Early Voting in Reading
2026-03-30 07:30 - 17:30, 2026-03-31 07:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-01 07:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-02 07:30 - 17:30 | Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — In-person Early Voting will take place at Town Hall (16 Lowell Street) on the following dates:

Saturday, March 28: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday, March 30: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, March 31: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 1: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, April 2: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Please Note:
• Early Voting is ONLY at Town Hall
• Election Day voting will be ONLY at the RMHS Field House
For more information, visit: https://www.readingma.gov/254/Elections

Improv Comedy Night Brings Big Laughs at Colonial Chorus Players
2026-04-04 19:30 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Accidentally On Purpose takes the stage April 4 in a fundraiser for Colonial Chorus Players, featuring Reading’s own Patrick Beckman
Reading, MA — If laughter is the best medicine, get to the Old Hose House Theater stat on Saturday, April 4, for a dose of wild and unpredictable improv comedy with Accidentally On Purpose featuring Reading’s own Patrick Beckman.
The evening begins at 7:30 PM at 1249 Main Street in Reading. Tickets are $20 general admission, available at the door with cash, Venmo, or PayPal only. This event is a fundraiser for Colonial Chorus Players, with all proceeds benefitting their ongoing campaign to put a new roof on their historic building.
Accidentally On Purpose will have audiences in stitches with their quick wit and hilarious antics. No two shows are alike, so all audience members are sure to have a unique and lively evening of entertainment. Please note: Due to its improvisational nature, the comedy can get a little R-rated at times.
For more information, visit www.ccp1961.org.

Whitelam Books to Host Reading Resident Dave Williams to Share Birding Expertise
2026-04-08 19:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Whitelam Books is pleased to welcome Reading resident and avid birder Dave Williams on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00PM. Dave will be presenting a talk entitled “Words on Birds”. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
About the Event:
A former elementary and middle school science teacher in Reading, Dave is a graduate of Mass Audubon’s “Birders Certificate Program”, a year-long study of birds. He also attended Maine Audubon’s Hog Island Field Ornithology program. Dave has been birding for more than 45 years in Alaska, Texas, SE Arizona, Florida and throughout New England.
Presently, Dave works part-time at Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats sanctuary in Newburyport where he leads bird walks. Dave loves to share his passion and enthusiasm for birds with others. Come join him and learn all about what’s happening with birds in and around Reading!

Ayelet Katz to Demonstrate Painting Techniques in Reading
2026-04-08 19:30 | First Congregational Church of Reading, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, United States
New England artist to present oils and watercolor demo April 8 at First Congregational Church

Reading, MA — The Reading Art Association will host a demonstration by New England–based artist Ayelet Katz on April 8 at 7:30 pm at the First Congregational Church on Woburn Street in Reading.
Katz works primarily in oils and watercolor, with plein air painting central to her artistic process. She is currently studying with Eva Cincotta, a member of the Rockport Art Association and an active participant in the Malden Sketch Group. Katz also serves as an art instructor at the Everett Art Association.
Entrance to the demonstration is through the side door of the church on Sanborn Street.

Representative Jones Holding District Office
2026-04-10 10:15 - 11:15 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) will be holding his monthly district office hours in Reading on Friday, April 10 from 10:15-11:15 a.m. at the Pleasant Street Center, located at 49 Pleasant Street.
During office hours, Representative Jones or a member of his staff will be available at the center to meet with constituents on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.
“I encourage Reading residents to stop by the Pleasant Street Center during office hours to discuss any issues of concern they may have, including questions about legislation and accessing government services,” said Representative Jones. “We are always happy to assist in any way we can and to be a resource to the community.”
Constituents who are unable to attend local office hours can schedule an appointment to meet with Representative Jones at a more convenient time by calling (617) 722-2100 or e-mailing his District Aide, Brittany Carisella, at Brittany.Carisella@mahouse.gov. Representative Jones can be reached at Bradley.Jones@mahouse.gov.
Reading office hours take place on the second Friday of every month at the Pleasant Street Center.

CROFT is Coming Home to RMHS for Special Screening
2026-04-10 19:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
April 10 at 7:00 PM – One Night Only
READING, MA — The documentary CROFT will return to where the story began with a special one-night-only screening at Reading Memorial High School on Thursday, April 10, at 7:00 PM. The event will include a post-film Q&A with filmmaker and Reading track legend Hal Croft.
The film tells the remarkable story of Hal Croft, a Reading Memorial High School teacher and track and field coach whose program achieved an unprecedented 29-year undefeated dual-meet streak — 252 consecutive victories — a national record. Beyond the track, Croft was a beloved English teacher who inspired generations of students and athletes.
A Vietnam War veteran, Croft returned home to build one of the most successful high school track programs in American history, influencing thousands of students. His career earned him honors, including National Track Coach of the Year and the Disney/McDonald’s National Teacher of the Year award.
Today, living on Cape Cod in retirement, Croft reflects on a life marked by achievement, challenge, and lasting impact. The documentary follows his journey as an educator, mentor, and competitor whose legacy continues to resonate.
Tickets for the April 10 screening are available now. Seats are limited.

AprilFest Set for Reading Common April 16
2026-04-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Community celebration hosted by the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce features music, food, fire tables, and family-friendly fun from 5–8 PM

Reading, MA — The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate spring at AprilFest on the Reading Common, taking place on Thursday, April 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Originally planned as the Chamber’s annual WinterFest in March, the event was postponed due to heavy snow covering the Reading Town Common. With warmer weather and open space now available, organizers are excited to bring the celebration to life as AprilFest.
First established in 2022, WinterFest—now AprilFest—serves as the Chamber’s annual outdoor celebration of downtown Reading, designed to bring the community together in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere as winter transitions into spring.
This free event, made possible by local sponsors, will feature a variety of activities and attractions, including fire tables and s’mores, live music, local food vendors, beer and wine, and illuminated ice sculptures. Attendees can also explore booths hosted by local businesses and craft artisans.
Community members are encouraged to stroll through downtown, visit local shops and restaurants, and reconnect with friends and neighbors after the long winter season.
For more information, visit the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce.

Rep. Haggerty to Hold Community Office Hours
2026-04-16 10:30 - 11:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) will be holding office hours, Thursday, April 16th, 2025.
The office hours will take place from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Woburn Senior Center, and at Caffé Nero, 676 Main Street, Reading, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Representative Haggerty, or a member of his staff, will be on hand during these hours to meet with Woburn and Reading residents. The office hours will be held on a first-come, first-served basis with no prior appointment necessary.
“Reading and Woburn residents are welcome to attend my office hours if they have any questions or need assistance with legislative or government matters,” said Representative Haggerty. “My office is always happy to provide help and serve the community however we can.”
If constituents are unable to attend any of these sessions, they can contact his office at (617) 722-2575 or email his Staff Director, Zack Dhaliwal, at Zack.Dhaliwal@mahouse.gov. Representative Haggerty can also be reached directly at Richard.Haggerty@mahouse.gov.

Voices of Hope to perform Curtains at North Shore Music Theatre
2026-04-19 14:00 | MA
A Killer Musical Comedy Takes Center Stage
Get ready for a night of music, mystery, and nonstop laughter when Voices of Hope presents Curtains at North Shore Music Theatre on Saturday, April 18, at 8:00 PM and Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 PM. Set in 1959 at Boston’s historic Emerson Colonial Theatre, this wildly entertaining musical comedy begins with a bang when the leading lady of a Broadway-bound show is mysteriously murdered on opening night. A theater-loving Boston detective jumps in to solve the case, leading audiences through a hilarious backstage “whodunit” filled with clever twists, dazzling dance numbers, and the unforgettable Broadway sound of Kander and Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret).
This lively production combines classic Broadway glamour with a meaningful cause. Featuring a talented local cast from Reading and the surrounding area, Curtains delivers high-energy entertainment while supporting cancer research through Voices of Hope, a nonprofit that has raised more than $1.2 million for the Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. Join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience—come for the mystery, stay for the music, and help make every ticket count in the fight against cancer.
Tickets are $60 (Inner) and $50 (Upper) and can be purchased by calling 978-232-7200 or visiting www.nsmt.org. Performances take place at North Shore Music Theatre, 54 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA.

Mission of Deeds to Host Yard Sale Fundraiser
2026-04-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Mission of Deeds, 6 Chapin Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
April 25 event offers discounted items to support beds and furniture for families in need

READING, MA — Mission of Deeds, a nonprofit organization serving Middlesex and Essex counties, will hold its semi-annual yard sale on Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. in its parking lot at 6 Chapin Avenue.
The event is an important fundraiser supporting the organization’s mission to provide new beds, gently used furniture, and household items to individuals and families in need. Mission of Deeds often receives donated items that are not suitable for clients but still hold value; those items are offered for sale at deeply discounted prices during the yard sale.
Mission of Deeds has been serving the community for more than 30 years from its downtown Reading location, furnishing nearly 17,000 homes. The organization assists individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, recovering from fire or flood, or otherwise facing hardship, with referrals made by professionals in an official capacity. Mission of Deeds does not receive government funding.
Known locally as a popular community event, the yard sale regularly draws large crowds, with lines forming before opening. Shoppers can expect a wide selection of high-quality items at bargain prices, with proceeds directly supporting the purchase of new beds and the organization’s general operations.
For more information, visit https://www.missionofdeeds.org/.

Wakefield Arts & Crafts Society Announces Annual Exhibit and Craft Sale
2026-04-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon St, Wakefield, MA, 01880, United States
April Event to Showcase Member Creations Following Year-End Mosaic Workshop
WAKEFIELD, MA — The Wakefield Arts & Crafts Society recently concluded its final regular meeting of the season with a hands-on mosaic workshop led by Barbara Goddeau. Members explored a variety of creative styles, producing designs ranging from random and geometric patterns to Americana and landscape-inspired pieces.
Participants in the workshop included Laura Sargent, Peggy Soper, and Theresa Wright (front row); Carol Stoffel, Cathy Bartlett, Nancy Kauffman, Rosanne Burton, and Robin Gorfine (middle row); and Patrice Denault, Barbara Goddeau, and Jean Nickolson (back row).
Building on the creativity of the season, the Society will host its Annual Exhibit and Craft Sale on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon Street, Wakefield. The event is handicap accessible and offers free admission and convenient, free parking.
The exhibit and sale will feature a wide variety of handcrafted items created by Society members and provides an opportunity for the community to support local artisans.
The Wakefield Arts & Crafts Society welcomes new members of all skill levels, including those with no prior crafting experience. Members enjoy monthly hands-on projects at no additional cost, access to discounted craft supplies, and the opportunity to share skills and ideas in a supportive environment.
The Society’s annual programming includes a free guest day and field trip in October, a holiday celebration in December, winter charity projects, and the Annual Exhibit each spring. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Society’s Facebook page at facebook.com/WakefieldArtsandCraftsSociety or email WakefieldArtsCraftsSociety@gmail.com.

Old Time Sing-Along: From the Porch to the House of Prayer
2026-04-25 19:00 | Church of the Good Shepherd, 95 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
An evening of bluegrass-inspired spiritual music featuring sing-along favorites that celebrate faith, fellowship, and community tradition
Reading, MA — The Church of the Good Shepherd, in collaboration with the First Congregational Church, invites the community to an evening of music on Saturday, April 25 at 7:00 PM.
“From the Porch to the House of Prayer” celebrates spiritual songs from the North American tradition, drawing on bluegrass and Southern traditional music. The program features heartfelt songs, lively instrumentals, and familiar choruses that invite audience participation.
These songs—once shared on porches, in houses of worship, and at community gatherings across the Appalachian South—carry themes of faith, perseverance, and fellowship through simple, powerful melodies.
All are welcome to come listen, sing, and share in a musical tradition where community and spirit meet.

Women’s League of Reading to Host “New Member Mixer” at Whitelam Books
2026-05-05 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
May 5 event invites community members to connect, learn about WLR, and explore ways to get involved
Reading, MA – The Women’s League of Reading (WLR) invites community members to attend a New Member Mixer on Tuesday, May 5, from 7:00–8:30 PM at Whitelam Books. This casual, drop-in event is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the organization, meeting current members, and exploring opportunities to get involved.
The evening offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where prospective members can connect with women from across the Reading community, ask questions, and hear firsthand about WLR’s events, initiatives, and local impact. There is no formal program; guests are encouraged to stop by at any time during the event. Whether you’re new to town or simply looking to get more involved, this event is for you.
The Women’s League of Reading is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local initiatives through fundraising, service, and community engagement. Through signature events and year-round efforts, WLR raises funds that directly benefit organizations and individuals in Reading.
The New Member Mixer is open to all who are curious about joining or learning more. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance or request more information at bit.ly/WLR-RSVP.
About the Women’s League of Reading
The Women’ s League of Reading is a volunteer-based organization that hosts fundraising and community events throughout the year. Funds raised are distributed annually to local nonprofits, organizations, and neighbors in need. In the 2024-2025 season alone, the League raised and distributed more than $40,000 back into the community through scholarships, nonprofit support, and direct assistance to residents. Find us on Instagram @womensleaguereading or Facebook at Women’s League of Reading, MA.

Reading Friends and Family Day 2026
2026-06-20 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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.
