Quannapowitt Players Close Season with Pulitzer-Winning Drama Rabbit Hole
2025-05-23 - 2025-06-07 | Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Experience David Lindsay-Abaire’s Heartfelt Exploration of Grief and Healing, May 23 – June 7

Reading, MA — Wrapping up the Quannapowitt Players’ 2024-25 season is David Lindsay-Abaire’s poignant Pulitzer-winning play, Rabbit Hole. In the aftermath of an unthinkable accident, Rabbit Hole charts Becca and Howie Corbett’s search for connection as the couple drifts perilously apart. As they struggle to mend a relationship that’s seeking light on two different trajectories, an unexpected visitor prompts them to wonder if there is a version of their future where comfort can be found.
“…an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion, and searing honesty. – Variety
“A painstakingly beautiful, dramatically resourceful, exquisitely human play.” -BackStage
Directed by J. Mark Baumhardt and featuring Jenny Fielding, Tom Berry, Danielle Wehner, Margaret McCarty, & Devyn Berry, Rabbit Hole runs May 23 -June 7 at QP’s historic little red schoolhouse-turned-playhouse at 55 Hopkins Street in Reading.
Tickets are $25, $23 for Seniors/Students, and can be purchased at qptheater.com/box-office or by calling the QP Box Office at 781-942-2212.
Checks/cash are accepted at performances, as well as Credit Cards for a small fee.
Friday and Saturday performances are at 8PM.
Sunday performances are at 2PM.

Whitelam Books to Host Book Launch with Author & Photographer Brian Doben
2025-06-03 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is excited to welcome author, photographer, and Reading resident Brian Doben as he celebrates the release of his new book, At Work, on Tuesday, June 3, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Join us at this book launch for readers and photography enthusiasts of all ages. 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:
With a career spanning over 25 years and more than 100 magazine covers to his name — from fashion and travel to celebrity portraiture — Brian Doben has consistently sought to reveal the truth behind the lens. The photographs in At Work capture genuine moments that emerge through conversation, not necessarily direction.
From ranchers in Texas to a chemist in Boston, a sumo wrestler in Japan to street performers in Cuba, At Work is a collection of photographs of people from around the world “just doing their jobs.” It is a study of our world and how the people in it follow their unique callings. In At Work, Brian turns that lens on people from around the world doing what they love, capturing the dignity, passion, and humanity in over 500 individuals across a wide range of professions.

Broadway Karaoke Nights Hit the Stage at Colonial Chorus Players
2025-06-06 19:30, 2025-06-20 19:30, 2025-06-27 19:30 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Do you have A Million Dreams of singing on stage? Maybe you’re a Dancing Queen or you’re Dancing Through Life. Come What May, get ready to Let It Go at Broadway Karaoke at Colonial Chorus Players in Reading, where You Can’t Stop the Beat!
Broadway Karaoke opens this Friday, May 16, from 7:30–10 PM, at the Old Hose House Theater, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA. Other dates are May 30 and June 6, 20, and 27. All are welcome to come sing karaoke!
There’s a $10 cover charge at the door payable with cash or Venmo, and beverages will be available. All proceeds benefit CCP’s ongoing fundraising campaign to put a new roof on their historic building.

Reading Pride on the Common June 7 from 3-5
2025-06-07 15:00 - 17:00 | MA
We are back with our FIFTH Annual Pride Parade and Celebration! It will be on Saturday, June 7, from 3:00 to 5:00, starting and ending at the Town Common. There will be a celebration in the Common following the parade at around 3:30.   There will also be cheering stations along the route for people to cheer us on if they don’t want to ride in a car!
Please consider donating by venmo @laura-wilson-29. Thank you!
We are looking for volunteers to help with many elements before or the day of the event. We would appreciate any help you can give! Thank you!

Whitelam Books to Host Book Signing with Author & Reading Resident Amanda Rotondo
2025-06-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Whitelam Books is excited to welcome Author & Reading resident Amanda Rotondo as she celebrates her new book, Place Names in Boston & Beyond:
Tongue-Twisted Town Tales, Sunday, June 8 from 2:00-4:00pm. Join us for this family-friendly event for readers of all ages. 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:
Leo-Minster? Who’s Leo? Quin-zee? There’s no Z in there! As it turns out, these towns with funny names are full of wonderful, surprisingly untold stories. Come learn more at a book signing with author and Reading resident Amanda Rotondo! Some town names are hilarious: a landlocked sailing-themed amusement park run by a man who built himself a house that looks exactly like a boat. Some are inspiring: a city’s outpouring of support for enslaved people fighting for their freedom. Others are simply delightful: two women rejecting oppressive Victorian social standards and embarking on a joyful, long-distance adventure.
Amanda’s book offers an amusing collection of place names and stories, providing a window into the worlds of the fascinating people who helped make these towns the unique places they are today.

Bobby Jo Valentine Candlelight Concert at Old South United Methodist Church
2025-06-08 19:00 | Old South Church, 6 Salem Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Celebrating the Release of His Latest Album, Bobby Jo Valentine Returns to Old South United Methodist Church for a Candlelight Concert
READING, MA – Old South United Methodist Church is excited to announce the return of acclaimed singer-songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine for a special Candlelight Concert on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 7:00 pm. Following the tremendous success of his previous performance in 2023, Bobby Jo Valentine will grace the stage once again to celebrate the release of his latest album in an intimate, community-focused setting.
Guests will enjoy an evening of soulful music, warm ambiance, and a welcoming atmosphere. Complimentary coffee and a dessert bar will be available to all attendees. Tickets are priced at $10 and can be purchased beginning May 16, both online and in the church office.
Event Details: Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Old South United Methodist Church, 6 Salem St., Reading, MA Tickets: $10 – Includes free coffee and dessert bar Ticket Information: oldsouthumc.org/tickets
Join us for a memorable evening of music and community at the Old South United Methodist Church with Bobby Jo Valentine.

Whitelam Books to Host Book Signing with Authors Nancy Parsons & Claudette Sabbag
2025-06-10 19:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is excited to welcome author and North Reading resident Nancy Parsons, as well as author and Reading resident Claudette Sabbag, for a joint book signing on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 pm. Nancy will be highlighting her book Old Crow, while Claudette will feature her book, Deer in the Road, at the event. 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:
Join us as we welcome Nancy Parsons (Old Crow) and Claudette Sabbag (Deer in the Road) to Whitelam Books for a joint book signing. Claudette’s novel starts when a troubled young man hits a deer in the road, setting off a series of events that force him to make life-changing decisions that will reverberate into the future. Set on Cape Cod, this generational story is told through the interwoven perspectives of an elderly man and his adult granddaughter.
Nancy’s book introduces us to Crow, a nice man who is outliving his life. This is a simple story about what can happen when we outlive most, or all, of the people we care about. When the only place to go is someplace we don’t want to be.

Representative Jones Holding District Office Hours
2025-06-13 10:15 - 11:15 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
June 13, At Reading’s Pleasant Street Center

BOSTON – House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) will be holding his monthly district office hours in Reading on Friday, June 13 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 Director of Local Affairs and Scheduling, Sara Doran, at Sara.Doran@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.

Reading Friends and Family Day Marks 20 Years of Community Fun on June 14
2025-06-14 | Birch Meadow Area, 97 Birch Meadow Drive, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Free Event at Birch Meadow Features Music, Games, Petting Zoo, Food, and Fireworks
Reading, MA — Where can you hear great music, race mini cars, climb on Town vehicles, pet farm animals, and try your hand at minigolf? It’s all here and it’s free, at the 20th Reading Friends and Family Day (RFFD) on Saturday, June 14, 2025. All events take place in the Birch Meadow Fields area from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Residents of all ages will enjoy a full day of fun, food, music, giveaways, and demonstrations!
This year, the Reading Lions Club is proud to host the community’s 20th Reading Friends and Family Day! RFFD, also known as Town Day, has tripled in size since its inaugural year and is now a true community event, with over 65 groups participating as sponsors.
At Reading Friends and Family Day, you can check out the booth and activity area for remote-controlled race cars, kiddie train, petting zoo, cone games, a photo booth, face painting, miniature golf, and a 3 in 1 inflatable ball game. Special activities include the morning Kids Fun Run and the evening Fireworks! In addition to all the fun activities, the fair is a great opportunity to discover what’s happening in and around Reading. Representatives from over 65 community organizations, local businesses, and town departments will be on hand to offer activities, distribute giveaways, and share information on local events and happenings.
When you need a break from all the excitement, head over for a snack at the Reading Lions Club Food Tent and enjoy some music at the Entertainment Stage.
Don’t miss this opportunity to share a great day with your neighbors and friends. Please see the schedule below. For more information and an online list of activities, visit readinglionsclub.org.
The Reading Lions Club would not have been able to host this event without the support of the community. Thank you to our Town of Reading partners: Reading Recreation Division, Department of Public Works, and Reading Facilities Department. Many thanks also to our 2025 financial sponsors: Reading Celebration Trust Fund, Reading Rotary, J. Griffin Heating and Plumbing, A&A Services Inc. – Salem, MA, Aleppo Shriners, Austin Preparatory School, Cobblestone Corner Academy, Code Wiz Reading, Elite Freestyle Karate, The Goddard School, Harris Appraisal Services, Kumon of Reading, Mathnasiumof Reading, Melrose Wakefield Hospital, North East Rhythmics School of Gymnastics, Orangetheory Fitness North Reading, Our House Design & Build, Reading Community Singers, Reading Cooperative Bank, Reading Orthodontics, Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce, Reading School of Guitar, Sidmore Chiropractic Office, The Pike School, The Reading Observer, TITLE Boxing Club – Woburn, TrueFix Services, and Women’s League of Reading.
Schedule of Events
All-Day Activities (10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Touch-a-Truck Zone
Kiddie Train
Mini Golf
Remote Control Race Cars
Cone Game
Photo Booth
3-in-1 Inflatable Ball Game
Giveaways and info booths from over 65 community organizations, town departments, and local businesses

Special Activities

10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Petting Zoo
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Face Painting
11:00 a.m. – Kids Fun Run at the RMHS Track, sponsored by SNL Sports Academy, LLC
(Please preregister at readingma.myrec.com – see Register → Programs → Special Events)

8 and under – 100 meter (11:00 a.m.)
12 and under – 200 meter (11:15 a.m.)
13+ – 400 meter (11:30 a.m.)

Entertainment Stage Schedule

11:40 a.m. – Mike Curren
12:40 p.m. – Out of the House Band
1:40 p.m. – Reading School of Guitar – Turning Point

Fireworks
Don’t forget to come back at night for Reading’s Annual Fireworks Display, sponsored by the Friends of Reading Recreation!

RiverFest Returns to Ipswich River Park on Father’s Day Weekend
2025-06-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich River Park, 15 Central St, North Reading, MA, 01864, United States
North Reading, MA – Celebrate the start of summer and Father’s Day weekend at RiverFest—a free, family-friendly festival full of outdoor fun, nature, music, and more—on Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ipswich River Park in North Reading.
Hosted by the Ipswich River Watershed Association, RiverFest is a celebration of our local river and all that it makes possible. Whether you’re hoping to catch your first fish, meet a live snake, or just relax and enjoy local eats and tunes, RiverFest has something for everyone.
Above: A young person handles friendly snakes from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team at
RiverFest 2024.
“We believe that falling in love with the river is the first step to protecting it. We invite everyone to come and discover why this river is worth loving—and protecting,” says Erin Bonney Casey, Executive Director of Ipswich River Watershed Association.
Highlights include:

Learn to Fish with MassWildlife – Freshwater fishing technicians from the MassWildlife will be on site with rods, bait, and expert advice. No license or experience necessary—just bring your curiosity!
Pollinator Power with Grow Native Massachusetts – Learn how to support pollinators and wildlife at home with hands-on sun and shade garden demos, expert advice, and fun giveaways!
Slithering Fun with Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team – Get up close and personal with live snakes and learn about the region’s fascinating reptile species.
Live Music by Alpha Omega Music Studios – Enjoy great local tunes from young local musicians while you explore the festival.
Delicious Eats & Treats – Grab a bite from TJ Taste Truck and cool off with a refreshing slushie from INspire Café.
Family Farms Edible Landscaping – Learn how to grow food and beauty at the same time with help from local experts.

Senator Jason Lewis Announces Virtual Office Hours
2025-06-16 14:00 - 15:00 | MA
BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding virtual Office Hours on Monday, June 16, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Any constituent of Senator Lewis is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to discuss any personal issue or legislative feedback with the Senator and his staff.
Virtual Office Hours are held on Zoom. To join the meeting please visit SenatorJasonLewis.com, use the following link, or enter the meeting information on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83854164671?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 838 5416 4671
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Each constituent meets privately with the Senator during the Zoom session.
Senator Lewis also holds regular in-person Office Hours in each community of the district (Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester).
For further information or any questions, visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his State House office at (617) 722-1206 or Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov.

Last Day of School
2025-06-16 15:00 | MA
By a 5-0 vote, the School Committee set the last day of school for the 2024-2025 school year as Monday, June 16. Superintendent of Schools Thomas Milaschewski, recognizing that ending the school year on a Monday is not ideal, reminded the committee that the district is required to have 180 days in school on its calendar. “I guess I should have called a snow day,” Milaschewski quipped.

Reading Public Library Community Garden Party
2025-06-20 05:00 - 18:30 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Friday, June 20 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | ICE CREAM · CRAFTS · COMMUNITY
Dig into summer with your neighbors at the Community Garden Party! This program is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Lafayette Rides Again: 200th Anniversary Celebration Comes to Reading
2025-06-21 09:00 | Latham & Latham Building, 643 Main St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — Did You Know? General Marquis de Lafayette came to Reading in 1825. He returns to Reading this year on Saturday, June 21, two hundred years later!
A reenactor with horse and carriage will travel up Main St. from Green St. or Chapin Ave. with a police escort to the Latham & Latham Building on the corner of Pleasant St., arriving at about 9 am.
In 1825, Reading people flocked to the site of an old tavern to hear Lafayette address the crowd.
How did the locals hear about his tour? There was no local newspaper at the time. There were no telephones, internet, etc., but there was “Word of Mouth”! Perhaps, it was at the church at the Common that was the scene of the news and gossip.
Lafayette travelled along the ‘Andover–Medford Turnpike’ northward to make many stops on his tour.

Did You Know? – The Andover-Medford Turnpike is still traveled upon today?
Did You Know? – Reading has acknowledged Lafayette’s visit with a commemorative sign near the site of the old tavern. Additionally, a granite paver in the sidewalk marks the event.
And finally, Did You Know that there is a Reading roadway that bears his name?

You can participate in a present-day acknowledgement of Lafayette’s visit to Reading when the reenactor drives his horse-drawn carriage up Main Street on Saturday, June 21, at 9:00 am.
Alan Hoffman, president of the American Friends of Lafayette, is undertaking this project to remind people of the historic activity that occurred within our town some 200 years ago.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Reading’s Annual Freedom Festival
2025-06-21 13:00 - 19:00 | Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading’s Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival Saturday, June 21 • 1:00–7:00 PMReading Town Common
Reading, MA — Grab your family and friends, take advantage of the long summer days, and come down to the Town Common on Saturday, June 21 to celebrate Juneteenth! This is a family-friendly event with music by DJ OxMighty, games and face painting for kids, food, speakers, and a pop-up market.
Here’s a look at what’s happening!

1:00–1:30 PM

Welcome, by Albert Pless, Director, Reading Office of Equity and Social Justice
Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing — Please join us in singing!Performed by RMHS Students
Flag Presentation, Reading Scout Troop

1:30–2:30 PM

Join us at Old South Church for videos on Juneteenth followed by a discussion
CATO (The Coalition of Us) tour

3:00–3:15 PM

Speakers from ACE (Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee) and SOCA (Students of Color and Allies for Equity, Justice and Inclusion)

3:30–4:00 PM

Interactive Drumming: Brandon Guillermo

4:00–5:00 PM

Guest Presenter: Jamele Adams

5:00–7:00 PM

Music, food, and activities continue

Learn more about the program on the town calendar:https://www.readingma.gov/1029/Juneteenth-Event

Reading PorchFest
2025-06-28 12:00 - 18:00 | MA
Reading PorchFest returns for its seventh year on Saturday, June 28. 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 it has grown every year since then. Last year the festival boasted 96 separate musical acts at 46 locations, including driveways, front yards, and, of course, porches.
To take part in this all-volunteer effort, visit the website, check out the instructions, and join in for the 2025 edition.
As we get closer to the event, there will be a gallery of music snippets featuring many of the performers, and a complete map and schedule. It is always a great day, filled with entertainment combined with community spirit
Make sure to save the date – June 28 – running from noon until six pm.

Woburn GreenFest
2025-06-29 13:00 - 17:00 | North Suburban YMCA, 137 Lexington St, Woburn, 01801, United States
Community – Sustainability – Education – Fun
Sun., June 29 from 1:00 – 5:00pm
North Suburban YMCA
137 Lexington St., Woburn
Hosted by Know Your Neighbor Woburn and Mystic River Watershed Assoc.
Know Your Neighbor Woburn Mystic River Watershed Assoc
