The Best Events In Reading

Kiera Chapman's profile picture
By Kiera Chapman Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 6th July 2026

Nestled on the River Thames, Reading is a vibrant town with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. Known for its world-class shopping, historic landmarks, and lively music festivals, the city offers something for everyone. But beyond its historic charm, Reading is a hub for quirky activities, whether you’re looking for a fun night out, a unique experience, or a chance to explore the city’s hidden gems.

In this guide, we’ve curated a selection of exciting events happening around the city - from painting classes and quirky pub nights to family-friendly activities and themed brunches so you'll never run out of things to do in Reading. 




Double Barrelled Popup Ceilidh

@ Double Barrelled Tap Room on Sunday 6th September and Thursday 28th January 2027

Get ready to swap your usual night out for something a little more toe-tapping at the Double Barrelled Pop-up Ceilidh. On Thursday the 27th of February, head over to Double Barrelled Brewery in Reading for an evening of irresistible folk beats and traditional ceilidh dancing.

Whether you've got some moves or have two left feet, don't worry - the expert caller will guide you through the steps, making sure everyone's dancing, laughing, and having a blast. Grab your tickets now from £20 per person. 

COPPAFEST

@ The Swan at Streatley on Sat, 29th Aug 2026 @ 12:00 - 0:00

Looking for a Bank Holiday highlight that delivers both big festival energy and proper luxury? Look no further than CoppaFest, making its highly anticipated return just a short journey from Reading.

Staged at the gorgeous boutique hotel The Swan at Streatley, this one-day riverside spectacular packs an absolute punch. From midday onwards, the grounds come alive with local live music, a smoking Lawn Bar & Grill, and free water sports. The real magic happens after dark, though, when headline act Platinum Queen takes the stage to belt out stadium anthems, followed by a brilliant fireworks display illuminating the Thames at 9pm.

The Cocktail Club Reading

Looking for a quirky bottomless brunch? Then head to The Cocktail Club on Gun Street, where you'll find events themed around hip hop, 00s tunes or even Hot Girl Bingo, complete with non-stop tunes and lively rounds of bingo.

Sip 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, including prosecco, beer and select cocktails. You can also choose a classic or vegan hotdog, both of which come with loaded nachos.

Reading Fun Team Building Interactive Treasure Hunt!

@ Reading Town Centre on Fri, 20th Oct 2017 - Thu, 31st Dec 2026

Embark on an exciting adventure with the Reading Fun Team Building Interactive Treasure Hunt. This thrilling city-wide challenge combines puzzles, riddles, and trivia to uncover hidden gems around Reading. Perfect for teams, you'll navigate through the city's landmarks while testing your knowledge and solving clues that reveal fascinating stories of the area.

It's an ideal way to strengthen team bonds while having a blast exploring the town. Available in three packages - Bronze (£15 per person), Silver (£35), and Gold (£70) - each offers different levels of support, from basic game assistance to live monitoring, personalised challenges, and even an awards ceremony.

Market House

If you're on the hunt for the best events in Reading this weekend then you'll be sure to find something on at Market House. Housed in a former bank, the establishment features industrial chic interiors and offers a variety of amenities, including Club Shuffle, ping pong, and a karaoke booth.

You'll find themed quiz nights taking place here, and they also run drag brunches - there's plenty of glitter-fuelled fun to be had when entry is typically free and there are lots of fabulous prizes to be won.