For the first time in its history, the Reading Public Museum will play host to the prestigious 112th annual Exhibition of the Allied Artists of America. Founded in 1914 in New York City, Allied Artists of America is one of the oldest artists’ organizations in the nation.
This engaging art exhibition will occupy the American Gallery, the Irvin and Lois E. Cohen Modern and Contemporary Galley and the Works on Paper Gallery. The show will feature some of the best works by contemporary American artists, including examples in oil painting, sculpture, graphics, mix-media, watercolor and pastels.
The exhibition will be on view from Sept. 13 through Jan. 11, 2026. For more information, visit www.readingpublicmuseum.org.
“The quality of works featured in annual exhibitions of Allied Artists is very high, and we expect a stellar show with impressive submissions and prize winners,” said Scott Schweigert, curator at the museum. “We are so proud to play host to a group with such long-standing tradition and artistic achievement.”
The Juror of Awards is Thomas Folk, Ph.D., a noted scholar and art appraiser with expertise in Pennsylvania Impressionism. The Jury of Selection includes Annie Patt, Gabriela Gonzalez Dellosso and Steve Scheuring.
Past hosts of this prestigious exhibition have included New York’s National Academy of Design and Salmagundi Club, and more recently, the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio.
The juried show at the museum, located at 500 Museum Road, features over $45,000 in cash prizes, including the $5,000 Audrey Love Award; $6,000 for the Allied Artists Gold Medal of Honor; $4,000 for the Silver Medal of Honor; and $3,000 for the Bronze Medal of Honor.
In addition, individual awards will be given for two-dimensional oil painting, water media, pastel, graphics and mixed media; and sculpture.
Music
Dirty Dancing in Concert is coming to the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading on Feb. 17, 2026.
Based on the iconic Academy Award-winning film, which was released 38 years ago, Dirty Dancing in Concert is bringing its magic back to Europe and North America in 2026 for a world tour spanning more than 100 cities. Nearly a quarter of a million tickets have sold to date for the mesmerizing live-to-film concert experience with the multi-platinum soundtrack that defined a generation.
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.
Shows will feature a screening of the digitally remastered movie while a live band and vocalists perform the hit songs in sync with a full-size screen on stage. The show continues with an after-party, where the audience is encouraged to sing and dance to their favorite songs from the feature film and relive their best movie memories.
“Dirty Dancing has always been more than just a movie — it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate across generations,” said Floris Douwes, producer and managing director at GEA Live. “We’re ecstatic to have the opportunity to bring this live-to-film celebration back to audiences around the world, combining the magic of the original film with the energy of a live concert. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the 50th, this experience invites fans to fall in love with Baby and Johnny all over again — and dance the night away.”
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Friends of Fleetwood Parks will present the annual Berks Fiddle Fest on Sept. 21 at Fleetwood Park, 334 W. Main St., Fleetwood. The gates open at 9 a.m. with main stage activities held from 10-6 p.m.
Donations will be accepted at the parking area as well as the festival donation buckets throughout the park. The event is held rain or shine.
The festival begins with the traditional worship service followed by a variety of Americana bands on the Mainstage as well as the popular main attraction of the all-ages fiddle competition. The Fire/Open Mic Stage features the Scottish Fire Qualifier, which will be a national qualifier event, and the Open Mic Area with emcee Phil Stahl.
Pavilion Two hosts several workshops on mandolin, fiddle and guitar. The Durty Rotten Parrots and Fiddlechix will be playing music throughout the grounds as well as creating jam groups forming in the Jammin’ area.
The Kutztown Pipe Band will be playing bagpipes at the salute to our veterans. Attendees are encouraged to bring their musical instruments and join in the jams or bring a lawn chair and simply listen.
Musical acts set to perform throughout the day include Wood Flower, Walter Michael and The Luke Hertzog Trio.
“We’re thrilled to be presenting the Berks Fiddle Fest after last year’s successful festival,” said Patty Keeney, president of Friends of Fleetwood Parks. “We have a great day planned for families to enjoy and discover the art of fiddling along with some great food and crafters.”
“Fleetwood Park was a great new addition to the Fiddle Fest last year, and this year looks even bigger and better,” said Larry Ross, chairman of Berks Fiddle Fest. “It’s going to be a great festival of music and events to celebrate musicians all over Berks County.”
The festival will also feature Fiddler Craft Row, where over 40 artisans will feature their crafts for sale, including handmade items and musical items. There is also a special area for crafters under 18 as well. There will also be a special raffle of a Martin acoustic guitar and three jamming/gigging chairs with tickets available to purchase at the event.
All forms and rules for registration for competing in the fiddle competitions are at fleetwoodparks.com.
There will be food and beverages to purchase, including burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian vegetable soup and drinks by the Friends of Fleetwood Park, whose concession stand will also offer a “Taste of Berks” with a featured specialty items from area eateries. Food vendors include Freddy Bear’s Smokin’ Hot BBQ, Pop’s Malt Shoppe, Fleetwood Community Theater’s Apple Dumplings, Fleetwood Area Public Library specialty desserts and cannoli from the Fleetwood Rec Board.
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