What brings you out to the river on a late August weekend, the music, the food, or the chance to see neighbors you have missed? The Muhlenberg Riverfest returns to Jim Dietrich Park in Reading from August 22 to 24, 2025, and it stays true to what makes it special. It is free, family-friendly, and built around live music, good eats, and local makers.
Organized by Muhlenberg Township Parks and Recreation, Riverfest has grown into a tradition that draws from across the region. As PA Malpractice Lawyers, we value events that welcome everyone and lift small businesses. Here is a guide to times, stages, vendors, and what matters.
Event overview
Dates and times
- Friday, August 22: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM in the Farmhouse area only
- Saturday, August 23: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM across the full festival grounds
- Sunday, August 24: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM for a relaxed closing day
Plan a little extra time for parking, meeting points, and moving between the main stage, trail stage, and vendor rows. Early arrivals catch the first sets and shorter lines at popular food spots.
Location
- Venue: Jim Dietrich Park
- Address: 4899 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Road, Reading, PA 19605
The park’s riverside paths make it easy to wander from music to crafts to the beer and wine garden. Bring chairs or a blanket for lawn seating and comfortable shoes for a full day outside.
Admission
- Entry: Free and open to the public
Families, friend groups, and first timers can drop in for a single set or stay all day. Friendly volunteers and clear signage help you find your way.
Live music lineup
Main stage electric acts
- Friday 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Clowns Don’t Bounce
- Friday 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Life After Dead, a Grateful Dead cover band
- Saturday 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Wes Johnson Trio
- Saturday 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: Keri Edwards Trio
- Saturday 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Moderate Rock
- Saturday 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM: Lost Dad
- Saturday 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM: Perfect Strangers
- Saturday 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Circus Hearts
- Sunday 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: Brown Sugar, a Rolling Stones cover band
- Sunday 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM: The Far Out Folks
- Sunday 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM: Valley Vision
- Sunday 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Golden Twine
The main stage brings volume and variety, from classic rock tributes to evening headliners. Expect a friendly crowd and room to dance.
Trail stage acoustic acts
- Saturday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Jason Knorr
- Saturday 1:15 PM to 3:15 PM: Mike Dougherty
- Saturday 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM: Vampire Rocketship
- Saturday 5:45 PM to 7:45 PM: Alex O’Brien
- Saturday 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Daniel Rodriguez
- Sunday 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM: Jenifer Kinder and Norah Klinger
- Sunday 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM: Justin Fava
- Sunday 2:45 PM to 4:45 PM: Matt Smith
- Sunday 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Beka Jones
The trail stage keeps things intimate. It is a good stop between meals, or when you want a quieter set under the trees.
Food vendors
Variety of offerings
- Scale: Over 30 food vendors serve a broad range of cuisines and treats
Come hungry. You will find barbecue, noodles, tacos, classic fair snacks, and cold drinks. Lines move quickly when you decide as you walk, so scan menus and pick your stop.
Notable vendors
- Haulin’ Butts BBQ: Slow-smoked plates and sides
- Scott’s Gyro Box: Pitas, gyros, and fresh toppings
- Tlacuani Mexican Restaurant: Tacos, bowls, and salsas
- Sweet Ride Ice Cream: Small batch scoops
- Island Noodles: Stir-fried noodles in a wok
- Joe’s Famous Lemonade: Fresh-squeezed and icy
Family-friendly options
- Kids’ picks: Funnel cakes, loaded tots, bubble waffles, and more
- Dietary notes: Vegan and vegetarian options available at select vendors
Share a few baskets, keep napkins handy, and save room for dessert.
Beer and wine garden
Adult beverages
- Access: For guests 21 and over with a valid ID
- Experience: A relaxed spot to sit, sip, and still hear the music
Featured beverages
- Aulenbach Wines
- Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars
- Hardball Cider
- Hillbilly Hooch
- Jackazz Distillery
- Long Trout Winery
- Stonekeep Meadery and Wine Cellars
Location
- Placement: Centrally located within the festival grounds
Meet friends here between sets or pair a pour with a snack from nearby food stands.
Artisan and craft vendors
Local artisans
- Scale: Over 20 artisans share handmade goods
Expect small batch work you will not see in big box stores. Talk with makers about process and care tips.
Featured vendors
- A and H Candle Co. LLC: Hand-poured candles and melts
- Creations by Jessica: Jewelry and custom pieces
- Lisa’s Bee Farm: Honey, beeswax items, and gifts
- RanaeArt: Original artwork and prints
- The Soulshine Shop: Crafts with a bright, uplifting style
Unique finds
- Gifts and keepsakes: One-of-a-kind items perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a treat for yourself
Carry a tote and browse early for the best selection.
Community impact
Local engagement
- Connection: Riverfest brings together small businesses, artists, musicians, civic groups, and neighbors
- Platform: Vendors gain visibility, test new ideas, and meet new customers
Events like this strengthen local networks and keep dollars in the community. Showing up is support.
Support for local charities
- Giving: Festival proceeds benefit local charities and community projects
- How to help: Join raffles, donation drives, and on-site activities that add to the total
Your day out can fund youth programs, parks, and services that matter all year.
Conclusion
The 2025 Muhlenberg Riverfest brings three days of music, food, art, and community to Jim Dietrich Park, with free admission and room for every age. You can catch electric sets on the main stage, acoustic sessions on the trail stage, and explore rows of vendors serving meals, sweets, and handmade goods.
The beer and wine garden adds a relaxed corner for adults, while kids find easy fun across the grounds. Mark August 22 to 24 on your calendar and invite a friend. PA Injury Lawyers, P.C. supports gatherings that keep our neighborhoods connected. See you at the river for a weekend that feels like home from start to finish.
