As the leaves turn and cider-season vibes return, there’s one can’t-miss festival lighting up Reading. West Reading’s Fall Fest is back, and Penn Avenue will be buzzing from morning until the last song fades. On Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the street becomes a place to wander, taste, and linger.
If you’re planning to sip, shop, and stroll safely, here’s what to know — with tips from a skilled Reading slip and fall lawyer. From the smell of pumpkin spice drifting from a café door to the sound of a guitar warming up on stage, it’s autumn wrapped into one long, easy day.
What Is Fall Fest?
This will be the 19th year West Reading has turned Penn Avenue into a fall playground. Just days before the season officially begins, the 400–700 blocks close to traffic and open to more than 200 vendors. Craft makers, boutique owners, food trucks, and local breweries set up side by side.
Three stages keep music rolling, and the crowd ebbs and flows between them. In recent years, as many as 25,000 people have shown up — neighbors, day-trippers, and folks who’ve made it a tradition. It’s part street fair, part harvest party, and part reunion for anyone who loves this stretch of town.
Pumpkins & Family Fun
Not every festival can keep kids happy for hours, but Fall Fest makes it look easy. On 7th Avenue, bounce houses rise above the crowd, and the dunk tank draws a ring of onlookers. The pumpkin painting tables are a riot of color — little hands gripping brushes, parents snapping photos.
There’s a sweetness to it, the kind that comes from seeing a child carry a lopsided, paint-dripped pumpkin like it’s the day’s grand prize. Families who arrive around midday often find shorter lines at the craft tables and food stalls, making it easier to enjoy without the crush of the afternoon crowd.
Craft Beers, Food, and Seasonal Flavors
The air shifts as you near the food trucks — smoky, sweet, and savory all at once. Local breweries pour pints that taste like the season: pumpkin ales, malty reds, crisp IPAs. Wineries and distilleries offer sips that warm you from the inside out.
Plates come piled with pulled pork, chili, or soft pretzels the size of your head. Somewhere, someone is frying cider doughnuts, and the scent drifts down the block. Bring small bills for speed, a reusable cup if you have one, and water to keep pace if you’re sampling. Many vendors take cards, but cash can keep you moving.
Live Entertainment & Stage Highlights
Music spills into the street from three different stages. One end might have a folk duo harmonizing under the shade of a tent, while the middle block hums with a local rock band. Farther down, a brass group might be playing something that makes people stop mid-step.
The lineup usually drops the week before, so it’s worth a quick check online. Some people plan their day around certain sets; others just let the music pull them along. Either way, it’s easy to find yourself leaning on a railing, drink in hand, letting the sound carry you into the next hour.
Getting There & Logistics
Penn Avenue’s 400–700 blocks are the heart of it all, and they’ll be closed to cars for the day. If you’re driving, aim for nearby lots or side streets, then walk in. Public transit and ride-shares can save you the parking hunt, especially if you’re coming later in the day.
The “Visit West Reading” site and social feeds post updates on closures and detours — worth a glance before you head out. Arriving early not only helps with parking but also gives you a quieter window to explore before the biggest crowds arrive and the music kicks into full swing.
Safety & Accessibility Tips
Slip-resistant shoes are a smart choice — between food stalls, drink tents, and the sheer number of people, the pavement can get messy. Families should pick a visible landmark as a meet-up spot, just in case. If you see a spill, loose cord, or anything that could trip someone up, flag down event staff or borough workers.
Penn Avenue’s flat layout makes it easy to navigate, but a lightweight stroller or carrier can make the day smoother for parents. A little planning — and a bit of awareness — keeps the focus on the fun instead of the avoidable mishaps.
Conclusion
From pint tastings and artisan shopping to pumpkin art and live tunes—Fall Fest has the perfect mix of autumnal joy. Penn Avenue becomes a place where strangers strike up conversations in line, kids dart between booths, and the air smells like cinnamon and hops.
Whether you’re here for the music, the flavors, or just to soak in the season, it’s a day that sticks with you. And if a misstep puts a damper on your pumpkin-picking or beer-sampling, PA Injury Lawyers, P.C. is ready to help—just ask for our trusted Reading slip and fall lawyer. Mark the date, and make it yours.
