Downtown Reading is preparing to burst with energy, creativity, and color as the 2nd Annual Color & Art Fest Block Party returns to Penn Street on Saturday, July 12, from 12 to 6 p.m.
Stretching across the 600 and 700 blocks, this free community event promises a lively mix of art, food, fitness, and family-friendly fun. One of the day’s highlights is the 5th Annual Nemesis Color Run, hosted by Reading-based Nemesis Fitness. The popular, non-competitive 5K will start and end at the festival grounds, sending runners of all ages through downtown while being covered in vibrant, non-toxic color powder.
With over 1,100 participants already registered, organizers say there’s still time to sign up for the colorful run. The event is open to runners of all experience levels, and registration remains available online.
Entertainment throughout the day will be provided by DJ Henry Houdini, with a lineup of featured artists including graffiti artist Mike Miller and friends, painter Ahnia “Distortedd” Santana, and comic illustrator Luke “The Orange Runner” McCambley. A variety of food and drink vendors will be on site, including favorites like El Sanwichon, Fiesta Churros, Choy’s Caribbean Stir Fry, Playa Bowls, and Pagoda City Brewing.
Attendees can also explore vendor booths and community tables from local artists and organizations such as Glitter Me, LRC Crochet, Que Rico Dance Studio, YMCA, and many more. Family activities will include face painting, chalk and bubble stations, a photobooth, caricatures, cornhole, and giant Jenga.
To support attendance, the Reading Parking Authority is offering free parking at the 4th and Cherry garage from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Organizers encourage residents and visitors alike to come out and celebrate the city’s creativity and community spirit.
