Reading Children’s Festival 2026

Saturday 9 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Venues across Reading

This year’s festival celebrates its 37th anniversary with three fun packed weeks of events and activities for children all over the borough. The festival gets off to an exciting start with Forbury Fiesta on Saturday 9 May, where there will be something for everyone to get involved with on the day. Reading Children’s Festival promises to bring plenty of fun, mayhem and madness.

From sport and music workshops to fun days with art and craft sessions, take your pick from the many exciting events taking place at venues across Reading.

If you’d like to take part by running an event or activity as part of the festival, please fill in our Children’s Festival expression of interest form.

If you’d like to attend our launch event on 9 May 2026 with a stall or provide a workshop or entertainment, please fill in our Forbury Fiesta expression of interest form.

For the full programme of activities and events, please visit this page nearer the time of the festival.

Take part in special colouring competition in partnership with Kennet and Avon Canal Trust! Prizes include boat trips for the whole family, a wonderful chance to experience the canal from the water!

Print the colouring sheets
Colour them and return by 6 May to your school, Reading Borough Council, London Street Brasserie or email the events team.
Winners will be announced at Reading Water Fest on Saturday 27 June.

For more information:

Events team
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReadingCFest
Instagram: @readingcfest
X: @ReadingCFest