Downtown Reading will be transformed into an outdoor celebration of art, fitness and community this weekend as the Color and Art Fest returns to Penn Street.
The free festival will take place Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. along the 600 and 700 blocks of Penn Street.
Organizers said the festival is designed to showcase downtown Reading’s creative community while bringing together residents and visitors for an afternoon of art, food, fitness and local shopping.
The day’s signature event will be the Nemesis Fitness Community Color Fest Run, a free, untimed and noncompetitive run that begins at 3 p.m.
Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to wear white and make their way through downtown as they’re showered with colorful powder before finishing back at the festival.
Registration is required to participate in the run.
To sign up for the run, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Reading/Nemesis5kColorRun.
Festivalgoers can watch live art demonstrations by local artists, including Treasure Lopes and Joy Lin, while also taking part in hands-on creative activities.
Families can also enjoy music by DJ Henry Houdini, a photo booth and other activities designed to make the festival a destination for visitors of all ages.
More than a dozen artisan vendors will line Penn Street, offering handmade artwork, jewelry, flowers and other goods from local businesses.
Food vendors will serve a variety of meals, snacks and desserts throughout the afternoon.
Free parking will be available beginning at 11 a.m. in the South of Penn Garage, 635 Franklin St., courtesy of the Reading Parking Authority.