Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for September 1st-7th, 2012
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
End of the summer bouquets can be found in the stalls of the many Western MA farmers’ markets that will continue through the harvest season. Stop in, pick up some fresh produce for your family dinner, and an arrangement of locally grown flowers for your child’s new teacher. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BEST BETS
Things to Do & Places to See in Western MA this Summer!
Friday, Aug. 31st – Monday, Sept. 3rd – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the 145th annual Blandford Fair! There will be animals galore, many opportunities to learn about farming and agriculture, midway games and rides, performances, and more! 413-848-0995. 10 North Street. Blandford, MA. ($)
Friday, Aug. 31st – Monday, Sept. 3rd – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The 195th edition of the Three County Fair takes place this weekend! Visit to learn about animals, local agriculture, local history, and local culture – and see magic shows, live music, and more! Fair Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
Find out what’s happening in Berkshire County through Sept. 7th.
Saturday, Sept. 1st – ASTRONOMY: Arunah Hill Days take place this weekend, bringing with them a host of astronomy activities and outdoor adventures for families! This afternoon starting at 12noon, families can visit the nature center for a GPS treasure hunt, nature walks of the grounds, and rocket building and launching! Evening will bring telescopes, and stargazing! Master gazers will help families with telescope use and will teach visitors to find and identify stars, constellations, and more. Activities take place throughout the day. 413-569-6336. 218 Trouble Street. Cummington, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, Sept. 1st – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Celebrate the end of summer at the great 2012 Holyoke Community Block Party from 12noon-9pm! There will be live music and food (featuring some particularly delicious treats and particularly entertaining acts) all day! Takes place at Heritage State Park. Dwight Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
All are invited to join Hilltown Families on an organized field trip to the Food Bank of Western MA on Sat., Sept. 15th at 1:30pm in Hatfield, MA. Sign up to join us!
Next Saturday, September 8th – Old Sturbridge Village hosts Drummer’s Call, a celebration of 19th century military music from 9:30am-5pm. There will be a parade featuring numerous groups in costume, uniform “fashion shows,” and more. Along with the learning opportunities available during a visit to the village, the event offers families a chance to learn about music history, and the role that music played in the military (especially during the Civil War). 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
Next Saturday, September 8th – Teens/t(w)eens interested in photography can visit Natural Bridge State Park for an intergenerational workshop on nature photography from 1-3pm! Lead by local photographer Michael Marlow, the workshop will teach participants basic (and useful!) shooting tips that will help them improve their photography skills and behind-the-lens creativity. The workshop includes a photo-walk through the grounds. 413-663-6392. McAuley Road. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
Parents’ Night Out Tix Giveaway! Deadline to enter: Sept. 4th.
Next Sunday, September 9th – The Museum School at the Springfield Museums’ D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is offering an open house from 1-4pm, featuring demonstrations of many of the different skills that students can learn, a chance to meet faculty, and, of course, ample opportunity to learn about the school’s programs for children and parents. 413-263-6800 ex 382. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
BULLETIN BOARD
SELLERS WANTED FOR KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE: The Sharing Tree Children’s Consignment Sale is now registering sellers and volunteers for their fall/ winter sale coming September 29 – 30 in Westfield, MA. Save money by selling and buying high quality, gently used children’s items at their weekend-long sale. Sellers earn a percentage on the items they sell and shop early – before the sale opens to the public. Volunteers shop first – even before sellers! Thousands of items expected, including baby and kids’ clothes, shoes, toys, books, nursery and children’s furniture, baby equipment and maternity wear. To find out more and to register, visit www.sharingtreekids.com. For questions, email Karen at info@sharingtreekids.com or call 413-324-8733.
THEATER IMPROV FOR CHILDREN/TEENS: Sign up for Theater Improvisation with Heidi Haas! Improv increases spontaneity, creativity and self-confidence. Classes focus on tuning into one’s scene partners, creating bold characters and developing skits with each other. Classes are offered for 6th-8th graders on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 and for 1st-5th graders on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00 in Florence. The first 10 week session begins in Sept. Heidi has been teaching theater to children since 1996 and is also a clinical social worker with a specialty in child/family concerns. Check out her website at www.heidihaasimprov.com. To register call: Heidi Haas 584-5562 or email Heidi_Haas@comcast.net.
ADVERTISE YOUR FALL CLASS: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Parents’ Night Out: Enter to win tickets to see Darius Rucker at Mountain Park on Sept. 14th in Holyoke.
JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking, and community-based educational opportunities. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com
Shelly Bat Lenn writes, “The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens will be opening for our fall 2012-2013 year in October. If you, or someone you know needs our service please call Shelly at 413-584-7086 x124. Also, if you or someone you know is interested in learning about being a volunteer facilitator please share this number. Thank you!”
Ticket Giveaway: Enter to win a family 4-pack to see Story Pirates at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield.
Wear Orange! – September is National Hunger Awareness month, and supporters (adults & kids) of the mission to end hunger are encouraged to wear orange on Thursday, September 6th to show your support – the symbolic color of hunger! See someone wearing orange on this day? Go up to them and ask them if they are supporters too. Meet your neighbors, classmates, the person behind you in the checkout line… and organize ways you can help to end hunger together in your community!
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
September 1st-7th, 2012
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Farmers’ Markets
Weekly eNewsletter | Summer Playgroups
Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events
Saturday, September 1st, 2012
“We always make sure to go to the 3 County Fairgrounds (Northampton, MA) to catch a horse show, preferably the sliders – it is truly amazing.” — Heather Polson (Northampton, MA)
6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.
9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. This week we are rebroadcasting our Back to School Episode. Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see over 5 years of archived shows.
TAG SALE: Families throughout the town of Chesterfield will be holding tag sales today! Go on a scenic drive through town and discover great new-to-you goods. West Chesterfield & Chesterfield, MA. (SALE)
8am-9pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the 145th annual Blandford Fair! There will be animals galore, many opportunities to learn about farming and agriculture, midway games and rides, performances, and more! 413-848-0995. 10 North Street. Blandford, MA. ($)
9am-10pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The 195th edition of the Three County Fair takes place this weekend! Visit to learn about animals, local agriculture, local history, and local culture – and see magic shows, live music, and more! Fair Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
9:30am-1pm – PUPPETS: Spend the morning playing with puppets at the Hatfield Library! Kids can create puppet productions, practice creating new personas for puppets, and more. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE)
9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Visit Old Sturbridge Village for Family Fun Days, Sat.-Mon.! This special long weekend program offers families a chance to play numerous games – as they were played in the 19th century! Families can try a game of French and English, play baseball, watch a fire balloon fight, and do 1800’s crafts. There will also be chances to see craftsmen at work on various projects, tour the village, and learn about 19th century life. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
10am-5pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Get lost in the corn maze at Warner Farm! Mike’s maze offers a fun and challenging outdoor adventure (of the best kind!) for families of all ages. 23 South Main Street. Sunderland, MA. ($)
11am – KIDS’ PERFORMANCE: Spectrum Playhouse presents Terri a la Berry! Terri’s silly concerts are a family favorite. 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street. Lee, MA. (<$)
12noon – ASTRONOMY: Arunah Hill Days take place this weekend, bringing with them a host of astronomy activities and outdoor adventures for families! This afternoon, families can visit the nature center for a GPS treasure hunt, nature walks of the grounds, and rocket building and launching! Evening will bring telescopes, and stargazing! Master gazers will help families with telescope use and will teach visitors to find and identify stars, constellations, and more. Activities take place throughout the day. 413-569-6336. 218 Trouble Street. Cummington, MA. (FREE)
12noon-9pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Celebrate the end of summer at the great 2012 Holyoke Community Block Party! There will be live music and food (featuring some particularly delicious treats and particularly entertaining acts) all day! Takes place at Heritage State Park. Dwight Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
1:15-2:30pm – LITERACY: The Springfield Library hosts Families READ on the first Saturday of every month in the children’s room. Read together, play a game together, enjoy a snack together. For families with kids ages 12yo and younger. 413.263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA (FREE) ♦
7:40pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-In is screening “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (Animated PG) at 8pm followed by “Total Recall” (PG-13) at 9:15pm. 981 Northfield Rd. Hinsdale, NH
Sunday, September 2nd, 2012
“Enjoying good, local food at good, local restaurants outdoors when the air is warm and the breeze is gentle makes the living easy in summertime. Fortunately for all of us, there is an abundance of all of these in summer in Western MA. My favorites include the Lady Killigrew at the Bookmill in Montague, Ristorante DiPaolo in Turners Falls, and Mama Iguana’s in Northampton. We’re also fortunate to live amidst a number of local “creamies” and “frosties.” We’re big fans of the 5Js in South Deerfield (which also has super-sweet pick-your-own strawberries), and the Sugarloaf Frostie in Sunderland when it’s a hot-enough-for-ice-cream evening.” — Cheri Karbon (Deerfield, MA)
TAG SALE: Families throughout Chesterfield will be holding tag sales today! Go on a scenic drive through town and discover great new-to-you goods. West Chesterfield & Chesterfield, MA. (SALE)
8am-9pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the 145th annual Blandford Fair! There will be animals galore, many opportunities to learn about farming and agriculture, midway games and rides, performances, and more! 413-848-0995. 10 North Street. Blandford, MA. ($)
9am-12noon – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Help out at the Just Roots Food for All Garden! Vegetables grown will be donated to local hunger relief organizations. Glenbrook Drive. Greenfield, MA. (VOLUNTEER) ♦
9am-10pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The 195th edition of the Three County Fair takes place this weekend! Visit to learn about animals, local agriculture, local history, and local culture – and see magic shows, live music, and more! Fair Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Visit Old Sturbridge Village for Family Fun Days! This special long weekend program offers families a chance to play numerous games – as they were played in the 19th century! Families can try a game of French and English, play base ball, watch a fire balloon fight, and do 1800’s crafts. There will also be chances to see craftsmen at work on various projects, tour the village, and learn about 19th century life. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Natural Bridge State Park hosts Marvelous Marble Walks on both Saturday and Sundays, where visitors can learn about the marble quarry that once operated nearby. Kids can learn about important local and natural history! 413-663-6392. McCauley Road. North Adams, MA. (FREE, >$ FOR PARKING) ♦
10am and 2pm – BOTANY/HIKE: Go on a medicinal plant walk at Mt. Greylock! The walk will be easy, and will focus on teaching visitors to identify plants with medicinal properties. Meet at the visitors center. 413-499-4262. Rockwell Road. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
10am-5pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Get lost in the corn maze at Warner Farm! Mike’s maze offers a fun and challenging outdoor adventure (of the best kind!) for families of all ages. Pair a visit to the farm with studies of local agriculture. 23 South Main Street. Sunderland, MA. ($)
11am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Four of the five museums at the Springfield Museums are open on Sundays. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA ($)
1-3pm – COMMUNITY BBQ: The Plainfield Firefighters will host their 42nd annual Barbecue behind the Shaw Memorial Library. Featuring live music, great food and prizes. 413-634-5470. Rte. 116. Plainfield, MA (FUNDRAISER)
1-4pm – NATURE STUDIES: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center to explore exhibits about the Connecticut River watershed – park interpreters will be on hand to help families understand exhibits and will focus shared information on a particular habitat found in the watershed. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
7:40pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-In is screening “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (Animated PG) at 8pm followed by “Total Recall” (PG-13) at 9:15pm. 981 Northfield Rd. Hinsdale, NH
Monday, September 3rd, 2012
LABOR DAY
8am-6pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the 145th annual Blandford Fair! There will be animals galore, many opportunities to learn about farming and agriculture, midway games and rides, performances, and more! 413-848-0995. 10 North Street. Blandford, MA. ($)
9am-8pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The 195th edition of the Three County Fair takes place this weekend! Visit to learn about animals, local agriculture, local history, and local culture – and see magic shows, live music, and more! Fair Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Visit Old Sturbridge Village for Family Fun Days! This special long weekend program offers families a chance to play numerous games – as they were played in the 19th century! Families can try a game of French and English, play baseball, watch a fire balloon fight, and do 1800’s crafts. There will also be chances to see craftsmen at work on various projects, tour the village, and learn about 19th century life. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
10am-5pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Get lost in the corn maze at Warner Farm! Mike’s maze offers a fun and challenging outdoor adventure (of the best kind!) for families of all ages. 23 South Main Street. Sunderland, MA. ($)
Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
5:30-7:30pm – FAMILY CONCERT: All future, present and past students of the Williamsburg School are invited to a free family concert with The Nields! Kicking-off the school year, this family community concert will be a thte Helen James School, hosted by the PTO. BYO blankets & picnic dinner for a fun evening. 16 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)
ONGOING FOR TUESDAYS
Our ongoing list is starting over for the fall. If you have an ongoing event to add, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
- 10:15am-12:15pm – SUPPORT GROUP: MotherWoman hosts a Postpartum Support Group for mothers. The group is a safe space for those adjusting to motherhood and is lead by trained facilitators. Takes place at Berkshire Children and Families. Childcare available. 413-253-8990. 220 Russell Street. Hadley, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: At the Lanesborough Library! 83 North Main Street. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30-11:30am – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center for Kidleidescope, an environment-themed program for kids! Interactive learning opportunities and crafts always included. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden hosts open studio hours every Monday-Saturday afternoon! Families can visit to experiment with art materials and try out new forms of expression – or just to work on perfecting skills! 413-625-2782. 4 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (DONATION)
- 3-5pm – TEEN: It’s Teen Tuesday at the Chicopee Library – visit for a new activity every week. 413-594-1800. 449 Front Street. Chicopee, MA. (FREE) ♦
Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
2-6pm – BACK-TO-SCHOOL CELEBRATION: Celebrate back-to-school at Kendrick Park Farmers’ Market with ice cream from Bart’s, games, music, and more! North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
6-7:30pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: Visit Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary’s beaver ponds to learn about beaver habits and habitats. The program will also teach visitors information on animals that are attracted to beaver-created ponds, and the changes that beavers have caused to landscapes since their reintroduction to the area over 80 years ago. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (<$)
6:30-8pm – THEATER: Catalyst Stage presents Moliere at the Storrs Library! The performance includes two of Moliere’s comedies – A School for Husbands and A School for Wives. The show brings to light important lessons on gender roles! Call to register. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (DONATION)
ONGOING FOR WEDNESDAYS
Our ongoing list is starting over for the fall. If you have an ongoing event to add, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
- 10am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Hike at Mt. Greylock! Every Wednesday through Oct 24th, there’s a “Nice and Easy” family-friendly hike – it’s about two hours long and will cover 1-2 miles of trail. Call to find out meeting place. 413-499-4262. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10-11:30am – ART: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Creating Together: A Parent-Child Experience,” an art workshop featuring a gallery tour and hands-on art making. Each week brings a new theme and art style to explore. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183 Stockbridge, MA. ($) ♦
- 11am-12noon – GYMNASTICS: Whip City Gym hosts homeschool open gymnastics! The event is not a formal class, but offers kids unstructured play time physical activity amongst true gymnastics equipment. Great for kids interested in gymnastics, dance, or cheerleading, and gym playtime can also help kids work on balance and coordination. 413-569-3231. 320 College Highway. Southwick, MA. (<$) ♦
- 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden hosts open studio hours every Monday-Saturday afternoon! Families can visit to experiment with art materials and try out new forms of expression – or just to work on perfecting skills! 413-625-2782. 4 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (DONATION)
- 3pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Visit Mountain View Farm for a farm activity for pre-school kids though the harvest! 413-329-0211. 393 East Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 3:30pm – LEGOS: The Berkshire Athenaeum hosts LEGO Club on the third Wednesday of each month. Kids can use LEGOs to experiment with basic principles of architecture, physics, and design. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. ♦ (FREE)
Thursday, September 6th, 2012
Wear Orange! – September is National Hunger Awareness month, and supporters (adults & kids) of the mission to end hunger are encouraged to wear orange on Thursday, September 6th to show your support – the symbolic color of hunger! See someone wearing orange on this day? Go up to them and ask them if they are supporters too. Meet your neighbors, classmates, the person behind you in the checkout line… and organize ways you can help to end hunger together!
3-10pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The 34th annual Franklin County Fair will be held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. The theme this year is “Memories, Music and Magic.” On Thursday kids can ride the midway and take in Robinson’s Racing Pigs and the Fiesta Show. There will even be a science tent for families to make slime, break open geodes, and search for pearls in oysters. 413-774-4282. 89 Wisdom Way. Greenfield, MA ($)
5pm – PARADE: Franklin County Fair will have their “Memories, Music & Magic” parade through downtown Greenfield. Greenfield, MA (FREE)
6pm – SCRABBLE: Practice spelling and vocabulary at the Westhampton Library’s Scrabble night! 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE)
ONGOING FOR THURSDAYS
Our ongoing list is starting over for the fall. If you have an ongoing event to add, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
- 11am – STORYTIME: At the Hatfield Library, just for preschoolers! 413-547-9237. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 11am-3:30pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: The High Street Market is open today! Stop by for fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and more! High Street. Holyoke, MA. (MARKET) ♦
- 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden hosts open studio hours every Monday-Saturday afternoon! Families can visit to experiment with art materials and try out new forms of expression – or just to work on perfecting skills! 413-625-2782. 4 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (DONATION)
- 2:30-7pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Visit the Burgy Thursday Market for local produce, locally made goods, and delicious treats! Takes place on the lawn at Meekins Library. Williams Street. Williamsburg, MA. (MARKET) ♦
- 5-8pm – ART WALK: On the first Thursday of every month, the Amherst Art Walk takes place. Families can enjoy arts and culture, entertainment, shopping and dining. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA (FREE)
- 8pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Sing some chanteys and bar songs at the Brewmaster’s Tavern– and order some delicious food and drinks while you sing! Takes place on the first and third Thursdays of each month. 4 Main Street. 413-268-7741. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
Friday, September 7th, 2012
9am-4pm – TAG SALE: Leverett’s community-wide tag sale takes place today and tomorrow! Items can be donated to the event on the 5th and 6th. Proceeds from the sale benefit tax relief for senior and disabled community members. 172 Long Plain Road. Leverett, MA. (SALE)
11am-10pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The 34th annual Franklin County Fair will be held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. The theme this year is “Memories, Music and Magic.” On Friday, take your grandparents for Senior Citizens Days! Highlights include Flying High Frisbee Dogs, Lumberjack Show, live music and Robinson’s Racing Pigs. There will even be a science tent for families to make slime, break open geodes, and search for pearls in oysters. Midway opens at 4pm. 413-774-4282. 89 Wisdom Way. Greenfield, MA ($)
5-8pm – ART WALK: It’s First Friday tonight in Pittsfield, which means a chance to explore galleries, shops, and restaurants, all featuring beautiful artwork by a variety of artists, all featuring different media and styles. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
5-11pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/GREEK: Celebrate Greek culture at St. George Cathedral’s annual Greek Glendi! The event features incredible traditional Greek food, performances of Greek music and dances, an exhibit of Greek art and culture, tours of the historic cathedral and chapel, and more. Families can celebrate Greek culture, and learn about its presence in the local community. 413-737-1496. 22 St. George Road. Springfield, MA. (>$)
6pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Help raise money for the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation while dancing the night away at the Harvest Hoedown! There will be live music and callers for dancing, delicious barbecue dinner, and a silent auction full of treasures (like an Old Town canoe!). 413-458-2494. Route 7. Williamstown, MA. ($$$, FUNDRAISER)
6pm – COMMUNITY DINNER: Bring a dish to a community potluck dinner! Families can share food with one another, and there will be an origami frog-making activity. Use the event as a chance to both utilize the plethora of local produce available and to have kids practice their kitchen skills. Takes place on the lawn of the South Deerfield Congregational Church. North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA. (FREE)
6:30-9pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center for a program on the settling of Turners Falls, the development of industry, and cultural changes within the community. The talk will focus on the immigration of a specific group, and the changes that occurred during the time when that group came to the area. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
7:30pm – THEATER: Berkshire Theater Group presents, “Oliver!” The musical is a classic, and tells the tale of an orphan, a band of thieves, and the search for a home. 413-997-4444. 111 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)
7:30pm – ASTRONOMY: The Springfield Museums host Stars Over Springfield on the first Friday of each month! Visit the museum to take a peek at the stars through a rooftop telescope! In case of clouds or rain, a planetarium show will be presented instead. 800-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. (<$)
7:30pm – CONCERT: Beatlemania is coming to Westfield! A Beatles cover band, dressed in their finest 60’s duds, will play all of the classic Beatles tunes that families love. Benefits the Westfield High School band. 177 Montgomery Street. Westfield, MA. ($$)
ONGOING FOR FRIDAYS
Our ongoing list is starting over for the fall. If you have an ongoing event to add, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
- 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: On the first and third Fridays of each month, the YMCA of Greenfield hosts Jump Into Fitness playgroup! Lots of fun physical activity. Snack provided. 413-475-1543. 451 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 11am – AQUARIUM ADVENTURE: Meet an animal at the Berkshire Museum! Friends from the aquarium will be shared, and kids can learn all about them through stories and activities. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (<$) ♦
- 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden hosts open studio hours every Monday-Saturday afternoon! Families can visit to experiment with art materials and try out new forms of expression – or just to work on perfecting skills! 413-625-2782. 4 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (DONATION)
- 5:45 and 7pm – HISTORY/MYSTERY TOUR: Take a spooky mystery tour of The Mount every Friday night through Oct. 26th… beware – you never know what you might encounter! Visitors will not only be thoroughly creeped out, but will learn some of the building’s interesting history. 413-997-4444. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. ($$)
