Hilltown Families 
100+ Suggested Events in Western MA: September 21-October 4, 2019
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With 9,000 opt-in subscribers and 2.5+ million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover community-based educational events and community building opportunities happening this weekend and next week in Western MA!
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Class Directory
Western Massachusetts is rich in learning opportunities to supplement the interests of children, teens, and lifelong learners! Hilltown Families Class Directory features classes, lessons, enrichment programs, and membership opportunities across the region and throughout the year. Our Class Directory makes it easier to find these gems while connecting families with resources that support their interests and education, including theater, music, dance, art, and much more. — Have a class, private lesson, or program you’d like to include in our directory?
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Bulletin Board
Sep 21 & 22
Celebrate farm life & homesteading at the Homestead Harvest Festival on Sept. 21 & 22 from 10am-4pm at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington. This 2-day event is a fun celebration of local agricultural traditions! Children’s farm and garden activities, live music, artisan vendors, special talks and presentations, pony rides, draft horse demonstrations, and more. Picnic on the grounds and soak in the beautiful views surrounding this 19th-century farmstead. Check out their tentative event schedule for the weekend. Activities include butter making, apple press, seed saving, cooking demos, food preservation, hayrides, artisan market and many others. Cost: Member Adult: $9; Member Child: $3; Nonmember Adult: $15; Nonmember Child: $6.
Field Trips
Expand your classroom at the Springfield Museums. With 5 museums to mine for information and activities, the Springfield Museums does what few others can—combine art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss into fun-filled, engaging experiences that reinforce critical thinking & observation skills through inquiry-based learning. The Museums offer a broad range of school programs for all grades and interest levels, and all programs link directly to the MA State Curriculum Frameworks and help students prepare for standardized testing. Learn more at SpringfieldMuseums.org/groups/school. Fall Field Trip Discount: Visit between Oct 1 & Dec 31 for $1 off per student when booking 2+ programs. Contact 413-263-6800 x322 or fieldtrips@springfieldmuseums.org.
Sep 19-22
Discover the fun of poetry during the 7th Annual Amherst Poetry Festival! The Festival features family-friendly readings and workshops around Amherst from September 19-22. Workshops include “Drawing Poems and Writing Pictures: A Workshop for Children and Adults” and “Calling All Poets!” a workshop for writers of all ages who wish to spend an afternoon writing poetry in Emily Dickinson’s garden. Advance registration for some of these events is strongly suggested. Visit their website for more information and to register for these and other events: www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org.
Sept 28
The second annual Arcadia Folk Festival returns on September 28th with Dar Williams, Anaïs Mitchell, Martin Sexton, and many more! This outdoor fall musical event will bring the community together around music in the heart of the Pioneer Valley to celebrate 75 years of Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Little Roots and The Mammals will perform music for the entire family. There will be nature activities, nature arts and craft projects, and a nature walk just for kids. The festival will also feature the best in local food vendors and Makers Market craft vendors making work inspired by nature or environmentally friendly / up-cycled art. Kids 10 and under are free! Tickets: www.arcadiafolkfest.com.
Sep 28 & 29
The 21st Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival is the weekend of September 28 & 29, 10am-5pm in Orange, MA! There’s something for everyone at this fabulous family destination on a beautiful farm. Over 100 booths are vibrant with local artists, farmers, fabulous food, chef demos, and skills for local living. Enjoy amazing music, performance, spoken word, and dance on three stages — art and environmental activities for all ages. Admission is good for the weekend! Adults: $10; Students, Seniors, EBT cardholders $5; Kids 12 and under free. Visit www.garlicandarts.org for travel/parking info and full program; follow enjoyable festival updates daily on Facebook!
Nonotuck Community School is accepting applications for children 15 mos. to 5 years for a September start date in their 12-month program. Open from 7:30am-5:30pm and located in Northampton, Nonotuck has well-appointed classrooms, daily access to indoor and outdoor play spaces an art studio, yoga instruction, Kaboom! Imagination Play equipment, gardening & more. The curriculum is play-based and impaired by progressive early childhood education theory. A parent cooperative, Nonotuck emphasizes community, emotional intelligence, and resilience, and provides ample opportunities for cognitive, artistic, social, emotional, and physical development throughout the school day. Contact info@nonotuck.org, 413-586-5996, or online at www.nonotuck.org.
Fall Sales
Shop local and smart! There’s still time to stock up and save at River Valley Co-op this Fall during their amazing sale events. Get huge deals on full case discounts and more. September 18-October 1, Squirrel Away Savings: Great deals on items perfect for the pantry or freezer. Stock up and enjoy them for months to come! For information on these amazing sales and more, visit River Valley Co-op online at www.rivervalley.coop or call 413-584-2665. Or better yet, stop by! Open from 8am-10pm. River Valley Co-op is located at 330 North King St. in Northampton.
Experience the very best with a YMCA in Greenfield Family Membership. When you and your family become members of the YMCA in Greenfield, you become part of Y family; full of caring members and dedicated, supportive staff. Your membership represents an investment in your family, as well as the mission of our Y; as they Y seeks to serve both members and the community, by enhancing the quality of life in Franklin County. Find your healthy – find your community – find yourself – at your YMCA in Greenfield. Free ChildWatch for ages 8 week-7 years. Free Game Room fun for children ages 6+. Fun Family events on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons at no extra cost. Free Dodgeball & Floor Hockey for ages 6-10. Discounts on summer camps, classes, and more! 413-773-3646. info@ymcaingreenfield.org. ymcaingreenfield.org.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
September 21 – October 4, 2019
Saturday, Sept 21 • Sunday, Sept 22
Monday, Sept 23 • Tuesday, Sept 24 • Wednesday, Sept 25
Thursday, Sept 26 • Friday, Sept 27
Saturday, Sept 28 • Sunday, Sept 29
Monday, Sept 30 • Tuesday, Oct 1 • Wednesday, Oct 2
Thursday, Oct 3 • Friday, Oct 4
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Events Happening in the Hilltown
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Saturday, September 21, 9-10am – FAMILY RADIO/TRANSPORTATION EPISODE: This week is the Hilltown Family Variety Show Transportation Episode with Guest DJ, Camille Harris. Musician and comedian, Camille Harris, explores the word “transportation” and the various ways in which we move around the world each day. Songs and stories about cars, buses, trains, trolleys, planes, rockets, and subways are all featured in this fun educational episode. Click here select from over 13 years of archived shows! It’s better than Saturday morning cartoons and commercial radio! ♥ Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive sneak peak every Thursday of the upcoming show. Check your eNewsletter to listen any time. Not a subscriber? Click here to subscribe to our free Weekly eNewsletter!
Saturday, September 21, 7am-5pm — EXERCISE/BIKE RIDING: Exploring your regional landscape and local community by bike presents new ways to experience all that the Pioneer Valley has to offer and allows you to notice things you hadn’t seen before – from landscapes to wildlife to villages. The Northampton Cycling Club presents their annual BikeFest, with a variety of rides ranging from less than 10 to over 100 miles, with all bikers returning to Look Park for an afternoon festival. Past events have included family activities, BMX bike show, kids bike races, music, and more. Pre-registration closes when sold out. Visit The Northampton Cycling Club for schedule and registration info. Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
Saturday, September 21, All Day – LOCAL HERITAGE/GUIDED TOURS: The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area hosts annual autumn Heritage Walks in September. Well over 50 free, guided interpretive tours are offered throughout Berkshire County. The public is invited to participate in these family-oriented, interpretive walks, offered in partnership with our region’s historic, cultural, and outdoor recreation organizations and the National Park Service. The Heritage Walks are the ideal opportunity to experience and learn about our region’s rich and varied local heritage. Local historians, naturalists, and environmentalists will lead participants on explorations through historic estate gardens and town districts, behind-the-scenes cultural site tours, nature walks, trail hikes, and tours of many of the industrial-site ruins that were once thriving local industries. Examples of opportunities include Native-American and African-American history walks, a canoe paddling trip on the Housatonic River, and a bike tour on scenic country roads. Visit www.HousatonicHeritage.org for a detailed itinerary. Berkshire County, MA.
Saturday, September 21, Varies – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Western Massachusetts is home to a considerable number of museums, each one filled with a myriad of unique learning opportunities. Thanks to Smithsonian Magazine, museums all over the country, including a few in Western MA, can be visited free of charge during their annual Museum Day Live! every late September. Tickets for the special day are available on the publication’s website and each ticket grants admission for one person plus a guest. Only one ticket may be printed per household, and each may only be used at one participating location. Kids of all ages can satisfy their curiosity on many diverse subjects while utilizing their free ticket. Institutions participating in Museum Day Live! can help families learn about everything from natural history, fine art, language, local history, and much more. Families can even use the event as a way to target specific topics or interests that their children have. Try matching your visit to the topics that your children are studying in school this fall or themes that you’re learning about together at home. Entering an exhibit with learning goals in mind can help kids to focus on a common theme while taking in lots of information. If you choose a topic beforehand, try writing down all the knowledge that your family has about the subject on your way to the museum, and then generate some questions that you have. Work on answering these questions as you learn throughout your visit, then discuss what you learned on the way back. You might be surprised what you’ll find out! Tickets for this annual day are available on online at www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday. Participating museums this year include, Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College, Mead Art Museum, Springfield Museums, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and Yiddish Book Center.
Saturday, September 21, TBA — MUSIC STUDIES/GRASSROOTS: The annual FreshGrass three-day, family-friendly, music festival, celebrates grassroots music in its many forms, and aims to create a new hub for the burgeoning bluegrass community. In addition to multiple stages of fabulous bluegrass and roots music, there will be workshops led by talented musicians, and skilled luthiers offering instrument construction demos and discussions (plus plenty of instruments to view up close, hold, or play). MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 9:30am-4pm – COLONIAL HISTORY/CULINARY ARTS: Experience life in an early New England kitchen at Historic Deerfield‘s Open Hearth Cooking demonstrations! Learn about traditional fall harvest foods like pumpkins, apples, and corn. These cooking demonstrations allow visitors of all ages to see what life was like in the past and the types of chores and activities they would do had they lived several hundred years ago! Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 10am-5pm – PLACEMAKING/APPLE FESTIVAL: Now that the weather is beginning to turn, that can only mean one thing: the apple harvest is right around the corner! For almost forty years, the Berkshire community has been welcoming the fall with a special festival, celebrating the apple harvest. The Lenox Apple Squeeze features musical performances, vendors, and fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this beloved local tradition. 4 Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA (FREE)
Saturday, September 21, 10:30-11:30am – MINDFULNESS/FOREST BATHING: Connect with the natural world in a healing, calming, and replenishing way through a series of activities on a gentle, guided FREE “Shinrin-Yoku: Forest Breathing Guided Walk.” Look to the wisdom of the natural world for effective ways to relax and reinvigorate yourself. Shinrin Yoku is Japanese for “Forest Bathing,” a cornerstone of preventative health care and healing in Japanese medicine with a robust body of scientific literature on the health benefits. For ages 18 and older. Pre-register by calling 800-859-2960. Northfield Mountain. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 11am-4pm – AGRICULTURE/WILDLIFE: Join Apex Orchard for their annual Wildlife Weekend for PYO in their fruit orchard, educational displays, wildlife booths, scavenger hunt, local food, and one of the most spectacular views in upper Pioneer Valley! Activities include Jennifer Longsdorf from Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Jim Legacy from Mass Wildlife, and Tom Ricardi with his Birds of Prey. Apex Orchards. 413-625-2744. 225 Peckville Rd. Shelburne, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 11am-10pm – LOCAL HERITAGE/AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Established in 1856, the Belchertown Fair is an annual 3-day celebration of New England agricultural heritage. The annual “Fair Day” parade kicks off the weekend on Saturday morning at 10am, then all weekend families can enjoy a multitude of activities, including: farm animals, petting zoo, pulling area, live entertainment, a midway, and an exhibit hall showcasing displays from farmers, crafters, photographers, and special interest groups. Belchertown Fair. 2 Park St. Belchertown, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 12noon-4pm – SKILLSHARING/SUSTAINABILITY: Community RePair, organized by the Northampton ReUse Committee. Participants are invited to bring a household item in need of repair. Local “Fixperts,” handy volunteers providing repair know-how, will attempt to fix it free of charge. Great opportunity to learn new skills by watching not only your own broken/ripped item being repaired, but other things too! If you are a successful tinkerer/repairperson/handyperson/maker and are interested in joining their team of volunteer “Fixperts,” call 413-587-1059. Smith Vocational High School. 80 Locust Street (Route 9), Northampton, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 12noon-4:30pm – FASHION HISTORY/SILK: “Silken Inspirations: The Hands-on History of Silk” at the Historic Deerfield in the History Workshop Building. Learn about the fascinating process of making silk fiber into thread. Visitors can see live silkworms, real cocoons, and enjoy the unique opportunity of painting on silk. Silk painting is a take-home project fun for all ages. (Special Note: Visitors are encouraged to visit the Flynt Center of Early New England Life where they will find other examples of silk in the current lobby show: Inspired Design: Asian Decorative Arts and Their Adaptations and in The Helen Geier Flynt Textile Museum Gallery: Celebrating the Fiber Arts). Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 1-2pm – STORY HOUR/CZECH: Walls and Bridges, with Peter Sís at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture. In his acceptance speech upon winning the 2012 Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator Award, Peter Sís describes books as “my home, my language, my country.” Join Sís as he shares stories of his Czech childhood behind the Iron Curtain and his love of picture books as “bridges taking you places.” Book signing to follow the program. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 1:15-2:45pm & 3-4:30pm – GEOLOGY/GUIDED CRUISE: Geology comes alive through the clear and often humorous stories of Professor Emeritus of Greenfield Community College, Richard Little during “Fire and Ice; Richard Little Geology Cruise.” This relaxing cruise on the Connecticut River will be filled with tales of drifting continents, earthquakes, dinosaurs, glaciers, Lake Hitchcock, and the strange origin of deep riverbed holes; all are part of the creation of our idyllic Valley. Professor Little has published three editions of Dinosaurs, Dunes, and Drifting Continents: The Geology of the Connecticut Valley and created videos about the rise and fall of glacial Lake Hitchcock and the 500 million year history of the Connecticut Valley. Professor Little continues his passion for educating about geology through “Fantastic Landscape Tours” to significant geologic areas like the US National Parks and Iceland. Don’t miss this overview of the fantastic geology of the area by one of the region’s most exceptional geology educators. For ages 10 and older. Register by calling 800-859-2960. This cruise is scheduled to depart from the dock at Northfield Mountain Riverview Picnic area at the foot of Ferry Road in Northfield, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 2-4pm – ROBOTICS/TEENS: Holyoke Codes will visit the library to teach teens how to build their own sumo bot. Sumo bots are robots that compete in a sumo-wrestling type competition. Robots will attempt to push each other out of a ring. Teens will build the robots and program them for sumo wrestling success. This program will end with a friendly sumo bot tournament. Registration Required. Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA.
Saturday, September 21, 7pm – FILM STUDIES/LOCAL FILMMAKERS: The annual Ashfield Film Festival has allowed folks of all ages to both create and watch original short films together. The best part, the short films are created by local residents and filmed in the area! Since 2007, the FilmFest has screened over 150 films, most of which were shot within Ashfield and by folks you may know! Entries demonstrate not only the cultural and historical diversity of Ashfield but a growing enthusiasm for the creative art of storytelling with film/video. Created as a means of building a creative community and commemorating Ashfield as the birthplace of early 20th-century film great Cecil Demille. The festival showcases everything from short pieces highlighting experienced filmmakers’ technical expertise to music videos made by local teens. Prepurchase tickets. Ashfield FilmFest. Ashfield Town Hall. 412 Main St. Ashfield, MA.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Sunday, September 22, 6:45am & 6pm – AUTUMN EQUINOX/ASTRONOMY: Fall is here! The autumnal equinox, the first full day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, is a good time to learn about astronomical concepts such as the seasonal positions of the Earth, Sun and Moon. The public is invited to view sunrise and sunset from the standing stones of the UMass Amherst Sunwheel. A UMass Amherst astronomer will be present discussing the significance of the solstices and equinoxes, phases of the moon, building of the Sunwheel, and other calendar sites such as the Karnak Temple in Egypt, Stonehenge in the U.K, Chichen Itza in Mexico, and Chankillo in Peru. UMass Sunwheel. Rocky Hill Road, south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Amherst, MA.
Sunday, September 22, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of “Art in the Orchard,” a biennial orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing “Culture into Horticulutre,” the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, September 22, TBA — MUSIC STUDIES/GRASSROOTS: The annual FreshGrass three-day, family-friendly, music festival, celebrates grassroots music in its many forms, and aims to create a new hub for the burgeoning bluegrass community. In addition to multiple stages of fabulous bluegrass and roots music, there will be workshops led by talented musicians, and skilled luthiers offering instrument construction demos and discussions (plus plenty of instruments to view up close, hold, or play). MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 9:30-11:30am – AGRICULTURE/JEWISH CULTURE: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish new year. The biblical name is Yom Teruah, which is sometimes translated as the “Feast of Trumpets.” You can celebrate Rosh Hashanah with a feast of apples! Families with young children are invited to pick their own apples at Park Hill Orchard. There will be live music, apple tastings, and shofar blowing. Picking your own apples connects children with where their food comes from, forging a stronger connection with place and making healthy food fun! Hosted by PJ Library Western Massachusetts at Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 9:30am-4:30pm – FASHION HISTORY/WOMEN’S DRESS: “Extreme Fashion: Early and Late 19th-Century Women’s Dress at Historic Deerfield.” Eye-catching 19th-century women’s fashion from the Historic Deerfield collection will be featured in two museum houses this fall, Stebbins House and Frary House. Neoclassical dresses from the early 19th-century will be on view in the 1799 Asa Stebbins House, while the Colonial Revival Frary House showcases 1890s fashions. Seen against period architecture and decorative arts, Extreme Fashion explores themes of gender, aesthetics, technology, and culture in 19th-century America. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 10am-5pm – PLACEMAKING/FESTIVAL: Now that the weather is beginning to turn, that can only mean one thing: the apple harvest is right around the corner! For almost forty years, the Berkshire community has been welcoming the fall with a special festival, celebrating the apple harvest. The Lenox Apple Squeeze features musical performances, vendors, and fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this beloved local tradition. 4 Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 10am-5pm – FERMENTATION/NUTRITIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY: Like most things, sauerkraut originally came from ancient China. While the Chinese preservation technique was derived from the use of rice wine, Tatars were the first to use salt. It is thought that the dish first came to Europe with the Mongols in the 13th century. During the first World War, American sauerkraut manufacturers worried that consumers wouldn’t want to buy the product that had a German name, so they relabeled it “Liberty Cabbage,” evoking the absurd “Freedom Fries” debacle of the early 2000s. Fermentation is a great way to preserve food and add beneficial bacteria to promote increased gut health. More and more medical professionals are acknowledging the link between gut bacteria and a host of ailments and fermented foods are a great way to cultivate a healthy gut microbiome. Learn all about fermentation, preserving ancient traditions, and building a resilient culture at the annual Berkshire Fermentation Festival. This family-friendly event has presentations that range from chocolate chemistry to botanical beverages, a food swap of homemade fermented foods to lessons in nutrition, live music to a science corner. Hosted by Berkshire Ferments at Ski Butternut. 413-528-2000. 380 State Rd. Great Barrington, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 10am/12:30pm-5pm – SERVICE-BASED LEARNING/KAYAKING: Kayak-a-thon with All Out Adventures, an annual fundraiser where participants kayak from Sunderland to Northampton (12 miles) or Hatfield to Northampton (5 miles) via the Connecticut River. It’s an inclusive community event, involving people with and without disabilities who are passionate about inclusion and love outdoor adventures. Open to the community, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, participants commit to raising $150/person or $500 as part of a 4-member team — an excellent event for families, individuals, and civic groups. Participating paddler friends and family join in at the finishing landing place in Northampton, celebrating with music and refreshments. This fundraiser helps to raise funds needed to provide free or low-cost outdoor recreation programs each year for people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans. (Rain Date: September 29). All Out Adventures. 413-584-2052. 214 State St. Northampton, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 11am-5pm — BREAD FESTIVAL: According to the expert sourdough bakers at Hungry Ghost Bread, “a sourdough culture is a mixture of wild yeast and lactobacillus, a variety of bacteria, that lives in a mixture of flour and water” and “eating good quality bread helps restore the functioning of the digestive tract, resulting in proper assimilation and elimination.” Celebrate this community bakery with its annual Bread Festival, a celebration of all things bread featuring local vendors, live music, and demonstrations. Hungry Ghost Bread. 413-582-9009. 62 State Street. Northampton, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 11am-5pm – LOCAL HERITAGE/AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Established in 1856, the Belchertown Fair is an annual 3-day celebration of New England agricultural heritage. On Sunday, families can enjoy a multitude of activities, including: farm animals, petting zoo, pulling area, live entertainment, a midway, and an exhibit hall showcasing displays from farmers, crafters, photographers, and special interest groups. Belchertown Fair. 2 Park St. Belchertown, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 2-4pm – ENTOMOLOGY/CITIZEN SCIENCE: Monarch Tagging. Learn how to tag Monarch Butterflies, keep track of them, and contribute to a growing body of data that helps us understand monarch migration with Jennifer Unkles, Monarch tagger since 1997. Fun for all ages. Registration appreciated. Hitchcock Center for the Environment. 413-256-6006, 845 West St, Amherst, MA.
Sunday, September 22, 5pm – PARADE/MARDI GRAS: Hear that? Mardi Gras is coming to New England! If you’ve never been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, now’s your chance to get a taste of what it’s like! Complete with colossal floats, imaginative costumes, and dazzling lights, The Big E brings you the Mardi Gras Parade, day and night. Ride on one of eight unique custom-made floats designed and constructed by the Kern Companies of New Orleans. Big E fairgoers line the parade route daily to see these brilliantly crafted floats and to try their luck at catching a handful of bright beads that you will throw. Grande parade happens Friday-Sunday at 5pm. Evening parade happens Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm. Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Monday, September 23, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of “Art in the Orchard,” a biennal orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing “Culture into Horticulutre,” the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Monday, September 23, 4:30pm – LANGUAGE ARTS/WORD GAMES: It is speculated that the highest possible scoring word in Scrabble has probably never been successfully played. If situated correctly, the word “OXYPHENBUTAZONE,” could theoretically score 1778 points! A far more realistic, and still highly effective word, is “ZA,” a recognized slang term for pizza, which can still get you 60 points or so. If you love Scrabble, joing the Scrabble Club for a monthly meet-up and game of Scrabble! Open to everyone, fun is the primary goal. Lily Library. 413-587-1500.19 Meadow Street, Florence, MA.
Monday, September 23, 6pm – STEM/INTERGENERATIONAL: Science Cafes are part of a grassroots movement to open science to everyone and to bring free presentations and engaging conversations into casual community settings. Here in Western MA, a working scientist shares their research with the public every month via SciTech Cafe. All ages are welcome. Allowing self-directed learners to participate in community events such as science cafes can help them to learn how to engage with an intergenerational community of learners while challenging them to learn more about in-depth science topics on their own. Each science cafe is lead by an expert in the field who share their expertise to science cafe participants. The opportunity to learn about a science topic from an expert scientist grants learners access to a pool of knowledge that is both deep and wide. Find out who is presenting this month at http://www.scitechcafe.org. Union Station. 413-341-3161. 125 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Tuesday, September 24, 10-11:30am – INTERPRETIVE WALK/LOCAL HISTORY: Morning Canal Walk at Holyoke Heritage State Park. Join the Park Interpreter for a walk around the block, stopping at points of historical significance. Discussions include how Holyoke has evolved from a major manufacturing city to a thriving cultural center. Each walk in the series will touch upon a specific historical or contemporary topic. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Heavy rain cancels. Suitable for individuals and families with children, ages 8 and older (siblings welcome). Holyoke Heritage State Park. 413-534-1723. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA.
Tuesday, September 24, 7:30pm – PARADE/MARDI GRAS: Hear that? Mardi Gras is coming to New England! If you’ve never been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, now’s your chance to get a taste of what it’s like! Complete with colossal floats, imaginative costumes, and dazzling lights, The Big E brings you the Mardi Gras Parade, day and night. Ride on one of eight unique custom-made floats designed and constructed by the Kern Companies of New Orleans. Big E fairgoers line the parade route daily to see these brilliantly crafted floats and to try their luck at catching a handful of bright beads that you will throw. Grande parade happens Friday-Sunday at 5pm. Evening parade happens Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm. Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Wednesday, September 25, 6:30-8pm – NATURAL HISTORY/BEAVERS: Did you know that during the 17th century the Roman Catholic Church ruled that for the purposes of dietary laws, beavers should technically be considered as a species of fish? This ruling meant that the ordinary prohibition on meat consumption on Fridays did not extend to beaver meat. Beavers, the second largest rodent in the world, are probably best known for nature’s engineers with their amazing ability to alter their environment by constructing dams and lodges. These structures serve a number of important functions for beavers, including protection from predators and storing food for the winter. Spend an evening searching for beavers and learning all about these industrious critters at Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley. Participants will learn about their natural history and contribution to changing our local landscape after being reintroduced to the area in the mid-1900’s. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Thursday, September 26, 4:30-6pm – TECHNOLOGY/SOCIAL JUSTICE: Technology, Representation and Social Justice with Cat Dawson, hosted by Smith College Program for the Study of Women and Gender. As diversity and inclusion become ever-more relevant in more contexts, the interpretation of art through a social-historical lens is becoming more prevalent. Simultaneously, technological innovations are making it easier for cultural institutions to reach more extensive, more diverse audiences. In this talk, Dawson will explore how tech is making it easier to surface the richness of socio-historical analysis, and argue that this is especially relevant to those of us engaged in labors of scholarship and social justice due to the critical role that visuality and material culture play in the process of rupturing normative structures of meaning-making and power. Best for self-directed and lifelong learners. Smith College. 10 Elm St, Northampton, MA.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Friday, September 27, 4:30-5:30pm –
Learn the art of modern yoyo at the A2Z Science & Learning Store in downtown Northampton! Professional yoyo players teach FREE classes 3 days a week in the back of the store. Start by learning the basics with classic tricks like “Rock the Baby” or “Around the World” and then get ready to take it to the next level with modern yo-yos that feature ball bearings for long spin time and truly next level string tricks that will amaze! Great for ages 7 and up. No advanced sign up is required. (Great for parent and child to do together!) YoYo School happens every Tues, Fri, & Sat, 4:30-5:30pm. For changes or questions, visit www.A2ZScience.com or contact Contact@A2ZScience.com, or call 413-586-1611. Northampton, MA.
Friday, September 27, 5pm – PARADE/MARDI GRAS: Hear that? Mardi Gras is coming to New England! If you’ve never been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, now’s your chance to get a taste of what it’s like! Complete with colossal floats, imaginative costumes, and dazzling lights, The Big E brings you the Mardi Gras Parade, day and night. Ride on one of eight unique custom-made floats designed and constructed by the Kern Companies of New Orleans. Big E fairgoers line the parade route daily to see these brilliantly crafted floats and to try their luck at catching a handful of bright beads that you will throw. Grande parade happens Friday-Sunday at 5pm. Evening parade happens Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm. Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
Friday, September 27, 7:30-9pm – MUSIC STUDIES/ARABIC: Concert with Layaali Arabic Music Ensemble at Springfield College. Layaali is an ensemble committed to performing the traditional music of the Arab world and to preserving the rich legacy of Arabic culture through soulful vocals, hypnotic instrumental improvisations, electrifying percussion, and faithful renditions and recordings of masterworks. Concert is held in the Marsh Memorial Chapel and is a part of the William Simpson Fine Arts Series. Springfield College. 413-748-3000. 263 Alden St. Springfield, MA.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Saturday, September 28, TBD – RIVER CONSERVATION/VOLUNTEER: Our local ecosystems are home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, have a fascinating natural history, and connect us to our heritage. By engaging with community-based conservation organizations that focus on our river ecosystems, like the Connecticut River Conservancy, families can learn about and connect with our local landscape through the seasons of the year. Environmentalist, Dr. Kurt Heidinger of Biocitizen, points out that it’s easy to forget that a river is alive, and has a life that is valuable unless, from time to time, you touch it. Unless we “touch” the river, we can’t understand enough about it to be ethical towards it… There is a big difference between viewing a river, though, and touching it. Dr. Heidinger invites us to “touch” the Connecticut River, which flows for over 400 miles from just over the Canadian border to Long Island Sound. One way to touch the Connecticut River is to volunteer to assist the Source to Sea Clean-up, an annual trash cleanup of the Connecticut River system in late September. Visit the Connecticut River Conservancy website to sign-up to participate. 413-772-2020 x211. Pioneer Valley, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 9am-2pm – ART STUDIES/DRAWING ANIMALS: Drawing Animals Workshop with Eliza Moser. Learn tips and tricks in drawing animals. Whether it’s a family pet or a wild beast, join in for a day of drawing your favorite furry friends. Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 9:30-11am – COMMUNITY MEAL/COMMUNITY SERVICE: Community Breakfast hosted by Amherst Survival Center, open to all! Delicious food. Great company. Come break bread, connect with an old friend, meet the volunteers. Bring a neighbor who hasn’t been to ASC. Sign up for a volunteer orientation. Get a tour. Learn about local legislative efforts to increase food security. The brief speaking program will be offered in English and Spanish. Amherst Survival Center. 413-549-3968. 138 Sunderland Road, North Amherst, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 10am-4pm – FOLK TRADITIONS/SILVERSMITHING & STONEWARE POTTERY: Visitors to Historic Deerfield will meet talented craftspeople and observe their work up close at these Historic Trade demonstrations, including Silversmithing with Steve Smithers and Stoneware Pottery with Mark Shapiro. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 10am-5pm – LIVING HISTORY/SHAKERS: Come celebrate local farmers, artisans, and craftspeople at the annual Country Fair at the Hancock Shaker Village. Events like this help keep traditional skills alive and remind us of our connection to the earth. This is also a great opportunity to appreciate the incredible natural abundance, farmers, and artisans of the Berkshire region. Attend workshops and demonstrations, try your hand at the egg toss, and don’t miss the chicken race! Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 10:30am – ZOOLOGY/REPTILES: Life Around the Lake: Reptiles are this week’s focus. The reptiles are on full display as participants travel around Bray Lake on this one hour walk. Hear about snakes and turtles and what they have to do to survive this watery habitat. Meet at Bray Lake. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 10:30am – JAPANESE STORY-TELLING: Kamishibai Story Time. Local author of Japanese language children’s books, Susan Matsui, will read from her books (in English translation), and will lead some fun song and movement activities to go with them. She will also perform a couple of kamishibai, a Japanese story-telling art form that uses a little wooden theater box and picture cards. This program is best for children ages 1 – 5 and their caregivers, but all are welcome. Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA
Saturday, September 28, 12noon-4:30pm – FASHION HISTORY/SILK: “Silken Inspirations: The Hands-on History of Silk” at the Historic Deerfield in the History Workshop Building. Learn about the fascinating process of making silk fiber into thread. Visitors can see live silkworms, real cocoons, and enjoy the unique opportunity of painting on silk. Silk painting is a take-home project fun for all ages. (Special Note: Visitors are encouraged to visit the Flynt Center of Early New England Life where they will find other examples of silk in the current lobby show: Inspired Design: Asian Decorative Arts and Their Adaptations and in The Helen Geier Flynt Textile Museum Gallery: Celebrating the Fiber Arts). Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 12-4pm – HARVEST FESTIVAL/AGRICULTURE: Come celebrate the gift of the harvest at Nuestras Raices Farm in Holyoke! In addition to live traditional music and dance, you will absolutely not want to miss the lechon, or traditional whole roast pig. Lechon is the national dish of Puerto Rico and occupies a place of enormous importance in Puerto Rican culture. Like many of the world’s best dishes, lechon is deceptively simple. A simple whole pig is slowly roasted, while basting the skin, resulting in a uniquely crispy texture. Lechon is wildly popular across the Latin American world and though there are regional differences, the essence remains the same. Get to know the people who are responsible for producing the local food that we enjoy and connect with the community. Nuestras Raices Farm. 413-535-1789. 24 Jones Ferry Road, Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 12noon-4pm –HARVEST FESTIVAL/URBAN AGRICULTURE: Grassroots urban agriculture can strengthen and build healthy communities. Celebrate the work of Nuestres Raices during their annual Harvest Festival/Festival de la Cosecha. This event features live music, traditional roast pork and chicken (Lechonera) among other foods, activities for children, information on sustainable energy, and more. Nuestres Raices. 413-535-1789. 24 Jones Ferry Rd., Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 7pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT/TRAIN RIDE: Hoosac Valley Train rides are great for a special date night. Travel 10 miles on a one-hour scenic train trip through history. Staff are excited to share this rail experience with you. This evening is one of their select Cabaret Train Rides with live cabaret singers Ron and Samantha. BYO beverages & snacks. Purchase tickets online only to guarantee your seats or come 30 minutes before ride to purchase tickets at the counter. 413-663-4189. Adams Welcome Center. 3 Hoosac St, Adams, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 7:30pm – HISTORICAL COMEDY/FRENCH REVOLUTION: The Revolutionists. The Revolutionists is a brutal comedic quartet about four very real women who lived boldly in France during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror (1793-1794). Playwright Olympe De Gouge, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, loose their heads, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in revolutionary Paris. The Revolutionists invites audiences to experience history from a new perspective in this grand and dream-tweaked comedy about violence and legacy, feminism and terrorism, art and how we actually go about changing the world. Performances will be held at the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, 289 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.
Saturday, September 28, 7:30-10pm – CONTRA DANCE/DANCE STUDIES: According to 19th century folklore, Fiddler’s Green is the afterlife to which sailors go if they have served for at least 50 years at sea. It is a place where joy abounds and the fiddling never ceases. As novelist Frederick Marryat wrote in 1856: “At Fiddler’s Green, where seamen true / When here they’ve done their duty / The bowl of grog shall still renew / And pledge to love and beauty.” Well, they don’t have an endless bowl of grog, but Fiddlers Green Contra Dance is a casual, fun, joyful community folk dance where everyone is welcome. Musicians are encouraged to join in and this event is perfect for beginners and all levels of experience. Ages 10 and above suggested. Midway through the event there will be potluck snacks and socializing. Munson Memorial Library. 1046 South East Street, Amherst, MA.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Sunday, September 29, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of “Art in the Orchard,” a biennal orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing “Culture into Horticulutre,” the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, September 29, TBA – CHARITY BIKE RIDE/FOOD SECURITY: The Annual Will Bike 4 Food charity cycling event to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts takes place every late September. There are multiple rides to choose from – 3.5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 miles. Preregister and raise money to support food security. Will Bike 4 Food is a great opportunity for the whole family to get outdoors to support a good cause. Following the ride, cyclists are treated to a BBQ, music, brews (21+), and much more. Hatfield Lions Club Pavilion. 413-247-9738. Billings Way. Hatfield, MA.
Sunday, September 29, 10am-4pm – FOLK TRADITIONS/BASKETMAKING: Visitors to Historic Deerfield will meet talented craftspeople and observe their work up close at this Historic Trade demonstration, including white Pine Bark and Ash Bark Basketmaking with Jennifer Lee. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Sunday, September 29, 10am-5pm – LIVING HISTORY/SHAKERS: Come celebrate local farmers, artisans, and craftspeople at the annual Country Fair at the Hancock Shaker Village. Events like this help keep traditional skills alive and remind us of our connection to the earth. This is also a great opportunity to appreciate the incredible natural abundance, farmers, and artisans of the Berkshire region. Attend workshops and demonstrations, try your hand at the egg toss, and don’t miss the chicken race! Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
Sunday, September 29, 11am-4pm – ARTS AND CRAFTS/SCARECROW WORKSHOP: On the Japanese island of Shikoku there is a strange little village called Nagoro, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The village has only 35 inhabitants but over 350 scarecrows, many of which are shockingly lifelike. For years, villager Tsukimi Ayano has been making lifelike scarecrows of deceased villagers and placing them around the village in realistic poses. At a bus stop, for instance, one may see a group of huddled figures seated on a bench. In the abandoned schoolhouse, a roomful of children. Additionally, many of the scarecrows are wearing the actual clothes of the people they are meant to represent! Make your own scarecrow at Atkins Market and who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to make an entire village full of them. Atkins Farms Country Market. 413-253-9528. 1150 West St. Amherst, MA.
Sunday, September 29, 1pm – ANIMALS STUDIES/HAWK MIGRATION: Learn about hawks and their migration and all the obstacles they go through to survive it. After a brief intro, participants will hike to Goat Peak to search for migrating hawks in this 90-minute program. Bring binoculars. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
Sunday, September 29, 4pm – MULTICULTURAL/JAPANESE THEATER:Experiencing the World of Japanese Noh Theater. Take an intimate glimpse into one of the world’s major performing arts traditions! Noh theatre combines elements of dance, drama, music and poetry into a dazzling aesthetic form. Tokyo-based Kanze School Noh actors Hisa and Hikaru Uzawa provide a rare opportunity to watch this 650-year-old art. Noh theater offers audiences a close-up look at the masks, gorgeous costumes, movement forms as they witness this one-of-a-kind theater experience! The performance will be held in the Hallie Flanagan Studio Theater at Smith College. 122 Green Street, Northampton, MA (FREE)
Sunday, September 29, 5:30-6pm – PHYSICS/DOMINOS – To help kids understand the concept of interrelatedness, try building your very own chain reactions at home using dominos! Building chains of dominoes is the classic DIY chain reaction. At the annual Domino Toppling Extravaganza, see this classic DIY chain reaction take place on a large scale and marvel as skilled domino stackers put together an epic display of chain reactions with 30,000+ dominoes, as well as some cobra weave sticks and elements inspired by Rube Goldberg machines! Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. 802-257-0124.10 Vernon St. Brattleboro, VT.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Monday, September 30, 10:30am – NATURAL HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY: Children ages 7-9 can learn about the history of Mt. Tom and the surrounding area through the program, “History of Mt. Tome and the Area.” Participants start 200 million years ago and work their way forward learning about volcanoes, dinosaurs, other plants and animals along with human interaction with summit houses, the CCC and Reservation construction. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
Monday, September 30, 6-7:30pm – WOMEN’S HISTORY/COLONIAL HISTORY: The Not-So-Good-Life of the Colonial Good Wife. Don’t miss this entertaining presentation from a mother/daughter team discussing the taboo topics of the colonial era. Laugh, grimace, and honor our foremother’s journeys while learning about the issues faced by colonial women. It’s “herstory” unsanitized! East Longmeadow Public Library. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Tuesday, October 1, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of “Art in the Orchard,” a biennal orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing “Culture into Horticulutre,” the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Tuesday, October 1, 10-11:30am – INTERPRETIVE WALK/LOCAL HISTORY: Morning Canal Walk at Holyoke Heritage State Park. Join the Park Interpreter for a walk around the block, stopping at points of historical significance. Discussions include how Holyoke has evolved from a major manufacturing city to a thriving cultural center. Each walk in the series will touch upon a specific historical or contemporary topic. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Heavy rain cancels. Suitable for individuals and families with children, ages 8 and older (siblings welcome). Holyoke Heritage State Park. 413-534-1723. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA.
Tuesday, October 1, 6:30pm – WORKSHOP/ORGANIZING: Need help staying organized? Join the Jones Library for Bullet Journaling 101 to learn about bullet journaling in a hands-on workshop. Bullet journaling is an amazing system that keeps a record of everything you could ever want to toss at it. It can be your task manager, sketchbook, journal, idea catcher, and much more. Learn how it can help you lead a more meaningful and productive life! All materials will be provided. Space is limited, and registration required. Please call 413-259-3096 to register. Free and open to the public. Jones Library. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
October 2, 5:30-6:30pm – BOTANY/SEED SAVING: Berkshire Seed Library Seed Saving Workshop. Interested in saving money and resources by saving your seeds from your vegetable and flower gardens but aren’t sure where to start? Want to increase your food sovereignty and self-reliance at home through seed saving? Join others interested in the same to process seeds saved from community gardens in Pittsfield for the Berkshire Seed Library. Participants will cover the basics of saving heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable, and flower varieties and participants will take home a packet of seeds for next years gardens. No registration is necessary. All ages welcome. Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
Thursday, October 3, 8:30pm – OUTDOOR MOVIE/PLACEMAKING: Movies Under the Stars at Look Park! Pack a blanket, grab the kids and enjoy a beloved family movie classic outdoors, Little Shop of Horrors. Entrance to Pines Theater for movies is free. Parking fee applies. Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
Thursday, October 3, 7:10-8:10pm – PARENTING/SOCIAL MEDIA: Movie screening on the impact of social media, hosted by Greenfield Safe Schools Safe Streets. Like is a 50-minute documentary about the impact of social media on our lives. It is not available anywhere online so this is your chance to see it! The movie will be shown for free after the Greenfield High School Open House. Like is most engaging for adults who are raising or educating youth – middle and high school students with a parent or guardian are also welcome and encouraged! Come a few minutes early for a free slice of pizza in the cafeteria. Stay after for a brief conversation about the film. Greenfield High School. 21 Barr Ave, Greenfield, MA.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Friday, October 4, 5-8pm – ART STUDIES/PLACEMAKING: As Henry David Thoreau points out, the root of the word “saunter” comes from “the idle people who roved about the country… under the pretense of going à la Sainte Terre, or the Holy Land.” Thus the act of casually strolling an inherently sacred act. For those who saunter, the entire world becomes their Holy Land. To walk aimlessly is to find a pilgrimage in every step, a temple in every tree, shrub, or blade of grass. What better way to find your temple than to combine walking with art? Pittsfield’s First Fridays Artswalk features a dozen different art shows throughout the Upstreet Cultural District. Happens every month all year (except January). Come check out amazing local art and meet some of the artists! Guided tour begins at 5pm at the Intermodal Center (BRTA, 1 Columbus Ave.). Downtown Pittsfield. Pittsfield, MA.
Friday, October 4, 7-9pm – CIVICS/INTERGENERATIONAL: Civics Trivia Night, hosted by League of Women Voters of Franklin County. Join in the annual Civics Trivia Night Fundraiser! Featuring new Quizmasters, GCC President Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández and state Senator Jo Comerford! New topics, cash prizes, and free snacks! $10 per person, with teams up to 8. Round up your friends and come out for some fun competition! Greenfield Lodge of Elks 1296. 3 Church St. Greenfield, MA.
Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Bernardston, Chester, Heath, Montgomery, Pelham, Rowe, South Hadley, Amherst, Hatfield, Russell, Shutesbury, and Springfield Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
