Weekly Suggested Events for August 14-20, 2021

Are you looking for things to do in western Massachusetts? Seeking place-based learning ideas? Are you a self-directed, life-long, and/or experiential learner? Are you curious or wanting to support the interests of your family? Our weekly Suggested Events list includes suggested learning ideas, resources, and fun events for all ages, each week!
Scroll down to discover featured events, learning opportunities, and educational videos to support learning from home. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!
SUGGESTED EVENTS: AUGUST 14-20, 2021
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
NATURE-BASED LEARNING: Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. 61 N Farms Rd, Northampton, MA.
LITERARY HISTORY: Herman Melville’s Arrowhead. 413-442-1793. 780 Holmes Rd, Pittsfield, MA.
LITERACY: Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
ART STUDIES: Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA.
AGRICULTURE Outlook Farm Barn & Eatery. 413-539-9388. Rte 66, 136 Main Rd. Westhampton, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities


Biocitizen Free Ranger Field Environmental Philosophy Adventures in Westhampton, MA, is an action-based, peripatetic investigation of natural and cultural history. These histories are “writ large” in the places participants study, and students learn how to read them while they hike. As Summer turns into Fall, Free Rangers investigate the transformations the biome and its creatures undergo. Students explore Northampton’s environs, focusing on places they don’t usually have access to, and learn about our “place” in the biome: by a great living river coursing through deep and rich soils cradled by foothills with wild ridges, cliffs, and rainforest canyons. For more information: kheidinger@biocitizen.org; 413-320-0522; ma.biocitizen.org/portfolio/free-rangers-summer-into-fall.

Music Classes with Jeremy Milligan in South Hadley, MA. Give your children the experience of making music this school year. For the younger students (ages 5-9), the “Kids Music Class” will teach your child all about beat, rhythm, melody, and musical form through fun, interactive games, dances, and songs along with rigorous educational activities. For the older students (ages 7 and up), enroll in the “Guitar Orchestra.” Students perform on the guitar, uke, bass, or other string instruments in a large group. Students develop skills in music reading, dynamics, phrasing, ensemble playing, and following a conductor. Beginners welcome. The fall session begins on September 7, 2021. Each class session is 10-weeks and ends with a free concert that is open to the public. Secure your spot today! For more information: jeremymilliganguitar@gmail.com; 413-695-7558; jmilliganguitarstudio.com.

Morse Hill Outdoor Education Center is now enrolling for Fall 2021! This fully outdoor elementary program serves students in grades K-6 and meets Massachusetts standards for curriculum and grade-level experiences. Caring educators offer hands-on, experiential learning with a project-based focus within a small school community. Students follow the rhythms of the land & seasons and learn within a framework that emphasizes social-emotional growth, stewardship & collaboration. This program offers full-time, in-person learning experiences on 85 acres in Shutesbury. Van service is available from Amherst, and aftercare is offered. Tuition follows a sliding scale model. Info about programs, curriculum, & staff at www.schoolatmorsehill.org.
FEATURED EVENT
Back Porch Bluegrass Festival
Northampton, MA

Signature Sounds Presents is thrilled to bring the first Back Porch Bluegrass Festival on Sunday, August 15th, to the beautiful Pines Theater at Look Park. The festival will feature the best in bluegrass on two stages with Del McCoury Band, Sierra Hull & Justin Moses,Tony Trischka with Michael Daves & Bruce Molsky, Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Brennen Leigh & Noel Mckay, Nora Brown, Rose & The Bros, and Mamma’s Marmalade. The music goes from 12-7:30 pm.There will be food trucks and beer and wine available for purchase. Kids 10 and under are free! Tickets are on sale now at
www.signaturesoundspresents.com.
FEATURED CLASSES
Berkshire Pulse
Housatonic, MA

Summer and Fall Classes. Berkshire Pulse is a dynamic, welcoming, nonprofit dance, world music and movement arts education center. Outdoor, virtual and in-studio year-round programming provides children, teens and adults the opportunity to engage in the joys of movement, music and performance, while experiencing the rewards of community involvement and fitness – plus the vast benefits of artistic exploration and expression. High-caliber, professional teaching artists offer ongoing classes and workshops from beginner to advanced levels in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Creative Dance, Choreography, Musical Theater, Tap, African Dance, Flamenco, Latin Dance, Scottish Folk Dance, World Music Percussion, Hip Hop, Cardio Groove, Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates and more. For more information: berkshire.pulse@gmail.com; 413-274-6624; berkshirepulse.org.
FEATURED CLASSES
Whole Children
Hadley, MA

Whole Children’s goal is to create an inclusive environment where every child is successful and valued for who they are, no matter their abilities or disabilities. Classes emphasize skill-building, social skills, self-advocacy, and just plain fun. They offer a diverse roster of afterschool and weekend classes, including gymnastics, yoga, theater, art, music, cooking, performing arts, and so much more. Whole Children is filling a vital need by creating classes where the hard work of skill-building is made social and fun for children of all abilities and, perhaps just as importantly, by creating a supportive and caring community for their parents. For more information: info@wholechildren.org; 413-585-8010; www.wholechildren.org.
FEATURED ICE SKATING CLASSES
The Skating Club of Amherst
Amherst, MA

Good News! After a long absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Skating Club of Amherst will be resuming their full ice schedule in September. The Skating Club of Amherst figure skating club offers professional instruction at all levels, beginner to advanced, recreational or competitive. Their popular Learn-to-Skate program offers group lessons for ages 4-adult on Sundays at 5:50pm. Additional instruction is offered in free-skate, ice dancing, & testing for those looking to advance their skills further. All sessions are held at the UMass Mullins Center Practice Rink. The club is a member of United States Figure Skating & is a private, non-profit organization managed by volunteers. Registration forms for Sept, Nov, Jan & April are online. For more information: SCofAmherst@gmail.com; 413-253-6388; www.scamherst.org.
FEATURED THEATER CLASSES
Starlight’s Youth Theatre
Sunderland, MA

Starlight’s Youth Theatre offers in-person classes beginning in Sept 2021 on Saturday mornings & Monday evenings. Fall classes include: The Unique Unicorn for grades 1-3 on Saturdays (9/4-10/23) from 9-9:45am; Alice in Wonderland for grades 3-5 on Saturdays (9/4-10/23) from 10-10:45am; Fight for the Right, the Susan B. Anthony Story for grades 6-9 on Saturdays (9/4-11/6) from 11am-12pm; Doctor Doolittle for grades 3-5 on Mondays (9/13-11/6) from 4-4:45pm; Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson for grades 6-9 on Mondays (9/13-11/1) from 5-6pm. Costs: $125-$145. Performance locations include Eric Carle Museum, Northampton Center for the Arts, and Maple Ridge. Classes are held at Maple Ridge Community Center. More info: www.starlights-youth-theatre.com.
FEATURED NATURE-BASED PROGRAM
Grow Wild Association
Hinsdale, MA

Grow Wild Association is organized for educational, personal, and spiritual development, relying on a strongly held belief in and interdependence with nature. Grow Wild Association hosts an outdoor nature-based program for homeschool-aged children, adult classes, enrichment programs, and tutoring. They believe nature is our best and most important teacher, and children are innate learners who naturally follow their own sense of wonder. Mixed-age children’s groupings allow for role modeling, responsibility, community building, and multidirectional learning. All information/programs/services are intended for association members only. They’re accepting new members now! For more information: growwildlearning@protonmail.com; 413-464-2507; www.growwildlearning.com.
FEATURED EARLY EDUCATION
Community Action’s
Head Start & Early Learning Programs

Daycare. Preschool. Early Childhood Education Program. ♦ Ages 6wks-5yrs
For more information: 413-387-1250; www.communityaction.us.
Community Action’s Head Start & Early Learning Programs offer a variety of program options for pregnant women and families with children ages birth-5 throughout Hampshire, Franklin, & Western Hampden Counties. Community Action’s Head Start provides early education and care and quality comprehensive services to children in Head Start/Early Head Start programs, offering full-day and part-day center-based classrooms, family childcare, and home visiting. Centers are located in Orange, Turners Falls, Greenfield, Amherst, Northampton, Easthampton, Ware, Westfield, & Agawam. All services are provided at either low or no cost to eligible children and families.
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List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

AGRICULTURAL FAIR. 8am-8:30pm. Middlefield Fair, an old-time country fair established in 1855 in the hilltown of Middlefield, Massachusetts at the Middlefield Fairgrounds. 413-623-6027. 7 Bell Rd, Middlefield, MA.
GARDENING. 9:30am-4:30pm. Learn about the Native American practice of planting corn, beans, and squash together at the Native American Three Sisters Garden at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 10am. Springfield Museums & Samba Meets Second Line Parade as part of the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
COMICS. 10am. Comic Book Day at the Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
FAMILY FUN. 10am. Young at Heart: Family Dance Around the World at the Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, MA.
TRANSPORTATION HISTORY. 10am. Museum Tours at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. 413-637-2210. 10 Willow Creek Rd, Lenox, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY. 10am & 2pm. Easy walking tour with a Park Interpreter. Discover the mysteries of Natural Bridge with short stories that enliven and highlight this unique park. Once the site of a major marble quarry, it is also home to North America’s only white marble dam. The feature attraction of this tour is the “Natural Bridge,” a marble arch spanning a gorge and carved centuries ago by melting glaciers. This tour offers one of the best places in New England to witness the amazing effects of glaciation! Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 20-30 minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. 10am-5pm. Wild Kratts: Creature Power, an immersive, interactive exhibit where kids and families explore four animal habitats and the creatures within them, building STEM skills as they play. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
STORYTELLING. 11am. Young Fogies & Old Whippersnappers presented by Folksinger/Story Teller Tim Van Egmond at the Whately Library. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, MA.
LANGUAGE ARTS. 11am. Zine-making workshop at Just Roots with the Griswold Memorial Library Colrain at Just Roots/Greenfield Community Farm. 413-325-8969. 34 Glenbrook Dr, Greenfield, MA.
LANGUAGE ARTS. 1pm. Write-Up Springfield with the Springfield City Library. Virtual.
FAMILY FUN. 1pm. Ed the Wizard and his Balloon Animal Twisting Workshop at the Arms Library. 413-625-0306. 60 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 1pm. Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival at Stearns Sq, Springfield, MA.
HILLTOWN HISTORY. 2-5pm. Kingman Tavern Museum. 413-563-1981. 41 Main Street. Cummington, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/MUSICAL. 2pm. Wizard of Oz performed by the Berkshire Theatre Group outside under the big tent at The Colonial. 413-997-4444. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 2:30pm. Tanglewood Pre-Concert Talks with Jeremy Yudkin at the Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 3pm. Speaker Series: Carnival in Trinidad w/Etienne Charles as part of the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival. 276 Bridge St, Springfield, MA.
CLIMATE JUSTICE. 4:30pm. Speaker Series: Climate Justice Conversation with Rev. Sekou and Rev. Mariama White-Hammond as part of the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival. 276 Bridge St, Springfield, MA.
CULTURE STUDIES. 6pm. Speaker Series: New Orleans Voodoo, Music, and Carnival Culture: the background of Charles Neville as part of the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival. 276 Bridge St, Springfield, MA.
FIREWORKS. 6pm. Fireworks Parking at the United Church of Ware
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021

AGRICULTURAL FAIR. 8am-9pm. Middlefield Fair, an old-time country fair established in 1855 in the hilltown of Middlefield, Massachusetts at the Middlefield Fairgrounds. 413-623-6027. 7 Bell Rd, Middlefield, MA.
GARDENING. 9:30am-4:30pm. Learn about the Native American practice of planting corn, beans, and squash together at the Native American Three Sisters Garden at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 10am. Northampton Record Swaps at the Northampton Record Fair. 1 Kirkland Ave. Northampton, MA. LOCAL FOOD. 10am–2pm. Easthampton Farmers’ Market. 2350 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY. 10am & 2pm. Easy walking tour with a Park Interpreter. Discover the mysteries of Natural Bridge with short stories that enliven and highlight this unique park. Once the site of a major marble quarry, it is also home to North America’s only white marble dam. The feature attraction of this tour is the “Natural Bridge,” a marble arch spanning a gorge and carved centuries ago by melting glaciers. This tour offers one of the best places in New England to witness the amazing effects of glaciation! Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 20-30 minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
ART STUDIES. Take a self-guided tour of outdoor public art The Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and WCMA (Northern Berkshire Cty.)
COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION. 11am. Back-to-School Supply Cleanout at the Village Closet at It Takes a Village. 413-650-3640. 2 East Main Street. Huntington, MA.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. 11am-5pm. Wild Kratts: Creature Power, an immersive, interactive exhibit where kids and families explore four animal habitats and the creatures within them, building STEM skills as they play. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
HISTORY WALK. 12pm. Join the Park Interpreter for an easy walking tour to rediscover the working life in a bustling quarry during the 1800s and early 1900s. What was it like to labor in the stone quarry in the heyday of the Industrial Revolution? Who were these tough quarrymen? Explore these topics along the way. Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 20-30 minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES. 12pm. First Annual Back Porch Bluegrass Festival at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
AGRICULTURE. 12pm. Peach Festival is featuring Sarah the Fiddler Trio at Outlook Farm Barn & Eatery. 413-539-9388. Rte 66, 136 Main Rd. Westhampton, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 2pm. Sunday Crafternoons with Agawam Family and Community Program at Perry Lane Pre-School Park. 413-789-1616. 108 Perry Ln, Agawam, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/MUSICAL. 2pm. Wizard of Oz performed by the Berkshire Theatre Group outside under the big tent at The Colonial. 413-997-4444. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
DANCE STUDIES. 6:30pm. Experience Banderole at The Mount. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
FILM STUDIES. Hope: Norwegian Film Festival hosted by Images Cinema. Virtual.
MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

ART STUDIES. 9:30am. Plein Air Pastels with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires at Chesterwood. 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
ART STUDIES. Take a self-guided tour of outdoor public art The Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and WCMA (Northern Berkshire Cty.)
ART STUDIES. 10am. Splatter Painting at Springfield City Library: Mason Square Branch. 413-263-6853. 765 State St, Springfield, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY. 10am & 2pm. What were the forces that created these unique landforms? Discover the human elements that altered them through historical photos and fascinating little-known details that illustrate how this geological and industrial marvel came to look as it does today. Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 30-minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 10am-4:45pm. Teen Grab n’ Go Suncatcher Craft at Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
PLAY. 3pm. Simon Says Contest at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
CULINARY ARTS. 6pm. Cookbook Club Meeting-The Complete Plant Based Cookbook at the Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
ART STUDIES. 6:30pm. Painting Summer Flowers with Deborah Rubin at the Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 6:30pm. Craft and Chat at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 7pm. Tedeschi Trucks – Fireside Live at The Pines Theater at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
FILM STUDIES. Hope: Norwegian Film Festival hosted by Images Cinema. Virtual.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021

CULINARY ARTS. 10am. What’s Cooking Cookbook Club with Springfield City Library. Virtual.
PARENTING GROUP. 11am. Outdoor Parent Group with It Takes a Village. 420 Main St, Ashfield, MA.
FAMILY PERFORMANCE. 11am. Terry a la Berry and Friends at the Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
FARMERS’ MARKET. 1:30-6:30pm. Northampton Tuesday Market is a vibrant downtown market with the best in local fruits and vegetables, local prepared foods, and the occasional local craft. Entertainment most weeks. Northampton Tuesday Farmers’ Market. 413-320-4799. 1 Kirkland Ave, Northampton, MA.
ART STUDIES/ANIME. 3pm. Outdoor Anime Club at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
MUSIC/FUNDRAISER. 4pm. Performance 31 Unsung Heroes: Live Tribute Music Fundraiser with the Northampton Arts Council at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING. 6pm. Escape Room with the Hubbard Memorial Library. Virtual.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
POLISH HISTORY. 7pm. Polish History Talk with Chicopee Public Library. Virtual. PARENTING GROUP. 7:30pm. Tuesday Night Online Parents Group with It Takes a Village. Virtual.
FILM STUDIES. Hope: Norwegian Film Festival hosted by Images Cinema. Virtual.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

CANOEING. 8-11am. Canoeing October Mountain State Forest. For all, children 10 & up. Buckley Dunton Lake, Becket, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 9-10:30am. Indoor playgroup at the Hadley Library. Hadley, MA.
EDUCATION/KINDERGARTEN READINESS. 9:30am. “Ready for K” Kindergarten Readiness Class hosted by the Hubbard Memorial Library. Virtual.
LITERACY. 10am. Story Time Outside at the Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 10am. Outdoor Knit & Crafts Circle at the Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
EDUCATION/KINDERGARTEN READINESS. 11am. Ready for K Skill Building Zoom Group hosted by the Southwick Public Library. Virtual.
LITERACY. 11am. Bookworms Book Group at the Westfield Athenaeum. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 2-4pm. Pick-up playgroup at Peskeumskut Park. Grab a treat from the farmers’ market happening simultaneously and share with new friends at the playground. Peskeomskut Park. Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
PHOTOGRAPHY. 6pm. Smartphone/iPad Photography Workshop with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. Virtual.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES.7pm. Sarah Lee Guthrie Concert at Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
ANIMAL STUDIES. 7pm. Understanding Your Cat with the Westhampton Public Library. Virtual.
FILM STUDIES. What Will People Say: Norwegian Film Festival with Images Cinema. Virtual.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Sunrise-Sunset. With trails for all experience levels, Chester-Blandford State Forest is perfect for hiking or walking. Take in the Sanderson Falls, go mountain biking, enjoy a picnic or go fishing. Chester-Blandford State Forest. 413-354-6347. 800 US-20, Chester, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 9am. Thursday Morning Craft & Play with the Agawam Family and Community Program at Agawam Spray Park. Agawam, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 10am. Music & Movement Outside, for Children at the Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, MA.
FISHING/KAYAKING. 10am-5pm. Enjoy a relaxing day by the water exploring the rolling Berkshire foothills. Walk or picnic along the Westfield River East Branch, go fishing, or launch your canoe or kayak. C.M. Gardner State Park. 413-354-6347. Rte. 112 North, Huntington, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
PLACEMAKING/COMMUNITY. 5pm. Third Thursday Summer Street Fair in Downtown Orange. Orange, MA.
ART STUDIES. 6pm. Collage Club with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. Virtual.
ART STUDIES. 6pm. “Rob Boss” Paint Night with the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
LAWN CONCERT. 6-8pm. The Franklin County Musicians’ Cooperative hosts weekly outdoor concerts. Pack a picnic and bring the kids! Energy Park. 50 Miles St, Greenfield, MA.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
INTERGENERATIONAL PLAY. 6:30pm. All Ages BINGO with the Westfield Athenaeum. Virtual.
LAWN CONCERT. 6:30pm. South Hadley Summer Concert Series with South Hadley Recreation Department at The Village Commons. 17 College St, South Hadley, MA.
LAWN CONCERT. 7pm. West Springfield Summer Concert Series. Bring blankets or folding chairs to relax or move and groove whenever the mood strikes. Morgan Road Pavilion. 413-781-3020. 459 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/TALENT SHOW. 7pm. Community Stage: A Virtual Talent Show with the Community Music School of Springfield. Virtual.
PARENT GROUP. 8:30pm. Post-Bedtime Parents Group with It Takes a Village. Virtual.
FILM STUDIES. What Will People Say: Norwegian Film Festival with Images Cinema. Virtual.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 9am-7pm. Come swim, fish, or picnic by the pond at Chicopee Memorial State Park in the summer, or enjoy hiking and biking on the trails year-round. Chicopee Memorial State Park. 413-594-9416. 570 Burnett Rd., Chicopee, MA.
GARDENING. 9:30am-4:30pm. Learn about the Native American practice of planting corn, beans, and squash together at the Native American Three Sisters Garden at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY. 10am & 2pm. Enjoy an easy Interpreter-guided walk along the 0.6-mile-long Elder Nature Trail. The Natural Bridge and historic quarry are surrounded by 25 acres of ecologically rich northern hardwood forest. A leisurely walk in the woods offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the natural world around us. Along the path, discover a few secrets of this landscape shaped by glacial forces and human agriculture. Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 30-minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
LITERACY. 11am. Outdoor Storytime at the Westfield Athenaeum. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA.
PICNIC PLAYGROUP. 11am-1pm. Pick-up picnic playgroup at Childs Park (Prospect Street side). Pack a basket lunch and picnic blankets, and head to the park to round off the week with outdoor time with family and new friends. Childs Park. 413-584-1991. 71 N Elm St, Northampton, MA.
PLACEMAKING/FOOD STUDIES. 4pm. Food Truck Friday on the Belchertown Common. Belchertown, MA.
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT. 6pm. Berkshire Museum’s Whale of a Gala for the Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 6:30pm. Chicopee Summer Concerts with the Chicopee Public Library. Virtual.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 8pm. Lido Pimienta at MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
FILM STUDIES. What Will People Say: Norwegian Film Festival with Images Cinema. Virtual.
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Online and in-person events and resources shared above are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.
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Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Agawam, Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont/Hawley, Chester, Chesterfield, Chicopee, Colrain, Dalton, Deerfield, Easthampton, Gill, Goshen, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Heath, Hinsdale/Peru, Holyoke, Huntington, Leyden, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Northfield, Palmer, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Springfield, Tolland, Tyringham, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.