Weekly Suggested Events for August 7-13, 2021

Home > Suggested Events > Weekly Suggested Events for August 7-13, 2021
Art & culture come alive in August in Western Massachusetts. Pair the humanities with outdoor adventures and nature-based learning this week!

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!

COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY Amelia Park Arena. 413-568-2503. 21 South Broad St. Westfield, MA.

LITERACY: Belding Memorial Library. 413-628-4414. 344 Main St, Ashfield, MA.

PASTRY ARTS: Bread Euphoria Bakery & Café. 413-268-7757. 206 Main Street. Haydenville, MA.

LOCAL HISTORY: Edwards Museum. North Road. Chesterfield, MA.

CONSERVATION: Kestrel Land Trust. 413-549-1097. 284 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA.

Hilltown Families annual Class Directory debuts mid-August! Add your class, program, or private lessons!
Music Classes with Jeremy Milligan in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
FEATURED MUSIC CLASSES: Music Classes with Jeremy Milligan in South Hadley, MA

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.

FEATURED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Conscious Postpartum Caregiver Program

Become a Conscious Postpartum Caregiver! Serve new families with skills informed by the principles of Ayurveda and traditional methods of care. Learn online from anywhere with an inspiring cohort of students from around the world. Receive professional mentoring as you build and grow your practice. Become part of a vibrant and loving community of professionals passionate about supporting and raising awareness for the Sacred Postpartum Window. Enroll for the Fall 2021 Cohort of the Conscious Postpartum Caregiver Program. The deadline is August 9, 2021. The program begins on August 23. Independent Study option available. Visit www.sacredwindowstudies.com/learn for more information. Contact christine@sacredwindowstudies.com to get started!  

FEATURED CLASSES
Berkshire Pulse
Housatonic, MA

Summer & Fall Classes

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 EVENT
Back Porch Bluegrass Festival
Northampton, MA

Sunday, August 15 from 12-7:30pm

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.

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Partner with HIlltown Families!

Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers, Hilltown Families can bring your message to thousands of readers in Western MA who are committed to their community and willing to support one another in times of need. In-person and virtual event organizers, local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our affordable advertising options and marketing packages. To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.

Class Directory

Summer Directory

Discover summer camps & programming in our Summer Directory for Western MA

Preschool & Daycare Directory

Preschool Directory

Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA

List of Weekly Suggested Events

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

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. 

ARTISAN TRADE. 10am-4pm. Broom-Making Demonstrations. Watch a broom being made by hand, learn about growing and processing broomcorn, and see broom-making tools and equipment. Learn the story of Caleb Salisbury, an African-American man who lived in Deerfield and made brooms, and learn about the role of broom-making and the craft industry in the 19th century. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA. 

NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL. 10am-5pm. 8th Annual Pocumtuck Homelands Festival: A Celebration of Native American Art, Music, and Cultures. Special Guests: Tom Porter, Mohawk Spiritual Leader and Annawon Weeden, actor, activist, dancer, and artist with Mashpee Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Pequot heritage. Live music with Jennifer Kreisberg, who comes from four generations of Seven Singing Sisters through the maternal line. Black Hawk Singers. Traditional music by the Kingfisher Singers; contemporary Algonquin music with Nulhegan-Abenaki singer-songwriter Bryan Blanchette, Justin Beatty. Emcee. Superior Native American arts and crafts vendors, Eastern Woodlands skills demonstrations, Ceremonial Stone Landscapes display, children’s activities including making corn husk dolls with Kerri Helme; social dancing, history presentations, Native American food vendor. Free, welcoming, accessible, and fun for all ages and backgrounds. Unity Park. Turners Falls, MA. 

TRANSPORTATION HISTORY. 10am. Museum Tours at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. 413-637-2210. 10 Willow Creek Rd, Lenox, MA.

BOTANY/FERNS. 10am. Learn About Ferns at Tamarack Hollow with Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center. aimee@gaiaroots.com. 1515 Savoy Hollow Rd, Windsor, MA.

PSYCHOLOGY/MAGIC. 10am. Magic Show with Ed Popielarczyk at the Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.

ROLE-PLAY/RENAISSANCE. 10am-7pm. Massachusetts Renaissance Faire at the Cummington Fairgrounds. 97 Fairgrounds Rd., Cummington, MA.

ECOLOGY/BIOLOGY. 11am. Life Around the Lake. Amphibians that live in and around the lake are the focus of this week’s topic. Discussion about their adaptations and survival skills are meant to enhance the walk. Meet at Bray Lake. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA. 

PHOTOGRAPHY 11am. Cyanotype Workshop: Using the Sunlight to Make Unique Prints for Your Home at Make-It Springfield. 413-342-1681. 168 Worthington St, Springfield, MA.

BOTANY. 1pm. Nature’s Doorstep: The History of Edible and Medicinal Plants, a guided nature walk. Learn about the useful edible and medicinal plants and trees found just outside the doorstep of the historical house museum. To register (required) email: aimee@gaiaroots.com The commission is also hosting a volunteer painting day prior to the event the same day – come for both if you like, just let them know when you RSVP. Route 9, Windsor, MA.  

ART STUDIES. 1pm. Outdoor Art Workshop: The Magic of Trees, Plein Air with Ruth Sanderson at Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.

DANCE STUDIES. 1pm. Pack a blanket or your favorite outdoor chair, invite your family and friends, and bring a snack to enjoy this 45 minute pop-up dance performance with Jacob’s Pillow. No RSVP required. Rosemary and Reverend Willard Durant Park, 30 John Street. Pittsfield, MA. 

HIKING. 1pm. Hike to Whiting Peak. This two-hour hike travels on the MM Trail to Whiting Peak. The pace is moderate as participants study nature on the way to a great view from the cliffs. The terrain is fairly easy with some moderately strenuous stretches. Bring water and bug spray. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, 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. 5pm. Music Brings Communities Together at the Becket Arts Center. 413-623-6635. 7 Brooker Hill Rd, Becket, MA.

DANCE STUDIES. 5pm. Pack a blanket or your favorite outdoor chair, invite your family and friends, and bring a snack to enjoy this 45 minute pop-up dance performance with Jacob’s Pillow. No RSVP required. River Grove Park. Corner of River & Houghton St. North Adams, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/ETHIO-JAZZ. 6pm. Performance by Anbessa Orchestra featuring Gili Yalo, a 7-piece band based in Brooklyn, NY, draws its inspiration from the diverse musical culture of Ethiopia, combining these unique sounds with the western sounds of funk, jazz R&B, and rock. Florence Congregational Church/Beit Ahavah. 130 Pine St. Florence, MA.

THEATER STUDIES/MUSICAL. 7pm. 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.

THEATER STUDIES. 7:30pm. A Broadway Cabaret with Silverthorne Theater Company at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center. 413-774-0150. 289 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.

PARANORMAL. 7:30pm. Join Robert Oakes, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires, on a guided tour through the rooms and halls of Ventfort Hall as he shares tales of its hauntings. Stand in the places where the eerie encounters occurred, listen to the first-hand accounts of those who experienced them, and maybe even experience something unusual yourself. Ages 12+. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES. 8pm. Adeline: French-Caribbean singer/bassist/producer Adeline’s unique blend of funk, R&B, and soul hits a sonic sweet spot between the past and the future at MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

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. 

NATURE WALK. 10am. Nature Walk with PJ Library Western Massachusetts at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.

NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL. 10am-5pm. 8th Annual Pocumtuck Homelands Festival: A Celebration of Native American Art, Music and Cultures with Nolumbeka Project at Unity Park. Turners Falls, MA.

ROLE-PLAY/RENAISSANCE. 10am-7pm. Massachusetts Renaissance Faire at the Cummington Fairgrounds. 97 Fairgrounds Rd., Cummington, MA. ORNITHOLOGY. 10:30am. Birding for Beginners. This one-hour program helps beginners to learn the basics of birding. The use of bird guides, lists, and binoculars to learn about the local feathered inhabitants of Mt. Tom are included. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.  

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 12pm. August Adventures, Highland Street Foundation at the Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.

DANCE STUDIES. 1pm. Pack a blanket or your favorite outdoor chair, invite your family and friends, and bring a snack to enjoy this 45 minute pop-up dance performance with Jacob’s Pillow. No RSVP required. Town Hall Park. Great Barrington, MA. 

ANIMAL STUDIES. 1pm. This week’s Family Program is titled “TOOLS AND TASKS” Every animal and plant have adaptations (TOOLS) in order to survive. This fun activity connects everyday household items to animal adaptations. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.  

FILM STUDIES. 1-3:15pm. Jurassic Park (Big Screen Classics) at the Amherst Cinema. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity St, Amherst, 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.

FANTASY/CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 3pm. Fairy House Day on Avenue A at Peskeomskut Park. Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.

THEATER STUDIES. 3pm. A Broadway Cabaret with Silverthorne Theater Company at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center. 413-774-0150. 289 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES. 4pm. Sevenars Music Festival features live outdoor music held at the historic Academy concert hall alongside Jackson Brook. Sevenars Academy. 413-238-5854. 15 Ireland Street, South Worthington, MA. 

DANCE STUDIES. 5pm. Pack a blanket or your favorite outdoor chair, invite your family and friends, and bring a snack to enjoy this 45 minute pop-up dance performance with Jacob’s Pillow. No RSVP required. North Becket Park. Maple Street. Becket, 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

MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021

ART WORKSHOP. 10am. Crank It Up! Shadow Puppets & Crankies (Ages 7+) with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. Virtual.

PLAYGROUP. 10am. Summer Playground Series with Union 38 Family Network at Whately Elementary School. 413-665-7826. 273 Long Plain Rd, South Deerfield, MA.

LITERACY. 10am. Get Ready for Kindergarten Storytime at the Springfield Central Library. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield MA.

HIKING. 1pm. Children ages 10-14 are invited to explore Mt. Tom with this hiking program to discover what’s happening in the world of nature. Bring water and bug spray. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA. 

FILM STUDIES. 1-3:15pm. Jurassic Park (Big Screen Classics) at the Amherst Cinema. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA.

LITERACY. 1:30pm. Story Yoga at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES. 5:30pm. Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & Gaia Roots World Music offers beginner West African & Caribbean drum and song classes with Aimee Gelinas M.ED. Registration required. Drum rental available: aimee@gaiaroots.com. Town Park. Windsor, MA.  

EDUCATION/KINDERGARTEN. 6pm. Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten with the Agawam Family and Community Program at Perry Lane Pre-School Park. 413-789-1616. 108 Perry Ln, Agawam, MA.

ARTISAN SKILLS. 6:15pm. Metalsmithing with Heather Beck at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES. 7pm. Ukulele Strum Along with the Leverett Library. Virtual.

FILM STUDIES. 8pm. Far Out Film Discussion: Mind Game with the Forbes Library. Virtual.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021

ART STUDIES/HISTORY. 9:30am-5:30pm. May Day: An International Labor Poster Exhibit from the collection of Stephen Lewis. This exhibit is part, graphic art, part history, part culture and part political message. Artists may appreciate the various ways a theme is depicted by many different artists, hailing from different countries and cultures. Lewis has made the foreign language posters more accessible by including translation of key phrases to English. Historians can see what social and political changes were being advocated for in different countries at different times. Activists can see some of their favorite causes, including the celebration of May Day itself, agitated for in these posters. On view through Aug 26 in the Hosmer Gallery at the Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA. 

WATER PLAY. 10am-6pm. Water spray park at Look Park! Cool off in their 5000+ square foot Spray Park complete with ground jets, bucket dumps, water umbrellas, and more. Changing areas and lockers are available. Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA. 

NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 10:30am. Children ages 6-9 can expand their knowledge about the different habitats at Mt. Tom. Each week for one hour, participants will explore a different habitat and learn how the plants and animals have adapted to each environment. The Field, Stream, Pond, and Forest will be the topics for the four weeks. Bring water and bug spray. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA. 

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.

ART STUDIES/ CERAMICSDIY Ceramic Take-Home Craft with the Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, MA.

SCIENCE/PHYSICS. 2pm. Sharknado in a Bottle at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.

SUMMER FUN. 2-4pm. The City of Pittsfield hosts “Make Your Own Summer Fun” at different locations throughout the summer. Drop-in, say hello, pick up supplies for fun summer activity and/or participate when a special activity is scheduled. Pittsfield, MA. 

ART STUDIES/ANIME. 3pm. Outdoor Anime Club at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.

ART STUDIES. 5:30pm. Meet the Illustrator Series: Bob Eggleton at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.

PAPER ART. 6pm. Wycinanki-Polish Paper Cutting with the Chicopee Public Library. Virtual.

ANIMAL STUDIES. 6pm. Virtual Pet Meet & Greet with the Palmer Public Library. Virtual.

THEATER STUDIES/MUSICAL. 7pm. 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. 7pm. Buena Vista Social Club (Sound & Vision) at the Amherst Cinema. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA.

ORNITHOLOGY. 7-8:30pm. Nighthawks. Learn about common nighthawks, including population trends, why aerial insectivores seem to be declining, and best times and places to observe them. Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. Virtual. 

PARENTING GROUP. 7:30pm. Tuesday Night Online Parents Group with It Takes a Village. Virtual.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021

CANOEING. 8-11am. Canoeing Upper & Lower Goose Ponds. Explore the coves and marshes of one of the Berkshires’ most beautiful lakes. Paddle across Lower Goose Pond to pristine Upper Goose Pond in search of eagles, herons, and kingfishers. For all, children 10 & up. Upper and Lower Goose Ponds. Lenox, MA. 

PLAYGROUP. 9-10:30am. Northampton Parent Center hosts an indoor/outdoor playgroup at Bridge Street School. Northampton, MA. 

STE(A)M. 9am-12noon. Kids ages 7-12 can become an innovator this summer using STEM concepts to make art! This week’s activity: Rainbow Paper. Explore color theory while making some seriously cool art. Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA. 

EDUCATION/KINDERGARTEN READINESS. 9:30am. “Ready for K” Kindergarten Readiness Class hosted by the Hubbard Memorial Library. Virtual.

ART STUDIES/HISTORY. 9:30am-5:30pm. May Day: An International Labor Poster Exhibit from the collection of Stephen Lewis. This exhibit is part, graphic art, part history, part culture and part political message. Artists may appreciate the various ways a theme is depicted by many different artists, hailing from different countries and cultures. Lewis has made the foreign language posters more accessible by including translation of key phrases to English. Historians can see what social and political changes were being advocated for in different countries at different times. Activists can see some of their favorite causes, including the celebration of May Day itself, agitated for in these posters. On view through Aug 26 in the Hosmer Gallery at the Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA. 

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.

ART STUDIES/PHOTOGRAPHY. 10am. Impressionistic Photography (Intermediate/Advanced) with the IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. 413-298-5252. 13 Willard Hill Rd. Stockbridge, MA.

PLAYGROUP. 10am. Playgroup Summer Series with Union 38 Family Network at Herlihy Park. Whatley, MA.

WATER PLAY. 10am-6pm. Water spray park at Look Park! Cool off in their 5000+ square foot Spray Park complete with ground jets, bucket dumps, water umbrellas, and more. Changing areas and lockers are available. Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA. 

LITERACY. 11am. Summer Storytimes on the Library Lawn at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.

EDUCATION/KINDERGARTEN READINESS. 11am. Ready for K Skill Building Zoom Group hosted by the Southwick Public Library. Virtual.

TRANSPORTATION/OCCUPATIONS. 11am. Big Rig Day with the South Hadley Recreation Department at Buttery Brook Park. 413-538-5033. 123 Willimansett St, South Hadley, 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.

LITERACY/YOGA .4pm. Animal Yoga: Stories and Animal Poses with the Milne Public Library. 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA.

LITERACY. 4pm. Storytime for School-Aged Kids: “Whose Shoes?” at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.

LAWN CONCERT. 6pm. Crimson Canary Concert on the Lawn at the Emily Williston Memorial Library. 413-527-1031. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA.

ANIMAL STUDIES. 6pm. The Wonderful World of Bats at the Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA.

MANGA. 6pm. Teen Book Group: Manga at the Westfield Athenaeum. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA.

THEATER STUDIES/MUSICAL.  7pm. 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. 7pm. Buena Vista Social Club (Sound & Vision) at the Amherst Cinema. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA.

FILM STUDIESHope: Norwegian Film Festival hosted by Images Cinema. Virtual.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021

ARTS & CRAFTS. 9am. Thursday Morning Craft & Play with the Agawam Family and Community Program at Agawam Spray Park. Agawam, MA.

LITERACY/ART STUDIES. 9:30am. Read Along, Art Along hosted by IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. Virtual.

ART STUDIES/HISTORY. 9:30am-5:30pm. May Day: An International Labor Poster Exhibit from the collection of Stephen Lewis. This exhibit is part, graphic art, part history, part culture and part political message. Artists may appreciate the various ways a theme is depicted by many different artists, hailing from different countries and cultures. Lewis has made the foreign language posters more accessible by including translation of key phrases to English. Historians can see what social and political changes were being advocated for in different countries at different times. Activists can see some of their favorite causes, including the celebration of May Day itself, agitated for in these posters. On view through Aug 26 in the Hosmer Gallery at the Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES. 10am. Music & Movement Outside, for Children at the Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, MA.

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/INTERGENERATIONAL. 10am. Let the (Unplugged) Games Begin! at the Historic Northampton. 413-584-6011. 46 Bridge Street. Northampton, MA.

WATER PLAY. 10am-6pm. Water spray park at Look Park! Cool off in their 5000+ square foot Spray Park complete with ground jets, bucket dumps, water umbrellas, and more. Changing areas and lockers are available. Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA. 

LITERACY/ORNITHOLOGY. 10:30am. Storytime with Lynne Scott and Local Bird Talk with Mass Audubon’s Zach Adams at the Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.

ART STUDIES. 1pm. The Machine, Jesse Green. Meet Master Chainsaw sculptor and motivational speaker, Dr. “The Machine” Jesse Green, AMERICAN CHAINSAW on The National Geographic Channel at Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA.

FILM STUDIES. 1:30pm. Sharknado Movie Madness (Ages 13+) at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.

SUMMER FUN. 2-4pm. The City of Pittsfield hosts “Make Your Own Summer Fun” at different locations throughout the summer. Drop-in, say hello, pick up supplies for fun summer activity and/or participate when a special activity is scheduled. Pittsfield, MA. 

ART STUDIES. 3pm. Pop Up Art School Presents: Hybrid Animal Sculptures with the Forbes Library. Virtual.

LAWN CONCERT. 5-8pm. Naumkeag at Night at Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.

FAIRY TALES/PERFORMANCE. 5:30-8:30pm. This August at Old Sturbridge Village, experience your favorite fairy tale characters as you’ve never seen them before. Guests will experience an enchanted farm and meet characters from several beloved fairy tales, all now living beside each other at Fairy Tale Farm. Map in hand, guests will walk to various buildings that become the stage for each performance. Old Sturbridge Village. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA. 

FIBER ARTS. 6pm. Outdoor Sit & Stitch with Timna Tarr at the Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.

ART STUDIES. 6pm. Teaching Art to Students of All Abilities with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. Virtual.

LAWN CONCERT. 6-7:30pm. Summer lawn concerts with the Amherst Historical Society. BYO blanket & picnic. Simeon Strong House. 67 Strong Street. Amherst, MA. 

CANOEING. 6-8:30pm. Housatonic Evening Paddle. For all, children 10 & up. Decker Boat Ramp, Lenox, MA. 

ANIMAL STUDIES. 6:30pm. Understanding Your Cat: Virtual Cat Q&A with Rachel S. Geller, Ed.D. with the Palmer Public Library. 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.

MUSIC STUDIES/TALENT SHOW. 7pm. Community Stage: A Virtual Talent Show with the Community Music School of Springfield. Virtual.

THEATER STUDIES/MUSICAL. 7pm. 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.

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 

GARDENING. 7pm. Gardening Workshops with the Springfield City Library. Virtual.

PICTURE BOOK ART. 7pm. Putting Books to Work, with Grace Lin with the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Virtual.

PARENT GROUP. 8:30pm. Post-Bedtime Parents Group with It Takes a Village. Virtual.

FILM STUDIESHope: Norwegian Film Festival hosted by Images Cinema. Virtual.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021

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. 

ART STUDIES/HISTORY. 9:30am-5:30pm. May Day: An International Labor Poster Exhibit from the collection of Stephen Lewis. This exhibit is part, graphic art, part history, part culture and part political message. Artists may appreciate the various ways a theme is depicted by many different artists, hailing from different countries and cultures. Lewis has made the foreign language posters more accessible by including translation of key phrases to English. Historians can see what social and political changes were being advocated for in different countries at different times. Activists can see some of their favorite causes, including the celebration of May Day itself, agitated for in these posters. On view through Aug 26 in the Hosmer Gallery at the Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA. 

PHOTOGRAPHY/HIKE. 10am. Photography Hike: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (Moderate Level Hike) with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA.

WATER PLAY. 10am-6pm. Water spray park at Look Park! Cool off in their 5000+ square foot Spray Park complete with ground jets, bucket dumps, water umbrellas, and more. Changing areas and lockers are available. Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA. 

LITERACY/NATIVE SPECIES. 10:30am. Kidleidoscope Story Hour! Kids ages 3-6 can learn about beavers! Meet at the Great Hall outdoor courtyard, accompanied by an adult. Learn about our wildlife neighbors who share our home in the Connecticut River Watershed. The program includes a story, activities, and a craft and is mostly outdoors. Siblings and friends welcome. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA. 

ART STUDIES. 2pm. Beach Painting at the Springfield City Library: East Springfield Branch. 413-263-6840. 21 Osborne Terrace, Springfield, MA.

DANCE STUDIES. 3pm. Experience the joy of creating simple dances from the comfort of your home with Jacob’s Pillow in this intergenerational 45-minute movement class, designed for movers of all ages to enjoy together. From kids to adults, you are invited to get your whole household moving!  Virtual. 

MUSIC STUDIES. 3:30-5pm. Families will make musical instruments out of provided ordinary household materials and jam out on the instruments they make and/or on any instrument of their own they wish to bring. Community Music School of Springfield. 413-732-8428. 127 State Street, Springfield, MA. 

LIBRARY ADVENTURES. 3:30pm. End-of-Summer-Reading Ice Cream Social at the Westfield Athenaeum. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA.

AGRICULTURAL FAIR. 4-8pm. 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.  

FAIRY TALES/PERFORMANCE. 5:30-8:30pm. This August at Old Sturbridge Village, experience your favorite fairy tale characters as you’ve never seen them before. Guests will experience an enchanted farm and meet characters from several beloved fairy tales, all now living beside each other at Fairy Tale Farm. Map in hand, guests will walk to various buildings that become the stage for each performance. Old Sturbridge Village. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA. 

LAWN CONCERT. 6pm. Summer Concert with Luke DeRoy and LoudMadLoud on the Amherst Common. Amherst, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES. 6:30pm. Chicopee Summer Concerts with the Chicopee Public Library. Virtual.

THEATER STUDIES/MUSICAL.  7pm. 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.

FILM STUDIESHope: Norwegian Film Festival hosted by 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.

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