Featured Events

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst will present “Soul, Sound, and Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney,” highlighting over 75 works influenced by music throughout his celebrated career. Families can learn how Pinkney drew inspiration from music to shape his illustrations of history, African American traditions, and stories that span generations.

Mo Willems’ beloved Pigeon takes the stage in “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!: The Musical!”, a lively and interactive show at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield where children can learn as they use their voices, make choices, and join the fun. This family-friendly musical brings picture book storytelling to life with catchy songs and humor, supporting early literacy, theater arts, social-emotional learning, and the value of saying “no” when it matters.

Families can learn together for free at Chesterfield Public Library’s July programs, which offer hands-on experiences in science, storytelling, and performance. Weekly sessions at Old Town Hall encourage curiosity and show the many ways knowledge is shared in Chesterfield.

Every stand at the Holyoke Farmers’ Market tells a story. For teens interested in food justice, ecology, or small business, it’s a chance to ask questions, think critically, and see how local choices can have global impact, all while picking out fresh snacks!

The Leverett Library offers an interactive workshop where kids can learn about beavers and their important role in wetlands. Children participate in hands-on activities to discover what makes beavers unique.

At the Breezy Seeds Engineering Challenge, children ages 6-10 can learn how seeds travel using wind, shape, and design with guidance from Hitchcock Center educators at the Holyoke library. This hands-on program lets young scientists create and test their own seedpod models, discovering how nature inspires creative problem-solving.

At the Historic Deerfield Discovery Center, families can learn how tea became a symbol of politics and personal choice during the American Revolution. Visitors will learn about colonial tea customs and experience hands-on activities that connect history to everyday life.

Self-directed teens and lifelong learners can build real-life budgeting skills in this free webinar hosted by UMassFive College Federal Credit Union. Learn how everyday economics, from spending to saving, can support your goals and help you feel more confident with money.

Shakespeare & Company and Spirit of the Circus will present “Circus & The Bard: The Next Chapter” at the Tina Packer Playhouse in Lenox, blending circus acts with Shakespeare’s beloved characters for a playful and family-friendly experience. Audiences will learn how circus skills and classic theater combine to create laughter, wonder, and accessible performances for everyone.

Families can learn about Japanese taiko drumming and experience a 30-minute performance by Peaceful Forest, a family ensemble led by world champion drummer Takumi Kato. The show at the library in Williamsburg offers a vibrant, joyful atmosphere and is a great event for both adults and children.

Paddle with purpose on Lake Warner in Hadley as part of a hands-on effort to remove invasive water chestnut. This engaging volunteer experience for teens and adults blends outdoor adventure with real-time learning about aquatic ecosystems and shows how small actions can make a big splash for biodiversity. Pre-registration required.

Holyoke Rows hosts Summer on the River, where teens learn outdoor skills through free kayaking, fishing, and nature activities on the Connecticut River. The program welcomes teens and families to enjoy evenings together while exploring and relaxing in a supportive community setting.

Paddle with purpose on Lake Warner in Hadley as part of a hands-on effort to remove invasive water chestnut. This engaging volunteer experience for teens and adults blends outdoor adventure with real-time learning about aquatic ecosystems and shows how small actions can make a big splash for biodiversity. Pre-registration required.

Great Barrington farmers’ market offers more than fresh produce. They support learning in agriculture, economics, and ecology, helping families build awareness around food systems and sustainability through everyday experiences.

Step back in time at Old Sturbridge Village during Redcoats & Rebels. Watch the largest Revolutionary War reenactment in New England and see how everyday life, loyalty, and resistance shaped rural communities during the war.

Celebrate Indigenous traditions in Turners Falls at the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival. Along the river near the Great Falls Discovery Center, enjoy Native music, dance, stories, and art that honor deep connections to land, culture, and community.

Kids ON TRACK at Springfield Union Station invites children and families to learn about transportation by exploring model trains and taking real train rides during a weekend of railroad fun. Participants can experience hands-on activities that connect the world of model railroading with transportation history and engineering.

At Arcadia in Easthampton, families can learn about Monarch Butterflies by taking part in a migration game and exploring the pollinator garden to discover insect life cycles and the butterfly-plant relationship. Kids will also learn why monarch populations have declined and how native plants and backyard gardens can help protect pollinator habitats.

Walk through time in Rowe, Heath, Shelburne Falls, Buckland, Hawley, and Cummington during the Hilltown History Trail. From old tools to one-room schoolhouses, this tour brings together the voices and places that shaped these Hilltown communities.

Meet live rescued turtles at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield and learn about local species, their habitats, and conservation needs. Families can explore herpetology and discover how responsible care and community actions support turtle conservation.

Historic Deerfield offers Back-Door Kitchen Tours where visitors can learn how cooking technology evolved from the 1780s into the early 1800s. Participants experience three historic kitchens and discover how daily life and foodways changed over time in early New England households.

The Westhampton Public Library is hosting a free summer reading program where participants can join a team, earn points, and enjoy concerts, crafts, and workshops. Kids and families will have opportunities to learn through creative activities, wildlife programs, and fun events all summer long.

Jacob’s Pillow invites everyone to the Indigenous Garden for a Fire Pit Gathering with André StrongBearHeart Gaines Jr. and members of Eastern Woodland tribes. Learn about land practices and experience how Indigenous communities maintain connections to the land through cultural revitalization and shared traditions.

At the Historic Deerfield Discovery Center, families can learn how tea became a symbol of politics and personal choice during the American Revolution. Visitors will learn about colonial tea customs and experience hands-on activities that connect history to everyday life.