Weekly Suggested Events for June 28-July 4, 2025

Explore how ornithologists study bird migration at Arrowhead during a live banding session with the Berkshire Bird Observatory in Pittsfield. Learn how small identification bands contribute to long-term conservation efforts and deepen our understanding of seasonal changes in bird populations. A companion video shows the careful process of measuring and releasing birds, highlighting how everyday observations support field biology and citizen science.

What do wood turtles, epaulette sharks, and brook trout have in common? Their habitats shape their superpowers. At Springfield Museums’ Living Waters exhibit, visitors explore how rivers, oceans, and even tidepools influence life. From local streams to faraway mangroves, this interactive experience connects global ecology with backyard curiosity.

Each stitch tells a story. This monthly knitting circle at the Berkshire Co-op welcomes participants to explore fiber arts as a way to connect across generations, build community, and celebrate the satisfaction of creating something by hand.

Westfield Farmers’ Market isn’t just for shopping, they’re places for young people to explore real-world skills like budgeting, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Talk to farmers, see what’s in season, and learn how local food systems support healthy communities and the planet.

After hours at the Easthampton Public Library, stories come alive by flashlight in a room full of blanket forts. Reading in Forts is a cozy celebration of imagination, where kids build their own hideaways and curl up with books and snacks. It’s a joyful reminder that libraries are shared spaces full of magic and possibility.

Fireflies turn summer nights into glowing classroom for lifelong learners. This evening program at Greylock Glen in Adams begins with a look at firefly life and adaptations, then heads outside for a twilight walk through the meadow. Catch-and-release observations invite quiet reflection on nature, light, and the importance of protecting the habitats we share.

Skunks spray, turtles breathe, and herrings… toot in the night? This laugh-out-loud science program in Belchertown with Susie Maguire of the Poop Museum explores the weird and wonderful ways animals use their rear ends. It’s quirky, educational, and surprisingly full of insight.

What did daily life on a New England homestead look like—and what can it teach us today? At Stone and Stump Homestead in Hinsdale, hands-on activities like candle dipping, herbal craft, and animal care bring history to life while offering timeless lessons in resilience, food security, and wellness. Step into the seasonal rhythms that once shaped local life and explore how these traditions remain relevant now.

What’s better than picking out fresh fruit? Talking to the people who grew it! Shelburne Falls Farmers’ Market is full of chances to ask questions, learn how food grows, and try something new. Every visit helps build healthy habits and care for the planet.

Mike Piazza and his frisbee dogs bring the wow factor, and a whole lot of learning to the library in Turners Falls. From gravity-defying leaps to moments of interspecies connection, this high-energy show invites families to explore physics, animal behavior, and teamwork through joyful performance.

Lace up and learn! Public skating at UMass Mullins Center turns a fun outing into a physics adventure. From graceful spins to sudden stops, every move shows off Newton’s laws. Glide, twirl, and discover the science behind staying upright. It’s motion, momentum, and muscle—all in one cool place. Rentals available.

See amazing birds of prey up close with Monadnock Falconry in Shutesbury. Learn how Harris’ Hawks team up to hunt—something most raptors don’t do. This live event is a great chance to ask questions, watch their moves, and find out how people help care for wild birds. Want to learn more? Watch a short video before or after to see how these clever hawks work together and why scientists study them in the wild.

Tune in and start your weekend on a bright note with the Hilltown Family Variety Show, guest DJ’d by Grammy-nominated musician Brady Rymer! This feel-good radio show celebrates sunshine, kindness, and connection with tunes from Aretha Franklin, Brady himself, and more. Tune in on your FM dial, or stream online. Perfect for backyard fun, car rides, or summer lounging.

Ever tried a Velocipede? At the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, you can. Ride the 1896 trolley car No. 10, hop on a Speeder, and explore tools of early rail life that once powered small-town travel across Western Massachusetts. From hands-on exhibits to restored railcars, the museum invites curiosity about how transportation helped shape community rhythms and regional identity.

Patching jeans or fixing a torn hem may seem small, but each stitch helps shift the story of how we relate to clothing. This hands-on mending workshop at the library in Easthampton blends creativity and sustainability through simple textile arts. Rooted in both tradition and environmental awareness, it encourages a deeper connection to what we wear while supporting care for the planet.

Ever wonder how stone walls or millstones were made by hand? Learn how early masons shaped local stone across New England with tools like the mill bill and paint staff. A talk at the Bidwell House in Monterey and a short companion video invite you to explore the hands-on skills that shaped our landscape.

At Amherst Cinema, the NY Dog Film Festival showcases short films exploring canine behavior, rescue stories, and the deep bonds between dogs and people. These global selections support learning in storytelling, animal studies, and empathy, with proceeds helping local rescue efforts.

What do armored mud balls tell us about ancient rivers? Join the celebration as a rare Jurassic-era specimen is unveiled at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls. Geologist Richard Little will explain how these unusual formations connect us to local natural history and why the Connecticut River Valley holds some of the best examples found anywhere. See the full story and watch a short companion video that brings geology to life.

Indian classical music is built on the interplay of melody and rhythm, passed from teacher to student through listening and memory. Sarang: Colors of South Asian Music at the library in Northampton offers an opportunity to experience this tradition live, with artists sharing how raag and taal shape expression, storytelling, and connection across generations.

One cast. One night. No rehearsals together. Hilltown Theatre Anonymous returns with a surprise-filled performance of Macbeth, where actors meet the rest of the cast live onstage. With original music, local voices, and physical storytelling, this sixth annual show taking place in Ashfield promises Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it.

Step into the glow of a summer evening and discover the science behind the sparkle. This twilight walk in Adams introduces families to the magical world of fireflies—exploring their life cycle, glowing signals, and the vibrant meadow ecosystems they call home.

Free Kids & Family Sundays at The Mount invite families to laugh, create, and explore together in a setting rich with beauty and inspiration. From storytime and sculpture walks to writing workshops and outdoor play, it’s summer fun with room to grow. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!

Ever tried a Velocipede? At the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, you can. Ride the 1896 trolley car No. 10, hop on a Speeder, and explore tools of early rail life that once powered small-town travel across Western Massachusetts. From hands-on exhibits to restored railcars, the museum invites curiosity about how transportation helped shape community rhythms and regional identity.

Just outside Pittsfield, Hancock Shaker Village offers a full day of summer fun where history comes to life. Visit baby animals in the barns, help in the herb garden, and try hands-on crafts like weaving and spinning. The Discovery Barn and Farm and Forest Trail invite kids and grown-ups to learn side by side through play and exploration.

Step into the past at Buckland’s historic open houses, where saltbox homes and shoemaker’s tools invite curious minds to explore daily life before factories. From handcrafted shoes to three floors of local artifacts, families can connect with stories of education, craftsmanship, and community that continue to shape the region today.

Join the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra for Summer Pops in Northfield, an evening of live orchestral music in an open-air setting. With Broadway hits and film favorites, this concert continues a tradition dating back to the 19th century, when outdoor performances made music more accessible. It’s a relaxed way to support music studies and enjoy shared listening in a community space.

Ever tried a Velocipede? At the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, you can. Ride the 1896 trolley car No. 10, hop on a Speeder, and explore tools of early rail life that once powered small-town travel across Western Massachusetts. From hands-on exhibits to restored railcars, the museum invites curiosity about how transportation helped shape community rhythms and regional identity.

Where do tunes and tomatoes meet? At Music Mondays, of course. Live regional music, buzzing pollinators, and a farmer’s market make Berkshire Botanical Garden the place to be for laid-back learning and summer vibes.

West African drumming brings rhythm and history together in this interactive workshop with the Wendell Warriors and Jafar Manselle. Begin with a live performance, learn basic hand techniques, and explore how traditional rhythms have long been part of community life across West Africa. A companion video on the history of the djembe supports learning in music, cultural traditions, and African studies.

In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.

What do wood turtles, epaulette sharks, and brook trout have in common? Their habitats shape their superpowers. At Springfield Museums’ Living Waters exhibit, visitors explore how rivers, oceans, and even tidepools influence life. From local streams to faraway mangroves, this interactive experience connects global ecology with backyard curiosity.

Get ready to toot, tap, and twang at the Springfield City Library! The Springfield Symphony’s Musical Petting Zoo invites kids and families to try violins, drums, and more in a hands-on musical adventure. A joyful way to explore sound, rhythm, and the fun of making music.

Ever wonder how movie snow looks so real? Or how 3-D glasses work? This hands-on science workshop for kids at the Tolland Public Safety Complex shows how film uses light, sound, and chemistry to trick the eye and ear. It’s a creative way to mix science with fun.

Ever wonder how bats “see” in the dark? This interactive program at Arcadia in Easthampton invites kids to explore echolocation through hands-on activities and playful learning. By blending science with imagination, participants discover how local bat species navigate the night and connect with their environment in surprising ways.

Some reptiles have been perfecting their survival skills for over 200 million years! This hands-on program with The Reptile Nook at the Easthampton Library invites participants to meet real-life “living fossils,” explore their behaviors and habitats, and connect with the ancient rhythms of the natural world. Registration encouraged

What do puppets, old tech, and gothic storytelling have in common? Find out at Amherst Cinema during “Come On Back! The Movie.” This dreamy film looks like an old-school TV show but tells a very modern story. Stick around for a live puppetry demo and chat to learn how art can bring forgotten stories back to life.

Fireflies are more than summer sparkle, they’re tiny storytellers of seasonal change and ecosystem health. Join this twilight adventure at The Mount in Lenox for a short talk followed by an outdoor walk, where participants can gently observe fireflies and tune into the quiet rhythms of dusk.

Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.

In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.

Join researchers at Arrowhead for a morning of bird banding with the Berkshire Bird Observatory. Learn how site fidelity and gentle field techniques support conservation biology and long-term population studies. A great opportunity to observe local birds up close and explore how field science connects to larger ecological patterns.

Join a mindful wonder walk through the boreal forest at Tamarack Hollow in Windsor. Through quiet prompts and moments of stillness, this nature-based experience encourages sensory awareness and thoughtful presence. A peaceful way to explore how forest bathing and mindfulness practices deepen our connection to place.

Blankets? Check. Snacks? Check. Fireworks that make you say “ooh” and “ahh”? Double check. The UMass Amherst Independence Day celebration brings all the ingredients for a night of fun, food, and shared sparkle under the stars.

South Hadley knows how to throw a birthday party—games, music, food, and fireworks included. It’s an evening to celebrate, connect, and maybe wonder just how many colors a firework can really have. Spoiler: a lot.

Bring a blanket and settle in under the stars for Song of the Sea, a beautifully animated film that blends Irish folklore with heartfelt storytelling. With themes of healing, imagination, and family connection, this summer screening offers a gentle night of wonder for all ages.

Each Thursday morning, Groff Park in Amherst becomes a hub for summer play. Led by The Bridge Family Resource Center, this free gathering supports curiosity and creativity through unstructured outdoor fun. Families return week after week to enjoy movement, connection, and the simple joy of being outside together.

At Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Thursday morning walking tours with General Manager Steve Ball (and his dog, Willie) offer a behind-the-scenes look at how live theater comes to life. Explore the prop shop, costume studio, and more while learning how collaboration shapes every performance.

Each summer, communities across Massachusetts gather to read Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” aloud. These public readings honor his time in the state and invite reflection on freedom, justice, and national identity. Speaking his words together brings history into the present and supports intergenerational learning. – Readings are taking place in Plainfield, Springfield, and West Stockbridge. Check listing for times.

Come for the pancakes, stay for the parade! Chesterfield’s 4th of July Fest keeps traditions fresh and community close. With live music, historic artifacts, and a whole lot of local flavor, it’s a celebration that brings past and present together in one joyful day.

What does freedom mean, then and now? At Old Sturbridge Village, July 4th blends colonial festivities with a modern naturalization ceremony. Explore how civic identity, belonging, and celebration intertwine across centuries.

Just outside Pittsfield, Hancock Shaker Village offers a full day of summer fun where history comes to life. Visit baby animals in the barns, help in the herb garden, and try hands-on crafts like weaving and spinning. The Discovery Barn and Farm and Forest Trail invite kids and grown-ups to learn side by side through play and exploration.

Williamstown’s Independence Day celebration brings history to life with parades, cookouts, and just the right amount of sparkle. From readings of the founding documents to fireworks at 9pm, it’s a festive mix of reflection, fun, and a little backyard science.

Since 1801, Pittsfield’s 4th of July Parade has been marching through history—now with a lot more brass bands and balloons. What began with a militia procession now brings the community together with music, floats, and a celebration of shared traditions.

Ever tried a Velocipede? At the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, you can. Ride the 1896 trolley car No. 10, hop on a Speeder, and explore tools of early rail life that once powered small-town travel across Western Massachusetts. From hands-on exhibits to restored railcars, the museum invites curiosity about how transportation helped shape community rhythms and regional identity.

Shelburne Falls shines on the Fourth of July with a hometown parade and a beloved community meal. As neighbors gather for barbecue and celebration, they honor the stories and connections that keep rural traditions alive.

What’s better than picking out fresh fruit? Talking to the people who grew it! Shelburne Falls Farmers’ Market is full of chances to ask questions, learn how food grows, and try something new. Every visit helps build healthy habits and care for the planet.

Before there were hot dogs and lawn chairs, there was bamboo stuffed with gunpowder. Springfield’s Star Spangled bash honors that long legacy with fireworks, food, and fun for all ages—plus a reminder that even explosions can have a rich backstory.