What’s Happening in Amherst
Photo: istock
by Art and Maura Keene
You can help us make our events calendar more comprehensive by sending us your listings and including contact information and/or a link for more information. Send events listings to amherstindy@gmail.com.
SATURDAY JANUARY 24 and SUNDAY JANUARY 25: AMHERST COMMUNITY THEATER’S “THE WIZARD OF OZ”. 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, Bowker Auditorium UMass. We invite you to click your heels and follow the Yellow Brick Road to UMass for The Wizard of Oz! Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they journey to the Emerald City singing favorites like “Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” With dazzling costumes, stunning effects, and a heartwarming story about friendship, courage, and self-belief, this beloved classic will remind everyone that there truly is no place like home. Tickets $27, $22 seniors, $17 for children under 10.
SATURDAY JANUARY 24: SPECIAL STORY TIME WITH MADDIE FROST. 2 to 2:30 p.m., Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road. Author-illustrator Maddie Frost will read her newest book, Cats on Cats on Cats! Join us for a storytime, a peek at the making of the art, and an audience draw-along, followed by Q&A.
SATURDAY JANUARY 24: DON’T TELL COMEDY. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. No spoilers! All comedians remain unknown until the moment they take the stage. But don’t fret, we carefully curate lineups of 4-7 different comics to create a hilarious and diverse show. Tickets $27. Full calendar.
TUESDAY JANUARY 27: REPRESENTATIVE MINDY DOMB OFFICE HOURS. 12:30 p.m., Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road. This is an opportunity for constituents of the Third Hampshire District to speak with the Representative and her team, share concerns and thoughts on state legislation, and seek assistance. There is no need to schedule an appointment; constituents can stop by anytime during the hour to speak to Representative Domb or a member of her staff. If this is an urgent matter, please do not wait until office hours; call (413) 335-1362 or (617) 722-2060. If you are unable to attend at these times or if you have a time-sensitive or private matter, Representative Domb’s office can be reached via email at mindy.domb@mahouse.gov or via phone at (413) 335-1362 or (617) 722-2060. Please include your name, address, and contact information when contacting the office.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28: BAD BAD HATS WITH SMUT. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Bad Bad Hats is an indie rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. In their 10 years, they have toured the country many times in their trusty minivan. Their fourth album was released in April 2024 on Don Giovanni Records. Smut is the project of lyricist Tay Roebuck, guitarists Andie Minn and Sam Ruschman, drummer Aidan O’Connor, and bassist John Steiner. Their first album was “a record that explored grief through the lens of melancholic dream pop, using drum machines and layered, intricate melodies. Tickets $20, $25 at the door. Full calendar.
FRIDAY JANUARY 30: REPRESENTATIVE MINDY DOMB OFFICE HOURS. 4 p.m., Amherst Town Hall, 1st Floor. This is an opportunity for constituents of the Third Hampshire District to speak to the Representative and her team and to share concerns and thoughts on state legislation, and to seek assistance. There is no need to schedule an appointment, constituents can stop by anytime during the hour to speak to Representative Domb or a member of her staff. If this is an urgent matter, please do not wait for office hours and call (413) 335-1362 or (617) 722-2060. If you are unable to attend at these times or if you have a time sensitive or private matter, Representative Domb’s office can be reached via email at mindy.domb@mahouse.gov or via phone at (413) 335-1362 or (617) 722-2060. Please include your name, address, and contact information when contacting the office.
SATURDAY JANUARY 31: LAUNDRY DAY: THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE TOUR. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Laundry Day was formed in 2016 by four classmates at Beacon High School in New York City. They have been exponentially growing their audiences on Instagram and TikTok as they continue to release music and sell out venues. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Full calendar.
SATURDAY JANUARY 31: FULL MOON HIKE ON MOUNT NORWOTTUCK. 2 to 5:30 p.m., 37 Bay Road. Come experience a guided night hike for a moon-rise climb to the top of Mount Norwottuck in the Mount Holyoke Range. The full moon in February is called the Snow Moon. Hike, in partnership with Adventure East, begins at the Kestrel Land Trust Headquarters. Registration required $40, $32 for Kestrel members.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1: MATT HAIMOVITZ AND CHRISTOPHER O’RILEY. 4 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Renowned, multi-Grammy-nominated cellist Matt Haimovitz brings his megawatt sound and uncommon expressive gifts to a variety of styles. Pianist, arranger, collaborative artist, composer, educator, and media personality Christopher O’Riley performs with Haimovitz as part of the Chamber at the Drake series. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Full calendar of events here.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4: LUCE IMMIGRANT JUSTICE BYSTANDER TRAINING AND HOTLINE FUNDRAISER. 6-8 p.m. First Congregational Church, 165 Main Street, Amherst. Learn from LUCE how to respond effectively to ICE sightings and attempted detentions. Free to attend. Register and/or donate at: https://bit.ly/luceamherst
More info
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4: VENICE BAROQUE ORCHESTRA. 7:30 p.m., Frederick Tillis Performance Hall, UMASS. Vivaldi, Tartini, Veracini, Locatelli: A Bows Duel in Venice with Chouchane Siranossian, violin and Giacomo Catana, orchestra leader. An incredible evening of music for lovers of the violin. Tickets start at $45, $20 for students.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5: THROUGH THE LENS WITH THE UMASS FASHION ORGANIZATION. 4 to 8 p.m., Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road. As part of The Carle After Dark series, strike a pose with the UMass Fashion Organization and step into the spotlight during Through the Lens wearing your “I have Nowhere to Wear” outfit, an evening of photo ops, playful snapshots, and unforgettable karaoke moments with Josh Sitron.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5: BOOK TALK ONLINE: A GILDED AGE QUEEN BATTLING ANTISEMITISM. 7 p.m. on Zoom. Eve M. Kahn will speak on her book, Queen of Bohemia Predicts Own Death: Gilded-Age Journalist Zoe Anderson Norris. Zoe, a Kentucky belle turned restless Kansas housewife turned lauded writer/reformer/publisher raged against predatory landlords, corrupt charity executives, and Ellis Island deportation forces, among other villains. Sponsored by the Yiddish Book Center. Register.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6: OPENING RECEPTION FOR THE NEW EXHIBIT WINTER GARDEN GROUP SHOW. 7 p.m. Gallery A3, 28 Amity Street 1D, Amherst Cinema Complex. Free and open to all. More info
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7: NATIONAL WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY CELEBRATION. 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Amherst College Alumni Gym, 266 South Pleasant Street. Join Amherst Recreation and Amherst College Athletics for this event that invites girls and non-binary youth in grades 4-8 to a fun-filled day of sports and fitness! National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is dedicated to honoring the achievements of girls and women in sports and aims to recognize the power of sports and play in unlocking limitless potential. NGWSD at Amherst College will provide girls and non-binary youth in grades 4-7 with a unique and welcoming opportunity to explore various sports, play, and have fun together. The participants will be divided into smaller groups to enjoy different fundamental skills in a variety of sports (no previous experience necessary). The event will feature activities led by women’s sports teams, including: squash, golf, crew, track/cross country, soccer, field hockey, softball, and volleyball. Doors open at 11 A.M. for registration and snacks. The program will begin at 11:30 AM with a chat with current scholar-athletes followed by a dynamic stretch warm-up. Girls will then be divided into groups so they can try different sports and games through a continuous timed rotation. Parents are able to drop-off their children after 11:00 AM and pick them up at the conclusion of the event at 2:45 PM. All participants and their families are invited to cheer on the Amherst College Women’s Hockey team as they take on Colby College at 3pm in Orr Rink. Admission is free and free pizza will be provided! Register here.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8: CONNECTICUT RIVER EDUCATIONAL PANEL. 1:30 to 3 p.m., Amherst Regional High School Library, 21 Mattoon Street. Panel discussion on the health and conservation status of the Connecticut River in preparation for updating the League of Women Voters of Amherst position on this important topic.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11: CARSIE BLANTON. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. You could talk about Carsie Blanton’s place in a tradition of folkie protest singers that extends from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger through Nina Simone and Joan Baez and on to Billy Bragg, and you’d be on solid ground. You could group Blanton with anti-folk artists from Michelle Shocked to Regina Spektor. You’d be good there, too. Or, hell, you could reference Poly Styrene, Kathleen Hanna, or Caroline Rose. And you’d be spot on once again. Or you could talk about Blanton as … well, Carsie Blanton. Outspoken. Honest. Not inclined to take herself too seriously. Tickets $35, $20 for students. Full calendar of events here.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12: CIRQUE FLIP FABRIQUE BLIZZARD. 7:30, Frederick Tillis Performance Hall, UMass. Quebec-based circus arts troupe Cirque Flip Fabrique is renowned around the world for its blend of astonishing feats and visual poetry. In Blizzard, Flip Fabrique takes you on a wild, poetic, and gentle journey through the dead of winter, inviting you to lose yourself in a moment of complete wonder. With performers at the peak of their art, Blizzard promises to blow away everything in its path. Tickets $30, $17.50-$20 for students.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14 THROUGH SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21: WINTERFEST. Join us for this weeklong celebration on February 14 through February 21. Amherst Recreation, in collaboration with many community partners, will host a variety of free and affordable events for residents and visitors of all ages to embrace the winter season.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19: SUNNY JAIN’S WILD WILD EAST. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. You know Sunny Jain as the founder and leader of the unruly, oversized, genre-mashing, and always infectiously fun, Brooklyn-based band Red Baraat. Like Red Baraat, Wild Wild East draws from Jain’s identity as a first-generation South Asian American and as a global musician. Jain’s music with this project taps his family’s immigration story and his far-reaching musical roots. And it finds Jain recasting the immigrant — steeped in the courage to leave a familiar homeland for a new beginning — as the modern-day cowboy and cowgirl. Jain sources musical inspiration from the scores of Bollywood classics and Spaghetti Westerns, Indian folk traditions, jazz improvisation, and rollicking psychedelic and surf guitar styles. Tickets $35, $20 for students. Full calendar of events here.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27: PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY. 8 p.m., Frederick Tillis Performance Hall, UMass. The Paul Taylor Dance Company has been a presence in Fine Arts Center seasons since 1978. One of the most revered and dynamic ensembles in modern dance, the company has been innovating and transforming dance since 1954. With a history of multidisciplinary collaborations, passionate expression, and thrilling athleticism, the company continues boldly into the future under Artistic Director Michael Novak. For this performance, the company will bring us a classic work by its founder, Speaking in Tongues (1988) along with How Love Sounds, a 2025 commission by Hope Boykin, who currently serves as artistic advisor for art education at the Kennedy Center and whose celebrated career as a dancer included Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Philadanco, and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Tickets start at $40, Students $20.
ONGOING AND MULTI-DAY EVENTS
EVERY MONDAY EXCEPT HOLIDAYS: AUTOHARP WORKSHOPS. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Join Marie Hartwell-Walker and autoharp players throughout the country who participate on Zoom. Participants on Zoom also welcome.
EVERY TUESDAY: RACIAL JUSTICE VIGIL We Stand for Peace and Justice Amherst. 4-4:30 p.m. in the center of town in front of the Bank of America Building (1 S. Pleasant St.) Join Amherst community members from various affiliations, who come together every Tuesday to stand out in downtown Amherst for social justice, peace, and in support of our immigrants neighbors in danger. We often sing while standing together, accompanied by a guitar or drum. More info
FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH: COUNCIL ON AGING SENIOR LUNCH. Noon. Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk.
FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. RAINBOW COFFEE HOUR. 9:30-11 a.m. Amherst Senior Center, Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. The Rainbow Coffee Hour is a LGBTIA+ social coffee group for ages 50 and above. Join us for this welcoming space to socialize. No format, no agenda, just community. More information
SUNDAYS AND TUESDAYS FEBRUARY 1-17: THE BEFORE TRILOGY. 1:30 p.m. Sunday February 1, 8, and 15 and 7p.m. Tuesday February 3, 10, and 17, Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity Street. Follow Jesse and Celine as they meet on a train and spend a night wandering the city in Vienna, then reconnect nine years later in Paris, and finally as a married couple on vacation in Greece. Richard Linklater’s marvelous trilogy: “Before Sunrise,” “Before Sunset,” and “Before Midnight” starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Tickets.
EVERY WEDNESDAY : CAFE. Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Are you or a loved one experiencing memory loss? At the Amherst Senior Center, we understand memory changes and have developed a new program based on the popular Memory Café format. Our Café offers fun, relaxation, and of course, snacks. This program is perfect for caregivers, people with mild memory loss, or anyone in the community who enjoys good conversation and strong coffee. Each Café opens with a coffee and conversation hour, followed by a group activity. Join us on Wednesday, November 30th for a performance by our special musical guests, “Healing Hearts with Harmony” at 11:00am. Come for the coffee, stay for the connections! Email seniorcenter@amherstma.gov or call 413-259-3060 with questions.
EVERY WEDNESDAY: WEEKLY WEDNESDAY MARKET. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Since its launch in May 2024, the Wednesday Market has served over 700 community members. The Market is open to all, and there’s no registration and no questions asked. Just come and enjoy. We distribute fresh produce, dairy, prepared food, and delicious treats.
EVERY WEDNESDAY: BEGINNER BIRDING. 9:00-9:30 a.m. Notch Visitor Center, 1500 West Street. For ages 12 and up. An easy, level, 1/4-mile guided hike to discover more about birds: their behaviors, needs, habitats and significance. Listen, observe, sketch, photo or journal. Free
LAST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH (EXCLUDING JULY AND JANUARY): NORTHAMPTON JAZZ WORKSHOP. The Drake. 44 North Pleasant Street. 7:30 p.m. Free (donations accepted). Featuring the Green Street trio with a special guest. Featured set at 7:30 followed by an open jam session. Bring your axe. Full calendar of events here.
LAST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH: CRAFT AND CONVERSE. Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery, 91 Cowls Road. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Are you tired of creating in solitude? Looking to connect with other artistic individuals? Grab your sketchbook, knitting bag, or water color gear and join our monthly coworking group! Craft and converse, hosted by Easthampton artist Kaia Zimmerman, is held the last Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. This welcoming, intentional space is designed for community members to come together for a casual, social evening while pursuing their own creative projects. Drop-ins welcome, but registration encouraged for any weather-related changes in schedule. Bring your own arts or crafts project (BYOA) to work on. Ages 16+.
THURSDAYS: FIRST, THIRD AND FOURTH THURSDAYS IN JANUARY: IRISH MUSIC AT THE HARP. 4-7 P.M. 163 Sunderland Road. There may be Fiddle, Flute, Tin Whistle, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Bagpipes, Bouzouki, Bodhran and ???. Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, Flings, Polkas, Slides, and Waltz’ from around the Celtic world. Food , drink, friendship and a relentless cacophany of rhythmic tones,. Undeterred by the chaos and heartbreak of our troubled world,
As my favorite jig says, We’re always Happy to Meet and Sorry to Part. Who knows? .it might help banish misfortune for a moment
THURSDAYS SEPTEMBER 11 THROUGH OCTOBER 2: INTRODUCTORY DRAWING WITH DAVID DICKINSON. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Mill District Local Art Gallery, 91 Cowls Road. If you have been craving an in-depth class to learn drawing basics, this is the class for YOU! Students will learn via lectures demonstrations, and homework. Join accomplished artist and instructor, David Dickinson, at The Local Art Gallery Thursday mornings this fall for an Introductory Drawing Class. This class will meet four times on Thursday mornings: 9/11,
9/18, 9/25, 10/2 from 10:30am-12pm. Deadline to sign up: September 1, 2025. Limited seating .$100, includes supplies. Ages: 14+.
EVERY THURSDAY : AMHERST ARTISANS’ MARKET. 3 to 7 p.m., front lawn of the Amherst History Museum, 67 Amity Street. The Amherst Artisans’ Market features local artists, crafters and food vendors.
EVERY THURSDAY: STITCH CIRCLE. 4 to 6 p.m. Mill District Local Art Gallery and General Store, 91 Cowls Road. Grab your needles, venture to the General Store, and join us for our first Stitch Circle. Knitters, quilters, embroidery artists, and crocheters are all invited. Free.
FIRST AND THIRD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH: VETERAN’S COMMUNITY BREAKFAST FOR ALL -8 a.m – 9 a.m. Large Activity Room, Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. At each breakfast (bagel/donut/coffee), a veteran or veteran ally, will tell his or her personal story regarding military service. Generation after generation reveals that those going to war to defend our country come back spiritually and morally wounded, regardless of the bodily consequences of combat. We want to bring veterans together for food and friendship to help coalesce a spirit of camaraderie to enable authentic, veteran-oriented communities to flourish. WELCOME: Veterans, Spouses, Caregivers, Amherst Community Members. Let’s Build a Thriving Veterans Community. There are 387 Veterans in town! Sponsored by CRESS. FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL THE CRESS OFFICE, (413) 259-3370 OR GENE HERMAN, VIETNAM VETERAN, (240) 472-7288 – CRESS VETERAN’S OUTREACH VOLUNTEER.
EVERY SATURDAY THROUGH NOVEMBER 23: AMHERST FARMERS’ MARKET. 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Town Common. Established in 1972, the Amherst Farmers’ Market is widely recognized as one of the best places for local food, fun, and community offering farm to table produce and selections from your local growers and Valley producers. Come out for the food, music, events, and community offerings.
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS: LIVE JAZZ AND GOOD EATS AT THE BLACK SHEEP. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Black Sheep Deli, 79 Main Street. Frist and third Saturdays: Masala Jazz, Second, Fourth and Fifth Saturdays: Simmer Music Presents, Sundays: the Catalytics. Tip Jar.
NOW THROUGH SUNDAY JANUARY 25: AMHERST COMMUNITY THEATER’S “THE WIZARD OF OZ”. 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, Bowker Auditorium UMass. We invite you to click your heels and follow the Yellow Brick Road to UMass for The Wizard of Oz! Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they journey to the Emerald City singing favorites like “Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” With dazzling costumes, stunning effects, and a heartwarming story about friendship, courage, and self-belief, this beloved classic will remind everyone that there truly is no place like home. Tickets $27, $22 seniors, $17 for children under 10.
NOW THROUGH SATURDAY JANUARY 31: LANDSCAPES ABSTRACTS AND IMMERSIVE ART AT GALLERY A3. Gallery A3, 28 Main St 1D in the Amherst Cinema complex, will host a new exhibition of oil paintings by Gordon M. Green and Evelyn Pye. The The gallery will host an opening reception in the gallery on Friday, January 2 from 5-7 p.m. and a free art forum online on Thursday January 15 at 7:00 p.m. Register for the art forum here.
More info
SUNDAYS AND TUESDAYS FEBRUARY 1-17: THE BEFORE TRILOGY. 1:30 p.m. Sunday February 1, 8, and 15 and 7p.m. Tuesday February 3, 10, and 17, Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity Street. Follow Jesse and Celine as they meet on a train and spend a night wandering the city in Vienna, then reconnect nine years later in Paris, and finally as a married couple on vacation in Greece. Richard Linklater’s marvelous trilogy: “Before Sunrise,” “Before Sunset,” and “Before Midnight” starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Tickets.
NOW THROUGH APRIL: SPRITES, SPELLS, AND SPLASHES: MAGICAL BEINGS IN PICTURE BOOK ART. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. The Eric Carle Museum opens its new exhibition on Saturday, November 22. The show includes picture book artwork of fantasy creatures like mermaids, fairies and wizards from more than 40 classic and contemporary books. “From the brownies of the British Isles to the djinns of the Middle East, magical beings abound in folklore. These creatures exist in a parallel world within and alongside humans,” said Isabel Ruiz Cano, associate curator. “Picture book art can be a powerful bridge between cultures, a keeper of stories, and a source of wonder that allows us to see the invisible. Although we may not always be able to spot these creatures, the artists in this exhibition bring their mysterious forms to light.” The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.
NOW THROUGH MONDAY APRIL 27: MABEL LOOMIS TODD EXHIBIT TO BENEFIT THE EMILY DICKINSON MUSEUM. Mill District Local Art Gallery, 91 Cowls Road. The Mill District is pleased to announce its newest front window gallery installation: The Mabel Loomis Todd Exhibit. The exhibit presents a rarely seen collection of Todd’s paintings created for a book of her father’s poetry. Learn more about the exhibit.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14 THROUGH SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21: WINTERFEST. Join us for this weeklong celebration on February 14 through February 21. Amherst Recreation, in collaboration with many community partners, will host a variety of free and affordable events for residents and visitors of all ages to embrace the winter season.