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.
SINGLE DAY EVENTS.
SATURDAY MARCH 7: AMHERST DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS. 11am, Bangs Community Center (new location!), 70 Boltwood Walk, Registered Democrats will gather to elect 17 delegates and 4 alternates to represent Amherst at the 2026 State Democratic Convention. Please RSVP for the caucus via the link.Individuals aged 16 and above who have registered or pre-registered as Democrats in Amherst may vote and can be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus via this form.
SATURDAY MARCH 7: FOLK SINGER DEBRA COWAN AND A SALUTE TO WOMEN AT PVFS MONTHLY SONG AND STORY SWAP. 7 to 9 p.m., First Church, 165 Main Street. A former middle school math teacher who left her career to pursue music in Edinburgh, Scotland, Debra Cowan has become a full-time performer known for bridging the old and new with a refreshing stage presence. She is widely praised for her warm alto voice and her mastery of both unaccompanied singing and guitar-based arrangements in the great tradition of folk legends like Joan Baez and Judy Collins. At song and story swaps, people of all ages and experience levels gather to share traditional, newly written, or personal stories and songs. You can tell, sing, or lead everyone in singing, or request a song or a story. Listeners are welcome. The theme for the opening round of sharing for the March event is “ Here’s to the Women.” Admission is free, with a suggested minimum donation to the artist of $7.50. Free parking is available in the lot behind the church.
SATURDAY MARCH 7: 9TH ANNUAL BLACK ART MATTERS FESTIVAL: PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE. 7 p.m., Eighmy Powerhouse, Amherst College. The Black Art Matters Festival is an annual Amherst College student festival celebrating Black creativity at Amherst College. Please attend our visual artsreception on Thursday, March 5th, at 6 pm at the Mead Art Museum. We would love for you to join us in celebrating and supporting our creative community.
SATURDAY MARCH 7: PETER BERNSTEIN QUARTET. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Peter Bernstein has been playing and recording since 1990. His recordings have featured musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Greg Hutchinson, Jimmy Cobb, Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Peter Washington, Doug Weiss, and Joe Farnsworth, among other. His latest recording is “Better Angels” and features Brad Mehldau, Vincente Archer, and Al Foster. He is appearing at the Drake as part of the Northampton Jazz Festival with Aaron Goldberg, Vincent Archer, and Joe Farnsworth. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Full calendar of events here.
SUNDAY MARCH 8: CHAMBER AT THE DRAKE: JOHNNY GANDELSMAN. 4 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Grammy-winning violinist and producer Johnny Gandelsman integrates a wide range of creative sensibilities into a style unique among today’s violinists. He is a founding member of Brooklyn Rider and a member of the Silk Road Ensemble. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Full calendar of events here.
MONDAY MARCH 9: “BELFAST, MAINE:” A DOCUMENTARY DIRECTED BY FREDERICK WISEMAN. 6:30 p.m. March 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity Street. BELFAST, MAINE is a film about ordinary experience in a beautiful old New England port city. It is a portrait of daily life with particular
emphasis on the work and the cultural life of the community. New 4K restoration. This Spring the Amherst Cinema will present four films by one of the most respected and influential documentarians in film history. Tickets $12.25.
MONDAY MARCH 9: WHEN A LOVED ONE IS DYING: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CARE, CONNECTION, AND COPING. 3:30 to 5 p.m., Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Serious illness and end-of-life care can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make decisions quickly. Join us for an informative, compassionate, in-person talk with hospice nurse and educator Maureen Groden, RN, MS, CHPN, who will share practical guidance and answer common questions about planning ahead and getting support. Maureen will also read from her upcoming book When a Loved One Is Dying. Sponsored by Amherst Neighbors and Amherst Senior Services. No RSVP needed. All are welcome.
TUESDAY MARCH 10: COMMEMORATION OF THE TIBETAN UPRISING: FLAG RAISING AND MARCH. 9 a.m., Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue. Join members of the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts and Amherst Town Councilor to commemorate the 67th Anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising and and Tibetan Women’s Uprising. This event is an expression of solidarity for the Tibetan Peoples in exile across the world. The event includes the raising of the Tibetan flag, the reading of a proclamation by the Town Council, songs of protest and remembrance, speeches by community leaders, and a march from Amherst to Northampton along Route 9 and concluding in Easthampton. All are welcome to attend!
WEDNESDAY MARCH 11: DOWNTOWN DESIGN STANDARDS PRESENTATION AND OPEN HOUSE. 6 to 8:30 p.m., Social Hall of the Unitarian Universalist Society, 121 North Pleasant Street. This event will feature a comprehensive presentation on the three volumes of the Downtown Design Standards which cover the context/vision for downtown, standards for private developments, and standards for public improvements. After the presentation, the event will transition to an open house where attendees have the opportunity to provide feedback on each volume by engaging directly with project consultants and Town staff. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
THURSDAY MARCH 12: GUBBULIDIS 2026 SPRING TOUR. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Gubbulidis is the longtime musical partnership of guitarist and vocalist Mihali Savoulidis and bassist Zdenek Gubb, founding members behind the jam-rock band Twiddle. Reconnecting as part of a fresh new chapter, the duo taps into the chemistry that shaped their sound for over a decade. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Full calendar of events here.
FRIDAY MARCH 13: CUPPA JOE WITH LIBRARY DIRECTOR SHARON SHARRY. 8 to 9:30 a.m., Amherst Coffee, 28 Amity Street. The “Cuppa Joe with Paul” coffees are a monthly event. Residents and others are welcome to share their concerns, offer suggestions, or just get to know each other.
FRIDAY MARCH 13: SHAY’S REBELLION REVISITED. Noon, Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, we are presented with a puzzle: why did the same families that ardently supported the cause for independence then turn against the new state government in Boston? Shay’s Rebellion has been called the last chapter of the American Revolution, and it started here. Tom Goldscheider of the David Ruggles Center will speak as part of the Amherst History Society’s History Bites series.
SATURDAY MARCH 14: SPECIAL MEETING OF THE REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE, TOWN COUNCIL AND AMHERST FINANCE COMMITTEE – FOUR TOWNS MEETING. 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Amherst Regional Middle School Library, 170 Chestnut Street. Discussion of the draft of the FY27 Regional School Budget. There will be no public comment.
SATURDAY MARCH 14: “BELFAST, MAINE:” A DOCUMENTARY DIRECTED BY FREDERICK WISEMAN. 11 a.m., Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity Street. BELFAST, MAINE is a film about ordinary experience in a beautiful old New England port city. It is a portrait of daily life with particular emphasis on the work and the cultural life of the community. New 4K restoration. This Spring the Amherst Cinema will present four films by one of the most respected and influential documentarians in film history. Tickets $12.25.
SATURDAY MARCH 14: SECOND ANNUAL CHEESE FEST AT PROVISIONS. 1 to 4 p.m., Provisions in the Mill District, 65 Cowls Road. Join Provisions in The Mill District for their second annual Cheese Fest! They will be sampling a variety of delicious cheese, along with wine pairings, beer pairings, cheese flavored snacks, and fondue. Additionally, They will be welcoming neighbors – Herrell’s Ice Cream who will be sampling their Cheesecake & Cannoli ice cream. This is an event any cheese and food lover will not want to miss!
SATURDAY MARCH 14: HAPPY VALLEY GUITAR ORCHESTRA. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. The Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra brings “Only in Dreams” to the Drake for an evening of immersive, genre-spanning music. HVGO is a large ensemble led by artistic director Joseph Ricker that blends classical, acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, exploring the full orchestral range of the instrument in performances that emphasize color, texture, rhythm, and collective sound. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Students $10. Full calendar of events here.
MONDAY MARCH 16: COMMUNITY MEETING: FLOODING AND CULVERTS. 6 p.m., Town Hall Town Room, 4 Boltwood Walk. Share your experiences with local flooding. Help identify problematic culverts and road washouts. Contribute to the town’s hazard mitigation planning. Your knowledge is crucial! Let’s work together to protect our town from future storms. Dinner will be served to all attendees. To RSVP or for questions, contact brucestedman1@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 18: BOOK READING: WHEN A LOVED ONE IS DYING: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CARE, CONNECTION, AND COPING. 12 noon, Venture Way Collaborative, 200 Venture Way, Hadley. Amherst’s Hospice of the Fisher Home invites all to a free presentation by Maureen Groden, an experienced hospice nurse, who will read from her newly-released book When a Loved One is Dying and facilitate a discussion on end-of-life care and the emotional and practical challenges families face. Light refreshments will be provided.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 18: SAY GOODBYE TO WILDWOOD WALKING TOUR. 4 p.m., Wildwood Elementary School, 71 Strong Street. The final community walkthroughs of the Wildwood Elementary School building are coming up this spring. Principal Estes will lead tours on March 18, April 15, and May 20 at 4 p.m., offering community members a chance to take a last look, ask questions, and reflect on the building that has meant so much to so many.
THURSDAY MARCH 19: BEAVER TALES: NATIVE TRADITIONS AND COLONIAL RELATIONS.. 7 p.m., North Amherst Library, 8 Montague Road. This talk by Dr. Margaret M. Bruchac considers shifts in indigenous approaches to hunting beaver in the Connecticut River Valley. For millennia, hunting practices were rooted in reciprocity and sustainability, as recordedin oral traditions and archaeological records. During the 1600’s, however, the English colonial settler fur trade encouraged over-hunting and introduced a debt economy, provoking land loss and conflicts that resonate into the present day. This program is part of the programming around the 14th annual community read. Join as we explore Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America by Leila Philip. There will be special programs for all ages this March as we explore the amazing creature that is the beaver. There will be an author event at the end of the month. The book may be borrowed at all Amherst libraries and through the C.W. Mars catalog.
FRIDAY MARCH 20: TIM ERIKSEN AND PETER IRVINE. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Tim Eriksen is a songwriter whose work has been covered by Alison Krauss, Bonny “Prince” Billy and Joan Baez, a ballad singer given the Jean Richie Musical Heritage Award. The long collaboration between Eriksen and percussionist Peter Irvine has included Bosnian ensemble Zabe I Babe and folk/noise trio Cordelia’s Dad. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Full calendar of events here.
SATURDAY MARCH 21: FAMILY BEAVER STORYWALK AND PROGRAM. 10 a.m., Wentworth Farm Conservation Area (Old Farm Road entrance). Would you believe that beavers are some of nature’s most important engineers? Join the Hitchcock Center for a beaver Story/Walk for young ones. We’ll waddle through beaver habitat, reading the pages of a beaver-themed StoryWalk as we go. We’ll slap our tails, waddle like beavers, and sing a song about our favorite lodge-builders. Spend time in the outdoors engaging in early literacy and movement. Best for little explorers, ages 1-6 and their caregivers. Led by Katie Koerten of the Hitchcock Center.
SATURDAY MARCH 21: BOOK DISCUSSION OF BEAVERLAND. 3 p.m., Jones Library, 101 University Drive. Join Jones Library staff member Linda Wentworth for an in-depth discussion of our selected title. She will be joined by Town Conservation Agent Erin Jacque who will bring her beaver-related expertise to the discussion.
MONDAY MARCH 23: AUDITIONS, THE MISSOULA CHILDREN”S THEATER PRODUCTION OF THE SECRET GARDEN. 4 p.m. Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium, 170 Chestnut Street. Amherst Community Theater will hold auditions for The Missoula Children’s Theater’s production of The Secret Garden. Auditions will be held at the Middle School on Monday, March 23 at 4 p.m. The production will go from rehearsal to stage in just one week, with two performances scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Auditions are open for everyone in grades K-12. More info
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25: DROP-IN ACTIVITIES AND BEAVER TRIVIA WITH MASSMAMMALS. 3 p.m., Jones Library, 101 University Drive. Kids of all ages are invited to meet students from Amherst College MassMammals Watch and learn amazing facts about beavers. We will have trivia, coloring sheets, and activities in celebration of our On the Same Page.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25: ON THE SAME PAGE WITH LEILA PHILIP. 7 p.m., Munson Memorial Library Hall, 1045 South East Street. Join us for an exciting in-person evening with author Leila Philip, as she reads from and discusses her book Beaverland. Books will be available for purchase and signing, thanks to Amherst Books.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25: NORTHAMPTON JAZZ WORKSHOP WITH JAZZ VOCALIST GIACOMO GATES. 7:30 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Giacomo Gates is truly an entertainer for all ages and styles. Audiences enjoy the interaction on the bandstand between him and his musicians, the spontaneity, the humor, the stories about the music and composers along with their relation to everyday life. $10 cover, $5 for students, free for jam participants. Full calendar of events here.
THURSDAY MARCH 26: SENIOR SIPS IN DOWNTOWN AMHERST. 4 to 6 p.m., Protocol, 1 East Pleasant Street. Join local seniors 60+ to connect with neighbors, discover local happenings, and learn about available resources! Snacks will be provided; attendees are responsible for their own beverages.This event is sponsored by the Amherst Council on Aging (COA), Amherst Business Improvement District (BID), Friends of the Amherst Senior Center, and Amherst Neighbors.
FRIDAY MARCH 27: TEEN ART HANG: BEAVERS. 2 p.m., Jones Library, 101 University Drive. Join s for an early release day Teen Art Hang. We’ll be meeting from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and, in honor of Beaverland (the 2026 On the Same Page book), we’ll be enjoying some snacks and using watercolors to capture the essence of the industrious beaver!
FRIDAY MARCH 27: AFGHAN DINNER EXPERIENCE. 6 to 8 p.m., Masuda’s Café, 55 Kellogg Avenue. Indulge in an authentic three-course Afghan meal that will leave your taste buds asking for more. Limited tables of 2 to 6 persons available. $55/ person. Tax and gratuity included. Tickets can be purchased at www,masudascafe.com or at the café during business hours.
FRIDAY MARCH 27: SALAR NADER: THE AFGHAN MUSIC PROJECT. 7:30 p.m., the Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. As a standard-bearer of Afghan traditional music in the U.S., table virtuoso Sala Nader curates a program of the rich and varied legacy of classical compositions and folk melodies of this ancient Central Asian nation. Tickets $28 ($22 seniors and Amherst College students) sold through amherst.universitytickets.com beginning March 13. All tickets for March 6 remain valid. Full calendar of events here.
SATURDAY MARCH 28: THE MISSOULA CHILDREN”S THEATER PRODUCTION OF THE SECRET GARDEN. 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium. More info here and here.
SATURDAY MARCH 28: NO KINGS III. Noon to 2 p.m., Amherst Town Common, 1 Main Street and different times at different venues. What began in 2025 as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy. Our peaceful movement is bigger than ever. When our families are under attack, and costs are pushing people to the brink, silence is not an option. We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence. On March 28th, rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it. Join us. National event web page. More info
SATURDAY MARCH 28: DOWNTOWN DESSERT CRAWL. 3 p.m. Various restaurants. More information to come. Sponsored by the Business Improvement District.
SATURDAY MARCH 28: WMUA BATTLE OF THE BANDS. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Local artists from the 5 colleges will compete for fame (campus bragging rights) and fortune ($250). Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Full calendar of events here.
SATURDAY APRILL 11: GLOBAL VILLAGE FESTIVAL. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Amherst-Pelham Regional High School, 21 Mattoon Street. The festival will feature a vibrant array of activities, including international cuisine from various cultures, live performances showcasing traditional music and dance, and local vendors representing diverse crafts and products. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere, the Amherst Global Village Festival aims to bring together individuals from all backgrounds, encouraging dialogue and understanding while highlighting the rich tapestry of global cultures in a fun and engaging environment. Sponsored by the Human Rights Commission, the Black Businesses of Amherst Area, The Town of Amherst, the Amherst Area Chamber, BID, and Amherst Public Schools.
SATURDAY APRIL 11: AMHERST LITERARY WALK. 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., downtown Amherst. Join Mass Center for the Book, Amherst Business Improvement District, and local businesses for a day of literary events throughout downtown Amherst to celebrate our rich community of writers and readers.
WEDNESDAY APRiL 15: SAY GOODBYE TO WILDWOOD WALKING TOUR. 4 p.m., Wildwood Elementary School, 71 Strong Street. The final community walkthroughs of the Wildwood Elementary School building are coming up this spring. Principal Estes will lead tours on April 15, and May 20 at 4 p.m., offering community members a chance to take a last look, ask questions, and reflect on the building that has meant so much to so many.
THURSDAY APRIL 23: RETURN OF ARTS NIGHT PLUS: A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS IN AMHERST. 5 to 8 p.m., downtown Amherst. The BID and Cultural District are excited to re-launch Amherst Arts Night Plus, a multidisciplinary celebration of creative community in Amherst. Downtown businesses transform into art galleries, creating a vibrant celebration of the arts while driving foot traffic to downtown shops and restaurants.
SATURDAY APRIL 25: UMASS DASH AND DINE. 9 a.m., Horseshoe, University Drive, UMass. UMass Dining is excited to host the 15th Annual 5K Dash & Dine on Saturday, April 25th, 2026.
This event is open to both students and the community with the goal to raise funds for the Amherst Survival Center. We hope you join us for lunch immediately after the run/walk. $15 UMass and Five College Students, $25 UMass faculty and Staff, $30 general public. Runners, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers welcome. Prizes to top 3 finishers in each division.Event schedule
09:00am | Begin check in at the top of the Southwest Horseshoe
10:00am | Fun Run for children 8 and under
11:00am | Race begins
11:30am | Award Ceremony
12:00pm | Lunch
Sign up now runumass.com
WEDNESDAY MAY 20: SAY GOODBYE TO WILDWOOD WALKING TOUR. 4 p.m., Wildwood Elementary School, 71 Strong Street. The final community walkthroughs of the Wildwood Elementary School building are coming up this spring. Principal Estes will lead tours on March 18, April 15, and May 20 at 4 p.m., offering community members a chance to take a last look, ask questions, and reflect on the building that has meant so much to so many.
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
EVERY WEDNESDAY IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH: SOUTH CHURCH SUPPER AND CALMING, CANDLELIGHT MUSICAL SERVICE. 5:30 p.m. supper, 6 to 6:30 p.m. service, South Church, 1066 South East Street. South Church is offering a special series of community suppers and calming, candlelit, musical services every Wednesday in February and March. You can come for just the supper, just the service, or both! 5:30 p.m.: A friendly community supper with soup, salad, and bread fresh from the famous South Church kitchen. Vegetarian & gluten-free options, donation optional. RSVP’s for supper appreciated but not required, email office@amherstsouthchurch.org .6:00–6:30 p.m.: Calming, candlelit, musical service based on the practices of the Taizé Community in France, including live music, prayer, and time for quiet reflection. It’s like yoga for the soul! The Taizé Community was formed to promote peace and understanding
after WWII. All are welcome.
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+.
EVERY THURSDAY: IRISH MUSIC AT THE HARP. 4 to 7 p.m., The Harp, 163 Sunderland Road. Banish the cold and damp of the past months with Irish music. There may be Fiddle, Flute, Tin Whistle, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Bagpipes, Bouzouki, Bodhran and ?. It’s always a surprise who shows up. Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, Flings, Polkas, Slides, and Waltz’ from around the Celtic world. Food, drink, friendship and a relentless cacophony of rhythmic tones. Undeterred by the chaos and heartbreak of our troubled world, As a favorite jig of mine says, We’re always Happy to Meet and Sorry to Part. Who knows? .it might help banish misfortune for a moment. And, you may find out what a Luachrachan is. Or how to pronounce “Cuil Aodh.” I hope to see you.
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.
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 FRIDAY MARCH 6: ROMANUM – MIXED MEDIA BY RON MAGGIO AT GALLERY A3.
28 Amity Street 1D in the Amherst Cinema complex. Hours: TH-SUN, 2-7 p.m. A collection of mixed media works by Ron Maggio, inspired by the wall paintings (or frescos) from houses and villas of Rome, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Boscoreale, dating from the second century B.C. and the first century A.D. More info.
NOW THOUGH THURSDAY MARCH 21: ART EXHIBITION – ANTHONY DISCENZA’S DAEMONOMANIA. Heter Art Gallery at Harold F. Johnson Library Center, Hampshire College, 893 West Street. Encompassing a diverse range of appropriated materials, Discenza’s Daemonomania centers on how operative metaphors drawn from occult and supernatural belief inform our relationship to technology. Across a variety of media, the exhibition contemplates the complex entanglements of mass consumption, resource exploitation, thermodynamic expenditure, and wish fulfillment that mark our contemporary moment.
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.
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.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26 THROUGH SUNDAY MARCH 1: AMHERST COLLEGE ANNUAL LITFEST. Various locations and times. Writer and Amherst College alum Dan Chiasson ’93, says being part of this year’s LitFest — the annual literary festival at the college — is more than just an opportunity to see former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg or to share his new book. It’s a homecoming to the place that fostered his writing talents. The festival’s guest speakers include Buttigieg, in conversation with writer Cullen Murphy ’74; novelist and Harvard professor emerita Jamaica Kincaid H’96, in conversation with Jennifer Acker ’00; and poets Lena Khalaf Tuffaha and Evie Shockley, in conversation with Ruth Dickey, executive director of the National Book Foundation. For information and registration, see here.