What’s Happening in Amherst?
Photo: Pixabay.com
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 APRIL 4: 2ND ANNUAL EGG HUNT. 10 to 12 p.m., Mill River Recreation Area, 95 Montague Road. Get your baskets ready to hunt for some eggs! Children of all ages are welcome. Presented by Amherst Recreation, Kavari Chapter, and Cherry Hill Golf Course. Free and open to all.
SATURDAY APRIL 4: UNDER ONE ROCK: GUIDED STORYWALK. 10 to 11 a.m., Julius Lester Trail at Mill River Park, 95 Montague Road. The Hitchcock Center presents a guided storywalk based on the book Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs, and Other Ughs, by Anthony D. Fredericks and illustrated by Jennifer DiRubbio. Sponsored by the Friends of the Jones Libraries.
SATURDAY APRIL 4: LOUISE COOMBE AND CLIFF EBERHARDT AT PVFS APRIL SONG AND STORY SWAP. 7 to 9 p.m., First Church, 165 Main Street. Originally from a cattle farm in rural Tennessee, Louise Coombe (formerly Louise Mosrie) is a celebrated songwriter whose work has been described as “William Faulkner with a guitar”. Her storytelling approach blends country, bluegrass, and folk, earning her top honors at prestigious festivals including Kerrville Folk and Telluride Bluegrass. Cliff Eberhardt, a founding member of New York City’s Fast Folk Music Cooperative, has been a mainstay of the acoustic music scene for decades. Known for his penetrating lyrics and masterful guitar playing, his songs have been covered by legends such as Richie Havens, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Shawn Colvin. 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 April event is “Defiance”. Admission is free, with a suggested minimum donation to the artist of $7.50. Free parking is available in the lot behind the church.
TUESDAY APRIL 7: GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT TO BENEFIT AMHERST A BETTER CHANCE. 7:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church. Gospel concert features The Amherst Area Gospel Choir, Amherst Regional High School Hurricane Singers, and the UMass Gospel Choir. $20 donation suggested. This is a benefit for Amherst A Better Chance program. A donation of $20 (or more) from each concert-goer will be gratefully accepted, but all who wish to celebrate the ABC Program through gospel music are most welcome! Click here if you wish to donate now.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, AND 15: THE HEART OF THE SEASON: SPRING. 6 to 8 p.m., Hitchcock Center, 845 West Street. Explore the seasonal themes of spring through the lenses of Chinese medicine and other Earth-based spiritual practices. In this three-week class, Dave Eyerman will guide participants in understanding how this season affects their body, emotions, and energy through a mix of teaching, group discussion, time outdoors, and guided meditation. Sliding scale registration cost, $60 to $90 for the series.
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 6-10: TIBETAN BUDDHIST MANDALA CREATION. 12 p.m.,Old Chapel, UMass. Witness a centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist tradition as monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery create an intricate sand mandala, placing millions of grains of colored sand by hand at the UMass Old Chapel. The week begins with an opening ceremony to consecrate the mandala through healing chants, music, and mantra meditation. Visitors are invited to observe the mandala’s creation throughout the week and attend a special lecture by a visiting monk on community and belonging. At the close of the week, the mandala — filled with colorful geometric patterns and sacred symbols — will be ceremonially destroyed and released into water, symbolizing impermanence and the spread of healing. Free. Tickets for the opening ceremony. More information: umassarts.site/MysticalTibet.
TUESDAY APRIL 7: ARPS MUSIC FUNDRAISER WITH YASU AND FRIENDS. 7 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Spread the joy of music and make a difference in our community. Together we can ensure that our children continue to have access to the wonderful benefits of music education. Your support will go directly towards much needed supplies, new instruments, repairs, sheet music, etc. For the past five years, Yasu & Friends has brought their vibrant, original sound to the Pioneer Valley, blending rock, funk, and J-pop influences. Free. Donations accepted. Full calendar of events here.
FRIDAY APRIL 10: ART FOR THE COMMON GOOD: A STATEWIDE CONVENING ON ARTS, HEALTH, AND WELLBEING. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Student Union, UMass. The Fine Arts Center is bringing together changemakers from across Massachusetts for a statewide convening on arts, health, and wellbeing. We would love for you to be a part of it. Together, we’ll explore how arts and creativity can support healing, strengthen communities, and advance whole-person wellbeing. The program features a keynote by Jill Sonke, research director at the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine, who will share insights on the growing field of neuroarts and the expanding role of arts prescribing in healthcare. Two panel conversations will highlight Massachusetts-based research and cross-agency policy development, connecting large ideas to practical, actionable pathways forward. Among the panelists are Robbie Goldstein, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Eliza Lake, director of health policy and strategic initiatives at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Tasha Golden, a singer/songwriter turned behavioral scientist who partnered in the creation of Mass Cultural Council’s Culture Rx program, will lead an inspirational closing conversation on “The Healing Power of Curiosity.” Throughout the day, you’ll have opportunities to connect with peers, hear artists’ stories, learn about emerging research and policy developments, and gain tools to support arts and wellness initiatives in your communities. Free. Preregistration required.
FRIDAY APRIL 10: HOW TO BE HAPPY IN DIFFICULT TIMES. 2 to 3 p.m., Room 101, Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Join the Town of Amherst’s Senior Services for this new, engaging program featuring Robert Rivest! He will share inspirational stories, humorous tales, and practical tools on cultivating happiness even on our darkest days. Robert also teaches us how to develop a “happiness practice” and a healthy mindset that can carry us through the ups and downs of senior life. Robert Rivest is the creator and founder of Wellbeing Laughter and The Rivest Method of Joyful Living. Free and open to the public.
FRIDAY APRIL 10: COMEDIAN AND ACTRESS ATSUKO OKATSUKA AT UMASS. 8 p.m., Frederick Tillis Performance Hall, Fine Arts Center, UMass. Atsuko Okatsuka is a comedian and actress making waves across the globe with her one-of-a-kind humor, boundless energy, and infectious charm. Her highly anticipated second stand-up special “Father” is set to premiere in June on Hulu and internationally on Disney +. “Father” follows the massive success of her debut special “The Intruder” on HBO, which the New York Times called the “Best debut special of 2022. Atsuko’s unique style of comedy, blending joy with vulnerability and unforgettable storytelling is captivating audiences worldwide. Presented by Gate 52 in partnership with the Fine Arts Center’s Asian and Asian American Arts and Culture Program. Tickets.
FRIDAY APRIL 10: DAVE MATTHEWS TRIBUTE BAND. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. DMTB is a celebration of the music of the Dave Matthews Band—a time machine to a funky tea party in the 90’s, a boisterous era of tape trading, sing-alongs, and exploration into a new sonic landscape. The DMTB has been honing their craft for over 20 years. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Full calendar of events here.
SATURDAY APRIL 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.
SUNDAY APRIL 12: “TURNER AND CONSTABLE.” 7 p.m., Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity Street. Amherst Cinema will screen “Turner & Constable,” a movie about legendary British painters (and rivals) J.M.W. Turner and John Constable. Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition. Two of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other, both used landscape painting to reflect the changing world around them. Now, these two greats are reuniting. Tate Britain is bringing these two greats together for a groundbreaking exhibition, in London from November 2025 to April 2026, and Exhibition on Screen once again has exclusive and privileged access to bring their extraordinary art and remarkable stories to the big screen in April so that you can enjoy both film and exhibition together. Discover unexpected sides to both artists with intimate views of sketchbooks and personal items and insights from leading experts. Turner’s blazing sunsets and sublime scenes from his travels and Constable’s idealised depictions of beloved places from home whipped the public of the time into a frenzy of enthusiasm. Constable represents the very best of the old school of realism and pastoral nostalgia; Turner, an exciting new way of depicting emotion and dreamlike impressions. Critics compared their starkly different styles to a clash of ‘fire and water. Don’t miss this opportunity to see these greats side-by-side, as they so often were in life, on the big screen for the first time. Tickets.
MONDAY APRIL 13: BEACON COMMUNITIES PRESENTATION ON PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AT 246 MONTAGUE ROAD. 5 to 7 p.m., Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road. Located on 14 acres, this proposed apartment community is new construction of approximately 140 affordable, sustainably designed apartments. The proposed project will be an intergenerational community providing one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as parking, on-site management, resident services and generous interior and exterior amenities for seniors aged 55 and up and individuals and families (non-age restricted).
TUESDAY APRIL 14: COMMUNITY MEETING WITH EVERSOURCE ABOUT CLEAR-CUTTING PLANS. 6 to 8 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue and on Zoom. In a project that’s currently under review with the state, Eversource proposes to clear-cut 278-acres in our eleven Western MA towns. This project has generated a lot of public concern, in part because it affects sensitive areas, including the convergence of Amethyst and Buffam Brooks. Yet, it’s just one of about 20 similar projects that Eversource plans in Western Massachusetts over the next seven years, totaling approximately 2000 acres. So, although the official comment period for the project under review closed in November, Senator Comerford and Representative Domb will host this additional chance for the public to raise concerns.
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 16: CONTEMPLATIVE CAMPUS STROLL. 3 to 4:30 p.m., Bartlett Hall, UMass. Enjoy a short stroll to deepen appreciation for our beautiful campus and refresh our connection to trees and other beings. Led by Madeleine Charney, certified guide with the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy. RSVP.
FRIDAY APRIL 17: CUPPA JOE WITH TOWN ENGINEER JASON SKEELS. 8 to 9:30 a.m., West Street Coffee and Tea, 450 West Street. Join us for coffee and conversation with Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Town Engineer Jason Skeels. All community members are welcome to join this informal event to connect with some of our town leaders. Jason Skeels, P.E., has worked for the Amherst Department of Public Works (DPW) for over 25 years, designing, overseeing, and directing water, sanitary sewer, stormwater drainage, and roadway infrastructure projects throughout the Town of Amherst. He began his career in DPW as a part-time intern during his sophomore year of studying engineering at the University of Massachusetts. Currently, he is leading many important projects, including the. new roundabout at the intersection of University Drive and Amityas well as the Pavement Management Program. The “Cuppa’ Joe with Paul” events are monthly and rotate locations around the Town. Each time, Paul is joined by a different Town department head or official who provides insights into their area of focus. Residents and others are welcome to share their concerns, offer suggestions, or just get to know each other.
FRIDAY APRIL 17: BEARLY DEAD. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Bearlyt Dead is a nationally-touring Grateful Dead tribute band delivering a full spectrum live experience filled with danceable energy, extraordinary performance antics, and world-class musicianship. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
SATURDAY APRIL 18: OPENING DAY OF THE AMHERST FARMERS’ MARKET. 8 to 1:30 p.m., Amherst Town Common, Boltwood Avenue. The Amherst Farmers Market is widely known 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 in Downtown Amherst. Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm during the 2026 season of April 18 – November 21.
SATURDAY APRIL 18: 18TH ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER FOR THE AMHERST SURVIVAL CENTER. 12 to 4 p.m., Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road. Join us for the 18th Annual Empty Bowls, a beloved community tradition held during a milestone year as the Amherst Survival Center celebrates 50 years of serving our neighbors with dignity and compassion. Enjoy a delicious, hearty soup prepared by your favorite local restaurants while connecting with community leaders, special guest hosts, and live music. Choose a beautiful handmade bowl from hundreds generously crafted and donated by local artists — a meaningful keepsake and symbol of the collective care that has sustained our community for five decades. Alongside comforting soups, guests will enjoy fresh bread, salad, and dessert, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available so everyone can gather at the table. Tickets $50 per person.
SUNDAY APRIL 19: CARS AND COFFEE AT THE MILL DISTRICT. 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., 91 Cowls Road. The free car show for all! This FREE community event invites car lovers of all ages to enjoy an exciting morning filled with cool cars, coffee, and family fun. Spectators get a free drip coffee token and information on entering our raffle for a $50 gift certificate to the Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery. There will also be an on-site playground and coloring activities to keep the kids entertained. Trophies awarded for the top cars in several categories. Pre-register your vehicle here.
MONDAY APRIL 20 THROUGH SUNDAY MAY 10: RACIAL EQUITY HABIT-BUILDING CHALLENGE. Over the 21 days of the challenge (April 20 – May 10), you’ll receive daily email prompts, including short readings, videos, and reflection questions, designed to build the skill, will, and courage to advance racial equity in our food system and beyond. It’s 10-15 minutes a day, at your own pace. This is the 12th year of the Challenge, now hosted by the Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC). More than 30,000 people have participated since 2015! This year, The Jones Library is IISC’s inaugural institutional sponsor. Register for free as an individual, using the code JONESLIBRARY100 at checkout.
TUESDAY APRIL 21: OFFICE HOURS WITH REP. MINDY DOMB. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road. 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; you may want to call (413) 335-1362 or (617) 722-2060. If you are unable to attend at these times or have a time-sensitive or private matter, Representative Domb’s office can be reached via email at mindy.domb@mahouse.gov or by phone at (413) 335-1362 or (617) 722-2060. Please include your name, address, and contact information when reaching out to the office. Rep. Domb holds community office hours every month in the district and meets regularly with residents. She will also be at Town Hall on Friday, April 24, from 4 to 5 p.m.
SATURDAY APRIL 25: 14TH ANNUAL AMHERST SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Town Common. Mark your calendars for the 14th Annual Amherst Sustainability Festival! Coinciding with the regularly scheduled Amherst Farmer’s Market, this FREE and family-friendly event brings together local farmers, environmental vendors, advocacy groups, live entertainment, hands-on demonstrations, sustainable crafts, and much more. Festival highlights include Environmental Vendors: Meet and learn from a variety of businesses and organizations dedicated to sustainability and environmental protection, including renewable energy vendors, energy-efficiency product suppliers, advocacy groups, and sustainable artisans. Live Entertainment: Enjoy a lineup of local musicians and artists providing dynamic performances throughout the event. Demonstration Area: Participate in hands-on learning experiences with experts in various fields. Activities Around the Common: Attendees can also check out performances by Henry the Juggler, an electric vehicle display with test drives, sustainable crafts, and the Amherst Fire Department’s hybrid ambulance. For more details about the event, including the full schedule of activities and list of vendors, visit our website: https://www.amherstma.gov/…/Sustainability-Festival.
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.
FRIDAY APRIL 24: OFFICE HOURS WITH REP. MINDY DOMB. 4 to 5 p.m.,1st floor, Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue. 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; you may want to 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 reaching out to the office. Rep. Domb holds community office hours every month in the district and meets regularly with residents. She will also be at the Amherst Survival Center on Tuesday, April 21, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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
SATURDAY APRIL 25: RAPTORS, RODENTICIDES AND RICARDI: RESCUE AREA WILDLIFE FROM RODENTICIDES. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Hitchcock Center, 845 West Street, or on Zoom. Raptors, foxes, and other predators balance Massachusetts’ ecosystems. But shocking numbers of these iconic creatures have been sickened and killed after eating poisoned rodents. Mass Audubon’s Rescue Raptors team has partnered with a local group of wildlife advocates, Save the Raptors Connecticut River and Quabbin Valley, and Tom Ricardi’s Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center in Conway, MA to offer this free hybrid program to educate the public about this issue. Join us to learn about the harms of rodent poisons, wildlife-safe rodent control options, and how to get involved. This event is co-sponsored by Mass Audubon, Kestrel Land Trust, the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, and the Amherst Conservation Department. Register here.
SUNDAY APRIL 26: BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS 16TH ANNUAL DAFFODIL RUN (5K and 10K). Town Common. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The celebration begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Amherst Town Common, with complimentary breakfast for participants (see below for schedule). Our warm-up begins at 9:30 with the timed and certified 10k beginning promptly at 10:00 and the 5K at 10:15. Arrive no later than 9:00 to ensure a smooth registration and check-in process. You’ll want to bring funds because the race also features a 50/50 raffle as well as a raffle for some great prizes. An area to store your personal items will be presided over by our sponsors. This community event has become the first marker of spring for the town of Amherst and draws hundreds of people to the area to participate and cheer on their family and friends. The post-race party includes music and tasty food offered from local favorites. There will be yellow kites for flying on the Common, entertainment, and (weather permitting) picnic-style games. The Daffodil Run helps sustain the power of youth mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters by connecting adult mentors with young people in our community. Once matched, they go on to build a meaningful, positive relationship that empowers the potential inherent in each child. Register here.
SUNDAY APRIL 26: AMHERST RUBBISH ROUNDUP. Noon to 2 p.m., Various sites. The Town of Amherst is excited to announce our upcoming Rubbish Roundup on Sunday, April 26th! This community cleanup event aims to bring residents together for a fun and impactful day of cleaning and beautifying our beloved town. We invite all town residents and groups to participate, including community organizations, businesses, families, neighborhood associations, student clubs, and religious communities. Whether you sign up as an individual or with a group, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet your neighbors and make a positive impact on our community. Together, we can make our town cleaner, greener, and even more beautiful than it already is. .Clean Up Sites: Mill River Recreation Area – North Amherst, Town Hall/North Common – Central Amherst, Groff Park – South Amherst, Kiwanis Field & Belchertown Rd, Other areas as suggested on sign up form. Sign up by April 19: amherstma.gov/RubbishRoundup2026.
THURSDAY APRIL 30: HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN PUBLIC MEETING. 6:30 to 8 p.m., Town Room of Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue and on Zoom. Join this hybrid meeting to learn about the Town of Amherst’s Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan and for a final chance to provide public feedback. At this meeting, the Town of Amherst will present the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan. Attendees will learn about the town’s preparations for natural hazards and the impacts of climate change. Municipal officials and consultants will be available to answer questions and respond to input about this project. The meeting provides an opportunity for community members to share feedback that will be incorporated into the final plan. All members of the public, representatives from surrounding communities, and other interested parties are invited to attend the event. The Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan will be shared shortly so it can be reviewed ahead of the meeting.
FRIDAY MAY 1: BILL T. JONES/ARNIE ZANE COMPANY. 8 p.m., Tillis Performance Hall, UMass Fine Arts Center. Contemporary dance’s legendary innovators perform a pair of their most acclaimed works, “Collage Revisited” and “Story/”. Tickets start at $40, $20 for students.
SATURDAY MAY 2: GALA CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF AMHERST MEDIA. 6 to 10 p.m., UMass Student Union Ballroom. Celebrate 50 years of Amherst Media with dinner and dancing. US Representative Jim McGovern will be honored with the Jean Haggerty Award for Community Engagement and Social Justice. Emceed by Monte Belmonte and featuring hip hop artist and activist Tem Blessed. Tickets $100 includes a full catered meal.
THURSDAY MAY 7: THE WAILERS. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. The Wailers celebrate 50 years of Rastaman Vibration marking a defining moment in reggae history and honoring one of Bob Marley & the Wailers’ most influential albums. This special tour highlights select cuts from Rastaman Vibration alongside the timeless classics that continue to unite audiences across generations. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Full calendar of events here.
SATURDAY MAY 16: THE EMILY DICKINSON POETRY WALK 2026. 10 a.m., The Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main Street. Honor of the 140th anniversary of the poet’s death, join the Emily Dickinson Museum for the annual Poetry Walk through downtown Amherst, the town she called “paradise.” This year’s Walk explores Amherst’s cultural landscape and its significance to the poet herself. Take the walk at your own pace, but be sure to head to Dickinson’s grave in West Cemetery in time for the 12pm final poems and a lemonade toast to our favorite poet! The Walk takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. Participants begin at the Homestead at any time between 10am and 11am to pick up their Poetry Walk map and daisies to lay at the grave. The Walk stations close at 11:45am so that all participants can make it to the final stop at noon in West Cemetery. Free, Registration required.
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.
SATURDAY MAY 23 AND SUNDAY MAY 24: 6th ANNUAL ODENOG POWOW. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Amherst Regional High School, 21 Mattoon St. Come out for another wonderful powwow full of singing, dancing, food, vendors, and more. We are honored to have this opportunity for members of so many different communities to come together in celebration of Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous American cultures. The Odenong Powwow is free, open to the public, and in a disability-accessible space. All ages are welcome to this fun, family-friendly, and educational cultural event! More info
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
WEDNESDAYS APRIL 1, 8, AND 15: THE HEART OF THE SEASON: SPRING. 6 to 8 p.m., Hitchcock Center, 845 West Street. Explore the seasonal themes of spring through the lenses of Chinese medicine and other Earth-based spiritual practices. In this three-week class, Dave Eyerman will guide participants in understanding how this season affects their body, emotions, and energy through a mix of teaching, group discussion, time outdoors, and guided meditation. Sliding scale registration cost, $60 to $90 for the series.
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.
EVERY SATURDAY FROM APRIL 18 THROUGH NOVEMBER 21: AMHERST FARMERS’ MARKET. 8 to 1:30 p.m., Amherst Town Common, Boltwood Avenue. The Amherst Farmers Market is widely known 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 in Downtown Amherst. Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm during the 2026 season of April 18 – November 21
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.
THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER: CARS AND COFFEE AT THE MILL DISTRICT. 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., 91 Cowls Road. The free car show for all! This FREE community event invites car lovers of all ages to enjoy an exciting morning filled with cool cars, coffee, and family fun. Spectators get a free drip coffee token and information on entering our raffle for a $50 gift certificate to the Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery. There will also be an on-site playground and coloring activities to keep the kids entertained. Trophies awarded for the top cars in several categories. Pre-register your vehicle here.
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.
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 6-10: TIBETAN BUDDHIST MANDALA CREATION. 12 p.m.,Old Chapel, UMass. Witness a centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist tradition as monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery create an intricate sand mandala, placing millions of grains of colored sand by hand at the UMass Old Chapel. The week begins with an opening ceremony to consecrate the mandala through healing chants, music, and mantra meditation. Visitors are invited to observe the mandala’s creation throughout the week and attend a special lecture by a visiting monk on community and belonging. At the close of the week, the mandala — filled with colorful geometric patterns and sacred symbols — will be ceremonially destroyed and released into water, symbolizing impermanence and the spread of healing. Free. Tickets for the opening ceremony. More information: umassarts.site/MysticalTibet.
MONDAY APRIL 20 THROUGH SUNDAY MAY 10: RACIAL EQUITY HABIT-BUILDING CHALLENGE. Over the 21 days of the challenge (April 20 – May 10), you’ll receive daily email prompts, including short readings, videos, and reflection questions, designed to build the skill, will, and courage to advance racial equity in our food system and beyond. It’s 10-15 minutes a day, at your own pace. This is the 12th year of the Challenge, now hosted by the Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC). More than 30,000 people have participated since 2015! This year, The Jones Library is IISC’s inaugural institutional sponsor. Register for free as an individual, using the code JONESLIBRARY100 at checkout.