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 MAY 9: COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING. 9 a.m. to noon, North Pleasant Street between Fisher Street and Hobart Lane. Help the Public Shade Tree Committee plant trees. Bring a shovel if you have one, and look for the yellow town truck.
SATURDAY MAY 9: GRACE CHURCH SPRING GARDEN SALE. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Grace Church, 14 Boltwood Avenue. Plants, shrubs, pots, tools, decorations, and more! Proceeds will go to maintain the gardens at Grace Church. Donations gratefully accepted at the church May 7, 4 to 6 p.m. and May 8, 9 a.m. to noon.
SATURDAY MAY 9: “SINGING CREATION, SPEAKING TRUTH: WOMEN’S VOICES, EARTH’S GOSPEL.” 4 to 5 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church. A contemplative and inspiring gathering that weaves together sacred readings, reflection, and song. Drawing on the wisdom of voices such as Hildegard of Bingen, Rachel Carson, Teresa of Ávila, Dorothy Day, and others, this event invites us to rediscover the holy presence of God in creation, to listen honestly to the earth’s cries, and to renew our courage and hope. Through moments of wonder, lament, prayer, and blessing, we will explore how attention, compassion, and faithful action can become our shared response to God’s greening power at work in the world. Come be nourished, challenged, and encouraged as we reflect on what it means to love God by loving the earth entrusted to our care.
SUNDAYS BEGINNING MAY 10: SANDLOT BASEBALL. 4 to 6 p.m., Amherst Regional Middle School field, Chestnut Street. Get your bat, gum, and cleats ready to play some sandlot baseball! Every Sunday, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at the Amherst Middle School field you are invited to play with enthusiasts of the sport. Remember, this is for fun, open to all skills levels! $5 Drop-In Fee. Remember, this is for fun, open to all skills levels!
TUESDAY MAY 12: COSA MEETS IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY DEFENSE NETWORKS. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Hadley Library, 50 Middle Street, Hadley. This presentation will focus on the work of a local leading immigrant justice organization, Pioneer Valley Workers Center, and LUCE, the statewide Massachusetts coalition of immigrant-led grassroots organizations. PVWC and LUCE have organized rapid response, mutual aid, and leadership development opportunities for impacted community members in the face of severe threats to immigrants. Presenters will speak to the value of coalition building to address complex crises, share resources, and increase solidarity and awareness between organizations. Presenters will include Ariana Keigan, Associate Director, Pioneer Valley Workers Center, and Andrea Darby, Northampton/Easthampton Hub Leader, LUCE. Light refreshments served.
TUESDAY MAY 12: DISCUSS CLIMATE LEGISLATION WITH STATE REP MINDY DOMB: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Link: https://zoom.us/j/95283460251. Did you know that the Massachusetts House just passed a massive energy bill that might make balcony solar accessible, and would more easily allow nuclear power in our state? That has substantial consumer protections, but also cuts (temporarily) $1 billion from MassSave? Come hear from Representative Mindy Domb about this and other climate legislation, and bring your questions and concerns! Sponsored by the town’s Energy and Climate Action Committee
TUESDAY MAY 12: CUPPA JOE AFTER HOURS. 5:30 to 7 p.m., Room 101, Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. The public is invited to Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Town Finance Director Sean Mangano for coffee and conversation about the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget. This will be the second Cuppa’ Joe with Paul “After Hours” event. The goal is to host some of these community sessions on weeknights, rather than just the traditional Friday mornings, to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to participate. All community members are welcome to join this informal conversation about the FY27 Budget. The budget includes all aspects of Town operations including Municipal, Elementary Schools, Regional Schools, Library, and Capital for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. View all FY27 Budget Information.
WEDNESDAY MAY 13: URBAN BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS. 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., West Cemetery. Join Assistant Town Manager Dave Ziomek and Kestrel Conservation Manager Lee Halasz. We hope to see migrant warblers, as well as resident birds typical of a New England downtown, such as Fish Crow and the local nesting pair of Red-tail hawks. This event is appropriate for all abilities. You’ll learn how to spot birds, use binoculars, and identify some common birds by song. Our birding conversation will include discussion about how birds like chimney swifts and nighthawks use urban spaces. Registration required. Sliding scale donation to Kestrel Land Trust welcome.
THURSDAY MAY 14: PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL CABLE TELEVISION. 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall. This is an invitation for the public to have input into Amherst’s local television which broadcasts public events, educational meetings, and governmental meetings on its three channels in preparation for drafting its new contract with the town. There will be a second public hearing on Wednesday, June 10 in the Town Room.
THURSDAY MAY 14: FAI LACI 2026 UNITED STATES TOUR. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. This Boston quintet has amassed a grassroots fanbase thanks to their energetic, wildly cathartic live show around the Northeast. Their inspired rock songs have garnered a quarter million monthly followers and millions of streams. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
SATURDAY MAY 16: WALKING RIVERS. 9 a.m. to noon, 42 Cushman Road, North Amherst. Walking Rivers is a day to show the world that rivers are cool. Join us on Saturday, May 16th at 9am for approximately 3 miles of walking along a headwater tributary of the Fort River in North Amherst and Shutesbury. At each stop, we will highlight concerns about the river in those locations. Free and open to all ages. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. This walk is organized by the Fort River Watershed Association in collaboration with The Connecticut River Conservancy and Kestrel Land Trust. Wear a blue shirt and join us for a walk that matters! REGISTER NOW for the Fort River Walking Rivers event! The Route: We will begin at Atkins Reservoir along Cushman Road and walk along Dean Brook to Sand Hill Road. From there, volunteers will shuttle participants back to their cars at Cushman Road. We may also visit Amethyst Farm to observe differences in water quality across the watershed. Below is an image of the Dean Brook area we will be exploring.
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.
SUNDAY MAY 17: ULYSSES STRING QUARTET. 4 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. The Ulysses Quartet has been praised for their “textural versatility, grave beauty, and the kind of chemistry many quartets long for, but rarely achieve” (the Strad), as well as their “avid enthusiasm [with] chops to back up their passion” (San Diego Story), delivered with a blend of exuberance and polished artistry” (The Buffalo News). The quartet “promise to bring as much sophistication, imagination and vitality to Beethoven’s other quartets as they will to music by a panoply of composers from long ago and today” (Gramophone). Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Students $5.
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.
THURSDAY MAY 21: REPRESENTATIVE MINDY DOMB JOINS THE AMHERST FEMINEST GENERATION FOR A YOUTH LISTENING SESSION. 3:45 p.m., Amherst Regional High School library. The listening session is designed as an opportunity for young constituents of the Third Hampshire District and students of Amherst Regional High School to meet with Representative Domb. Amherst Regional High School’s late buses will leave at 4:50 p.m. on their scheduled north and south runs. Pizza and beverages will be provided for participants. Inanna Balkin, co-director of Amherst Feminist Generation and organizer of the Youth Listening Session, said she is hoping to “open the door to more communication and collaboration between youth and their representation.” At the event, students will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, hopes, and concerns on key issues, and speak with Representative Domb about their legislative priorities.
SATURDAY MAY 23: THE GARDEN CLUB OF AMHERST PLANT SALE. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Town Common. Fabulous woodland and native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, grasses, plants for shade and sun, plants for everyone!
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
WEDNESDAY MAY 27: CAMILLE THURMAN AND THE NORTHAMPTON JAZZ WORKSHOP. 7:30 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Camille Thurman is an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition. Her featured set will be followed by a jazz jam session. Bring your axe to sit in. $10 cover, $5 for students.
THURSDAY MAY 28: SENIOR SIPS AT 3 AMIGOS. 4 to 6 p.m., 68 Cowls Road. Join the Senior Center to socialize, discover local happenings and learn about available resources. Parking is available across the street in the Mill District parking lot. 3 Amigos is on the PVTA bus line. Sponsored by the Friends of the Amherst Senior Center, Amherst Neighbors, Downtown Amherst, and the Council on Aging.
SUNDAY JUNE 14: 44TH ANNUAL LAKE WYOLA ROAD RACE: 9:30 a.m. 6 Shore Drive, Shutesbury. Not an Amherst event but directed by Indy stalwarts Art and Maura Keene. Scenic 4.8 mile road race and walk around Lake Wyola or a 1.6 mile fun run. This Art and Maura’s 16th and last year as race directors. Come bid them farewell and enjoy a great day at the lake. Benefits the Lake Wyola Association’s conservation efforts. 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
SUNDAYS BEGINNING MAY 10: SANDLOT BASEBALL. 4 to 6 p.m., Amherst Regional Middle School field, Chestnut Street. Get your bat, gum, and cleats ready to play some sandlot baseball! Every Sunday, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at the Amherst Middle School field you are invited to play with enthusiasts of the sport. Remember, this is for fun, open to all skills levels! $5 Drop-In Fee. Remember, this is for fun, open to all skills levels!
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 SATURDAY MAY 9: THIRD ANNUAL MASS KIDS’ LITFEST. Various places and times. We’re bringing a week of interactive author events to communities across the four counties of Western Mass. Events include everything from protest sign-making and animal-themed storytimes to writing workshops and youth open mics, in partnership with libraries, museums, nature centers, and public schools. The Festival overlaps with Children’s Book Week and focuses on connecting kids with books at a time when reading engagement is in decline. We nearly tripled our footprint in 2025, reaching around 1200 young people and their families through more than two dozen events, and we’re positioned to grow even more in 2026. Events in Amherst include: Rise Up! An author event and protest sign making workshop with Rachel Katz from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at the Mead Art Museum, Once Upon a Picture Book from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday May 8 at the Eric Carle Museum, Storytime:Talia Aikens-Nunez at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 at the Eric Carle Museum, and “Yoshi’s Big Swim” storytime and turtle meet and greet with author Mary Wagley Copp at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at the Hitchcock Center. Find a schedule of public events, and a list of partners on our website.
NOW 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.
NOW THROUGH THURSDAY JUNE 25: FEMME LOCALE “CHARMED”: FRONT WINDOW GALLERY EXHIBIT. Mill District Local Art Gallery, 91 Cowls Road. Exhibits by 30+ local women-identifying artists. Bringing up themes of controlling our world or achieving things as if by magic, we are keenly aware of how as women we need to walk a line and use our charms in the world that is designed for and by men. Curated by Christine Texiera and Alexia Cota. Hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Mondays.