What’s Happening in Amherst?

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 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.

SATURDAY MAY 16: “THE WORLD IS ON FIRE! WHAT THE F*CK DO WE DO?”. 7p.m., Amherst College Lyceum, South Pleasant Street.  Interlink Publishing hosts a free public conversation, featuring journalist Jesse Mechanic and editor Leyla Moushabeck, the event explores resistance to authoritarianism and inequality, centered on Mechanic’s new book, “Don’t Be a F#king Marshmallow: An Illustrated Guide to Revolution.” The will take place in the first floor of the Lyceum Building at Amherst College and is free and open to the public.

SUNDAY MAY 17: TRACEY COCKRELL’S “LISTENING FIELD. 1 to 4 p.m., Bramble Hill Farm, South Pleasant Street. A.P.E. will host another iteration of Making Ground Dialogues, a series of learning engagements centered around collective study and reparative relationships to place. This is the first of two spring offerings centered on environmental listening and soil health. The participatory workshop uses listening exercises and collective mapping to understand place. Participants explore how sounds interact and how perception is shaped by environment and power. All offerings are free, with 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.

SUNDAY MAY 17: VOCALIST GLENN MILLER: “ALL-NIGHT VIGIL. 4 p.m., St. Brigid’s Parish, 122 North Pleasant Street. Grammy Award winning basso profundo soloist Glenn Miller joins the choir Illumine Vocal Arts Ensemble to perform Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil.” Despite its title, the piece lasts only about an hour. The program will also include Pavel Chesnokov’s “Spaseniye” and “Do Not Reject Me in My Old Age.” Admission is offered on a sliding scale from $10 to $40. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit illuminechoir.org.

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.

THURSDAY JUNE 4: BOOK TALK: JEWS OF FLORIDA: CENTURIES OF STORIES WITH MARCIA JO ZERIVITZ. 7 p.m. on Zoom. Despite not being officially allowed to live in Florida until 1763, Jewish immigrants escaping expulsions and exclusions were among the earliest settlers, and Jews have been arriving ever since. Author Marcia Jo Zerivitz will share the stories of the Olympians, Nobel Prize winners, computer pioneers, educators, politicians, Yiddish writers, artists, and more that have called Florida home. Register. Free.

SUNDAY JUNE 7: ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF THE JONES LIBRARY. 3 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Walk. The public is invited to the Annual meeting of the Friends of the Jones Library. The featured speaker will be sports journalist Howard Bryant.  Bryant has written 11 books including the recently published Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. Bryant will be in conversation with another local author, David Porter, a sports and investigative reporter known for his book Fixed: How Goodfellas Bought Boston College Basketball.

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. Prizes and a raffle for all participants. All proceeds benefit the Lake Wyola AssociationThis is Art and Maura’s 16th and final year as race directors. Come bid them farewell and enjoy a great day at the lake. Benefits the Lake Wyola Association’s conservation efforts. Registration and more info

SUNDAY JUNE 14: BOOK TALK: DUAL IDENTITIES: LIVING IN MEIER’S SHADOW WITH ARTHUR M. HORWITZ. 2 p.m., Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West Street and on livestream. After discovering an iconic Holocaust image of a terrified boy tucked inside his mother’s wallet, Arthur Horwitz is saddled with the responsibility of living two lives: his own and the one his mother’s little brother Meier, murdered in the Holocaust, never had. This is an insightful look at the impact of intergenerational trauma and the path to coping, healing, reconciliation, and remembrance. Register for the in-person event or livestream. Free.  

SUNDAY JUNE 14: LEVERETT COMMUNITY CHORUS AND CARAVAN CHORUS IN A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR LUCE. 4 p.m., Jewish Community of Amherst, 742 Main Street. LUCE is a coalition of immigrant led grassroots organizations who build people power for everyone across Massachusetts. Tickets sold only at the door, check or cash. $10 to $20 sliding scale.

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.

TUESDAYS IN JUNE: INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR CLASS WITH GRETCHEN HOLESOVSKY. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mill District Local Art Gallery, 91 Cowls Road. Join Belchertown artist, Gretchen Holesovsky, at The Mill District Local Art Gallery for a series of four intermediate watercolor classes. An exploration of styles and expression will enhance your creative muse no matter how you choose to create. This series is jammed packed with information and has homework. Great for individuals who took Gretchen’s beginning watercolor series as well as intermediate artists who want to deepen their understanding of painting with watercolor. Ages 14+ Ticket a week before first class. Ticket Price: $100, Required Materials to Purchase: $122. Contact Shannon Borrell at Gallery@cowls.com.

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.