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 JUNE 15: FORT RIVER DAY. Groff Park, 43 Mill Lane. 10 a.m. – Noon. Learn about what is being done to help the Fort River. Explore information tables describing current projects Try out the interactive stream table. Learn about river advocacy and preserving ecology for all. This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by Connecticut River Conservancy, fortriver.org, Hitchcock Center, Kestrel Land Trust, Town of Amherst, Fort River Watershed Association. Free and open to the public.

SATURDAY JUNE 15: CELEBRATE DWIGHT DAY IN THE HISTORIC VILLAGE OF DWIGHT IN NORTH BELCHERTOWN. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Dwight Chapel, 885 Federal Street, Belchertown, Massachusetts. “Dwight Day” will feature history talks, live music, food, children’s activities, antique autos and a cemetery tour at Dwight—the once well-known nineteenth-century railroad destination and farming community in North Belchertown. This first-ever event will feature talks by Stone House Museum Archivist Cliff McCarthy, Artist Elizabeth Pols and Springfield Republican and New England Public MediaContributor Michael Carolan. Living History Educator Dennis Picard will portray the famous abolitionist minister Henry Ward Beecher, who gave his first sermon at a schoolhouse here. Dwight Day will feature accomplished local artists and their works—from painting and sculpture to mosaics and photography. Music will be provided by local favorite Jacques “Pop” Hooten and the Ne’er-Do-Wells. Magician Fran Ferry will perform. There will be children’s activities and spinning demonstrations. Even descendants of the original Dwight Family will be on hand. The event is free and open to the public.

SATURDAY JUNE 15: JUNETEENTH ON THE COMMON. 3. To 6 p.m., Amherst Town Common. Please join us on the Town Common for some music and relaxation. A Community gathering to help spread kindness and good cheer. Come and meet representatives from several Community Partners who work hard daily to make Amherst vibrant and strong. Sponsored by the DEI Department. For a full listing of Amherst’s Juneteenth activities. More information

SATURDAY JUNE 15: CHAINS TO CHANGE: A STORY SLAM EVENT. 7 p.m., The Drake. A Juneteenth Story Slam showcasing the evolution from historical struggles to modern movements for positive change. This event delves into the essence of freedom. A program for all ages. Free registration.

SUNDAY JUNE 16: HARVEY WANG’S NEW YORK: A CONVERSATION WITH HARVEY WANG.  2 p.m. Yiddish Book Center. Join us at the Yiddish Book Center on Sunday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. for a conversation with celebrated photographer and filmmaker, Harvey Wang. Wang will be in conversation with Lisa Newman, director of publishing and public programs, about his exhibit, Harvey Wang’s New York, opening that same day at the Yiddish Book Center. The iconic portraits in Harvey Wang’s New York show the men and women performing New York’s vanishing jobs. A 97-year-old scrap-metal collector, a pillow maker, and a mannequin maker, are just a few of the professions featured in these beautiful and poignant portraits. His photographs entertain and inform while documenting a way of life before it disappears. This event is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required.

BEGINNING WEDNESDAY JUNE 19 AND THURSDAY JUNE 20: SUMMER ULTIMATE LEAGUES. 6 p.m. at Plum Brook Recreation Area, Potwine Lane. Women’s only league for ages 13+ on Wednesdays, Adult mixed league ages 14+ on Thursdays. Junior league for ages 7-13 also available. No experience necessary. $49. Register here or email Nathan Salwen or Sue Morello at salwen.I@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 19: NATHAN-ISM: FILM SCREENING.  2 p.m., Yiddish Book Center. Nathan-ism tells the story of Nathan Hilu, the son of Syrian Jewish immigrants to New York, who at the end of World War II received a life-changing assignment from the U.S. Army: guarding the top Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg trials. This experience fueled a lifetime of artistic inspiration for Nathan, a virtually unknown “outsider artist,” who spent the next 70 years obsessively creating a visual narrative from his memories to share with a world that doesn’t always listen. Tickets $8/ $6 students. (Also showing Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m. with a Director’s talkback).

WEDNESDAY JUNE 19:15^TH ANNUAL AMHERST JUNETEENTH JUBILEE. 1 to 4 p.m.,Mill River Recreation Area, 95 Montague Road. Sponsored by the Black Business Association of Amherst Area. Black excellence youth award, performance by Pamoja Drum & Dance Collective, sound by Maurice “Soulfighter” Taylor, yoga with Grounded in Wellness 365, Dr. Amilcar Shabazz on Reparations. Soul food by Henryne’s Catering, games, children’s craft table, poetry. Free and open to the public.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 19: FREDDIE BRYANT WITH THE NORTHAMPTON JAZZ WORKSHOP. 7:30 p.m., The Drake, 40 North Pleasant Street. Join us for a special Juneteenth presentation of the Northampton Jazz Workshop. Guitarist Freddie Bryant will play selections from his composition project Upper West Side Love Story and other works. Cover Charge at the door.

THURSDAY JUNE 20: CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE AT THE UMASS SUN WHEEL.The public is invited to join University of Massachusetts Amherst astronomers at the standing stones of the UMass Sunwheel on Thursday, June 20 at 5 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. UMass Amherst astronomy Ph.D. candidate Yingjie Cheng will explain the astronomical cause of the solstice and how the Sunwheel works, though heavy rain will cancel the gatherings. The UMass Amherst Sunwheel is located south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road (Amity Street) about one-quarter mile south of University Drive. Visitors to the Sunwheel should be prepared for wet footing and mosquitoes. The events will be canceled in the event of heavy rain. For more info, please visit the Sunwheel website.

FRIDAY JUNE 21: CELEBRATE CHIEF NELSON’S RETIREMENT. 4 to 6 p.m., Courtyard Marriott, 423 Russell Street, Hadley. Municipal officials, elected officials, and community members are invited to the Courtyard Marriott, 423, Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035.  Speakers will include: Town Manager Paul Bockelman, Town Council President Lynn Griesemer, CRESS Director Camille Theriaque, Police Chief Gabriel Ting, Chief Nelson’s colleagues from around the Pioneer Valley, and his Civil Air Patrol colleagues.  Light refreshments will be served. Following, an informal gathering / Toast & Roast will take place at The Amherst Public House, 40 University Drive, Amherst.  Register.

SATURDAY JUNE 22: RALLY FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND ALL OUR FREEDOMS. Northampton City Hall. 11 a.m Organized by Amherst high school student, Alice Jenkins, Amherst members of the Young Feminist Party &  co-sponsored by Indivisible Northampton-Swing Left WM. June 24th marks two years since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and federal constitutional protections for abortion. During this Weekend of Action – Majority Over MAGA – we are shining a light on MAGA extremism and the power of the movement fighting back against it to protect our personal freedoms and reproductive rights. Join activists across MA and the country in showing up for all our freedoms.

SUNDAY JUNE 23: QUEER ARTISAN MARKET. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mill District, 91 Cowls Rd. This family friendly event will host makers of all sorts of lovely goods from members of the LGBTQIA+ community.This event will be ideally outdoors in front of the former Provisions space in the center of North Square in The Mill District. In the event of rain, we will be able to pop-up inside of the former Provisions space to have an indoor event.

SATURDAY JUNE 29: SUMMER READING KICK-OFF: CARRIE FERGUSON AND THE GRUMPYTIME CLUB BAND. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., The Drake. Come register for Summer Reading and rock out to family-friendly songs by Carrie Ferguson and the Grumpytime Club Band, featuring music filled with welcoming and inclusive messages about accepting feelings, celebrating differences, and loving ourselves exactly as we are. Free Community event.

SUNDAY JUNE 30: COMMUNITY RECEPTION FOR NEW POLICE CHIEF AND CRESS DIRECTOR. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Mill River Recreation Area. Get to know Amherst’s new leadership for Public Safety and Community Response on Sunday, June 30 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM at the Mill River Recreation Area. The League of Women Voters is hosting an informal Community Reception, and everyone is welcome to greet Police Chief Gabriel Ting and CRESS Director Camille Theriaque.  Chief Ting and Director Theriaque will share their initial goals and aspirations for the coming year, and they would like to meet and hear from their Amherst neighbors. Bring the family to enjoy music, snacks, and the park’s recreation opportunities. The reception is open to the public, free of charge, sponsored by the Amherst League of Women Voters. Visit lwvamherst.org for more details. 

TUESDAY JULY 2: INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS AND CELEBRATION 2024.  6 p.m., Fireworks display starts at dark. UMass Amherst’s McGuirk Alumni Stadium. We’ll have fun for all ages with a new assortment of lawn and pickup games! Bring a blanket and/or folding chairs, sit-back and relax and enjoy our stage performances. Be sure to come hungry- our Food Truck line up is sure to satisfy the whole family. We look forward to celebrating with you at this annual tradition. Restroom facilities will also be available. FREE! Food, beverage, and novelty items will be available for purchase on site. Donations gratefully accepted. Parking: Free parking available on site in UMass lots 11, 22, 21, 33.  Accessible parking is available through lot 10. Rain Date is Monday, July 8.

FRIDAY JULY 5: READING FREDERICK DOUGLASS TOGETHER:3 p.m. South Amherst Common, 1066 South East Street. A public reading of Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” speech will take place on the South Amherst Common, 1066 South East Street, on July 5. The reading is funded by Mass Humanities and the League of Women Voters and hosted by South Congregational Church. A similar reading three years ago drew 300 people. The organizers are seeking to recruit more youth readers this time. The event will include refreshments, a follow-up discussion, gospel singing, and free books!

WEDNESDAY JULY 10: AMHERST SURVIVAL CENTER PICNIC. 12 to 3 p.m., Mill River Recreation Area. Everyone Welcome! The Jones Library will be joining us for summer story time. Mill River Pool passes available. D. J. Matt Peterson will provide music. Open to all.

THURSDAY JULY 11 THROUGH SUNDAY JULY 14: YIDSTOCK: THE FESTIVAL OF NEW YIDDISH MUSIC. Yiddish Book Center. Yidstock: The Festival of New Yiddish Music is back! Now in its twelfth year, Yidstock brings the best in klezmer and new Yiddish music to the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts. From July 11 to 14, this four-day festival will include musicians and performers at the forefront of the Yiddish music scene. In addition to seven concerts, the lineup also includes four workshops, nine talks, and one special film screening, all in celebration of Yiddish music, language, and culture. The Concert Passes are sold out but you can still purchase individual tickets for concerts, talks, and workshops. Live streaming also available. Live streaming passes.

FRIDAY JULY 19: ZOE AND CLOYD BLUEGRASS MUSIC. 5 p.m., Wesley United Church, 98 North Maple Street, Hadley. Come hear husband and wife, John Cloyd Miller and Leverett native Natalya Zoe Weinstein, who form the duo Zoe & Cloyd, perform bluegrass, old-time, and American roots music, and klezmer. The duo is based in Ashville, NC, but make an annual visit to the Valley and northeast bluegrass festivals. Admission.

ONGOING AND MULTI-DAY EVENTS

FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. RAINBOW COFFEE HOUR. 10-11 a.m. Amherst Senior Center, Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. The Rainbow Coffee Hour is a new LGBTIA+ social coffee group for ages 50 and above. Join us for this welcoming space to socialize. No format, no agenda, just community. The July coffee hour will be held on July 11, due to July 4 being the first Tuesday of the month.

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH (EXCLUDING JULY): 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.

SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH (EXCLUDING JULY): OPEN MIC NIGHT AT THE DRAKE. 44 North Pleasant Street. Free event. Performers arrive by 5:30 p.m. Stage time: 6 p.m – 10 p.m. All ages. Younger performers will be slotted earler. All performers and styles of performances welcome, including but not limited to: music (of all kinds) – acoustic, folk, rock, hip hop, jazz, classical, etc…comedy, spoken word / readings, poetry, dance, performance art. House rules and more information.

TUESDAYS IN JUNE: SUMMER LUNCHES WITH AMHERST NEIGHBORS. 12 to 1 p.m., Kendrick Park. Meet other Amherst Neighbors members in person for general camaraderie and discussion. Bring your own lunch and a lawn chair or blanket (picnic tables may be available) and join us at Kendrick Park.

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH: MOBILE FOOD PROGRAM. 1-2 p.m. The Boulders, 156 Brittany Manor Drive. Free produce. No registration necessary. Open to everyone. Brought by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Amherst Survival Center. The Food Bank truck will be in the parking lot near apartments 115-125.

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 WEDNESDAY : CAN’T REMEMBER 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. The Can’t Remember (CR) 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 Can’t Remember 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 THURSDAY: IRISH MUSIC SESSION. White Lion Brewery. 24 North Pleasant Street. 4 p.m – 7 p.m.

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 UNTIL NOVEMBER: AMHERST FARMERS’ MARKET. 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Amherst Town Common. 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 food, music, events, and community offerings in downtown Amherst.

SATURDAYS UNTIL OCTOBER 2024: CAMBODIANS IN AMERICA.  Exhibit 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Amherst History Museum, 47 Amity Street. Cambodians in Amherst exhibit: a history of the Khmer community. Telling the 45-year history of Cambodians in Amherst through oral histories, photos, art, and archived footage. On exhibit until October 2024. Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or any other day by appointment.

EVERY THIRD SUNDAY FROM APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER: CARS AND COFFEE AT THE MILL DISTRICT. 8:30 to noon, Mill District, 91 Cowls Road. CARS & COFFEE IS OPEN TO EVERYONE – Exhibitors and Spectators alike are welcome! CAR OWNERS: There is no fee to exhibit your car, and pre-registration is NOT required. Aim to arrive by 8:30am for best parking spots. We’ll have our trophy ceremony at 11:45am and the show wraps up at 12 noon sharp. SPECTATORS : Come to the HQ tent and pick up your ballots. Vote for your favorite Domestic, Import, Exotic, and Best Overall. Every complete ballot returned puts you into a drawing for a Mill District Gift Card! Enjoy our expanding array of shops and discover your favorites! Next Cars and Coffee is June 16..

NOW THROUGH SATURDAY JUNE 29: PAINTINGS BY JOHN KRIFKA. Gallery A3 28 Amity Street 1 D. With his selection of old and new paintings at Gallery A3 in June, John Krifka reflects on his evolution towards abstraction. Hours are Thursday-Sunday, 2 p.m.-7:00 p.m. There will be a free online art forum (preregister at www.gallerya3.com) on Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. More information

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 3: METAFICTION IN ART. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Road. The art in this exhibition contains an extraordinary sense of playfulness and surprise. It comes from metafictive books: those that tell stories about stories and about the art of storytelling itself. Artists experiment with styles, typography, and page design to delightfully disrupt the rules of how books usually work. Guests can enjoy work by 29 artists in a variety of media. They can read books and “remix” story titles on a magnetic bookshelf. Gallery graphics add a sense of surrealism. Open Wednesday through Sunday.