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 (more or less)
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14: A DAY TO REMEMBER ANNA BURNS. 1 to 4:30 p.m., 41 South Orchard Drive. 1 to 3 p.m. Hike to Rattlesnake Knob. 3 to 4:30 sharing spicy, sweet, salty, or other memories in the family backyard. Join for either activity or both. If you like, bring a memory to share under redbud tree or send a memory to Sarah to read at sgoffs11@gmail.com.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14: KARUNA CENTER’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY. 3 to 6 p.m., Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle Street. Celebrate 30 years of empowering communities to build peace. Explore the far-reaching effects of community-based peacebuilding and find inspiration for the future. Special guest Rosette Sebasoni, “Reconciliation after the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda: Making the Impossible Possible.” Sebasoni was in-country program manager for Karuna’s 2016-2019 “Healing Our Communities Program” in Rwanda. In 1994, at the age of 15, she and her older brother lost their parents and younger siblings to the genocide. She went on to obtain a BA in sociology and has worked on Rwanda’s process of reconciliation ever since. She also holds an MBA. Light refreshments. Free and open to the public.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14: MASTER YOUR MUSIC IN FEWER PRACTICE SESSIONS: USING NEUROSCIENCE TO UNLOCK YOUR MUSICAL POTENTIAL. Lecture 10 to 11:15 a.m., Master class 11:30 to 12:30, Bezanson Recital Hall, UMass. Think of a piece of music you can perform at the drop of a hat. Now imagine if you could perform new repertoire with the same level of confidence, security, and expression. Efficient practice is the key. Christopher Prestia is a keyboard and bowed-string teacher and player, vocalist, and amateur composer. Visit www.TheWellPracticedMusician.com for more information. Register at https://bit.ly/3QokDpx . Free.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14 THROUGH MONDAY SEPTEMBER 30: INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES AT THE FORT RIVER BIRDING AND NATURE TRAIL. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m daily in September.., Story Book Trail, Fort River Division of the Silvio O Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, 69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA. Let’s walk around the trail and read about some of the invasive plant species that unfortunately have taken up residence at the Fort River Birding and Nature Trail. By the end of your walk, you will be able to identify some of the plants mentioned in the book and learn how to avoid planting or spreading invasive plants to new areas. This book will be on the trail for the month of September 2024. Free.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17: BANGS CENTER OPEN HOUSE. Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Town of Amherst, in partnership with the John P. Musante Health Center, is excited to host an Open House at the Bangs Community Center where the community can learn about and meet staff from the Center’s various departments and resources. Meet staff from Town and Musante Health Cente, listen to music from Eli Elkus, enjoy refreshments, and enter raffles. This family friendly event is free and open to all!
There will be opportunities to learn about and meet members of:
- Amherst Senior Center
- Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Department of Public Health
- Veteran’s Services
- CRESS – Community Responders for Equity, Safety, & Service
- John P. Musante Health Center
RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bangs-center-open-house-tickets-943649710687?aff=oddtdtcreator
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14: FUNDRAISING EVENT WITH CONGRESSMAN JIM MCGOVERN. 4 p.m., 11 Strong Street, Join Congressman Jim McGovern at a reception in Amherst September 14. Jim has been a progressive champion for our town in Congress, and this is an opportunity to meet and support him. Suggested contribution $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1000. Parking available at Wildwood School. RSVP for the event.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18: TOPPING OFF CEREMONY AT CENTENNIAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT. 3 p.m. The Centennial Water Treatment Plant will be a surface water treatment plant located in Pelham that provides up to 1 million gallons per day of treated water to the Amherst water system. The previous facility needed replacement due to its age and changes in water quality that made the treatment process less effective. This new building, expected to be complete in Fall 2025, will have more effective and efficient treatment technology. Construction of the new Centennial Water Treatment Plant is being financed by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The DWSRF program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) with joint funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the MA DEP. This project will improve resiliency of the Amherst drinking water system for community residents and businesses in and near the Town of Amherst. Park behind the Pelham Library. Shuttle Service will be provided. RSVP here.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18: SCREENING OF “WORKS FOR ALL.” 4 to 5:30 p.m. On Zoom. You’re invited to join us for a screening of the new film “WORKS FOR ALL: Reshaping Cincinnati’s Economy Together,” a story of the cooperative and labor sectors working together to build “an economy that works for all.” Join us via Zoom for this exciting documentary on Co-op Cincy which since 2011 has built a unique network of unionized cooperatives. Discussion with the filmmakers and Co-op Cincy personnel follows the showing. Register to receive a Zoom link.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18: LIVE SCORED EXPERIMENTAL FILM SHORTS WITH BILL NACE. 7 p.m., Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity Street. Guitarist Bill Nace, one half of the duo Body/Head with Kim Gordon, joins us to live score a program of experimental film shorts curated by Josh Guilford, Assistant Professor of English in Film and Media Studies at Amherst College. The program features short films by Eve Heller, an artist based in Vienna, Austria, and Hyde Park, New York, who originally hails from Amherst. Program will include: “Her Glacial Speed” (2001), “Creme 21” (2013), “Behind This Soft Eclipse” (2004), “Ruby Skin” (2005), “Astor Place” (1997), “Self-Examination Remote Control” (1981/2010), and “Juice” (1983/2010). Presented in partnership with Amherst College. Tickets $10.75 -$11.75.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19: 11th ANNUAL BID ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY. 5 to 9 p.m., North Pleasant Street. The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce the 11th Annual Block Party, set to take place on Thursday, September 19th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on North Pleasant Street in Downtown Amherst. This beloved community event promises an evening of fun, entertainment, and celebration of all things Amherst. The Annual Block Party is a cherished tradition, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to our dynamic downtown. This year’s event will feature an exciting lineup of live music and performances, showcasing local talent and captivating acts. Attendees can look forward to aerialists, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and a variety of street performers that will delight audiences of all ages.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22: AUDITIONS FOR AMHERST COMMUNITY THEATER’S DISNEY’S “NEWSIES”. Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Amherst Community Theater announces auditions for Disney’s Newsies! Directed by Megan Healey, musical direction by Cindy Naughton and choreography by Sue Dresser. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who leads the teenage “newsies” to strike against unfair conditions. Packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, Newsies is perfect for every audience. 9 performances in Jan., 2025. Actors, singers, and dancers ages 7-107 encouraged to audition! Auditions Sept. 20–22, callbacks Sept. 23, Bangs Center, Amherst. For audition appointments and more info, including character descriptions, audition music, and readings, visit amherstacts.org/auditions or contact producer@amherstacts.org.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21: AMHERST VOLUNTEER FAIR. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Amherst Town Common, Boltwood Avenue. Ready to plant the seeds of kindness in your community? Curious about how you can lend a hand to support the local organizations that keep Amherst happy and healthy? The Amherst Volunteer Fair is your gateway to a world of opportunities, whether you’re a one-time wonder or a weekly warrior! It takes all skill types and levels to create a thriving community, so why not consider trading some spare time to rejuvenate your sense of fulfilment this year? Let us help you discover your perfect volunteer role and experience the joy of giving back! This event is free and open to all! For more information, please contact Senior Services Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Julia MacFadzen at macfadzenj@amherstma.gov. There will be opportunities to learn about and meet representatives from: Amherst Senior Center, Jones Library, Jones Library ESL Center, Town of Amherst, Amherst Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Amherst Recreation, Amherst Historical Society and Museum, Amherst Neighbors … and more
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22: 14TH ANNUAL WILL BIKE FOR FOOD. This annual fundraiser for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts returns for its 14th year and brings together cyclists of all levels and ages to pedal towards a hunger-free future on scenic routes through the Connecticut River Valley. Ride and fundraise individually or with a team of friends, family, or coworkers! Participants can choose between a 4 mile family fun ride, a 100 mile century ride and several intermediate length routes. When you’re finished with your ride, celebrate with food and drinks at the Will Bike 4 Food After Party. Register at https://secure.foodbankwma.org/site/TR?fr_id=1120&pg=entry
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22: FALL EQUINOX BAGPIPE STROLL OR SIT WITH CIDER AND SAVORIES. 5 to 6 p.m., Wildwood Cemetery, 70 Strong Street. Free, donations are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, see www.wildwood-cemetery.com or call 413-549-4649.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22: PIANIST STEPHEN PORTER IN CONCERT. 3 p.m., South Congregational Church, 1066 South East Street. Stephen Porter is internationally recognized as a soloist, research artist-in-residence, and recording artist. Since 2021, he has been Artist in Residence and Research Artist at Texas A&M University, Central Texas and is a six-time artist resident of the Cite Internationale des Arts in Paris. The concert will include works by Clara Schulmann, Liszt, Beethoven, and Ravel. This concert is presented as part of South Congregational Church’s 200th Anniversary Celebration “Arts and Social Justice Series.” Free, donations greatly appreciated ($20 per person suggested). Reservations advised due to limited seating. Call (413)253-2977 or email office@amherstsouthchurch.org.
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23 THROUGH SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29: 12TH ANNUAL TELL IT SLANT POETRY FESTIVAL. Hybrid format. The Emily Dickinson Museum’s annual Tell It Slant Poetry Festival is an event with international reach that celebrates Emily Dickinson’s poetic legacy and the contemporary creativity she and her work continues to inspire from the place she called home. This year’s FREE and hybrid Festival includes events happening online, as well as in-person at the Museum under our heated tent. This year’s line-up features a talented group of poets from around the country including readings by Pulitzer Prize winners Carl Phillips (2023) and Diane Seuss (2022), generative writing workshops, poetry panels, a masterclass with celebrated poet Oliver de la Paz, a musical theater performance by the Wilde Irish Women exploring Dickinson’s relationship to her Irish maid Margaret Maher, and more. The cornerstone of the Festival, the Emily Dickinson Poetry Marathon, is an epic reading of all 1,789 of Emily Dickinson’s poems across the Festival week. Click here for a full schedule and to register.
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23: PUBLIC FORUM ON THE MASTER PLAN. 5:30 p.m. Primer on the Master Plan, 6 p.m. Public Forum on the Master Plan. Preceding the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting. Town Room Town Hall or on Zoom. This is the annual public forum on the Master Plan required by the Home Rule Charter.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24: IS HIGHER EDUCATION GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITIES? 6 p.m., Bowker Auditorium, UMass and Zoom. Part of the UMass History Department’s 2024-2025 Feinberg Series. With an eye to the University of Massachusetts, Davarian L. Baldwin will draw from his book In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower to discuss the “public good” of higher education as it has shifted from a service provider of education and research to acting as a major force of economic development and political governance in our communities. Free and open to all. Register for Zoom.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26: CELEBRATE THE RETIREMENT OF PLANNING DIRECTOR CHRISTINE BRESTRUP. 2 to 4 p.m. Town Room, Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue. After over two decades of service, Planning Director Christine Brestrup announced her retirement from the Town of Amherst effective September 27, 2024. Under Brestrup’s leadership, the Planning Department addressed the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, ensuring the Town’s infrastructure and services met the demands of a rapidly growing community. She successfully balanced the need for economic and housing growth with the recognition that preserving the Town’s heritage was vital to its future.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24: BIA FERREIRA AT THE DRAKE. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. Brazilian artist-activist Bia Ferreira calls her mind-blowing blend of R&B, funk, blues, reggae, and folk Música de Mulher Preta (Black Woman Music). | Advance tickets $25; Five College Students and Youth 17 & under $12.50 | Door tickets $30; Five College Students and Youth 17 & under $15. Tickets.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26,: COOKIES AND CONVERSATION. 3 to 4 p.m., Glass Room at Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Bring a mug, bring a friend. Sponsored by Amherst Neighbors.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26: INFORMATION SESSION 3 ON VALLEY GREEN ENERGY PROGRAM, COMMUNITY ZOOM MEETING. 7 to 8 p.m., Zoom. Valley Green Energy is a regional group electricity buying program developed to provide the dual benefits of cleaner electricity and stable prices to residents and businesses in all three communities. Valley Green Energy will launch in November. Program prices will be fixed until November 2026, which will provide 24 months of protection from seasonal electricity price spikes. Participants in Valley Green Energy will automatically receive an additional 10% of their electricity from renewable sources for 13.994 ¢/kWh, a price that will be lower and more stable than both the Eversource and National Grid residential electricity supply prices in place at launch. However, because the utilities’ prices change, and future prices are unknown, future savings cannot be guaranteed. Two additional program options will be available by request. Participants can choose to receive electricity that is 100% from renewable sources for 16.474 ¢/kWh or to receive just the minimum amount from renewable sources required by law for 13.594 ¢/kWh.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26: CONCERT -TERENCE BLANCHARD “FLOW”. 8 p.m., Tillis Performance Hall, UMass. Terence Blanchard is one of the leading lights of modern American music. Blanchard is celebrated as a musician, bandleader, and composer. His work cuts across jazz, new music, opera, and cinematic scoring. He is the winner of eight Grammy awards, and has been nominated for two Oscars. In this performance, Blanchard and his sextet will focus on music from the critically acclaimed 2005 album Flow. On that record, Blanchard, along with many of the band members who will join him on stage, explored themes related to psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s theories on the connections between creativity, a sense of meaning, and happiness. $40 to $70, Students $15 to $20. Tickets.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28: MOTHER TONGUE BY FIRST GENERATION: STORIES OF CULTURE, STRUGGLE, IDENTITY, AND REVOLUTION. 7 p.m., Bowker Auditorium, UMass. Mother Tongue is an original multilingual physical theater performance created by the Performance Project’s First Generation Ensemble. The piece is inspired by the experiences of First Generation ensemble members, their families and communities who are from Congo/Tanzania, Bhutan/Nepal, South Sudan/Darfur, Holyoke, and Springfield, Massachusetts. The 90-minute performance weaves together movement, music, dance, and stories in Arabic, Swahili, Nepali, and English. The piece incorporates themes of language, culture, identity, diaspora, hypermasculinity, xenophobia, transphobia, racism, the school to prison pipeline and revolution. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. $25, Free for students. More information
TUESDAY OCTOBER 3 : COOKIES AND CONVERSATION. 3 to 4 p.m., Glass Room at Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Bring a mug, bring a friend. Sponsored by Amherst Neighbors.
TUESDAY OCTOBER 10: COOKIES AND CONVERSATION. 3 to 4 p.m., Glass Room at Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Bring a mug, bring a friend. Sponsored by Amherst Neighbors.
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.
FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH: COUNCIL ON AGING SENIOR LUNCH. Noon. Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk.
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.
FIRST WEDNESDAY : 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.
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.
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 : 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.
WEDNESDAYS AUGUST 7 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1: SOUND AND VISION MUSIC SERIES AT THE AMHERST CINEMA. 7 p.m., Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity Street. It’s summer at Amherst Cinema, which means it’s time to shake a tail feather with Sound & Vision, our summer celebration of music culture through film. Now in its 8th year, the series features documentaries, concert films and narrative storytelling. Enjoy monumental performances on the big screen and explore artists whose music inspired and shaped grassroots culture and history. At select screenings, special guests will introduce the film, sharing their insights about the artists and/or genre. For a schedule, see https://amherstcinema.org/series/sound-and-vision . More information
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4 THROUGH SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28: VISUAL/VERBAL: ART EXHIBIT AT THE PALMER LIBRARY. Palmer Library 1455 North Main Street, Palmer. Artists:Janet W. Winston, Marianne Connolly, Sue Katz, Nancy Meagher, Laura Holland, Rochelle Shicoff
Hours: Monday, 10-5; Tuesday-Thursday, 10-8; Friday-Saturday, 10-2
Reception and Open Mic: Thursday, September 12, 6-8 pm
Online Reading: September 24, 7 pm; pre-register at www.womenofwords.myportfolio.com
Contact: connolly.marianne@gmail.com Or laurajholland@gmail.com
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28: REBECCA MULLER: WHEN MATTER TALKS BACK. Gallery A3, 2 Amity Street. A mixed media installation by Rebecca Muller, combines inked prints, hand-poured “paper” of acrylic medium, and 3-dimensional assemblages of eroded organic and inorganic material including grit, ground duff, rusted metal, plastic, pigment, caulking cord, bits of wood, and wire. For the first time, she also brings words into the multi-media mix, hanging written vignettes throughout the installation. Gallery Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 2-7:00 pm. Opening Reception: Thursday, September 5, 5-7:00
Dialogue with the Artist: Thursday, September 5, 2-4:30 pm; Friday, September 6, 4:30-7 pm; Friday, September 20, 4:30-7 pm; Friday, September 27, 4:30-7 pm
Artist Forum Online: September 19, 7:30 pm, preregister at www.gallerya3.com Contact: Rebecca Muller, rebmuller@comcast.net
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 FRIDAY IN AUGUST: ROCKS TO ROOTS – GEOLOGY INTERPRETIVE HIKE. Notch Visitors Center, 1500 West Street. 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Ages 14 and up. Half mile guided hike on challenging trails. Sturdy footwear required. Explore how basalt bedrock makes up the Range supporting an ever changing microclimate where rare plant communities thrive.
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 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.
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 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27: WHEN MATTER TALKS BACK: MIXED MEDIA BY REBECCA MULLER. Gallery A3, 28 Amity Street, 1D. When Matter Talks Back, a mixed media installation by Rebecca Muller, combines inked prints, hand-poured “paper” of acrylic medium, and 3-dimensional assemblages of eroded organic and inorganic material including grit, ground duff, rusted metal, plastic, pigment, caulking cord, bits of wood, and wire. For the first time, she also brings words into the multi-media mix, hanging written vignettes throughout the installation. Dialogues with the artist on Friday, September 20 and Friday, September 27, 4:30 to 7 p.m. The gallery will host an Artist Forum Online on Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. Preregister at www.gallerya3.com. All events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 2 to 7 p.m.
NOW THROUGH THURSDAY OCTOBER 31 PAINTINGS BY GILLIAN HAVEN. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Amherst Town Hall Gallery, 4 Boltwood Avenue. An exhibition of paintings by local artist Gillian Haven is now on view at the Amherst Town Hall Gallery. The artist will be honored at a reception on Friday, September 27th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and the Amherst Autoharp Workshop will provide musical accompaniment. Gillian Haven is a prolific painter of the Pioneer Valley’s landscapes, natural landmarks, and rural scenes. Her art is both a personal meditation on the places depicted and a celebration of the place we inhabit. The Gallery is on Amherst Town Hall’s first and second floors, 4 Boltwood Avenue. The exhibition runs through October 31st.
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.