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 (more or less)

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. Choose to shop local this holiday season and help our #downtown and main streets everywhere thrive.  #Amherst downtown has unique and boutique retailers for everyone “from Amherst Books to Zanna. Our rich assortment of restaurants, salons, and experiences also have gift cards available that make great gifts!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30: FREE TO BE YOU AND ME SING-ALONG SPECTACULAR. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road. Calling All Gen Xers and families with young children! Grab your bell-bottoms or anything crocheted, take our hand, and come along to this fully interactive and participatory show. Join local pianist and song leader Joshua Sitron (Nickelodeon, Disney) and Myka Plunkett (actor, director, educator) for a Free to Be…You and Me Sing-along Spectacular!  Get ready to laugh, move, and sing your heart out with other Free to Be lovers as we go through the groundbreaking 1972 children’s album of songs and stories. All voices and ages welcome. Lyrics & text will be projected for all to see to sing and read-along. Tickets.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 1: SPECIAL STORY TIME: MK SMITH DESPRES AND JULIE BENBASSAT. 2 to 2:30 p.m., Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road. Being a child can feel like being buffeted along by a huge force out of your control. At any moment, something incredible could happen—but so could something scary, or sad, or hard—and everything is always changing. Learning to cope means learning the cycles, the things you can depend on. There’s That Sun Again illuminates that cycle, showing that every day has its ups and downs and back agains—and empowers readers to meet this emotional turbulence with strength, self-knowledge, and wonder. Mk Smith Despres’s effortlessly poetic text soars and dips, capturing bliss, sorrow, calm and uncertainty with a crystal-clear lens. Julie Benbassat’s artwork is nothing short of unforgettable. There’s That Sun Again is cut from the best cloth of fantasy: the kind whose magic reflects the world exactly as it feels. Free with museum admission.

MONDAY THROUGH SUNDAY DECEMBER 1-7: SHOP LOCAL WEEK. the Amherst BID encourages shopping local all week-long, December 1-7 at downtown retailers celebrating Shop Local Week in Amherst culminating in special promotion days for small businesses on Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7 called the “Downtown Holiday Shopping Extravaganza” with discounts up to 20% in local retailers.

MONDAY DECEMBER 2: THIRD ANNUAL ELLSBERG LECTURE: BACK TO THE WALL, FACE TO THE SUN: WHERE WE STAND IN THE CLIMATE FIGHT WITH BILL MCKIBBEN. 7 to 8:30 p.m., Old Chapel, 144 Hicks Way, UMass. Sponsored by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Free and open to all.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 THROUGH SATURDAY DECEMBER 28: SMALL WONDERS HOLIDAY SHOW AND SALE. Gallery A3., 28 Amity Street. Affordable and fun…. Gallery A3’s annual December Holiday Show and Sale SMALL WONDERS features small-scale works of art created by current members of a contemporary cooperative gallery located in downtown Amherst.
Original artwork includes paintings, prints, photographs, collages, assemblages, and fiber art. All pieces are appealingly small, with none larger than 10 by 10 inches, and affordably priced, ranging from $50 to $150. And all are “Cash and Carry,” making them ideal for unique holiday gifts. Hours 2 to 7 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Opening Reception Thursday, December 5, 5 to 7 p.m.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 6: ANNUAL LIGHTING OF THE MERRY MAPLE. Town Common, 3-6 p.m. Events include:
Tree lighting – 5:00 p.m.
Performances:
Amherst Regional Middle School Chorus – 4:30 p.m.
UMass Marching Band – 5:30 p.m.
Activities
Open House, UMass Fire Station – 3:00- 6:00 p.m.
Amherst Fire Truck Appearance with Santa Claus – 5:30 p.m.
Frosty the Snowman with games from Amherst Recreation – 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Horse drawn carriage rides – 4:00-6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 6: SENIOR CENTER DECK THE HALLS PARTY. 1 to 3 p.m., Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Join us as we deck the halls and make merry! Cozy up by the virtual fire and enjoy refreshments, music, and mirth.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7: PIONEER VALLEY FOLKLORE SOCIETY WINTER/HOLIDAY SINGALONG. Pioneer Valley Folklore Society’s December Song and Story swap will feature a winter/holiday singalong. The event will be held at First Church, 165 Main Street from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday December 7. The Song & Story Swap is open to members of the public of all ages.Admission is free with a suggested minimum donation of $7.50. Parking is available in the lot behind the church. More information

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11: BACK PORCH FESTIVAL SONGWRITER SERIES: THE SONGS OF GRAM PARSONS AND EMMYLOU HARRIS. 8 p.m., The Drake, 44 North Pleasant Street. With Rani Arbo, Lisa Bastoni, Tracy Grammer, Ward Hayden, Peter Mulvey, Winterpills, Deep River Ramblers. Tickets $30 in advance.

^{THURSDAY DECEMBER 12: SENIOR CENTER FIELD TRIP TO THE ERIC CARLE MUSEUM.  10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (lunch included), Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road.. Join us for an intergenerational field trip to see the new exhibit: Free to Be… You and Me: 50 Years of Stories and Songs. Registration is required ends Tuesday, December 3rd. Call (413) 259-3060 to sign up. If you require transportation, let us know.}

FRIDAY DECEMBER 20: SENIOR CENTER COOKIE SWAP. 1 p.m., Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Have a favorite cookie or recipe you’re proud of? Show it off at the cookie swap. Hang out while you sample a few or take some to go to enjoy later. Please bake at least two dozen cookies so there are enough to share. Label cookies that contain nuts, gluten, or other allergens. Store bought cookies are fine too.

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 FROM NOVEMBER 12 THROUGH DECEMBER 31: LUNCH IN TOWN WITH AMHERST NEIGHBORS. 12 to 1:30 p.m., Police Station Community Room, 111 Main Street. Meet other Amherst Neighbors members in person for general camaraderie and discussion. Bring your own lunch. Canceled if the town closes for weather.

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. 

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.

THURSDAYS OCTOBER 31 THROUGH DECEMBER 5: STOLEN BEAM SERIES. 7:30 to 8:50 p.m. on Zoom. Would you welcome a place to learn why some people are talking about reparations for African-Americans? A 5-session class will take place this fall, called The Stolen Beam Series. This educational series was developed by members of the Reparations Committee of the Jewish Community of Amherst and will be facilitated by members of that committee.The class will meet via Zoom for five Thursdays this fall (October 31, November 7, 14, 21, and December 5) from 7:30 – 8:50 pm. This course requires reading, viewing, active participation, and a commitment to show up for each session. Registration is now open, and closes on October 22. Learn more and register.

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.

SATURDAYS IN DECEMBER: WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bangs Community Center., 70 Boltwood Walk. The Amherst Farmers’ Market is excited to announce the launch of its Winter Market at the Bangs Community Center, right in downtown Amherst. The Winter Market will run from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday in December and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of January, February, and March. This new venue offers a spacious and familiar environment for local farmers, artisans, and crafters to showcase their goods to the community. 

NOW UNTIL FRIDAY DECEMBER 13: CLAUS FOR A CAUSE. Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. For the second year in a row, the Amherst Council on Aging is sponsoring Claus for a Cause to bring cheer to older adults who need a pick me up around the holidays, whether they’re homebound, have recently felt a loss, have no family in the area, etc. The Senior Center is collecting donations of puzzle books, hard candies, low-sugar hard candies, tea, hot chocolate, lotion, lip balm, warm clothing, self-care items, etc. that will be used to fill gift bags for seniors. These bags will be delivered beginning Wednesday, December 18. Donations can be brought to the Bangs Community Center until 3 p.m. on Friday, December 13. If you are interested in volunteering to deliver bags, please call Julia MacFadzen at 413-259-3038. Have a friend or neighbor you’d like to nominate? Call Lucas Schildbach at 413-259-3062