Family events in Amherst, MA

Villa Napoletana presents a Sunday brunch featuring classic breakfast fare, Italian specialties, and a variety of hot dishes. The price is $23.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 12 and under.

Cookie Club is an eight-session afterschool baking program held in the full kitchen at the Florence Civic Center. Designed for ages 7 to 11, with opportunities for ages 12 and up to participate as CITs, it focuses on real technique and the science behind great cookies. Young bakers will measure, mix, cream, fold, and decorate while following a curriculum that blends chemistry, creativity, and flavor. Each meeting features a different cookie and a new skill, with from-scratch, teacher-led lessons that explain why cookies spread, why butter matters, and how ingredient changes affect results. Participants taste their work and bring some home after every session, and the $300 fee includes weekly take-home treats for the family.

Children who are passionate about animals can build real pet care skills through hands-on activities and time with live animal guests. This educational session at High Five Books offers close-up encounters with visiting animals while teaching everyday care for young participants.

Youth ages 10 to 17 can help shape the library by participating in the Youth Advisory Board. Meeting regularly, the group focuses on improving the library experience, planning programs and events, recommending items for the collection, and sharing ideas that reflect what young patrons want to see.

Imagine it, then build it with LEGO bricks at the Carnegie Library. This relaxed, drop-in activity invites children ages 6 to 11 to explore creativity with the library’s LEGO collection during open hours on Wednesdays. Public transit is available via FRTA Routes 22, 24, or 32 to the Food City stop, or Route 23 to the Ave A and 3rd Street stop. Accessibility features include one designated accessible parking space on the 7th Street side of the building, a wheelchair ramp accessed from that side with an automatic door at the top, and a restroom whose entrance is not ADA compliant. For accommodation requests or questions about physical access, contact library director Caitlin Kelley at librarydirector@montague-ma.gov or 413-863-3214 ext. 6 in advance.

Kids take a deep dive into the science behind big booms in a fire free, eight week club. Topics include volcanoes, the chemistry of fireworks, and more, all explored without flames.

Enjoy a laid-back, family-friendly space to draw and express yourself while meeting others in the community. The focus is on creativity, connection, and a relaxed good time. Admission is free, and optional donations are appreciated.

Enjoy a casual gaming session at the library. Bring a device from home or use a library computer to play the games you like. Minecraft is available using a library account or your own. A limited number of computers will be assigned as participants arrive. No registration is needed, so feel free to drop in.

Responsible, creative, and caring kids can build real babysitting skills in an afterschool club inspired by the Babysitters Club books. Designed for ages 7 to 11, with opportunities for ages 12 and up to participate as CITs, the program blends reading, conversation, and practical activities that help young participants grow into confident and compassionate caregivers. It also celebrates three new releases from the series, including The Super Special Graphic Novel. Each registration includes a brand-new Babysitters Club book, and both longtime fans of Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, and friends as well as newcomers will find a welcoming way to step into their world.

Celebrating 50 years, the club’s breed specialty show takes place at the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. This focused event highlights a single breed in a dedicated showcase.

Athol Public Library and Hero Shack Press are teaming up for the fifth annual celebration of comics at Athol Town Hall. The venue becomes a lively hub for enthusiasts with comics, live drawing demonstrations, author question and answer sessions, games, vendors, a cosplay contest, free activities, and crafts, offering something for every age group. Admission is free for all ages. The full 2026 schedule will be shared soon. Cosplay contestants can sign up during the registration window before the competition, and cash prizes are offered.

The 3rd Annual Furry Friends Fashion Fundraiser returns, hosted by L & M Creations and benefiting Wolfie’s Legacy Memorial. This warmhearted gathering celebrates pets while raising funds for back meadow fencing, a reflection patio, completion of the memorial walkway, and a permanent hard‑top gazebo over the Rainbow Bridge. The program includes a playful runway fashion show for dogs, where every style is welcome, from costumed looks to simple, confident struts. A bustling marketplace features vendors and crafters offering dog clothes, treats, collars, harnesses, toys, and pet portraits, along with jewelry, candles, crafts, art, and holiday gifts. Vendor tables are $15, and nonprofit organizations may participate at no cost. The event invites shelters and rescues to showcase adoptable dogs on the runway and share information about adoptable cats to support adoptions. Tickets are $10, with every ticket helping fund the memorial improvements.

North Breed Auto Club and Team Zolo present Blast From the Past Car Show 2026, a nostalgic showcase for car and bike enthusiasts focused on classic vibes and lasting memories. Vehicle entry is $20 for cars and $10 for bikes, and spectators are welcome at no cost. Awards include Top 40 Cars, Top 5 Bikes, AC of the Day, MC of the Day, Best Female, Under Construction, and Car of the Day. Additional specialty categories are available for an extra $5, featuring Best Classic, Best Music judged by meter, 2 Step, and Best Wrap. The fun continues with friendly contests such as team tug of war, a team sack race, and a food eating competition. Vendors, food, raffles, and more complete the experience.

Celebrate character building and stage presence at a cosplay competition that spotlights creativity, craftsmanship, and accuracy. Participants will compete for honors that include Best in Show, Creativity, Craftsmanship, Accuracy, and Best Presentation or Performance, with cash prizes selected by a panel of Comic Book Fest judges. Each person may enter only one costume, and preference is given to builds created at home. Professional commission-based costumers are invited to showcase their work at Comic Book Fest but should not enter the competition. Costumes that include nudity, obscene or graphic elements, or anything not in keeping with the spirit of the event will lead to disqualification. Judging focuses on resemblance to the character, the quality of construction, creative choices, presentation to the audience, and how well the costume is represented. Registration is free at the Comic Book Fest entry table inside Athol Town Hall and requires a name, age, character title, and franchise, along with a quick photo at sign-up. During the contest, each entrant will cross the stage, pause for a pose, and answer one or two brief questions from the MC about the character or the costume. To remain eligible for prizes, contestants are expected to present a new cosplay each year.

Enjoy dinner with desserts and chances to win in raffles. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for kids.

Enjoy a comforting community meal with dine-in seating or convenient curbside pickup. Choose pork with gravy or a vegetarian sausage entrée, and every plate comes with mashed potatoes, butternut squash, applesauce, a roll with butter, and apple crisp for dessert. Each dinner is $20. More details and online ordering are available.

An evening created for moms and sons ages 3 and up at Pioneer Valley Christian Academy features active games, creative projects, and sweet treats. Pair up for dodgeball and basketball, paint matching portraits, and enjoy face painting. Everyone comes together for a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar, then heads to the gym for an energetic round of Just Dance, followed by a family-friendly movie to wind down. Admission is $25 for one mom and one son, with each additional son $5. Registration is managed by Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, and payments are processed at 413-782-8031. Current PVCA families may register through ParentSquare.