Free events in Athol, MA

This free, public recovery support group meets at Greater Gardner CHC in the third floor conference room. It welcomes adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol or other substance use disorders. Conversations encourage personal growth through self-reflection and peer support, and CHC recovery coaches facilitate each session. The group is part of weekly offerings available across Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner. For questions or more information, call 978-878-8484.

Gather for an easygoing, creativity-centered activity that helps people connect and build community. It is welcoming to families and keeps the mood light and fun. Participation is free, and donations are appreciated.

A warm, child-centered morning designed for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers features engaging stories, lively songs, and developmentally supportive play. It offers an easy way to meet other families while little ones explore at their own pace. This program is free, light refreshments are available for children and adults, and walk-ins are welcome with no registration needed.

A casual teen drop-in at The HUB features free bowling, ice cream, and space to relax with friends. The atmosphere is laid back with games to enjoy and no admission cost, creating an easy place to unwind. Sponsored by The United Way of North Central MA.

The cruise night returns with a new name honoring beloved member Bruno Starzynski. Expect a classic car showcase that depends on the weather, a visiting food truck, and a 50/50 raffle. Live bands perform in the Pavilion Hall regardless of conditions. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Local growers and makers return with favorite vendors and fresh foods that support regional agriculture. Visitors can meet the people who produce their food, with many items coming from within about 20 miles. The market also offers activities for kids, shopper incentives, and live music, so picking up groceries comes with a show.

Barre Farmers Market takes place rain or shine.

Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon presents its first Indie Author Book Fair, a free community celebration of self-published and independent voices across many genres, including mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, poetry and more. The fair spotlights Sisters in Crime New England with authors Nicole Asselin, Judith Carlough, and Mike Ciaraldi. Participating writers include Donald Ballou Smyth, Catherine Zebrowski, Barbara Friedman, Deborah Fukuda, Jorge Sanchez, Kris Bowser, Mary Anne Kalonas Slack, Michelle Elliott, Robin Roberts, Ann Goltz, Jack McClintock, Jacqueline Gamache, Michael Glenzel, Melanie Meadors, Ruth Madison, Douglas Dumont, Kimberly Hallinan, Sally Cragin, Jean Varda, Victoria R. Delmar, Shawn McClintock, John Daly, Via Luino, and Marie LeClaire. Publishing professionals will be on hand as well, including Raymond Rugg of Tree-Lion Press and Jaqueline Gamache of Lore & Rime, along with editor Tracy Cutter of Language Lover Editing Services. Attendees can enjoy author talks, roundtables on how to get started with publishing, how to avoid scams, and how to work with third party contractors such as artists and editors. Workshops explore e-pubs and the journey from book to audiobook. Families will find children’s activities, and food will be available from Lickity Splitz Food Truck and Pepe’s Eatery. The fair is presented in partnership with the Friends of the Beals Library, By Light Unseen Media, and the Winchendon Cultural Council.

Celebrate the close of the season at the Community Canvas End of Summer Festival. Explore hands-on maker tables, enjoy live music from Shaely O'Dou, sample bites from food trucks, and cap it off with a movie. Admission is free, with support from Mass Cultural Council, Athol Credit Union, Athol Trading Post, POLUS CENTER, Athol Area YMCA, and Lickity Splitz.

Let imaginations take shape with a relaxed LEGO building time at the Carnegie Library. Children ages 6 to 11 can create and construct with the library’s LEGO collection during open hours on Wednesdays. FRTA bus routes 22, 24, 32, and 23 provide transit options to reach the library. Accessibility features include one accessible parking space on the 7th Street side of the building, a wheelchair ramp entered from the driveway on that side with an automatic door at the top, and a restroom whose entrance is not fully ADA compliant. For accommodation requests or questions about access, contact library director Caitlin Kelley at librarydirector@montague-ma.gov or 413-863-3214 ext. 6 ahead of your visit.