Events in Athol today

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.

Lumos presents an intimate candlelit tribute to two classical greats at St. Stanislaus Catholic Parish in Winchester. A string trio will perform a program centered on Mozart and Vivaldi, featuring Eine kleine Nachtmusik, movements from Divertimento K.563, selections from The Four Seasons, Gloria, and the third movement of the Concerto in A minor. Seating is first come within allocated tiered zones labeled Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. This experience offers two separate sittings, with doors opening ahead of each. The event welcomes guests ages eight and older. The venue is wheelchair accessible, although front row placement cannot be guaranteed. In support of community causes, a donation is directed to a different charity each month.

A casual dessert meet-up with the Friends of Greenfield Dance at Guiding Star Grange features conversation about their work, including safety codes, small grant funding, and hosting semi-annual dances, as well as ways to support local folk music and dancing. Dessert is complimentary. This gathering takes place ahead of the Balance the Wave contra dance. The Friends of Greenfield Dance are not affiliated with that event, and attendees may stay to dance afterward.

The Great Falls Farmers Market takes place in downtown Turners Falls, Massachusetts. This community farmers market welcomes shoppers using SNAP, and HIP benefits are accepted.

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.

The NEECA Triathlon brings a team-focused challenge with three legs that include biking, running or jogging, and horseback riding. Each team designates one participant for each segment, and recognition is given for the fastest combined team time as well as top individual times in each category. With a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends, it blends friendly competition with plenty of fun.

Hosted by Fly Fishers International Northeast Council, the Northeast Fly Fishers & Outdoors Festival takes place at Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The event centers on teaching, conservation efforts, and building community, welcoming fly fishers as well as people who enjoy the outdoors for music, learning, and shared experiences. The fairgrounds offer a setting to connect around shared values and a beverage in a scenic part of the Northeast. Onsite camping will be available, allowing conversations to continue after closing. Details about exhibitors and sponsors will be shared, and the festival’s logo and branding are by Design Refinery.

At Treehouse Studio, this intimate seasonal experience welcomes a small circle of 4 to 6 guests to slow their pace and reconnect with nature. The Ayurvedic Garden Table centers on fresh, in-season food and herbal beverages, gentle grounding yoga, time in the garden, and simple Ayurvedic guidance that is naturally integrated throughout. Menus and practices are inspired by what is flourishing locally and in the studio garden. Guests may choose the yoga session, the table gathering, or combine both for a fuller nourishment experience. The setting is primarily outdoors in the studio’s gardens and communal spaces when weather allows, with an indoor studio available as a backup. Pricing is $22 for Seasonal Grounding Yoga and $88 for The Ayurvedic Garden Table, reflecting a down-to-earth approach to living Ayurveda through food, movement, seasonal rhythms, and meaningful connection.

A Mopar-focused car show at Salvadore Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Gardner, Massachusetts brings together classic vehicle owners, passionate fans, and spectators to celebrate the cars, the community, and the shared Mopar spirit. Explore a lineup of classic Mopars, enjoy food available for purchase, test your knowledge with trivia, and take part in prize opportunities. The gathering also highlights two milestones, recognizing Salvadore’s 35 years in business and the Mighty Mopar Group’s 42nd year as a club. Admission is free.

Advance your practice with a two day Level 2 Reiki training that culminates in certification. Guided by Reiki Master Teacher Gloria Young, this course deepens skills through hands on instruction and individualized support. Participants explore the three Level 2 symbols and their practical applications, techniques for offering Reiki to people who are not physically present, approaches for addressing emotional and mental patterns, methods for working with past experiences, ways to balance and harmonize the chakras, and practices for clearing heavy energy to encourage spiritual growth. The curriculum also includes advanced meditations and visualizations to strengthen your connection and confidence. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, a comprehensive manual for continued study, and access to a private online community of fellow practitioners. Tuition is $400. This offering from New England Bodywork & Wellness Academy is intended for students who have completed a reputable Level 1 course, maintain a regular practice, feel comfortable with self care and sharing Reiki with others, and arrive with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to receive feedback. Refunds are available with a $25 administrative deduction up to 30 days before the workshop. Cancellations 14 to 29 days prior incur a $50 administrative deduction. No refunds are issued within 14 days of the start, for day of cancellations, or for no shows. Masks are optional, and anyone feeling unwell should refrain from attending. A minimum of four students is required. If the minimum is not met, a class credit will be provided for a future session.

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.

Cowboys & Hippies at Winchendon Community Park is a community event featuring live music from Bearly Dead, along with Whiskey-6, Waylon & Co., and The Whole Loaf. Volunteers are needed for setup, cleanup, serving, cafe support, and other event needs. Most shifts are 2 to 3 hours, and every hour helps sustain the many programs The HUB provides throughout the year. Proceeds from The HUB and Kiwanis food tent will support the work both organizations do locally. For The HUB, that includes Community Food, Emergency Assistance, Community Threads, Youth Leadership Training, Senior Bowling, Teen Drop-In, cooking classes, after-school programs, and more. Funds also help the Kiwanis Club of Winchendon continue its service to children, families, and community initiatives throughout Winchendon.

Head to the range for an evening session featuring 20 percent off all purchases. Keep playing golf as long as there is light in the sky and make the most of twilight swings before night sets in.

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.

A memorial motorcycle ride honoring Tom Fors begins following check-in. The day features raffles, live music from MLC, and a rollout of new T-shirt designs created for the event. Further details will be shared as they become available.

Benefit bingo at the Gardner Elks features ten vendor-led games that support a cause. Each vendor gives a brief introduction, then calls a game. Win a round and receive that vendor’s product, with one winner per game. Ten games are available for $5. Featured businesses include Tastefully Simple with Sheila Perrow, Acadian Gifts & More with Melissa Cominoli, Klumsy Kreations with Kristi Laraba, Hand Knit Creations with Darlene Brehio, Stitchin Creation with Felicia Peppard, Pampered Chef with Jessican Fountain-poole, Smiley Sweets with Anna Pandiscio, and Julie’s Little Freshie Shop with Julie Pavao.

Monday Morning Continuum: SOLE PLAY is a four-week series led by Megan Bathory-Peeler. Through breath, sound, and organic movement from within, these classes aim to soften ingrained patterns and engage the body’s innate intelligence. The approach emphasizes Biological Optimism, supporting overall wholeness rather than dwelling on problems, and builds a strong, fluid foundation by beginning with the health and alignment of the feet and legs. Participants may take a single class or the full sequence. Each class runs for two hours. The cost is 25 USD per class or 95 USD for the series when paid in full by the first session. Continuum Somanautiko is presented as a practice centered on attentive, full-body listening that nurtures curiosity. Starting with easy breaths and voiced tones, the vibrations encourage gentle, unforced motions, evoke rich sensory imagery, and enhance a sense of fluidity throughout. Within just a few breaths, many people notice sensations returning that can be flattened by life’s fast pace, which is described as supporting vitality, adaptability, immune function, and resilience. New participants are welcome, and a beginner’s mindset is encouraged. Wear comfortable layers that allow ease of movement. Mats, bolsters, and blankets are available in the studio, and you are welcome to bring anything that adds to your comfort. Hydration is emphasized, including drinking water in advance and keeping a bottle on hand. Bringing a notebook to write in each week is also recommended.

Dirty Johnny hosts a karaoke night built around singing with friends. Taking place at the Vic, it has grown into a popular standout for the venue, offering a friendly vibe and plenty of sing-along moments.

Experience an open mic at the Voo, hosted by Jim McRae.

Enjoy a friendly game gathering at the Winchendon Senior Center with tables set for cribbage, Scrabble, checkers, chess, and card games. Newcomers, returning players, and seasoned gamers are all welcome, and a few cribbage enthusiasts are hoping to find additional partners. Boards and cards are provided, and drop-ins can choose whichever game they prefer. Transportation assistance is available for anyone who needs a ride. For help arranging one, contact 978-297-3155 or communityconnector@winchendon-cac.org. For general questions, reach the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 or winchendoncoa@gmail.com.

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.

This weekly book club at the Gardner FRC offers an hour of lively discussion with fellow readers. Books are provided by the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, so there is no need to bring a copy. Lunch is included, and child care is available upon request. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, with time to share ideas and connect over each selection. Registration is required.