The best arts & culture spots in Chicopee

“Art For the Soul Gallery is a nonprofit space centering underrepresented artists with carefully curated shows, community events, and Art Access Days workshops that invite everyone in. When you want art with heart, this Springfield staple delivers rotating perspectives and real conversation, not just pretty walls.”

From the Chicopee newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery quietly turns out about six thoughtful shows each academic year, mixing local and national artists with standout STCC student work. And the wild card is their full-scale camera obscura, where Pearl Street appears in living color and motion...”

From the Springfield newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame keeps basketball’s story alive right where it all started, with 40,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, the limited-time Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc exhibit, and the Hall of Honor’s deep-dive kiosks. Perfect for a quick spark of nostalgia between errands.”

From the Chicopee newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Pulp is the kind of gallery that keeps Holyoke interesting, with shows spanning Stacy Caldwell’s paintings shaped by her Lancaster County roots, Anna Dennis Dibble’s environmentally minded work, and Brent Refsland’s surprisingly gorgeous sandpaper pieces in the front room, plus new collage-forward work from Maria…”

From the Holyoke newsletter, September 21, 2026

“If your feed, brand, or family portrait is begging for better lighting, Nixon Studio Rental right in Holyoke has a wildly flexible Backdrops Studio with 50 paper colors, pro lighting crafted by Nixon, and guidance that plays nice with any camera. Book a session and make this week’s photos actually slap.”

From the Holyoke newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Right here in Holyoke, International Volleyball Hall of Fame digs into the sport’s roots with hands-on history, from William G. Morgan to beach-era glory, plus digital exhibits and an annual Induction Celebration that turns autumn into a who’s-who for true fans.”

From the Chicopee newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Wistariahurst Museum turns local culture and history into an easy afternoon, with exhibits set inside a well-preserved 1874 home and a refurbished carriage house. It’s the kind of place that makes family stories click, and maybe inspires a smarter walk around the neighborhood.”

From the Holyoke newsletter, September 19, 2026

“The Smith Art Museum packs a world tour into an Italian palazzo, from Japanese lacquer and Chinese cloisonné to a swoon-worthy American Paintings Salon and Tiffany windows. It’s closed for restoration now, so dive into their digitized archives this week, then pounce when doors reopen late October.”

From the Springfield newsletter, August 8, 2026

“From the world’s largest collection of Indian Motorcycles and the Smith & Wesson firearms gallery to beautifully restored autos like an 1899 Knox and 1901 Crestmobile, Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History makes our city’s invent-it-here past feel alive. Hasbro GameLand seals the family-friendly deal.”

From the Springfield newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Need a spark to finally try that project you keep talking about? Make-It Springfield is a friendly downtown community makerspace with skill-sharing workshops, tools and materials, and free open studio time.”

From the Chicopee newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Whether you're craving big laughs or a musical earworm, Majestic Theater is rolling out a 2026 to 2027 season with Nunsense, Lend Me A Tenor, Eureka Day, The Price, and West Side Story. Plus special events like Torch Song Tuesday and The Majesters keep the week lively... go grab seats.”

From the Westfield newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Need an art reset that doesn't require a weekend in Boston?”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Rediscover the city that built the future at Museum of Springfield History, where world-class exhibits highlight Springfield’s inventors, the world’s largest Indian Motorcycle collection, the largest trove of Smith & Wesson firearms, beautifully restored early autos, and Hasbro GameLand...”

From the Chicopee newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Tap into hometown whimsy at The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, celebrating Springfield’s own Theodor Geisel with rhyming games, life-sized characters, and colorful spaces that make kids giddy and adults nostalgic. A breezy plan for when you need a quick dose of weird and wonderful.”

From the Springfield newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Science, history, and art all hang out at Springfield Museums, an easy win this week with family fun in the Art Discovery Center and shows at the Seymour Planetarium. The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is closed for restoration, reopening in late October... prime timing for a fall visit.”

From the Chicopee newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Take a quick mental vacation this week at Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, where Springfield native Theodor Geisel’s world pops to life in bronze by sculptor Lark Grey Dimond-Cates. Wander past The Grinch and Max, snap a few grins, then peek inside the Amazing World of Dr.”

From the Springfield newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Whether you or your kid is aiming to compete or just dance for fun, Youthful Expressions turns training into confidence.”

From the Chicopee newsletter, September 6, 2026