Events in Fitchburg today

Wilderness Survival 1 is a beginner friendly class that focuses on the essentials for staying warm, hydrated, and nourished in the outdoors. It is a solid starting point for hikers, backpackers, hunters, trail runners, and anyone looking to feel more confident outside while deepening their connection to nature. The curriculum covers careful use and sharpening of carving tools with safety in mind, five must know knots, building fires with modern ignition methods, practicing with rabbit sticks, creating shelters with contemporary gear, disinfecting water, choosing appropriate clothing, following ethical guidelines for foraging, assembling a practical survival kit, understanding survival logistics and mindset, and navigating with a map and compass. Participants receive an OEWS logo patch and a feather patch upon completion. This class can stand on its own or serve as the first step toward the Alula Certification. Finishing it fulfills the prerequisites for Wilderness Survival 2 or 3. Students should bring an OEWS Basic, Complete, or Ultimate Survival Kit or an equivalent setup, with the Complete Kit recommended for convenience. Plan to dress for the weather and insects, pack water, lunch, and snacks along with extra water to safely extinguish fires, and consider bringing a notebook and pen for notes. A camping chair or something to sit on is helpful, and a baseplate compass is required. At minimum, bring a carving tool, a ferro rod or matches, a poncho or heavy trash bag, about twelve feet of rope, and anything else needed to meet personal basics. Loaner gear is available, and carving tools and fire starters are offered for sale at the start of class. Since everything takes place outside and off trail in a forest setting a short walk from parking, extra layers are encouraged, especially for cold conditions. Those interested in a custom survival carving tool designed by lead instructor Tim Swanson, called The Talon and made by Jackson Mills of Freedom Forge, should plan ahead because builds take a few weeks. Pricing depends on options and is roughly $200. The course is aimed at adults, though mature minors are welcome. There is no fixed age minimum, and parents decide if their child is ready for a seven hour survival class. Students under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian. Everyone is expected to show respect and work independently. If a child would disrupt the flow or limit a parent’s learning, youth focused classes are recommended. The ticket price covers one student, regardless of age. The class runs year round, fully outdoors, and proceeds in rain or shine. If conditions become unsafe, it will be cancelled and students can reschedule. Instruction is led by Tim Swanson, founder and lead instructor of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival, with support from apprentices and co instructors.

Known around New England as the Worcester Sweetheart, Morgan Alyse brings a mix of jazzy, folk, and ukulele sounds, sharing original songs with a sweet, soulful touch. Enjoy her music while you browse for fresh local produce.

The first ever Kid's Market at the farm offers young entrepreneurs a chance to participate as vendors in a kid-focused marketplace. Children interested in the vendor experience can take part by setting up as sellers and being part of a market designed just for them.

Pair Cousins Maine Lobster with your favorite Sterling St brews as the truck rolls in for a tasty stop. Order at the truck with cash or any major credit card, or use the Cousins Maine Lobster mobile app for contactless ordering. App orders are accepted only during operating hours, and at busy moments ordering may be temporarily paused to handle high demand and maintain product quality.

Pack a lawn chair and enjoy a park performance filled with favorite tunes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. A rain date is planned.

At Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, this annual Days Between celebration honors Jerry Garcia with two full sets of music, vendors, and a variety of food and beverages. The setting offers a community-focused atmosphere across the farm.

Summer Comedy Night offers an evening of comedy. Advance reservations are required, and tickets are $25 per person. Tables can be reserved. Tickets go fast, so early booking is recommended. For reservations, contact Claude Leger (Boot) at 978-407-1555.

The Ben Cote Band is back with live music at Partner's Pub. The band takes the stage for a performance at the pub.

Fitchburg Street Hockey hosts a 4 on 4 ball hockey tournament featuring divisions for Men’s C, Men’s Novice, and Coed B. Teams may roster up to ten players, including the goaltender. Each game consists of two 10 minute periods with stopped time, and offsides are not enforced. Every team is scheduled for a minimum of four games. There is a $100 deposit. For more information, contact Zach Marquis.

Designed for athletes already entered in a HYROX event as well as anyone looking for a fresh fitness test, this event recreates the buzz of a live race so you can check your progress and push your capabilities. Tackle a sequence of workout stations, taking each challenge one at a time, while athletes and supporters come together for friendly competition, encouragement, and shared celebration. Registration is available for individuals or a double team.

Amina and Arif lead Dances of Universal Peace, with each dance’s movements, chants, and songs taught step by step so no prior experience is needed. A potluck meal follows the dances. In the spirit of Murshid Samuel L. Lewis, the gathering aims to elevate participants toward joy, realization, and peace while fostering harmony.

Henry LaLiberte performs solo at Baileys Bar & Grille with a mix of familiar songs spanning many eras and genres. The venue pairs the music with a broad selection of meals and appetizers, an extensive list of beverages, a wraparound bar on the bar side, and friendly staff.

Young players ages 6 to 8 can build their game at a Skyhawks tennis clinic at the Doyle Field Tennis Courts. The program develops core skills including forehand and backhand technique and understanding of scoring, then reinforces them through practice sessions and match play to promote consistent, well rounded play. Sessions also encourage personal growth with a focus on sportsmanship and perseverance. Participants should wear athletic attire and bring multiple water bottles, two snacks, and sunscreen. Each child receives a Skyhawks T-shirt and an award certificate. The clinic runs Monday through Friday and costs $150 for residents and $170 for nonresidents.

Created to make kid-friendly cooking exciting, these classes invite children to discover fresh ingredients while building confidence in the kitchen. Each class offers hands-on practice with skills like chopping, slicing, peeling, and measuring as participants work together to prepare a tasty dish. After cooking, everyone samples what they made, and each child heads home with a recipe card and either a special ingredient or a take-home sample so they can share their new skills with family and friends.

Challenge Island presents a popular storybook-themed slime experience for ages 6 to 9, where STEAM Teams turn favorite tales into hands-on creations. Participants will mix imaginative slimes inspired by Alice’s unbirthday cake, Charlie’s everlasting gobstopper, Percy’s blue cookie, Narnia’s Turkish delight, and a STEAMwarts butter beer. Each day includes games and prizes. Please send a water bottle and a peanut and tree nut free snack. The fee is $150 for residents and $170 for non-residents.

Enjoy a flexible fitness session at the Gardner Family Resource Center where adults can follow along with a selection of prerecorded workouts suited to every activity level. Options include yoga, low impact aerobics, chair-based exercises, gentle stretching, and more. The setting is welcoming and judgment free, making it comfortable for those new to fitness as well as anyone returning to a routine. Childcare is available upon request. Registration is encouraged but not required. For signups or questions, call 978-730-1275 or email Connor.Collins@csoinc.org.

This weeklong Foodie Week art camp welcomes creators ages 8 to 12. Participants spend the week trying out a range of artistic techniques while developing creativity, confidence, and problem-solving in a friendly studio setting. It is designed for kids who love making art and want supportive time to create.

Designed for ages 12 to 16, this five day clay camp teaches both pottery wheel skills and handbuilding techniques. Pieces will be fired in the kiln, and participants will return to glaze their work. All materials, instruction, firings, and glazes are provided for the entire session. Space is limited to 10 participants.

Free, weekly recovery support is available for adults 18 and older who are striving for sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol or other substance use disorders. Guided by CHC recovery coaches, each group emphasizes self-reflection and connection with peers to support personal growth. This session meets at Fitchburg CHC on the second floor in Conference Room 2, and additional groups convene in Leominster at Entrance B in the Behavioral Health conference room, at Greater Gardner CHC on the third floor, and at ACTION CHC in Fitchburg. For questions or more information, call 978-878-8484.

For nearly 25 years, Sizer School, a North Central Charter Essential School, has prepared graduates to think independently, care for others, and act with creativity and responsibility. Explore the campus on a drop-in tour led by Director of Community Development, Communications and Recruitment, Lindsay Alweiss. Discover how state standards are brought to life through small classes and project-centered, hands-on learning that nurtures engaged, curious students who take on essential questions. Translation and interpretation can be arranged by appointment for those who need it. Applications are open for students entering grades 7, 8, and 9.

Bring a book of your choice and settle into a peaceful space with refreshments. Spend some quiet time reading, then finish with a relaxed conversation about what you have been reading. This gathering is for adults only.

Weekly recovery support groups meet at the Leominster Community Health & Urgent Care Center in the Behavioral Health Conference Room at Entrance B. These free, public meetings welcome adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders. Sessions are led by CHC recovery coaches and center on personal growth through self-reflection and support from peers. Similar groups are also available in Fitchburg and Gardner, including Fitchburg CHC on the second floor in Conference Room 2 and Greater Gardner CHC in the third floor conference room. For questions or more information, call 978-878-8484.

Get creative with a cupcake decorating class at Sterling St Brewery in Clinton, inspired by the theme These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things. No prior experience is needed, with guided, step-by-step instruction throughout. Adults can register on their own, or an adult and a child age 8 or older can share one set of cupcakes under a single registration. All materials are provided, including the use of Sue’s decorating tools during the class. Each registration includes six cupcakes, three vanilla and three chocolate, plus a carrying box to take your treats home. Preregistration is required and the cost is $62. For food allergy questions, contact Sue at LetsCakeDecorate@gmail.com or call or text 508-434-6229.

An informal street futsal pickup session will be held at Wallis Park.

This weekly book club offers an hour of conversation, good books, and a complimentary lunch in a friendly setting. Books are provided by the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, so attendees do not need to bring their own. The atmosphere encourages relaxation, sharing, and connection with other readers. Child care is available upon request. Registration is required; to register, call 978-730-1275 or email Kathy.MartinPalumbo@csoinc.org.

Walk-in group visits offer support for people living with diabetes and are open to everyone. They are facilitated by Alexis DiGeronimo, a pharmacist and certified diabetes educator, and by Alyssa Gentry, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, who are available to answer questions about diabetes, nutrition, and medication management. You do not need to be a CHC patient to attend. Depending on your health insurance plan, a referral from your primary care provider may be required and a co-payment may apply. For questions, contact Medical Specialties Manager Kelsey Morales at 978-878-8533 or kmorales@chcfhc.org. If you do not have health insurance, the Patient Services Team can assist you at 978-878-8100, option 3.

The Final Mile takes the stage as part of Summer Concerts on the Common, delivering a blend of rock, jazz, country, and folk at an outdoor community concert. This free series, produced by the Fitchburg MA Recreation Department, is set on the Upper Common in Fitchburg and highlights live music in the open air. Support for the series comes from the Fitchburg Cultural Council, All One Credit Union, and Fitchburg Access Television.

Singer and songwriter Corey Knapp performs live at the Gardner Ale House.

A weekly recovery support group meets at Greater Gardner CHC in the third floor conference room. This free, public program welcomes adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol or other substance use disorders. Sessions focus on personal growth through self-exploration and peer support, and are led by CHC recovery coaches. Groups are also offered in Fitchburg and Leominster. For questions or more information, call 978-878-8484.

A family movie night filled with fun and laughs, with free popcorn provided. The film selection will be announced soon. All ages are welcome, and admission is free. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Gardner Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

The new season of Leominster Summer Concerts is just around the corner, and the lineup has been announced. Sponsors are still being sought to help keep the concerts going.

Enjoy an informal street futsal pickup session at Wallis Park.