Events in Hampden County today

Ferri Senior Care Consulting hosts an informational session for anyone exploring senior living for themselves or a loved one. The program outlines the types of senior living available and offers guidance to help determine which option may be the best match when a change in living situation is being considered. Please sign up ahead of time.

Stained glass classes are organized in recurring six week sessions, with instruction offered in consistent blocks that run six weeks at a time.

The Longmeadow Shops hosts a farmers market featuring local items from Berry Knoll Gardens, Bread by Cara, Quarry Pond Farm, Amy Cakes Baked Goods, and more. Explore a variety of offerings from area vendors in one place.

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.

The Autumn meeting of the Agawam Historical Association features a talk by historical archaeologist Bob Drinkwater that looks at the makers behind the gravestones found in Agawam’s oldest burial grounds. Drawing on his recent book about western Massachusetts carvers active from the early 1700s to the mid 1800s, he will connect distinctive carving styles to specific artisans and highlight examples in Agawam’s historic cemeteries, where nearly five dozen Revolutionary War veterans are interred. Drinkwater holds an MA in anthropology from UMass Amherst and has spent more than four decades documenting, photographing, and reporting on eighteenth and early nineteenth century gravestones and the stonecutters of the Connecticut River Valley. As a charter member of the Association for Gravestone Studies, he has published scholarly articles, organized and presented at conferences, and served in leadership roles. The program is free and open to all. Venue: Captain Charles Leonard House.

Villa Napoletana hosts an evening of wine, Italian cuisine, and a live set by Jeffrey Thomas. Photo credit to Jeffrey Thomas on Facebook.

Round up some friends for taproom trivia held every Thursday.

No Frills Karaoke offers a welcoming, nonjudgmental setting where everyone can relax, be themselves, and belt out favorite tunes. Whether you feel at home onstage or usually sing only in the shower, this gathering brings music lovers of all experience levels together to share songs, laughter, and good company. Expect a supportive atmosphere that encourages letting go of inhibitions, celebrating friends, and creating memories through spirited performances and shared camaraderie.

Local singer songwriters share their original music in a free showcase hosted by John Prout. The list of artists will be announced. Enjoy a beer and something to eat while you listen to the performances.

New Music Alliance and Bigger Beast Records host The Spark Sessions at Bright Ideas Brewing Westfield with a set of original music from nationally touring artist Vance Gilbert. Richmond Magazine has likened his artistry to a blend of Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens with a comic edge reminiscent of Rodney Dangerfield. The performance unfolds in the BackLight Listening Room, a comfortable, up close space set apart from the main brewery for a focused listening experience. Award winning craft beer from Bright Ideas and Chappy's local fare are just down the hall. Tickets cost $20.

The Weight Band revives the timeless music of The Band with a high-energy program of classic Americana that blends roadhouse rock, swamp pop rhythms, blues, country soul, and folk. Led by guitarist Jim Weider, the lineup includes keyboardist Brian Mitchell, bassist Albert Rogers, drummer Michael Bram, and keyboardist Matt Zeiner, musicians whose backgrounds include The Band, Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band, the Jim Weider Band, Jimmy Vivino, Jason Mraz, and Dickey Betts. United by what Weider calls the Woodstock Sound, this veteran quintet keeps that tradition alive with soulful performances and rich musicianship. Their work Shines Like Gold offers a vivid showcase of these seasoned roots artists at their best.

Experience a candlelit tribute to Adele at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where a live, multi-sensory atmosphere sets the tone for an evening of her most beloved songs. The Listeso String Quartet will perform selections including Hello, Rumour Has It, Make You Feel My Love, Water Under the Bridge, Oh My God, Someone Like You, Send My Love, Chasing Pavements, Skyfall, When We Were Young, Set Fire to the Rain, Easy On Me, and Rolling in the Deep. Seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis within each zone, and Zone C offers ADA accessible seats. Attendees must be at least 8 years old, and guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This is a tribute concert and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the artist, their estate, or official representatives.

Step up to the mic for an evening of karaoke. Perform songs, support other singers, and enjoy a music-filled night.

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.

At Storrs Library, caregivers with children up to 18 months can drop in for a relaxed playgroup. Siblings are invited too. Expect a shared story, time with toys, and an easy chance for both kids and adults to meet new friends. Stay for a few minutes or the whole session, and know that even fussy babies are welcome.

The Hampden County Beekeepers Association presents a seminar on beekeeping at A.W. Brown's Pet & Garden. It offers an opportunity to learn more about beekeeping from the association in an educational setting.

The Zombie Hideout TCG & Sports Card Show brings a Halloween-season vibe to a full day of collecting. Explore vendors offering Pokémon, sports cards, Magic: The Gathering, comics, toys, sealed products, singles, and other collectibles. Buyers, sellers, and traders can connect, expand collections, and hunt for grails throughout the show. Vendor tables are available for $25 per 6-foot table, with limited availability.

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.

Kick off the weekend with an evening of music as The Storytellers perform at Mario's Cafe Ambiance.

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.

Savor fine wines and Italian dishes while Marco Turo performs live. Photo courtesy of Marco's Facebook page.

As summer birds depart and migrants from farther north arrive for winter, this relaxed bird walk with Martha (Marti) Kane focuses on spotting species and contributing observations to an eBird count. Beginners are welcome and no prior experience is required. Bring binoculars if you have them. A Westfield native, Kane spent much of her career in North Carolina training park rangers and managing a nature preserve, and she has recently returned to the area. She enjoys conducting eBird counts at local parks and monitoring nest boxes for bluebirds and other cavity-nesting songbirds. This program is part of eight free Nature Workshops offered by Stanley Park and the Greater Westfield Community in the 229-acre Frank Stanley Beveridge Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary. Unless otherwise noted, walks and workshops meet at the sanctuary’s main entrance sign across from the recreation field. Walks will be canceled in the event of heavy rain. Wear hiking attire and sturdy footwear, and consider bringing water, field guides, binoculars, and a camera.

This monthly breakfast buffet returns after a summer break with a menu that includes pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, biscuits with gravy, fresh fruit, and assorted beverages. It is open to the public and welcomes everyone, with a per person donation requested. Uniformed first responders and service members are welcomed as guests in appreciation of their service. Friends and families can enjoy a shared meal and friendly company.

Celebrate the season with quick fall photo sessions offered at Forest Park Aquatic Gardens, East Granby Farms, and Mitteneague Park. Each session lasts 20 minutes and is priced at $275, and you receive every edited image as a digital download with rights to print. Dogs are welcome, and multiple dates are available at these locations.

Savor a relaxed Sunday brunch at Villa Napoletana with a spread of traditional breakfast dishes, Italian specialties, and a selection of hot entrees. Admission is $23.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 12 and under.

Set aside time to slow down and reconnect with yourself through a welcoming yoga experience that focuses on caring for your whole self. No prior experience or flexibility is required, since the emphasis is on moving at your own pace and practicing mindfulness. It is open to anyone navigating recovery, managing stress, seeking balance, or simply needing a quiet moment after a busy week. Expect a supportive, judgment-free space where you can breathe, move, and build community without pressure or obligations.

Pages & Portraits: Book Launch Celebration highlights two new releases that center community voices and creativity. The Power in Her Bones presents an anthology of stories from 25 women. Through Our Lens: The World in Black & White features a photography collection created by Young Queen photographers. The event focuses on storytelling, art, photography, community, and celebration, recognizing the achievements of the authors and young creatives. Tickets are limited.

RAD Springfield runs a mobile bicycle workshop that shares repair know-how and access to tools throughout Springfield’s neighborhoods. Bring a bike for service or offer a donation for refurbishment. Skilled technicians restore donated bicycles for low-cost resale or to return to the community, with free bikes provided in many cases to residents who need transportation. Volunteers are welcome to learn repair skills or contribute existing expertise in a multicultural, all-ages environment. This is a walk-in format with no advance registration required.

At Heartsong Yoga Center, Chantal Jacques Haracsy of Nirvana Spa & Wellness in Somers, CT leads a crystal bowl sound healing meditation designed for deep rest and renewal. Participants settle on the floor in a shavasana-style position and get cozy with cushions and blankets, using those provided by the studio or bringing their own. Chantal guides an inner journey while playing crystal bowls, offering soothing tones that support relaxation and alignment. The practice is described as encouraging inner peace, clarity, better sleep, and overall ease, and research has noted sound’s influence on mental processes, the nervous system, heartbeat and pulse, muscles, digestion, and circulation. Advance registration is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome, and the fee is $25. This is a recurring monthly session.