Events in Holyoke today

Children explore the small creatures living all around us, from beetles and worms to slugs, ladybugs, and caterpillars. Through hands-on activities and conversation, participants learn why these animals matter and how they support the local ecosystem. Magnifiers are used to study specimens up close, followed by a guided bug hunt to search for insects in their natural spots. This Friday Mornings for Children session takes place in the Beveridge Pavilion, weather permitting. A $5 per family donation is suggested. Seating is provided and blankets are welcome.

This easy-paced nature walk helps caregivers and young children nurture an early appreciation for nature within a welcoming group. Taking place monthly, each outing explores a different trail and spotlights the season's small wonders... jewelweed in bloom, balancing on a log, puddle splashing, and the scent of wildflowers. Activities are interactive and change each time, so every session offers something new. Along the way, parents and caregivers can meet and chat in an easygoing outdoor setting, building connections one walk at a time.

Common Nighthawks are on the move, traveling south from their breeding grounds along one of the longest migration routes of any North American bird. The program opens with an overview of their natural history, covering their crepuscular behavior, fluctuating populations, and impressive ability to capture insects while in flight. After the introduction, participants will head outside to watch for sweeping flights and agile aerial maneuvers. Bring a picnic dinner and a chair to settle in for relaxed sky-watching with good company.

This night market at Armour Yard brings local businesses and vendors together for music, delicious bites, shopping, and a welcoming community spirit. Attendees can explore a variety of offerings and enjoy a lively, culture-rich atmosphere.

The seventh annual Canines Against Cancer support walk gathers families and their dogs at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England to uplift cancer survivors and fuel the work of Each Moment We’re Alive. EMWA offers no cost survivorship resources including ongoing support groups, educational workshops, one on one guidance, and a private online community, and it continued showing up weekly even when many services paused during the pandemic so survivors would not be alone. The evening features a relaxed scenic trail walk, freshly grilled hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by the Beavers Club, live music from the CO2 Acoustic Music Duo made up of two Correctional Officers, a visit from BOOMER of the Springfield Thunderbirds, family games and activities, raffles with prizes, and a celebration honoring survivors. Event merchandise will be available, including 2026 Canines Against Cancer shirts. Registration is a $15 tax deductible donation that includes a meal voucher for a hamburger, cheeseburger, or hot dog, plus access to all activities, while helping EMWA continue sponsor funded tools, education, and live support for survivors and their families at no cost. Those who want to raise additional support can become fundraising champions. Collect $50 or more to receive an exclusive 2026 event shirt, create a personal Facebook fundraiser, set a goal between $250 and $1,000, share why EMWA matters, and invite friends to contribute. A virtual option is available to take part from anywhere with the same purpose and perks, and participants can share photos using #CaninesAgainstCancer. The focus is on community, hope, and the comforting bond of canine companions, celebrating life one pawprint at a time.

A no-cost adult yoga session led by Brian Mulligan takes place at the Library Annex. The class emphasizes a gentle practice with careful attention to alignment, safety, and balanced sequences. It is drop-in, and participants should bring their own yoga mat. Brian is a certified 200 hour yoga instructor who trained with Kim Valerie through the Iyengar based Yoga Spirits program. He is also certified to teach chair yoga through Lakshmi Voelker’s Get Fit Where You Sit program. Lakshmi Voelker has trained more than 1,600 chair yoga instructors and teaches at Kripalu. Plans can change, so check the library website for the most current schedule and location details.

Enjoy a fall, spooky-season themed evening at The Tatham Memorial Club with a guided sea glass window workshop. Participants will create a custom window using provided shells, sand, ocean themed accents, colored glass, and other materials, and may bring personal items to include. Artwork needs time to cure, so finished pieces will be picked up the following day. Advance registration is required to have a frame prepared in your preferred size. Pricing is $35 for a small 5x7 and $55 for a large 8x10. Class size is limited, and registration is available by emailing sisters.sea.glass24@gmail.com.

Wilbraham, Massachusetts is home to RT 20 Bar and Grille, a welcoming spot with friendly staff, tasty food, and regulars who bring plenty of good energy. Playing there has been described as a blast and consistently fun. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food hits the spot, and the crowd keeps the mood upbeat.

The season finale of the Downtown Live! Friday Night Summer Concert Series brings Oakland Stroke to the Westfield Bank Stage at Elm Street Plaza in the heart of the Downtown Westfield Cultural District. This is the band’s debut in the series, presented as a make up date following a weather related postponement. Produced by ArtWorks Westfield, the series marks its tenth season and continues its eight week summer tradition in its third year at this plaza. Oakland Stroke delivers the electrifying San Francisco Bay Area sound of the 1970s with a powerhouse 13 piece lineup featuring the dynamic vocals of Donna-Lee De Prille, the Bump City Horns, Latin percussion, and a tight rhythm section. Expect the East Bay groove associated with Tower of Power and Santana, along with favorites tied to Boz Scaggs, Cold Blood, Janis Joplin, Buddy Miles, Sly Stone, and more. This free community concert offers beverages for purchase from White Lion Brewing Company and Skyline Brewing Company. Free parking is available. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and dancing shoes. Outside alcohol is not permitted in the performance space. A complimentary Bike Valet, provided by the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail, is available at each show with access from the trail to the plaza.

New Music Alliance and Bigger Beast Records present The Spark Sessions in the BackLight Listening Room at Bright Ideas Brewing, featuring Shanna In A Dress with Stephen Peter Rodgers and Bekka Dowland. This intimate concert places listeners close to the performers in a quiet room with excellent sound and atmosphere, set apart from the bustle of the brewery. Award-winning craft beers and Chappy's delicious food are just down the hall. Advance tickets are $25. Shanna In A Dress is an American folk-pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for humor, unfiltered honesty, and heartfelt storytelling. She blends catchy folk-pop with comedy and vulnerability, performing with guitar, piano, ukulele, and French horn, and moves from playful songs about everyday chaos and millennial dating to tender ballads about family and personal connections. Stephen Peter Rodgers, also known as Steve Rodgers, is an accomplished singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has been a cornerstone of the New Haven indie music scene for over three decades. His recent solo work leans toward introspective Americana, rootsy folk, and vintage country shaped by hope and lived experience. He led the Connecticut band Mighty Purple in the 1990s, directed The Space and The Space Ballroom for more than 20 years, and built Tiny Bunker Studios, where he engineers and produces recordings for Connecticut artists. Bekka Dowland is a Western Massachusetts singer-songwriter whose style blends New England country with modern pop. Her writing is narrative and vulnerable, exploring resilience, heartbreak, grief, healing, and self-discovery, while keeping a catchy pop sensibility. She was named one of BUZZMUSIC's Best Artists of 2025.

LSD returns to one of its favorite spots to play, The Daily Pint, with food, drinks, and entertainment.

A karaoke night offering a fun opportunity to sing along and take a turn at the microphone.

Head to Old Orchard Beach for a day by the shore on a trip that has been rescheduled due to weather. Pickups are offered in Chicopee and West Springfield, with return service to both locations. The cost is $99 per person, and reservations are final and cannot be refunded.

Enjoy fresh air and floral views during an outdoor barre session set in the gardens with instructor Ranae Tapply of Tap Into Wellness. This one hour class welcomes all experience levels, with movement options and progressions so everyone can participate comfortably. After class, wander the fields and create a bouquet during a pick your own flower experience. Single session tickets are available. Barre Only is $25 and includes the class. Barre plus Pick Your Own Flowers is $45 and includes the class and one flower cup to fill with seasonal blooms. Bring your own mat, water bottle, and optional light hand weights. A Summer Series is also offered. Barre Only is $65 for all three classes. Barre plus PYO is $120 for all three classes and includes flower picking after each session, with one flower cup provided each time. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. All sales are final, and tickets are not refundable, transferable, or exchangeable. If you cannot attend, you may gift your spot to a friend. In the case of weather related cancellations, tickets may be moved to another available date. If that results in selecting the final scheduled date, additional dates will be added.

This yearly bus outing centers on a day of horse betting. The price is $75 per person, or $90 with a T-shirt included, and payment is required in advance. The package covers bus transportation, a general admission ticket, snacks for the ride, and a few extra treats. Participants may bring their own beverages and are encouraged to bring a chair. For more information, please check with the bar.

Presented each summer, this annual T-Birds street hockey tournament brings youth players from the area together for friendly competition on the outdoor deck court at Amelia Park Arena in Westfield. Teams consist of players ages 9 to 12, with four to ten athletes per team. Every participant receives a T-Birds t-shirt and a ticket to T-Birds Opening Night. The snack bar and the indoor ice arena at Amelia Park will be open during the tournament for added convenience. For more information, contact Andrew Buchanan at (413) 417-2284.

The season wraps up with the last Community Caravan of the summer, and this stop will also feature the yearly street hockey tournament. Further information about the Caravan and the tournament will be shared as the event nears.

Zombie Hideout TCG & Sports Card Show brings together collectors and vendors for a marketplace focused on trading card games, sports cards, and pop culture finds. Browse tables featuring Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, sports cards, comics, toys, sealed products, singles, and additional items. Buying, selling, and trading are welcome, and it is a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Vendor tables are available for $25 per six foot table, with limited availability.

Create whimsical faery houses inspired by nature in a welcoming community setting. This free, all-ages gathering at Dreki Soul centers play, creativity, and a reconnection with wonder, reflecting a belief that creativity and connection support wellness in body, mind, and spirit. The event is held in collaboration with the upcoming Fairy and Arts Festival in Easthampton, which will feature a fairy house tour, a Fairyland escape room, fae-themed food, a cosplay meetup, readings, vendors, and other magical experiences. Bring imagination and a love of magic.

The Summer series at Deere Creek Farm features live music from Willy Smith and Hailey Belton. Explore you-pick dahlia and flower fields, enjoy food trucks and a mobile bar, and browse local vendors. Lawn games add to the fun. Entry is free.

Tim and Chris return with live music that sets an upbeat mood. Daytime drinks are part of the experience, with a friendly reminder to enjoy them responsibly.

Experience a restorative sound bath with Sacred Vibrations by Siubhan, where healing tones are used to support inner transformation. This immersive session blends the practice of sound healing with the resonant power of alchemy crystal singing bowls and other high frequency instruments. As you settle into stillness, layered vibrations move through the body like waves, easing tension, clearing stagnant energy, and inviting intuitive insight. The carefully crafted soundscape encourages emotional release, energetic alignment, and expanded awareness, guiding a return to balance and clarity. Whether you are seeking deep rest, renewed perspective, or gentle change, this space offers time to receive and restore.

Hosted by the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England in partnership with the Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance and the Cassin Academy of Irish Dance, the seventh annual Lúnasa Feis brings a full slate of Irish dance competitions to the Young Building at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA. The program includes solo events across skill levels, 4-hand and 8-hand céilí competitions, a second chance preliminary championship, and adult championship categories. There is also a Soda Bread Competition for bakers. Admission is free. Entry is through Gate 9, and parking is $5. Registration is available through FeisWeb and the event website. Presenting sponsors are Westfield Bank and Congressman Richard Neal, with dance stage sponsorship from Log Cabin | Delaney Hospitality Group and Kathleen Doe Creative Design.

Ride with the Irish Cultural Center to Boston for Fenway Park’s Irish Celebration, where the Boston Red Sox face the San Francisco Giants. The bus departs from West Springfield, MA and offers a simple way to enjoy the game with family and friends. Irish entertainment will perform on Jersey Street before the game. Tickets are $160 for ICC patrons and $180 for the general public, and the price includes a right field upper box seat, round trip bus transportation, and driver gratuity. Tickets can be purchased online with a service fee or in person at the ICC office or Trinity Pub by cash, check, or card.

A large antique and craft fair will fill the Polish American Club in Feeding Hills, MA. Admission is free and the event will take place regardless of weather. The on-site kitchen and bar will be open, and there will be live bands, including John Fox, a New England Music Awards Rock Act of the Year, with more performers to be announced. Vendor participation is welcomed across all categories, including crafters and farmers. Limited vendor spaces are available for $40 on a first come, first served basis. To apply, email WideEyedMA@gmail.com with VENDOR FAIR in the subject line to request the application.

Designer Purse Bingo brings games, prizes, and a lively community vibe to the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern. Each ticket includes 10 bingo games with chances to win elegant designer handbags, and raffles will add even more excitement throughout the event. Guests may bring their own snacks, and a cash bar will be available. Outside beverages are not permitted. Tables for eight can be reserved and come with special perks such as premier seating and bonus bingo cards. Extra bingo cards will also be for sale. Tickets are $40 per person, and the event is open to all ages. Proceeds support WMCD, Inc., a nonprofit that empowers youth to lead through volunteerism by connecting them with service opportunities, helping them build essential skills, and creating meaningful impact in their communities. Purse sponsorship opportunities are available.

This outdoor live music show features LiveWired 80's Tribute in its first performance at Riverside Pub, presented on the new patio beside the water. The patio setting includes drinks and food for friends to enjoy together during the music.

Experience a refined end of summer celebration at The Terrace at MGM Springfield featuring sunset views, thoughtfully selected music, passed appetizers, a cash bar, and a 360 video booth, all within an all white setting created to cap off the season. Guests are encouraged to wear white to match the dress code and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with good music, good company, and a scenic summer backdrop. Tickets are $50. Presented by Encore Springfield in collaboration with Vision Entertainment.

This two-part outing pairs a woodland walk with a vineyard visit. It begins at Arcadia with a brief guided walk focused on late summer plants and wildlife, then continues at Glendale Ridge Vineyard in Southampton for sky watching over a glass of wine. The vineyard supports bird conservation, and as evening approaches, Common Nighthawks, Chimney Swifts, and swallows take to the air overhead. A skilled naturalist leads both segments, identifying the species in flight and explaining the reasons behind their evening movements.

Adult pickup soccer takes place at Brown Ellison Park in Granby, Massachusetts. The game welcomes participants of all experience levels, offering a relaxed and friendly way to get on the field and play.

Jeff Dow and Kimberly Rene return for an evening of good food and drinks, with the duo front and center.

Steve and Matt will appear at RSP on a Sunday, a less common slot for them, creating a chance for anyone who has not been able to make a Thursday show to see them.

Start the week on steady footing with a 60 minute flow at Dreki Soul that awakens the body, clears the mind, and sets a focused tone for the days ahead. Move through a smooth, breath-centered sequence that builds warmth, develops rhythm, and leaves you grounded and ready for what comes next. Everyone is welcome, whether brand new or experienced, with guidance from Sara. The cost is $15 per class, and it is included with memberships.

The 37th annual East Longmeadow Lions golf tournament honors Moe Moriarty, Bob Zumbruski, George Moriarty, Jim Davis, and Dan Lacedonia while supporting Lion Eye Care and Research. Hosted at Franconia Public Golf Course, the event features a shotgun start in a scramble format and will be held rain or shine. Entry includes 18 holes with a cart, raffle prizes, and a celebratory dinner at Mario’s Café Ambiance after the round. Pricing is $125 by check or $128 by Venmo, with a dinner only option for $40. Reservations are required.

RAD Springfield is Springfield’s community bike shop, offering bicycle repairs and accepting donations of bikes. Technicians restore and ready bicycles for resale or community distribution, and many residents receive free bikes when transportation is a necessity. Volunteers are welcome to participate, whether learning repair basics or contributing existing skills to support local riders. The setting is multicultural, inclusive, and open to all ages. No registration is required.

At Mason Square Branch Library, Chair Yoga offers a gentle, chair-supported approach to movement. Participants practice light stretches, focused breathing, and calming techniques that support overall wellbeing, ease stress, and build a sense of community in a supportive setting. Open to ages 10 and older. Guided by an instructor from Mystic Willow. Space is limited, and attendance is first come, first served.

This free adult yoga class with Brian Mulligan centers on a gentle practice that prioritizes proper alignment, safety, and well-balanced sequences. It takes place weekly and is typically held in the Library Annex, with the first Monday of each month meeting in the Library basement. The class is drop-in, and participants should bring their own yoga mat. Brian is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor who trained with Kim Valerie’s Iyengar-based Yoga Spirits in Beverly, MA. He is also certified to teach chair yoga through Lakshmi Voelker’s Get Fit Where You Sit program; Lakshmi has trained more than 1,600 chair yoga instructors and trains out of Kripalu.

Rock Your Hips offers a playful somatic movement experience that nurtures fluidity, confidence, and a felt sense of connection in the body. Through rhythmic movement, intentional breath, and open-ended guided exploration, your hips, spine, and heart can soften and move with natural expression. Light props like scarves may be incorporated to heighten sensation, encourage release, and deepen embodied awareness, supporting a shift from thinking to feeling. The practice blends intuitive movement with grounding breathwork to soothe the nervous system and help you reconnect with your innate rhythm. There are no choreographed steps and no previous experience needed. Bring your breath, curiosity, and a willingness to move energy through your body.

This weekly three mile cross country race takes place entirely inside Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts. The route covers open fields and wooded paths with a short paved section. Participation is open to the public and it welcomes everyone from newcomers to experienced runners. Age records are maintained. Each week prizes go to winners in designated men’s and women’s categories, and additional giveaways are awarded by lottery. Registration is located at the Children’s Pavilion. The entry fee is $7, members of the Empire One Running Club pay $5, and participants age 16 and under or 70 and older race for free. There is a $2 charge for new or replacement bib numbers. An optional eight week points series, organized by the Empire One Running Club, offers trophies to the top three men and women overall and to the top three finishers in each age group. Age groups are 1 to 16, 17 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and up. To be eligible for a trophy, competitors must complete at least seven races. Points are scored weekly, with first place earning 1000 and all other totals based on each runner’s time compared to the winner.

This six-week summer improv course takes place at Unity House Players. It focuses on building quick thinking, active listening, collaboration, scene work, and character relationships, all in a playful setting that keeps the laughs coming. Adults are the primary audience, and participants ages 16 and up may attend with a parent’s permission. Newcomers and seasoned performers are equally supported, with coaching that meets each person at their own pace in a positive environment. Instruction is led by the Phantom Sheep Players, recognized as Western Massachusetts’ longest running professional comedy troupe. The cost for the full program is $140, with discounts available for UU members and returning students.

Players gather at the brewery for a Magic night, bringing competitive decks to the table for lively card play. Beyond the cards, there is a mix of board games to choose from, and video game options are being developed. Some nights may also include tabletop roleplaying sessions for a different kind of adventure.

Flow, Sculpt & Vibe is a mindful movement class that blends somatic yoga, body-sculpting work, and opportunities for meaningful connection. Expect a gentle pace that invites you to listen to your breath and sensations while moving with intention. Strengthening and toning sequences are woven throughout to build stability and body awareness while staying centered on your breath. The emphasis on deliberate movement aims to leave you grounded, empowered, and energized in practice and beyond. It is also a space for conversation and community, where participants use movement to connect with themselves and each other in a welcoming, supportive setting. Led by Nicole. Price is $15 per person, and it is included with memberships.

Create a sparkling Diamond Art bookmark with guidance from Amanda, perfect for brightening your current read or gifting to a favorite book lover. Space is limited. To register, call (413) 596-8379 or email arenna@wilbraham-ma.gov.

Keri and Andrew can be found on the patio at UNO’s by the Basketball Hall of Fame on Tuesdays, bringing summertime fun.

ZUMBA Fitness returns to Stanley Park with upbeat, Latin-inspired dance workouts held outdoors at the Beveridge Pavilion. Certified instructor Caitlyn Olearcek leads high-energy, low-impact sessions that welcome both beginners and experienced participants. It offers a chance to get moving, enjoy the fresh air, and have fun while working out. Participants ages 10 and up may attend when accompanied by an adult. Wear comfortable workout clothing and sneakers, bring plenty of water, and consider packing a small towel. A suggested donation of $5 per person per class is appreciated. Presented as part of the 2026 Health Initiatives from Health New England.

This ceremony offers a dedicated space to honor ancestors while gently letting go of what no longer needs to be carried forward. Through altar creation, candles, symbolic offerings, guided reflection, and ritual, participants are invited into reverence, remembrance, and conscious release. The focus is on loving the lineage and choosing freedom in the present rather than carrying ancestral weight. Led by Nicole and Susan. $55 per person.

Take part in a music-themed bingo event featuring a DJ presented by Good Thomas. It is free to participate, and winners can receive Dugout Cafe gift certificates. Food and drinks are available while you play. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy a lively blend of music and bingo.

Carolyn from Magic Tree Henna will offer complimentary henna tattoos for tweens and teens. The paste is prepared with natural ingredients that include organic henna powder, lemon juice, sugar, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. Once applied, the artwork typically remains visible for one to three weeks.

Gather for an easygoing, family-friendly meal shared with the community. Enjoy a freshly cooked supper, with time before and after to connect in groups, relax together, and take part in arts activities. Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand before and after the meal. Donations of your choosing are accepted, with no obligation to give. Arrive hungry and leave nourished. Everyone is welcome.

At Dreki Soul, Rooted Rhythm: Pelvic Flow & Embodiment offers a somatic movement session that reconnects participants with their body’s innate wisdom through grounding, intentional breathing, and fluid sequences. The practice focuses on pelvic awareness, core engagement, and rhythm to cultivate both strength and softness while supporting the release of stored emotion. Inspired by basic dance isolations and rolling, wave-like patterns, the class explores how the hips, spine, and breath work together to encourage ease, coordination, and expressive presence. Guidance is slow and intuitive, prioritizing sensation over performance. The space welcomes every body and all levels. No prior dance background is required, only openness to move, listen within, and rediscover personal rhythm.

Founding Fathers Car Club hosts a weekly cruise night at The Star Drive-In, featuring live music by Joe Mac and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Plymouth Veterans.

A brewery trivia night that welcomes participants to put their brainpower to work in a friendly challenge.

Settle into a calming Yin Yoga session at Dreki Soul that invites quiet and ease. You will be guided into relaxed, supported postures held for longer periods so the deeper connective tissues can be addressed gently. Instead of building intensity, the practice creates spaciousness in body and mind, offering time to slow down, release tension, and reconnect beneath the noise of everyday life. All levels are welcome, and props are used generously to support comfort and accessibility in every shape, letting gravity assist your practice. The class is led by Jen, a 200-hour RYT who began her journey after trying a studio class in 2019 and quickly fell in love with the practice. She has completed additional training in Qigong Infused Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Reiki, and teaches with a heartfelt approach focused on helping others through yoga.