This weekend in Middlesex County, MA

The New England Robotics Derby is a one day off season robotics competition at Billerica Memorial High School in Billerica, MA. Teams compete over the course of the day.

Get grounded in essential outdoor know-how with an introductory wilderness survival class focused on staying warm, hydrated, and nourished in the backcountry. Designed for hikers, backpackers, hunters, trail runners, and anyone eager to spend more time outside, it builds confidence, expands practical knowledge, and strengthens a personal connection to nature. Wilderness Survival 1 can be taken on its own or as part of the OEWS Alula Certification path, and successful completion fulfills the prerequisites for Wilderness Survival 2 or 3. Participants receive an OEWS logo patch along with a feather patch at the end. Training covers careful use, sharpening, and safety of carving tools, five fundamental knots, fire making with modern ignition methods, rabbit stick technique, shelter construction with contemporary gear, methods for disinfecting water, smart clothing choices for conditions, foraging guidelines and ethics, how to assemble a dependable survival kit, planning and mindset for challenging scenarios, and navigation with map and compass. Students should bring an OEWS Basic, Complete, or Ultimate Survival Kit or an equivalent setup, with the Complete Kit suggested for a single-package solution. Wear clothing suited to weather and insects, pack plenty of water plus extra to put out fires, bring lunch and snacks, a seat such as a camping chair, a baseplate compass, and an optional notebook and pen for taking notes. At minimum, plan to have a carving tool, a ferro rod or matches, a poncho or large trash bag, about 12 feet of rope, and whatever you need for personal comfort and safety. Loaner items are available, and carving tools and fire starters can be purchased at the start of class. The Complete Kit can be paired with a compass and poncho for a strong starter setup, and all suggested gear has been vetted by the instructional team. Instruction happens entirely outdoors in a forest setting a short walk from parking, so dress for the weather, especially cold conditions, and pack extra layers. Those interested in a specialized carving tool may look into The Talon, a design by lead instructor Tim Swanson, handmade by Jackson Mills of Freedom Forge with custom handle and sheath options. Builds typically take a few weeks and often cost around 200 dollars, depending on customization. The class is oriented toward adults, though mature minors are welcome at a parent’s discretion. Anyone under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian. One ticket applies to one participant regardless of age. Sessions run year round, entirely outside, and proceed rain or shine. If conditions are unsafe, the class will be canceled and students can reschedule. Instruction is led by Tim Swanson, founder and lead instructor of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival, alongside apprentices and co-instructors.

Celebrate local creativity at the Massachusetts Elks Scholarship Fall Festival Craft Fair, featuring fifty vendors, raffles, and a bake sale filled with homemade treats. Families will find free kids activities including a craft table and face painting, and a pumpkin painting class will be available with sign-up. Browse handmade goods, enjoy lunch on site, and support scholarships for students throughout Massachusetts. Vendors can reserve a table for $45. For vendor inquiries, contact Dot at dottybye123@gmail.com or 978-930-0599.

Take part in Invasive Species Volunteer Days, a hands-on effort to care for the Town Forest. Volunteers will team up to remove buckthorn and other invasive plants so native vegetation and wildlife can continue to thrive in this habitat. It is a chance to connect with others while doing meaningful work outside and to help protect this natural area.

Boost your fitness with a well-rounded strength and conditioning class at Perry Park Somerville in Somerville, MA. Sessions blend resistance work, balance practice, yoga-inspired movement, shadow boxing, and varied stretching to deliver a complete workout. Expect an active warmup, a circuit-based main block, then a calm cooldown paired with post-session stretching. Participants receive clear guidance on technique and personalized modifications to support safety and effectiveness. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Created for adults who are new to dance, this welcoming class in Newton Center, MA builds rhythm, clean footwork and posture, better coordination and body control, and confidence while developing Latin technique. No prior experience is needed, and a partner is not necessary. Instruction centers on Cha Cha fundamentals, including foundational steps, musical timing, clear weight changes, lock steps, and effective foot pressure, along with coordinated body movement. The material is presented in a clear, progressive format that connects simple combinations into patterns that are easy to follow.

Explore the Fells with Claire O’Neill and Laura Roberts on a guided biodiversity walk that looks at how changing seasons shape the plants and wildlife of this urban forest. Participants will observe and document flora and fauna at spots throughout the woods, contributing to Earthwise Aware’s biodiversity and climate studies on how climate change affects the timing of life cycle stages in local species. The outing centers on careful observation, listening, and learning from the landscape. Because the route may cross sensitive habitat, pets should stay at home. Families are encouraged to consider whether the format suits their children, as the walk is lengthy and asks everyone to remain with the group and move quietly and attentively. Attendance is capped to keep the impact low on wildlife and habitats. If plans change, cancel ahead of time so a waitlisted participant can take the spot.

Browse a fall craft fair featuring more than fifty crafters and vendors. Admission is free.

Shop a special Fill‑A‑Bag event at the Loft on Main. Purchase a 19 by 15 bag for $25 and fill it with as many items as you can from designated merchandise. All proceeds from the day will be donated to a range of fundraisers and charities. Expect great deals while helping empty the racks and support the community.

The event features Summoner-focused play in a skirmish setting. Entry is $5.

Bloch Performing Arts is marking the grand opening of its first dedicated studio spaces in Lexington. Built to support a growing community of learners, the new home offers voice and piano lessons, musicianship classes, studio masterclasses, and performance opportunities. Visitors can explore the studios, meet current students and faculty, and experience the community that has formed around this program. The day features complimentary demo voice lessons, an audition workshop, and a student and faculty performance, with additional demo lessons later on. The teaching approach emphasizes a creative and healthy foundation for using the voice and instrument across styles, encouraging free, clear musical expression and compassionate, person-centered growth. A free photo booth and merchandise will be available.

A family friendly Viking festival brings rival encampments, combat demonstrations, hands-on crafts, traditional games, music, and Nordic fare to one lively lawn. Two camps recreate daily life, tools, and customs, with warriors forging, training, and sparring throughout the day before a climactic staged battle. Try stone lifting with the New England Stone Lifters, practice skills in the warrior training area, and explore a range of traditional games. Children can design messages in runes, weave colorful creations, and spend time in an interaction zone where they can talk with Vikings and check out their gear. Food highlights include waffle samples and sandwiches from Kaffestugan inside, plus Nordic breads, prepared foods, candies, and other Scandinavian goods. Gunner’s Icelandic Hot Dogs will serve a Reykjavík-style favorite with classic toppings such as crispy onions, sweet brown mustard, and remoulade. Admission is $20 for adults in advance or $25 on the day, and $10 for children 12 and under in advance or $15 on the day. Tickets will be available soon.

A barbecue pop-up sets up in front of the Huron Ave shop on weekends. Visit in person, or place a pre-order for pickup at the South End Boston or Kendall Square Cambridge locations. Pre-orders require a minimum of $50.

Cathy Cassady Sylvia joins Steve Edington for a live conversation that revisits portions of an interview they recorded for an issue of Beat Scene Magazine. She shares recollections of her father, Neal, and speaks about her complex relationship with her mother, Carolyn Cassady. The program also features readings from her book Poetic Portrait, a collection of Carolyn Cassady’s poetry and prose with Cathy’s commentary. This event will be held in the Community Room at Pollard Memorial Library.

Celebrate the Merrimack Valley Chapter’s 15th anniversary with a relaxed barbecue featuring a catered meal, beverages, music, and more. Fellow Nam Knights and Ladies, along with families, bikers, riders, and friends, are welcome. Final details are still being arranged, and more information will be shared as plans are confirmed.

On Saturdays, the NESFA Library welcomes everyone to explore a collection of over 20,000 books, magazines, audiobooks, and DVDs. Members can borrow or return materials, and all visitors are welcome to browse, read on site, or chat with other guests. Most Saturday evenings, video screenings are held at the Clubhouse after library hours, with separate listings provided for those. Annual membership is $24 and open to anyone. For questions, email info (at) nesfa (dot) org.

Gather at Modest Roots Brewing Company for a holiday inspired candle making meetup where cozy fragrances and festive creativity take center stage. The setting is a neighborhood brewery known for handcrafted beer and a relaxed, community minded atmosphere, with locally crafted beverages available to enjoy while you create. Whether coming with friends, planning a creative date, or treating yourself to a peaceful afternoon, this hands on workshop focuses on making something personal for the season. Your experience includes premium all natural soy wax, a curated selection of seasonal fragrance oils, a range of elegant vessels, premium cotton options, step by step guidance from an experienced artisan, and all necessary materials. The environment is welcoming for beginners, and everyone leaves with handcrafted candles to enjoy or gift. Ticket choices cover a variety of projects. Create one 8 ounce soy candle in a tin for $29 or two for $36. Choose an amber glass option at $34 for one 8 ounce candle or $43 for two. Premium vessel upgrades are available, including one triple wick wooden soy candle for $47, one triple wick wooden soy candle plus one 8 ounce tin candle for $52, or one triple wick wooden soy candle plus one 8 ounce amber glass candle for $59. Prices may include additional Eventbrite fees. Handmade candles make thoughtful gifts for family, friends, teachers, coworkers, hosts, and neighbors. Personalize each piece with favorite scent blends and vessel styles to create meaningful holiday presents. Hosted by Golden Crocus Creatives LLC, the workshop is designed to spark creativity and connection through premium materials and approachable instruction suitable for beginners and experienced makers alike. Please note the following policies. Refunds are available up to seven days before the workshop. Guests arriving more than 20 minutes late may not be admitted due to the pace of instruction. Each participant must have their own ticket, and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Expect to leave with new skills, comforting seasonal aromas, and candles that brighten your home or make memorable gifts.

Explore history through interactive activities at the Tsongas Industrial History Center inside the Boott Cotton Mills Museum. Presented by Lowell National Historical Park and the Tsongas Industrial History Center as part of the City of Lowell’s Bicentennial and the center’s 35th anniversary, this free, drop-in program welcomes all ages to try weaving on a hand loom, experiment with different water wheels, and construct a model canal system to learn how water powered Lowell’s mills. Discover the workshop spaces and connect the innovations of the Industrial Revolution with everyday life then and now.

Organizers in Billerica are seeking 20 to 30 volunteers to help set up the Iraq and Afghanistan Dog Tag Memorial at the Billerica Elks. Volunteers will assist with unloading, assembling, and positioning the display so it is ready for a continuous 24 hour public viewing. No prior experience is needed, only a readiness to help. Lunch will be provided for those who volunteer. After setup, the group will pause for a brief observance that includes a moment of remembrance and the playing of Taps before the memorial opens to visitors.

At James P. Cronin Park in Cambridge, a grassroots mutual aid effort comes together to prepare food and share it with the community. Volunteers and donations are welcome to help grow this support network and assist neighbors. The schedule features a hands-on prep period followed by distribution. Stickers are available in person for anyone who would like to help post them around the Harvard and Central Square area.

Try Kill Team through demos that use the Starter Set, or bring your own squad for a casual pickup game. Co-op play in the Joint Ops mode has been getting more attention lately, giving players a chance to team up. Rules and team downloads are available, and there is a #kill-team channel on Discord.

Good Pickin’ Farm in Westford, MA hosts an Octoberfest event with Cag. The farm is known for putting on a wide range of events and is described as a spot for family outings.

A one-night event at Townsend Public Library brings a volunteer-run haunted walking trail alongside a spooky vendor market and food trucks. Tickets are sold on site and are time stamped, with clearly marked lines by entry time near the front of the library so you can explore the vendors and food trucks until your turn. Buying early secures an earlier entry window. Admission is $10, cash only. Children age 2 and under enter free. Bring a nonperishable or canned good for the TEO to receive $1 off admission. Suitable for all ages. Smoking and animals are not permitted. All proceeds support the Friends of the Townsend library and the Townsend VFW Auxiliary.

This free NEAT meal is hosted by Park Avenue Congregational Church and is non-denominational and open to everyone. Guests may bring friends or neighbors, or attend solo and meet new people. No RSVP is needed.

Explore Lowell’s historic district on a 90 to 110 minute ghost tour that highlights verified incidents, eyewitness reports, and the area’s history. Groups are kept small for the walk. Tours run on weekends, and booking ahead is encouraged.

Seasoned singer and songwriter Bryan Bielanski blends rock and folk into a sound that feels both recognizable and new. His hook-filled originals fuel a near-constant travel schedule, with more than 2,600 performances to his name, including 311 in 2025, spanning numerous U.S. states and international stops such as Austria, Belgium, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Listeners and reviewers around the world have noted that his energy lives up to the upbeat spirit of his album Bryan's Super Happy Fun Time.

First Parish in Lexington, Unitarian Universalist hosts a candlelit classical tribute to Coldplay from Lumos. A string trio performs instrumental arrangements of favorites such as Clocks, Yellow, Viva La Vida, Fix You, The Scientist, Paradise, Magic, My Universe, Everglow, and A Sky Full of Stars. Two sittings are offered. Seating is first come, first served within allocated tiered zones in Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze. This event is for ages eight and up. The venue is wheelchair accessible, although front row placement is not guaranteed. Lumos partners with distinctive spaces across the UK and US to present concerts honoring world-famous artists, and a donation is made to a different charity each month.

A friendly meetup for Doctor Who fans features conversation and shared viewing. The event begins with a group discussion, then continues with screenings from both the classic and modern eras of the series.

Experience an evening of music, rhythm, and cultural celebration as the dance floor fills with the lively spirit of Garba and Dandiya. Attendees often arrive in festive attire, share the floor with friends, and enjoy upbeat music in a colorful setting that celebrates community and joy. The celebration takes place in the gym at Marshall Simonds Middle School.

At Sonia, the Clockwork Circus brings Boston’s Burning Man decompression to life with an evening of music, art, performance, and connection. The gathering highlights sharing, mutual support, radical self-expression, and uncompromising inclusivity in a respectful, consent-focused environment that favors participation over spectatorship. Expect live music to begin the evening, time to socialize, DJ sets in the main room, an open stage in the side room, and art installations to experience throughout the night. A cabaret and variety showcase spotlights movement arts and performance talent from the community. Participation opportunities include presenting tactile or immersive art, offering DJ or live music, and performing in the cabaret. Tickets are $25 including fees, and the price is scheduled to rise to $28. Attendees are encouraged to bring curiosity and creativity, connect, dance, make, and help shape an unforgettable night.

Vista Philharmonic Orchestra marks America’s 250th year with three American works by William Grant Still, George Gershwin, and Aaron Copland. William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1, Afro-American, weaves blues elements into the symphonic tradition and holds a historic place as the first symphony by a Black composer performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Pianist Sara Davis Buechner takes the solo role in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a meeting of jazz-era vitality and classical structure. The program closes with Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3, featuring Fanfare for the Common Man and honoring the citizens, laborers, and soldiers of the World War II era.

Follen Folk Nights features Crys Matthews, a Nashville-based singer and songwriter recognized as a leading voice in a new wave of social justice music. An award-winning and prolific lyricist and composer, she blends Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass into a bold, layered performance rooted in traditional melodies and driven by forthright original lyrics. Her songs speak to the present moment.

Standard Tuning makes its first appearance at The Sports Zone in Dracut with an upbeat night of rock and dancing. Expect a fun cycle of eating, drinking, and moving to the music, then doing it all over again.

Fuego y Candela offers an energetic evening built around music, dance, and community, with social dancing in dedicated salsa and bachata rooms. Expect performances by Andres & Vivi and by Desmond Le. The salsa room features DJ Condori and the bachata room features DJ Lui G. A beginner salsa class with Masacote is included. The Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts provides spacious dance floors, a full cash bar, reliable air conditioning, and convenient parking with an on-site lot, nearby lots, and street parking. Admission is $20 for the class and social dancing, with a $5 discount for students who present a valid ID.

Set aside an hour for a guided reset that soothes the body and nervous system without strenuous movement or complex methods, and no prior experience is needed. Participants move through easy, accessible exercises that can be done in a chair or on the floor, practice straightforward breathing to quiet the mind, and finish with a period of deep rest to support a full reset. The approach differs from a standard yoga class, with no emphasis on performance. It is well suited to anyone feeling stressed, anxious, or depleted, to those who have tried yoga or meditation and found them overwhelming, or to anyone simply wanting an hour to breathe and recalibrate. The session lasts 60 minutes. The cost is $15 for nonmembers, with members receiving a 10 percent discount. Group size is small and capacity is limited.

Bring sunscreen for an all-levels class that runs 45 minutes and centers on bodyweight exercises to build practical strength, mobility, and coordination, whether you climb, hike, train, or simply want to move and feel better. If the weather turns bad, registered participants will receive a Zoom link by email. For the latest weather updates, check @wellnessblueprint on Instagram.

Celebrate the spooky season at Shedd Park Pavilion in Lowell with The Haunted Makers Market, featuring 35 local vendors. Explore offerings from area makers, enjoy face painting, and find food available on site. Children can trick or treat with participating vendors, costumes are encouraged, and admission is free. Support local creators while taking part in a family friendly Halloween outing.

At Hive Public Market, this year-round market brings together local food makers, farmers, and other vendors. Explore locally made foods and a variety of additional offerings.

Ava Motherwell returns to Waltham with a Whole Bead Pop-Up at The Westin Waltham-Boston. She will showcase and sell her signature vintage and vintage-inspired beads from Germany and Italy, along with a curated selection of special finds from friends of The Whole Bead Show. Browse glass and resin beads, vintage and handmade pieces, gemstones, and a range of findings, buttons, and components. Admission is free, parking is complimentary, and the event is open to everyone, with wholesale buyers welcome as well.

Hoopers gather for the Honk! Festival Parade, bringing hoops, friends, and plenty of energy for a lively march from Davis Square to Harvard Square. The group meets in a Davis Square parking lot for a warmup, photos, and lineup before stepping off, then hoops along the route together. After the parade, participants stay with the group to play in Winthrop Park. Costumes follow a rainbow theme, and everyone brings their own hoop. Plan ahead for water and personal essentials, as Boston Hoop Troop will not carry personal items. Meetup details may be updated.

Enjoy a relaxed hobby session at the front tables where participants work on personal builds, paint miniatures, and trade lighthearted nerdy conversation. The atmosphere is beginner friendly, with helpful tips and guidance available for anyone new to painting. Bring a project to tinker with or start something new, connect with fellow hobbyists, and make steady progress in a casual setting throughout the day.

Celebrate the spooky season with a hands-on ribbon wreath workshop at Modest Roots Brewing. With step-by-step guidance, you will craft a Halloween wreath to display at home or gift to a fellow fan of all things spooky. Pick from a selection of festive colors, patterns, and textures, and learn simple techniques that are easy for any skill level. All materials are included. The relaxed brewery setting makes it easy to enjoy a drink, chat, and create at your own pace. Leave with a finished wreath that brings a touch of Halloween charm to your decor. Supplies are limited. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance.

Burlington’s Annual Trunk or Treat turns the Burlington High School faculty parking lot into a family-friendly Halloween stop. This free community event welcomes costumes and invites kids to trick or treat from festively decorated trunks while enjoying activities, music, snacks, refreshments, and visits from local vendors. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag for candy and, if interested, an optional donation for the Burlington Food Pantry such as granola bars, cereal, fruit cups or applesauce, juice boxes, jerky, or other individually wrapped snacks. The gathering takes place in the faculty lot at the back of the school. Hosted by Kadilak Realty Group, Kadilak Homes, DaMore Title & Closing, and Burlington Girl Scout.

Step up to the mic at the annual Amram Jam, an open reading for Kerouac-themed poetry and prose with live backing from David Amram and his band. Wireless Mike Flynn emcees the event. Reader registration is available on site and will also be accepted during the Baby Driver book discussion. The gathering takes place at HIVE Public Market.

Standard Showdown at The Book and Board - Comics and Gaming features three rounds of Magic: The Gathering in the Standard format, with players competing using Standard decks. Entry is $10, and attendance is limited to 16 participants. Earn one Play Booster for each round you win. First place receives a retro Tragic Trajectory promo. Every participant gets a Magic promo pack while supplies last. A valid Wizards account is required to take part.

Vocalist and percussionist Wendee Glick joins Steve Heck on keyboard and vocals for a program of songs from Barbra Streisand’s long career at Music Elements. Treats will be served. Funds support Music Elements, including a scholarship fund that helps provide lessons to those in need. The cover charge is $20. For reservations, call Anita at 978-221-5641.

Explore Harvard Square on a guided food tour centered on crispy french fries, with each tasting paired with a flavorful non-alcoholic drink. Hear entertaining stories about the 20th century French Fry Wars and humorous lore from around the neighborhood. Harvard Square is known for some of the state's best fries, and this creative walking experience is designed for fry fans of all ages. Please note that the offerings are not gluten-free. Tickets can be purchased on the organizer's website, and the tour is operated by a small, local business.

Now in its fifteenth year, this Comedy Night Dinner pairs an evening of comedy with a shared meal to support the Boston Children's Hospital Hale Center for Families.

K-BAL at K-BOK is a casual bar meetup featuring food, drinks, and plenty of social Balboa dancing. Music is provided so you can focus on sharing the floor and getting to know fellow dancers. Previous gatherings have been great fun. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to purchase food and drinks and to tip the waitstaff generously.

Enjoy a playful night of make-it-up-as-you-go comedy at the Big Attitude Improv Jam, hosted by Brian Agosta at Albion Cultural Exchange. The format features quick short-form games, with audience names pulled from a hat to fill the stage. Newcomers and seasoned improvisers are welcome, and those who prefer to watch can expect plenty of laughs in a friendly, supportive setting. Admission is $5.

Sunday Karaoke brings an upbeat night featuring Nightlife Entertainment. Singers of every experience level are welcome to take the microphone and perform well-loved songs while enjoying lively vibes, friendly company, tasty drinks, and great music. Skilled DJs keep the energy high so friends can share a memorable evening of performances and entertainment.

Sanctuary Sundays offers a monthly evening to slow down, reset your nervous system, and reconnect with yourself through breath and sensation. This guided experience centers on a 9D Breathwork Journey, complemented by calming sensory elements that support your body in integrating, regulating, and settling.

Tia Fuller, a Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue artist, brings her signature sound to The Regattabar. The acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and bandleader blends precise technique with soulful expression, weaving jazz with elements of pop and R&B. Expect a powerful set from a standout voice in modern music.

VOCES8, a 2023 Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble from Britain, presents Lead Me Home, a concert tracing the wide sweep of American choral traditions shaped by faith, folklore, poetry, and popular song. The program spans Virgil Thomson’s My Shepherd Will Supply My Need and the spirituals My Lord What a Morning and Steal Away, then moves into contemporary soundscapes by Caroline Shaw, Morten Lauridsen, and Eric Whitacre. It also features songs of place and longing such as Samuel Barber’s To Be Sung on the Water, the cherished folk melody Shenandoah, and the reflective Vincent. The finale offers sparkling city portraits in April in Paris and I Get a Kick Out of New York. Centered on the clarity and warmth of America’s musical voice, the concert charts a path through music of landscape, memory, and belonging.

Grace Enger brings The Satisfied Girl Tour to The Sinclair with Aubory Bugg. This event welcomes all ages. For each ticket sold, twenty-five cents is directed to The Shout Syndicate, a volunteer-run Boston fundraising effort that supports youth-led arts programs at established creative youth development nonprofits in Greater Boston. The Shout Syndicate is housed at The Boston Foundation and partners with the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture through its creative plan, Boston Creates.