Events in Winchendon, MA

This no-cost support group at ACTION CHC in Fitchburg welcomes adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or maintaining recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders. Meetings are led by CHC recovery coaches and focus on self-reflection, shared experiences, and peer support to encourage personal growth. For questions, call 978-878-8484.

Teens can drop in at The HUB to hang out with friends, enjoy free bowling and ice cream, and spend time in a welcoming game-filled space. There is no cost and no pressure, just a place to relax and have fun. Sponsored by The United Way of North Central MA.

Newly named in memory of beloved member Bruno Starzynski, this pondside tradition brings together classic cars, live music, and community. Expect a classic car show when the weather cooperates, a food truck, and a 50/50 raffle. Bands perform in the Pavilion Hall and the music continues rain or shine. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

At Orange Community Boathouse, moonlight paddling is back with a few updates. There will be fewer LED markers along the route and obstacles, and there may not be an upstream staff spotter, a role that has rarely been needed. The boathouse will stay open through the day into the night rather than limiting paddling to a short evening window. For visibility, rental boats must display glow sticks or LED lights, and every boat needs a working flashlight. While the flashlight is often just a backup, it is required. Evening rentals have a two-hour minimum, and walk-ins are welcomed later into the night. Those bringing their own boats can take part at no cost, as long as their craft is clearly marked with glow sticks or lights and they carry a working flashlight. Extra lights will be available.

Alter Ego presents canopy coaching at Jumptown Skydiving, offering training for skydivers at every experience level with an emphasis on safe, effective piloting. Coaching covers refining traffic patterns and landings, practicing control inputs to manage a canopy in varied conditions, and progressing from core skills to advanced techniques. Participants can work toward completing the USPA B-License canopy card, and the curriculum can be tailored if the standard tracks are not the right fit. The schedule features the Silver track focused on B-License objectives on Saturday, followed by Yellow for intermediate skills or Orange for advanced work on Sunday.

Pibble's Kibbles partners with Highland Baptist Church to offer a pet food distribution alongside the food pantry. Pet owners visiting the pantry can pick up food for their animals at the same time.

A beloved local festival with a delightfully pungent twist is on the way. Look for more updates soon as additional details are announced.

Participants collect $100 in sponsor pledges to take part in a fun day of riding games. A silent auction table will be available.

Head into the woods for a guided hike with weighted packs paired with practical survival training. This fitness-focused class welcomes every ability level. Participants choose how much weight to carry in their own backpacking setup, then travel along nature trails before transitioning into hands-on skills such as navigating with map and compass, building emergency shelters, making fire, assembling a survival kit, safe carving techniques, planning for emergencies, and approaches to reducing wildlife conflicts. Rucking, or walking with added weight in your pack, builds strength and endurance and can make a real difference in challenging situations. The added load prepares you for carrying essential gear or even assisting another person when it matters most. Expect to cover a few miles on varied ground with small ups and downs, roots, and rocks. Bring a pack, plenty of water, lunch, snacks, and clothing suited to the weather, along with comfortable, broken-in hiking footwear. All materials for the survival portion are supplied, though you are welcome to bring a carving tool, fire starter, or compass. Select tools will also be available for purchase at the start of class. Instruction is led by Andrea Bailey of Evolving Mind and Body, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapist, and functional fitness professional who created TheraRuck, a system that blends rucking, mindset work, and embodied healing. Tim Swanson of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival, the founder and lead instructor, brings a double bachelor’s in Adventure Education Leadership and Adventure Therapy, along with credentials that include Level 2 Certified Animal Tracker, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Master Educator. He teaches survival and bushcraft with a grounded, connection-centered approach across Massachusetts and New England for all ages.

Drop-in tech help is available at Lunenburg Public Library, offering friendly, hands-on assistance with everyday devices and software. Get guidance on using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, creating an email account, accessing library apps such as Libby, Kanopy, and hoopla, navigating common apps, learning Microsoft Word and other Office basics, and resolving general computer or internet questions. No appointment is required, walk-ins are welcome. For more information, contact Melanie at 978-582-4140 ext. 323 or inquire at the circulation desk.

This festival spotlights Irish culture with performers from across the Northeast appearing on three stages. The 2026 edition grows even bigger, featuring more bands, an expanded selection of vendors, a wider range of food options, and additional activities designed for kids.

This monthly Death Cafe offers a relaxed setting where people, often strangers, share tea and cake while talking openly about death and end of life. The aim is to raise awareness of mortality so participants can reflect on living fully. Conversations are participant led with no preset agenda or themes, and the gathering is a discussion space rather than grief support or counseling. It is offered on a not for profit basis in an accessible, respectful, and confidential environment. There is no attempt to steer anyone toward a particular conclusion, product, or course of action. Many find the dialogue insightful, a chance to foster meaningful connections and help normalize conversations about these subjects.

Settle into a restorative sound immersion with Samantha Leith, featuring crystal quartz singing bowls tuned to 440 Hz. The vibrations are said to support cellular healing and guide participants into a deeply relaxed state. Admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Back for its second year, this benefit for Emberly's Embrace takes place at Snowbound Club, Inc and brings together local artisans, food trucks, raffle baskets, a silent auction, and live music, highlighted by a featured appearance from Over and Out.

This introductory knitting class welcomes beginners and those looking for a refresher. Guided by instructor Audrey Carrel, participants will create a scarf that highlights a variety of stitches, from basic knit and purl to simple lace and cables. The series consists of two 3-hour in-person sessions, supported by weekly meet-ups during the regularly scheduled Textiles Open Studio at MAXT for extra practice and questions. The final session covers finishing techniques so the scarf is ready to wear with style. All materials are included, with bamboo needles, a tool set, a pattern and 100% wool yarn provided.

Librarians from Fitchburg Public Library host an interactive storytime at Hollis Hills Farm for children of all ages. Parents and guardians are welcome to participate with their kids as they listen and engage. No registration is required.

Morgan Alyse, nicknamed Worcester Sweetheart, is recognized across New England’s music scene for jazzy and folk-tinged ukulele stylings along with sweet, soulful original songs. This event highlights her signature sound and heartfelt songwriting.

Instructor Sue Smith leads a 6 week introduction to stained glass that begins with the basics and builds to more advanced techniques. Start by making a simple suncatcher while learning foundational skills. Then progress to cutting curved pieces, exploring opaque and textured glass, and working on larger projects. Guidance is provided on finding and adapting patterns so each student can create one of a kind pieces. By the end of the course, participants will have the skills to design and craft their own stained glass work in the studio.

An overnight investigation at the famously haunted SK Pierce Victorian Mansion is led by Spirit Medium Karen Tatro. The evening begins with a brief meetup with Karen, followed by a guided, hands-on exploration that encourages participants to tap into their own intuitive abilities. The focus is on personal experience within the mansion’s storied setting, and a pizza and salad dinner is included. Tickets are $165 per person and limited to 16 guests. Bedrooms with beds are available on a first come, first served basis, rooms generally accommodate two, and rooms are not assigned. Cots and airbeds can be provided for guests who wish to share a room. The mansion is a fully restored, late 19th-century Victorian landmark of nearly 7,000 square feet with 10 bedrooms, built by Sylvester Knowlton Pierce of the S.K. Pierce & Sons Furniture Company. It has hosted notable visitors, served as a gathering place for the Freemasons, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. It is widely known for its paranormal reputation and is often ranked among the most haunted houses in Massachusetts and the United States. Karen Tatro is a spirit medium with national television credits that include appearances on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters TAPS and The Biography Channel’s My Ghost Story, and she is also an author and experienced host of paranormal and spiritual events. All tickets are nonrefundable and not transferable to other events. If the event is rescheduled, original tickets will be honored, and those unable to attend may resell their tickets on their own. Participation is for exploration and entertainment, attendance is voluntary, and personal experiences are not guaranteed.

A monthly sharpening clinic is held at Gardner City Hall, scheduled for the month’s first Saturday and dependent on the weather, with heavy rain prompting cancellations. Pricing information is available on the organizer’s website. In addition to the clinic, an extra Gardner location is available daily for sharpening needs.

Blakkat Bone brings live music back to Partner's Pub in Fitchburg, with drinks and bar pizza available.

After a year away and many requests, the Quabbin Cruise returns for its eighth running as a public drive celebrating colorful foliage and wide-open views. Previous editions have brought out more than 150 cars, and organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this time. All makes and models are welcome, while motorcycles and street bikes are not permitted for safety reasons. The route begins at the Staples in Gardner, then heads west on Route 2. Drivers are asked to stay together where the highway narrows after Exit 82 and to use a zipper merge so the group does not get split up. The cruise continues to an observation tower via Routes 202 and 9 using the second dam entrance, then wraps up with a lunch stop at Stone Cow Brewery in Barre, where local brews and ice cream are available. Plan for roughly 75 miles with no fuel stops, so vehicles should be fueled in advance. A walkie-talkie is recommended since cell service will be limited for much of the drive. Please follow the directions of the hosts, keep the driving respectful, and avoid reckless behavior. Participants are responsible for their own actions, including any accidents or tickets. A map of the route is available in the discussion tab, and details may be updated.

A new peer led support group at the Bond Wellness Center Conference Room in Monadnock Community Hospital offers a welcoming setting for people living with Parkinson’s, along with caregivers and family members. Participants can connect, share personal experiences, and exchange practical ideas for managing day to day challenges. The emphasis is on mutual encouragement, emotional support, and building a reliable network of information. Care partners and relatives are encouraged to attend. Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month. Registration is not required and everyone is welcome.

The event features board games and role playing games at Thirsty Robot Brewing.

Volunteers are needed to support a fun, family-friendly Fall Fest in Winchendon. Help is requested for setup, cleanup, serving, cafe support, grilling, pouring, bar support, and other event tasks. Most volunteer shifts are 2 to 3 hours. Proceeds from the HUB and Kiwanis food tent will benefit community efforts. For The HUB, funds sustain programs and services including Community Food, Emergency Assistance, Community Threads, Youth Leadership Training, Senior Bowling, Teen Drop-In, cooking classes, and after-school programs. Contributions also strengthen the Kiwanis Club of Winchendon and its ongoing service to children, families, and local initiatives. The festival features over 200 vendors, local food, and activities for kids, offering plenty of opportunities for community connection.

Toy Town hosts a free celebration of the 10th annual Winchendon Fall Festival, blending a touch of country with plenty of rock and roll. Local musicians keep the music going with classic rock favorites and original songs. Performers include Andy Kuchta, Shaely O’Dou, Neon Alley, Maggie Neff, The RanDom Band, TWO for the ROAD, and Wylie and the Boogiemen. Seating is available both outside and under a tent, and food vendors will be set up in the parking lot. Sound is provided by L & L Sound, with music sponsorship from the law firm Bonville & Howard, P.C.

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 community Walk N' Roll at Crocker Field brings together families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and supporters to back NAF’s mission to speed the development of treatments and enhance the lives of people living with Ataxia. The focus is on awareness, solidarity, and meaningful impact. Options to take part include forming a team or contributing in support of the cause.

Brian Walker delivers a continuous three hour live performance at Hollis Hills Farm. This extended set provides plenty of time to experience his music from start to finish.

Bring a book of your choice, enjoy refreshments, and spend some peaceful time reading, then close with a friendly chat about what you are reading. This gathering is for adults only.

At Hollis Hills Farm, librarians from Fitchburg Public Library lead a family story time featuring an interactive reading for children of all ages. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend with their kids. No registration is required.

Henry Laliberte performs a live solo set at Baileys Bar & Grille in Townsend, MA. Expect a mix of songs that spans multiple eras and genres, alongside a menu of meals and appetizers, a wraparound bar, and a variety of beverages.

Volunteers are needed for the Peterborough WindowDressers build. Those interested can register in advance to take part.

Week six of the 2026 varsity football season takes place at Gardner High School, with the Gardner Wildcats on their home field. This varsity matchup showcases high school football in a local setting.

Casey and Kathy bring lively music.

Athol Public Library and Hero Shack Press are teaming up for the fifth annual celebration of comics at Athol Town Hall. The venue becomes a lively hub for enthusiasts with comics, live drawing demonstrations, author question and answer sessions, games, vendors, a cosplay contest, free activities, and crafts, offering something for every age group. Admission is free for all ages. The full 2026 schedule will be shared soon. Cosplay contestants can sign up during the registration window before the competition, and cash prizes are offered.

Celebrate character building and stage presence at a cosplay competition that spotlights creativity, craftsmanship, and accuracy. Participants will compete for honors that include Best in Show, Creativity, Craftsmanship, Accuracy, and Best Presentation or Performance, with cash prizes selected by a panel of Comic Book Fest judges. Each person may enter only one costume, and preference is given to builds created at home. Professional commission-based costumers are invited to showcase their work at Comic Book Fest but should not enter the competition. Costumes that include nudity, obscene or graphic elements, or anything not in keeping with the spirit of the event will lead to disqualification. Judging focuses on resemblance to the character, the quality of construction, creative choices, presentation to the audience, and how well the costume is represented. Registration is free at the Comic Book Fest entry table inside Athol Town Hall and requires a name, age, character title, and franchise, along with a quick photo at sign-up. During the contest, each entrant will cross the stage, pause for a pose, and answer one or two brief questions from the MC about the character or the costume. To remain eligible for prizes, contestants are expected to present a new cosplay each year.

Winchendon Community Park hosts a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring costumes and candy, trunk-or-treat, music and Halloween games, haunted trails after dark, and a variety of food trucks and local vendors. The gathering also recognizes the second year of the Robinson and Broadhurst Foundation Performing Arts Amphitheater, bringing together communities from across the region for a day of entertainment, activities, and good company. Costumes are encouraged and admission is free.

Dave Mansfield and Ben Cote return to The Cellar 14Mill with an acoustic duo performance featuring some of their favorite songs from the 1960s through the 2000s. The set focuses on acoustic versions of familiar favorites spanning several decades.

This benefit bingo brings together 10 vendors, each offering a brief introduction before calling a round. There is a single winner per game, and the prize is the calling vendor’s product. Play 10 games for $5. Vendors on hand include Tastefully Simple with Sheila Perrow and Acadian Gifts & More with Melissa Cominoli.

Moon Hill Brewing and Gardner Ale House presents a laid-back pairing of buck-a-shuck oysters and blues. Enjoy oysters shucked for a dollar each with the sounds of blues setting an easygoing mood.

Explore how Paul McCartney’s songwriting grew from his work with the Beatles in the 1960s through later chapters of his career in this free program at Lunenburg Public Library. The presentation traces influences from his father, a jazz musician in the 1920s and 1930s, and explains how ballroom and dance hall big band sounds appear throughout his music. It also looks at his success as a pop and rock performer with Wings and as a solo artist. The program offers an overview of musical styles spanning Sir Paul’s 65 year career. Registration is strongly encouraged.

The 2026 US Outdoor Ball Hockey Championships will be hosted at a multi-rink complex at Fitchburg Street Hockey in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Competition is planned for Women’s A/B, Men’s B, Men’s D, and Men’s Rec divisions, with final offerings and any splits determined by the number of teams. Rosters will follow restricted lists for compliance. For more information, contact Zach Marquis.

The NEECA Fall Trail Ride features a route of about 8 miles. Park at NEECA, and note that overnight camping will be available the night before the ride for those coming from a distance. More information will be shared soon. For specific questions or to reserve a panel stall, contact Margo at westwindfm@aol.com.

Celebrate Halloween at Winchendon Community Park with an evening of costumes, music, and community spirit. This family-friendly outdoor gathering features live performances, costume contests for both kids and adults, and seasonal activities for all ages. General admission is $5, and children 12 and under are free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including local beer and wine, farm-fresh options, handmade boba tea, and pumpkin spice favorites. Presented by Winchendon Parks & Recreation, it offers a lively setting for friends and families to dress up and enjoy festive fun together under the lights.

A Halloween party with live music as Mike Martin opens the show, then MLC takes the stage. This event is for ages 21 and over and a valid ID is required. Admission is $20. Costume prizes will be awarded. A cash-only bar will be available and there is an ATM on site. Andy’s on the Run will serve from the food truck all night.

Bringing a festive weekend to its finale, this choral program presents Bach’s St. John Passion, a work of dramatic intensity and spiritual depth. The Festival Chorus performs, blending the voices of professional singers with talented members of the community chorus, with accompaniment from a skilled ensemble of musicians. The performance is led by conductor Colin Mann.

Attendees are invited to come in costume and show off their look.

The Ben Cote Band presents its third Halloween tribute show at PARTNER'S PUB, featuring three separate sets honoring Ozzy Osbourne, Dokken, and Ted Nugent. Each set focuses on one artist, with the band performing in costume to match the theme.

At Silent Book Club at the TPL, adults bring a book, enjoy refreshments, settle into quiet reading time, and then chat about what they are reading. Adults only.

Explore the traditional craft of transforming deer hides into soft buckskin in a three day, hands-on class led by Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival. Participants learn the complete braintan process from start to finish, including how to source and store a skin, then dry, scrape, soften, wring, and smoke it, followed by ideas for turning the finished material into clothing or crafts. Hides are supplied by local hunters who harvest deer for meat and donate the skins. Students typically work in pairs on a single hide and take home a share of the buckskin they helped create. All necessary materials are provided, and recommendations for optional personal equipment will be shared ahead of time for those who prefer to bring their own. This is a physically demanding class that rewards patience and persistence. Instruction takes place in all weather, so participants should dress for changing conditions and bring their own food. Those traveling from out of town should arrange lodging, and organizers can suggest nearby hotels or campsites. It is not an overnight campout, and each day wraps up when the day’s work is complete. Real animal skins are used. Students will handle tasks such as scraping away tissue, hair, and other material. Hides are kept fresh and frozen, and gloves, aprons, and a hand washing station are provided. Participants should arrive hydrated, well fed, sober, and ready to work hard. Instruction is provided by the Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival team.

Discover foundational blacksmithing in a hands-on afternoon class led by Alex Silverman. Participants will forge a functional coat hook while practicing essential techniques that set the stage for deeper exploration of the craft. The session also covers setting up a forge, using Alex’s portable propane setup along with straightforward tools such as a hammer, tongs, and an anvil. Alex is a full-time bladesmith and a past competitor on the History Channel series Forged in Fire. For safety, wear clothing made from natural fibers and closed toe leather shoes.

Monte Carlo Night sets the tone for a gala dinner dance in support of the Partner with Youth Campaign. Attendees can enjoy dinner, dancing, raffles, and casino-style games, all in the spirit of giving back to the community. The celebration takes place at Ellinwood Country Club, with catering provided by Black Crow. The event benefits local youth, and tickets are available for purchase at the Athol YMCA.

This benefit bingo event at the Gardner Elks spotlights Safe With Us Animal Rescue. Ten vendors each give a brief introduction, then call a game, and the single winner of that round receives that vendor’s product. There are 10 games for $5. Vendors include Tastefully Simple with Sheila Perrow and Acadian Gifts & More with Melissa Cominoli.

Kick off the Thanksgiving season with a pre-holiday gathering featuring food and music at Baileys Bar & Grille.

Bring a book of your choice, enjoy refreshments, settle into quiet reading time, then wrap up with a friendly conversation about what you are reading. This gathering is for adults only.