Events in Winchendon today

Now in its 31st year, this community-wide day of service brings together employees from local companies and residents to support agencies across North Central Massachusetts. Last year, more than 600 volunteers completed 62 projects at 48 local agencies. The day features a kickoff breakfast at Great Wolf Lodge, hands-on projects across the region, and a thank you barbecue at Gardner PACC. Agencies can register projects now. Volunteer registration will open. Sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Beth at beth@www.uwncm.org.

A warm, child-centered morning designed for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers features engaging stories, lively songs, and developmentally supportive play. It offers an easy way to meet other families while little ones explore at their own pace. This program is free, light refreshments are available for children and adults, and walk-ins are welcome with no registration needed.

A casual teen drop-in at The HUB features free bowling, ice cream, and space to relax with friends. The atmosphere is laid back with games to enjoy and no admission cost, creating an easy place to unwind. Sponsored by The United Way of North Central MA.

The cruise night returns with a new name honoring beloved member Bruno Starzynski. Expect a classic car showcase that depends on the weather, a visiting food truck, and a 50/50 raffle. Live bands perform in the Pavilion Hall regardless of conditions. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Celebrate a community tradition at the Townsend Historical Society’s 45th annual arts and crafts fair. This juried event features roughly 75 artisan vendors, along with food and a bake sale. Browse the booths and explore handmade creations throughout the fair.

The NEECA Triathlon brings a team-focused challenge with three legs that include biking, running or jogging, and horseback riding. Each team designates one participant for each segment, and recognition is given for the fastest combined team time as well as top individual times in each category. With a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends, it blends friendly competition with plenty of fun.

At Treehouse Studio, this intimate seasonal experience welcomes a small circle of 4 to 6 guests to slow their pace and reconnect with nature. The Ayurvedic Garden Table centers on fresh, in-season food and herbal beverages, gentle grounding yoga, time in the garden, and simple Ayurvedic guidance that is naturally integrated throughout. Menus and practices are inspired by what is flourishing locally and in the studio garden. Guests may choose the yoga session, the table gathering, or combine both for a fuller nourishment experience. The setting is primarily outdoors in the studio’s gardens and communal spaces when weather allows, with an indoor studio available as a backup. Pricing is $22 for Seasonal Grounding Yoga and $88 for The Ayurvedic Garden Table, reflecting a down-to-earth approach to living Ayurveda through food, movement, seasonal rhythms, and meaningful connection.

A Mopar-focused car show at Salvadore Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Gardner, Massachusetts brings together classic vehicle owners, passionate fans, and spectators to celebrate the cars, the community, and the shared Mopar spirit. Explore a lineup of classic Mopars, enjoy food available for purchase, test your knowledge with trivia, and take part in prize opportunities. The gathering also highlights two milestones, recognizing Salvadore’s 35 years in business and the Mighty Mopar Group’s 42nd year as a club. Admission is free.

A New England gluten free expo brings together more than 100 exhibitors with complimentary samples and products available for purchase, and each attendee receives a tote bag. Families will find a dedicated area for kids, food trucks will be on site, and beer and wine will be available. Presentations are part of the program. Free parking is available, strollers and wagons are welcome, and there is ample room and seating for a comfortable experience.

Advance your practice with a two day Level 2 Reiki training that culminates in certification. Guided by Reiki Master Teacher Gloria Young, this course deepens skills through hands on instruction and individualized support. Participants explore the three Level 2 symbols and their practical applications, techniques for offering Reiki to people who are not physically present, approaches for addressing emotional and mental patterns, methods for working with past experiences, ways to balance and harmonize the chakras, and practices for clearing heavy energy to encourage spiritual growth. The curriculum also includes advanced meditations and visualizations to strengthen your connection and confidence. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, a comprehensive manual for continued study, and access to a private online community of fellow practitioners. Tuition is $400. This offering from New England Bodywork & Wellness Academy is intended for students who have completed a reputable Level 1 course, maintain a regular practice, feel comfortable with self care and sharing Reiki with others, and arrive with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to receive feedback. Refunds are available with a $25 administrative deduction up to 30 days before the workshop. Cancellations 14 to 29 days prior incur a $50 administrative deduction. No refunds are issued within 14 days of the start, for day of cancellations, or for no shows. Masks are optional, and anyone feeling unwell should refrain from attending. A minimum of four students is required. If the minimum is not met, a class credit will be provided for a future session.

Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon presents its first Indie Author Book Fair, a free community celebration of self-published and independent voices across many genres, including mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, poetry and more. The fair spotlights Sisters in Crime New England with authors Nicole Asselin, Judith Carlough, and Mike Ciaraldi. Participating writers include Donald Ballou Smyth, Catherine Zebrowski, Barbara Friedman, Deborah Fukuda, Jorge Sanchez, Kris Bowser, Mary Anne Kalonas Slack, Michelle Elliott, Robin Roberts, Ann Goltz, Jack McClintock, Jacqueline Gamache, Michael Glenzel, Melanie Meadors, Ruth Madison, Douglas Dumont, Kimberly Hallinan, Sally Cragin, Jean Varda, Victoria R. Delmar, Shawn McClintock, John Daly, Via Luino, and Marie LeClaire. Publishing professionals will be on hand as well, including Raymond Rugg of Tree-Lion Press and Jaqueline Gamache of Lore & Rime, along with editor Tracy Cutter of Language Lover Editing Services. Attendees can enjoy author talks, roundtables on how to get started with publishing, how to avoid scams, and how to work with third party contractors such as artists and editors. Workshops explore e-pubs and the journey from book to audiobook. Families will find children’s activities, and food will be available from Lickity Splitz Food Truck and Pepe’s Eatery. The fair is presented in partnership with the Friends of the Beals Library, By Light Unseen Media, and the Winchendon Cultural Council.

HHF’s annual Apple Festival features pick-your-own apples, local vendors, live music, and seasonal food and drinks. Food is provided by The Finicky Fork, and the music lineup includes Ethan & Ashley, Blue Collar Ramblers, and The Blue Hour Society. Vendor applications are open, and questions can be sent to Michelle at mdicastro15@gmail.com. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

This annual festival brings a wide variety of food trucks serving cuisines from multiple countries, paired with shopping from artists and crafters. Admission is free and parking is available nearby. Alcoholic beverages will be offered by Stein & Vine. For vendor information, registration fees, and sign-up details, email wootrucks@gmail.com.

Cowboys & Hippies at Winchendon Community Park is a community event featuring live music from Bearly Dead, along with Whiskey-6, Waylon & Co., and The Whole Loaf. Volunteers are needed for setup, cleanup, serving, cafe support, and other event needs. Most shifts are 2 to 3 hours, and every hour helps sustain the many programs The HUB provides throughout the year. Proceeds from The HUB and Kiwanis food tent will support the work both organizations do locally. For The HUB, that includes Community Food, Emergency Assistance, Community Threads, Youth Leadership Training, Senior Bowling, Teen Drop-In, cooking classes, after-school programs, and more. Funds also help the Kiwanis Club of Winchendon continue its service to children, families, and community initiatives throughout Winchendon.

Celebrate the close of the season at the Community Canvas End of Summer Festival. Explore hands-on maker tables, enjoy live music from Shaely O'Dou, sample bites from food trucks, and cap it off with a movie. Admission is free, with support from Mass Cultural Council, Athol Credit Union, Athol Trading Post, POLUS CENTER, Athol Area YMCA, and Lickity Splitz.

A memorial motorcycle ride honoring Tom Fors begins following check-in. The day features raffles, live music from MLC, and a rollout of new T-shirt designs created for the event. Further details will be shared as they become available.

HHF’s annual Apple Festival offers pick your own apples, local vendors, live music, and seasonal drinks, with food from The Finicky Fork. The music lineup includes Barking Dogs followed by Dan Cormier. Vendor applications are open, and questions can be directed to Michelle at mdicastro15@gmail.com. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Benefit bingo at the Gardner Elks features ten vendor-led games that support a cause. Each vendor gives a brief introduction, then calls a game. Win a round and receive that vendor’s product, with one winner per game. Ten games are available for $5. Featured businesses include Tastefully Simple with Sheila Perrow, Acadian Gifts & More with Melissa Cominoli, Klumsy Kreations with Kristi Laraba, Hand Knit Creations with Darlene Brehio, Stitchin Creation with Felicia Peppard, Pampered Chef with Jessican Fountain-poole, Smiley Sweets with Anna Pandiscio, and Julie’s Little Freshie Shop with Julie Pavao.

A weekly recovery support group meets at Fitchburg CHC on the second floor in Conference Room 2. It is free and open to the public, welcoming adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders. CHC recovery coaches facilitate the conversation, with a focus on self-exploration and peer support to encourage personal growth. Weekly groups are also available at Leominster CHC, Greater Gardner CHC, and ACTION CHC in Fitchburg. For questions or to learn more, call 978-878-8484.

Enjoy a friendly game gathering at the Winchendon Senior Center with tables set for cribbage, Scrabble, checkers, chess, and card games. Newcomers, returning players, and seasoned gamers are all welcome, and a few cribbage enthusiasts are hoping to find additional partners. Boards and cards are provided, and drop-ins can choose whichever game they prefer. Transportation assistance is available for anyone who needs a ride. For help arranging one, contact 978-297-3155 or communityconnector@winchendon-cac.org. For general questions, reach the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 or winchendoncoa@gmail.com.

This weekly book club at the Gardner FRC offers an hour of lively discussion with fellow readers. Books are provided by the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, so there is no need to bring a copy. Lunch is included, and child care is available upon request. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, with time to share ideas and connect over each selection. Registration is required.

Enjoy a creative session painting pumpkin themed charcuterie boards at Marcello’s Restaurant. This popular project welcomes all skill levels, and no prior painting experience is needed. Participants can attend on their own or with friends, and a positive attitude is encouraged for a relaxed, enjoyable time.