Events in Bennington today

This market offers a welcoming space that brings creative work out of the studio and into public view. Emerging artists and experienced makers present their work, try out new ideas, and grow passion projects in a professional environment that supports participation in the local economy. Visitors can meet creators, discover works in progress, and experience a community-minded marketplace. Vendor opportunities are available for those interested in participating.

Explore local produce alongside baked goods, sweet treats, and handmade items at this community market. It takes place every Saturday and continues regardless of the weather.

A block party centers around Turning Point Recovery Center of Bennington, featuring live music, vendors, and the return of both a wellness village and a kids village. Guests can also tour the center’s relatively new home. Dedicated to cultivating a community that embraces a substance and alcohol-free lifestyle, the event highlights life in recovery.

Common Folk Writer's Jam offers a welcoming place to push through creative roadblocks and exchange ideas with fellow writers. Poetry, prose, and everything in between are welcome. Ask for feedback, try prompts for inspiration, brainstorm together, or simply settle in to write alongside others in a calm, supportive setting. Please bring a notebook and pencil or a device for writing. Open to members and nonmembers.

This adult, peer-led grief support group offers a compassionate space for conversation and mutual support. Gatherings take place at the Youth Center building, with open discussions guided by participants. For more information, call the Youth Center at (413) 458-5925.

An uninstructed, drop-in portrait drawing studio invites artists of all experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned professionals, to practice likeness, proportion, and dramatic light in a relaxed, self-directed setting. There is no teaching or critique, so participants can focus on developing their personal style at their own pace. A single model maintains one portrait pose for the entire session, organized into 20-minute drawing intervals with short stretch breaks, plus a longer 10 to 15 minute pause midway. Please bring your own materials and paper. Supplies that work well include graphite, charcoal, conté, colored pencils, ballpoint pens, and clean, non-messy sketchbooks. Oil painting is not permitted at this time while ventilation and disposal solutions are addressed, with the goal of allowing oils in the future. This is a pay-what-you-can session. Contributions support model fees and help sustain the space. RSVP by emailing NorthAdamsDraws@gmail.com.

Explore nature together in a registered play and learn group built around the Boston Children's Museum Nature curriculum. Designed with young children in mind, it is especially suited for ages 2 to 4. Each participating family receives a take-home kit to support hands-on discovery. This series runs for six weeks. Registration is required. To sign up, call 413-664-4821.