Free events in St. Albans, VT

North End Food Pantry hosts a monthly clothing and food drive that welcomes seasonal clothing for all ages as well as shelf-stable foods and personal care items. Clothing should be freshly laundered and free of pet hair, stains, and rips, and food donations must be unexpired. Items that make the biggest impact include diapers and wipes, menstrual care products with pads preferred, toilet paper, canned beans, canned meat or fish, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, peanut butter, cereal, pasta, and rice. As an all-volunteer nonprofit, the pantry provides free food, personal care items, and clothing, and community donations help neighbors meet essential needs with dignity. Volunteers are also being recruited to help sort donations during the monthly drive by opening bags and boxes, checking for quality, and organizing by type, gender, and age group. To volunteer, email volunteer@northendfoodpantry.org. For questions about the drive or the organization, contact info@northendfoodpantry.org.

This event offers an opportunity for people who need assistance to obtain pet products for their animals. It is focused on supporting everyday pet care so families can continue looking after their companions.

Celebrate the close of the market season at the Westford Harvest Market. Browse local vendors offering fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, bread, honey, jam, jewelry and other handcrafts. Enjoy live music from Blues for Breakfast. Beer from Foam Brewers will be available. Take part in apple pressing, with apple donations welcome. Face painting, burgers, tacos and a raffle drawing round out the day. Admission and activities are free.

Settle in for an easygoing afternoon of films, snacks, and friendly conversation in a supportive, welcoming setting. A variety of movies will be shown, creating a relaxed way to unwind and meet others in the community in an alcohol-free environment. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Enjoy a relaxed, friendly gathering where participants create their own fishing lures and assemble a tackle box to take home. It is a good fit for avid anglers as well as anyone curious to try something new, offering an easy way to unwind, be creative, and meet people in the community. All supplies are provided at no cost. Everyone is welcome.

The concluding program in the America 250 lecture series, Creating and Commemorating Our Nation, features author Meg Muckenhoupt and her exploration of how New England’s food traditions took shape. Drawing on The Truth About Baked Beans, she examines the mythmaking that linked molasses to baked beans, tracing how Victorian and Colonial Revival narratives influenced what many believe about regional cuisine. Stories of Boston baked beans, maple syrup, bear fat, and more illuminate how food can define identity, signal belonging, and determine which histories are shared. The talk is free and open to the public, held in Alice’s third floor ballroom, with refreshments provided. Muckenhoupt is a freelance writer and the author of The Truth About Baked Beans and Cabbage: A Global History. Her work has appeared in the Boston Globe, the Boston Phoenix, Boston Magazine, and the Time Out Boston guide, and her book Boston Gardens and Green Spaces, published by Union Park Press in 2010, is a Boston Globe Local Bestseller. She lives in Lexington, Massachusetts.

A free, confidential support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide is available at the NCSS Main Office in St. Albans. It meets monthly and offers a compassionate setting to connect with others, share when ready, or simply listen. For more information, contact Deb at 802-524-6555 ext. 4325 or dbabbie@ncssinc.org.

Magic & Moonlight is a friendly discussion circle where people from all magical paths can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Whether you are well practiced or just beginning a spiritual journey, all who feel drawn to magic are welcome. Conversations focus on learning, shared wisdom, and community connection. Attendees are encouraged to bring curiosity, questions, and their own practice to the conversation. Admission is free, and the gathering takes place at Moonshadows.

Open Mic Night brings a welcoming showcase to the Old Soul taproom, hosted by Kevin Sabourin. Performers of many styles are encouraged, from singer songwriters and poets to magicians and more, creating a space that celebrates diverse creative expression. The event is open to all ages, and a voluntary donation can be made at the door or the bar.

Settle in for an upbeat karaoke night centered on music, laughter, and community in a sober, welcoming space. Take the mic or cheer from the crowd, unwind, and connect with others while sharing favorite songs. Come as you are, no singing background necessary. It is a chance to build confidence and create memorable moments with a supportive group. Admission is free and open to everyone. Bring your friends, your go-to tracks, and positive vibes for an evening of alcohol-free fun.

Enjoy a free community gathering focused on connection and care. Share a seated meal and take part in activities suitable for all ages. Family and friends are welcome, and everyone is invited to come just as they are. This series takes place on the first Friday of each month from September through June. It offers a supportive space for anyone navigating stress, frustration, uncertainty, or feelings of being overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or alone. The emphasis is on discovering hope through the strength of community. For questions, call (802) 524-3529.

Fall Fest brings the start of autumn to the Strand Center for the Arts with a full day of creative activities. Highlights include an annual pumpkin carving contest, a chalk challenge, kids activities, live art demos, and tours of the Art Center and Theatre. The gallery will also be open with free entry. The event is free and open to all ages.

Explore a friendly, low-pressure space for making arts and crafts. Activities change each week, with options like painting, DIY projects, and seasonal creations, so there is always something new to try for every skill level. All materials are provided at no cost. Enjoy an upbeat atmosphere where people can connect, express creativity, and share in a sense of community. Open to all.