SUMMER 2024

Prime’s guide to things to see and do in Western Mass

By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com

      Welcome to Prime’s first-ever summer guide to fun in Western Mass.! Below is a carefully curated listing of things to see and do during the months of July, August and September.

      I say carefully curated because there’s no way to list everything that’s happening – all the town concerts, collegiate baseball games, shows, plays and library events – this summer ... there wouldn’t be room!

      We’ve tried to offer a sampling of some of the events at popular Berkshire  destinations  like Tanglewood, Shakespeare and Co., The Mount and Jacob’s Pillow, along with a show at West springfield’s Majestic Theater and many  of the local hometown fairs.

      We at Prime hope you’ll find this guide a handy way to start planning to add some fun to your weeks and weekends this summer.

      Just know there’s even more to keep yourself, the kids, grandkids, and families having fun.  Enjoyl

1. S.- to help stretch your summer fun budget, all free activities are marked with an asterisk (*)

JULY

*JULY 2 – HARD KNOX IN CONCERT

At 7 p.m. at School Street Park, 511 School St., Agawam, MA. Part of SummerFest concert series.  Free. Call 821-0513 after 2 p.m. for cancellation info.             

*JULY 2 – SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS FREE FIRST WEDNESDAY

       Thanks to a grant from the Art Bridges Foundation, everyone gets free admission to the five Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA., on the first Wednesday of every month through 2026! Info: springfieldmuseums.org/free-first-wednesday/

Through JULY 3 – EAST LONGMEADOW CARNIVAL

This annual event on Center Field kicks off the summer celebrations in Western Mass! Get in the July 4th spirit with carnival rides, live music, food, a beer tent and more. Free Admission.

*JULY 3 – EAST LONGMEADOW LASER LIGHT SHOW

      On the grounds of Mapleshade Elementary School. Trailer Trash performs at 7 p.m.; laser light show at 9 p.m. Mapleshade Avenue will be one way that evening. Info: eastlongmeadowma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1281

*JULY 4 – EAST LONGMEADOW 4TH OF JULY PARADE

It’s the largest July 4th parade in the area! This annual celebration steps off from East Longmeadow High School at 10 a.m. to proceed down Main Street to Mapleshade Avenue, ending at Mapleshade Elementary School. Pick your spot early! Free.

* JULY 4 – STAR SPANGLED SPRINGFIELD

The annual salute to America’s Independence Day takes place at Riverfront Park in downtown Springfield. Family-friendly festivities begin at 6 p.m., I-91 exit ramps into Springfield close at 7 p.m., fireworks take place approximately 9 p.m. from Memorial Bridge. Admission is free, parking $10 in local garages and lots.

* JULY 4 - TRAILER TRASH IN CONCERT AT MGM

6 p.m. on the Plaza at MGM, downtown Springfield. Fun and games at 15 minute intermission. Free. Refreshments available for purchase.

JULY 4-6  - SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

The park will be decked in red, white and blue for the festivities, and guests can enjoy patriotic music, water relays, a water balloon toss, a DJ for dancing, an end-of-night laser light dance party and nightly fireworks. Info:sixflags.com/newengland/events/coca-cola-july-4th-fest

JULY 7-8 AUTHOR TALK AT THE MOUNT - “The Art Spy”

Author Michelle Young presents “The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland” (Harper Collins, 2025)., “The Art Spy”chronicles the brave actions of Rose Valland, a key Resistance spy embedded within the Nazi’s Parisian art looting headquarters. At the Mount, 2 Plunket St., Lenox, MA . Tickets $27-$42.  Info: edithwharton.org/event/michelle-young-2/

JULY 8-13 – BRIMFIELD OUTDOOR ANTIQUES SHOW

Known as the antiques capital of the Northeast, the Brimfield show features thousands of dealers across 21 show lots along Route 20. Many lots are free admission, some charge a fee. Lots open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No parking on Route 20 – your car will be towed! GPS coordinates are:35 Palmer Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Info: brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/

* JULY 9 – 7 ROADS IN CONCERT

At 7 p.m. at School Street Park, 511 School St., Agawam, MA. Part of SummerFest concert series.  Free. Call 821-0513 after 2 p.m. for cancellation info.             

*JULY 10 – UNION JACK: A BRITISH INVASION BAND IN CONCERT

At 6:30 p.m. at Fountain Park, 883 Tinkham Rd., Wilbraham, MA. Part of Summer Concert series.  Free, but $5 parking donation unless you have a season pass. Refreshments available for purchase.                

*JULY 11-12 - SPRINGFIELD JAZZ AND ROOTS FESTIVAL

At Stearns Square, downtown Springfield, MA. presented by Blu and Green. Free. Includes the annual Second Line parade on Saturday, jazz, blues, gospel, funk, Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa and more from top tier performers both days and the Jazz and Justice speaker series Info: springfieldjazzfest.com/

*JULY 11-13 – ENFIELD CT.  FOURTH OF JULY TOWN CELEBRATION

On the Town Green, Enfield CT., this three- day celebration includes a 5K road race, battle of the bands, Taste of Enfield food vendors, concerts, a parade and fireworks! Info: enfieldcelebration.org/

JULY 12 - “ROMEO & JULIET” AT SHAKESPEARE & Co.

      At 7 p.m. in the outdoor Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre of Shakespeare & Co., 70 Kemble St., Lenox, MA. Arrive early to enjoy refreshments at Josie’s Place or bring your own picnic. Production runs Tues.- Sun. through Aug. 14. Tickets: Call 413- 637-3353 or ci.ovationtix.com/403/production/1225356

JULY 12-13-  CT. TROLLEY MUSEUM DINO-TROLLEY

Also July 19 & 20, both weekends from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Families search for dinosaurs on a safari trolley, take part in a fossil dig and dino egg hunt, make a dino craft and more. All events included in admission price. Museum is located at 58 North Rd., East Windsor. Info: ct-trolley.org/events/upcoming-events/

JULY 13 – OPENING CONCERT OF 57TH SEASON OF SEVENARS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Lauded as one of the best small music festivals in the U.S., the opening family and friends concert featuring Sharade and James Musicians with Jerry Noble and Alexis Walls begins at 4 p.m. in the Sevenars Hall, corner of South Ireland St. and Rte. 112, south Worthington, MA. Complimentary refreshments. Suggested donation $20/person.  Info: facebook.com/SevenarsMusicFestival/

*JULY 13 – ROWE COUNTY BAND IN CONCERT

At 6 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavillion, Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield, MA. Part of Sunday Night concert series.  Free. Check stanleypark.org for weather cancellation.

*JULY 14 – FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK

 “Moana 2” at 8:30 p.m. in Samuel Bolden Park, King Street and Wilbraham Road in Springfield, MA. The city will host free movies Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Aug. 1 at different parks each day. For titles and more info: tinyurl.com/mr3mzvsj or call 413-787-6435\

*JULY 16 – COVER DADDY’S IN CONCERT

At 7 p.m. at School Street Park, 511 School St., Agawam, MA. Part of SummerFest concert series.  Free. Call 821-0513 after 2 p.m. for cancellation info.

JULY 16 – THE SARASOTA BALLET AT JACOB’S PILLOW

      In the Ted Shaw Theater at Jacob’s Pillow, 358 George Carter Rd., Beckett, MA. A mixed program including a piece by Sir Frederick Ashton and a world premiere by American choreographer Jessica Lang, the Virginia B. Toulmin & Muriel O’Neil Artist in Residence at The Sarasota Ballet. Performances continue through July 20. Tickets: Call 413-243 9199 or visit my.jacobspillow.org/thesarasotaballet

JULY 17 – NATURAL HISTORY WALK IN OLD DEERFIELD

At 3 p.m., meeting place is the Visitor Center at Hall Tavern, 84B Old Main St., Deerfield MA.  This outdoor historical walk is included in the Old Deerfield admission price. General Admission $20, ages 13-17, $5. Info: historic-deerfield.org/events/

* JULY 17 – TOM INGRAM BAND IN CONCERT

At 6:30 p.m. at Fountain Park, 883 Tinkham Rd., Wilbraham, MA. Part of Summer Concert series.  Free, but $5 parking donation unless you have a season pass. Refreshments available for purchase.

*JULY 18 – BACK IN BLACK: AN AC/DC TRIBUTE BAND IN CONCERT

At 7:30 p.m. on the outdoor Plaza at MGM casino, downtown Springfield. Free. Refreshments available for purchase.              

*July 19 – ANNUAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

At the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club, 121 West St. Springfield, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Asian-themed festival includes races by premier dragon boat club teams, entertainment, music, food and vendors, as well as a Rose Ceremony to commemorate those loved ones we have lost to cancer, and particularly breast cancer. Come for the racing, stay for the day. Rain or shine! Info: pvriverfront.org/dragon-boat-festival

JULY 19 – GLASGOW LANDS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL

From 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Look Park, 300 North Main St., Northampton, MA. The 30th anniversary of this festival promises to be a grand event! This family-friendly festival includes children’s events, athletic competitions, music, traditional and American foods, a whiskey tasting (tickets required) and a gathering of the clans. Event is rain or shine; Free parking.  Admission $32 at gate, children $6.50, whiskey tasting $32. Info/ online tickets: glasgowlands.org/

*JULY 20 – SWEET HITCH-HIKER: A CREDENCE CLEARWATER TRIBUTE BAND

At 6 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion, Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield, MA. Part of Sunday Night concert series.  Free. Check www.stanelypark.org for weather cancellation.

*JULY 23 – KITCHEN JAM IN CONCERT

At 7 p.m. at School Street Park, 511 School St., Agawam, MA. Part of SummerFest concert series.  Free. Call 821-0513 after 2 p.m. for cancellation info.

JULY 23 – ANGKOR DANCE TROUPE AT JACOB’S PILLOW

      At 5:30 p.m. on the Henry J. Leir Stage at Jacob’s Pillow, 358 George Carter Rd., Beckett, MA. This troupe preserved Cambodian dance traditions nearly lost during the Khmer Rouge genocide of the 1970s. Dance is performed in traditional costumes. Choose what you pay admission. Tickets: my.jacobspillow.org/angkordancetroupe

*JULY 24 – THE CARTELS IN CONCERT

At 6:30 p.m. at Fountain Park, 883 Tinkham Rd., Wilbraham, MA. Part of Summer Concert series.  Free, but $5 parking donation unless you have a season pass. Refreshments available for purchase.

JULY 25- HOLYOKE CELEBRATES NATIONAL MERRY-GO-ROUND DAY

Open noon to 4 p.m. Located at 221 Appleton St in the southwest corner of Holyoke’s Heritage State Park, the merry go round, originally constructed at Mountain Park in 1929, includes a carousel comprised of 48 magnificent horses hand carved by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company: 2 chariots as well as 56 original scenic panels, 864 brightly colored lights and 98 beveled mirrors. Tickets $3.50/ride or 4/$10 Info: holyokemerrygoround.org/

*JULY 25 – PETTY LARCENY: TOM PETTY TRIBUTE BAND

At 7:30 p.m. on the outdoor Plaza at MGM casino, downtown Springfield. Free. Refreshments available for purchase.

JULY 25 & 26  SECOND ANNUAL PIONEER VALLEY SKA FESTIVAL

At 52 Sumner, Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA. . The Pioneer Valley Ska Festival returns for a two-day celebration of horns, rhythm, and island-inspired grooves. Featuring a full lineup of regional ska bands. Info/tickets : 52sumner.com/event-listings/

JULY 25 – “THE PIANO LESSON AT SHAKESPEARE & CO.

      At 6:30 p.m. in the Elayne P. Bernstein Theater of Shakespeare & Co., 70 Kemble St., Lenox, MA. Set against the backdrop of 1936 Pittsburgh during the Great Depression, August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning “The Piano Lesson” explores the lives of the Charles family, and vividly portrays an enduring conflict between siblings. Production runs Wed. – Sun., with 2 p.m. matinee on Sat., Sun. Tickets: Call the box office at 413- 637-3353 or  ci.ovationtix.com/403/production/1226143

*JULY 27 – THE EDDIE FORMAN ORCHESTRA

At 6 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion, Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield, MA. Part of Sunday Night concert series.  Free. Check stanelypark.org for weather cancellation.

*JULY 30 – SKID MARKS IN CONCERT

At 7 p.m. at School Street Park, 511 School St., Agawam, MA. Part of SummerFest concert series.  Free. Call 821-0513 after 2 p.m. for cancellation info.

AUGUST

Aug 1. – 103RD LITTLEVILLE FAIR

      Opens at 4 p.m., runs through 4 p.m. Aug. 3 at 15 Kinnebrook Rd, Chester, MA.  Live music, oxen draws, a petting zoo, pony rides, horse and rider competitions, dairy and beef cattle showing, a puppet show, a BMX performance, children’s activities, a women’s fry pan toss, exhibits, a turkey dinner, chicken barbecue and a Jack n’ Jill Cross Cut Saw Competition. Tickets $10, 12 years of age and younger, free. Info: littlevillefair.com/

Aug. 1 – “STAR WARS RETURN OF THE JEDI” IN CONCERT AT TANGLEWOOD

      At 8 p.m. the Koussevitzky Music Shed, Tanglewood, 297 West. St., Lenox, MA. Damon Gupton conducts the Boston Pops Orchestra as we follow Hans Solo, Princess Lea and Luke Skywalker through their attempts to take down the empire. Lawn seats begin at $43, including fees. Info: bso.org/events/boston-pops-return-of-the-jedi?performance=2025-08-01-20:00 Tickets: secure.bso.org/syos/performance/26936

Aug. 2 – SIX FLAGS FOOD & BREW FESTIVAL

      Feast like a beast on nachos, street tacos, a brisket sandwich, cornbread topped with mac and cheese and BBQ pulled pork, chicken broccoli alfredo, beef spiedini, loaded buffalo chicken fries and more! Plus craft beers and cocktails. Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 10. Admission and parking required, food costs separate. Info:

sixflags.com/newengland/events

Aug. 2- BREW AT THE ZOO

      From 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Zoo in Forest Park, Sumner Avenue, Springfield MA. Enjoy unlimited craft beer samples from local breweries, a home brew competition, live music, food trucks, games and, of course, animal interactions. Proceeds support the ongoing work of the zoo. Must be 21 to attend. Pre-purchased tickets required. Tickets $55, designated driver, $25.  Info/tickets: forestparkzoo.org/brew

AUG 2 & 3 – “ANNIE” AT 52 SUMNEr

      The Springfield Community Theater of MA brings this Tony-award-winning musical to the 52 Sumner performance space for two dates only! Based on the beloved comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon. Tickets start at $xx. For tickets or more info email  info@52sumner.com.

AUG. 2 & 3 – POCUMTUCK HOMELANDS FESTIVAL

      From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Unity Park in Turners Falls. This free, two-day event features an opportunity to Speak with elders, enjoy live music, drumming, storytelling, Native American fare, and crafts. People have gathered at the Great Falls for thousands of years, and this event is the perfect combination of live music, drumming, dancing, storytelling, native crafts, and food. Event is rain or shine. Info: nolumbekaproject.org.

AUG 2 & 3 – DEERFIELD WHITEWATER FESTIVAL

      Hosted by American Whitewater, the event celebrates the successful relicensing of dams along the Deerfield and Connecticut rivers over the past 25 years. The main festival activities take place on Saturday evening from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Berkshire East and provide entertainment for both paddlesport and non-paddlesport enthusiasts young and old. Zoar Outdoor will host a paddling clinic, and will have kayaks to demo for a fee, applicable towards the purchase of a craft. Info: americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/aw:events_deerfield

*AUG. 3 – HARD KNOX BAND

At 6 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion, Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield, MA. Part of Sunday Night concert series.  Free. Check stanleypark.org for weather cancellation.

AUG. 5 – LISA LANNO MESSAGES FROM THE OTHER SIDE

      At the Majestic Theater, 131 Elm St., West Springfield, MA. Lisa Lanno returns to the Majestic for an evening of emotionally-charged spirit connections. This astounding and interactive program connects actual audience members with friends and loved ones from the Other Side. Info./tickets majestictheater.com/summer-2025#july

*Aug 6 – Springfield Museums Free First Wednesday

       Thanks to a grant from the Art Bridges Foundation, everyone gets free admission to the five Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA., on the first Wednesday of every month through 2026! Info: springfieldmuseums.org/free-first-wednesday/

AUG. 8 TO 10 – ANNUAL MIDDLEFIELD FAIR

The fairgrounds at 7 Bell Rd., Middlefield, MA., open a 4 p.m. on Friday Aug. 8, 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday Aug. 9 & 10. This old-time country fair, established in 1855, includes a petting zoo, children’s bike giveaways, a kid’s pie eating contest, square dancing, oxen pulls, classic cars, music and home-style meals. There will be a pancake breakfast on Sunday at 8 a.m. Admission: Adults $10, Seniors 65 and older $6, veterans and children 12 and younger, free. Info: middlefieldfair.org/

AUG. 8-10 – MINERAL, GEM AND FOSSIL SHOW

      On the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. -  6p.m.; Sunday, 10 a .m. - 5p.m.The East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show is the largest show of this kind east of the Mississippi River! Over 130 retail dealers and a separate venue with 45 wholesale dealers, who sell mineral specimens, fossils, gemstones, beads, jewelry, meteorites for outer space, crystals, geodes, decorator items, and lapidary supplies and equipment. Admission $10, Children 12 years of age and younger, free with paid admission. Parking $5. Info: mineralshowsLLD.com

*AUG. 10 – THE SAVAGE BROTHERS IN CONCERT

At 6 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion, Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield, MA. Part of Sunday Night concert series.  Free. Check stanelypark.org for weather cancellation.

*AUG. 12 – FREE ADMISSION CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT HOLYOKE

      Bring the grandkids! Part of the Annual Adventures in August funded by the Highland Street Foundation, a Boston nonprofit providing enrichment to children and families statewide. Tickets are first come, first-served; advance registration may be required due to limited capacity. Museum is located at 444 Dwight St., Holyoke MA. Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Info./register: childrensmuseumholyoke.org/

*AUG. 13 – FREE ADMISSION HISTORIC DEERFIELD

      Bring the family! Part of the Annual Adventures in August funded by the Highland Street Foundation, a Boston nonprofit providing enrichment to children and families statewide. Advance registration may be required, tickets are first-come first-served.  Museum is located at 80 Old Main Street Deerfield, MA. Hours: 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Info./register: historic-deerfield.org/

*AUG. 15 – FREE ADMISSION JACOB’S PILLOW

      Bring the family to this dance mecca for an artistic encounter! Part of the Annual Adventures in August funded by the Highland Street Foundation, a Boston nonprofit providing enrichment to children and families statewide. Advance registration may be required, tickets are first-come first-served.  Jacob’s Pillow is located at 358 George Carter Road,  Becket, MA. Info/register:jacobspillow.org/festival/

*AUG. 15-17 – 97TH ANNUAL WESTFIELD FAIR

      The Westfield Fair offers livestock shows, family entertainment rides, music and more! Oxen draw, antique tractor pull, hay toss, kid’s pedal tractor pull, a petting zoo and more. Friday 5-10 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.- 10 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. at 137 Russelville Rd., Westfield MA, Info: thewestfieldfair.com/

*AUG. 16 – SUMMER BIRD WALK AT STANLEY PARK

      Martha Kane leads this walk from 8 to 10 a.m. through the gardens and wildlife sanctuary of Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield, MA. Beginners welcome; no experience necessary. Bring binoculars if you have them. Walk will meet at the main entrance sign to the Frank Stanley Beveridge Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary. Wear hiking clothes, sturdy boots or shoes and bring water and bug spray. Info: tinyurl.com/z5dz6jt6

*AUG. 21 – BENNIE AND THE JETS IN CONCERT IN FOREST PARK

      Grab a blanket, a picnic and head to Forest Park for a free concert in the Amphitheater, beginning at 6:30 p.m.! Park entry is free from Sumner Avenue or Router 5 gates after 5:30 p.m., food trucks and beer from White Lion Brewing available after 6 p.m. In case of rain, concert moves to tent at Barney Carriage House. Info: springfield-ma.gov/park/

*AUG. 22 – TRAMPS LIKE US- A BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE BAND

At 7:30 p.m. on the outdoor Plaza at MGM casino, downtown Springfield. Free. Refreshments available for purchase.

*AUG. 24 – FREE ADMISSION HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE

      Bring the family! Part of the Annual Adventures in August funded by the Highland Street Foundation, a Boston nonprofit providing enrichment to children and families statewide. Advance registration may be required, tickets are first-come first-served.  This living history museum in the Berkshires brings the Shaker story to life. Museum is located at 34 Lebanon Mountain Rd., Handcock, MA. Info./register:  hancockshakervillage.org/

*AUG. 28 – FREE ADMISSION ZOO AT FOREST PARK

      A perfect end-of-summer treat! Part of the Annual Adventures in August funded by the Highland Street Foundation, a Boston nonprofit providing enrichment to children and families statewide. Advance registration may be required, tickets are first-come first-served.  The zoo is located in Forest Park, 293 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA. Info./forestparkzoo.org/

*AUG. 28 – TRAILER TRASH IN CONCERT IN FOREST PARK

      Grab a blanket, a picnic and head to Forest Park for a free concert in the Amphitheater, beginning at 6:30 p.m.! Park entry is free from Sumner Avenue or Router 5 gates after 5:30 p.m., food trucks and beer from White Lion Brewing available after 6 p.m. In case of rain, concert moves to tent at Barney Carriage House. Info: springfield-ma.gov/park/

AUG. 29-SEPT. 1 – 208TH THREE COUNTY FAIR

      One of the longest consecutive running agricultural fairs in the country! Gates open at 4 p.m. on Aug. 29. Fair features livestock and agricultural contests and exhibits, top musical entertainment, a farm museum, delicious food vendors, demolition derbies, and a midway with rides and games for all ages. Tickets: adults $12 online, $15 at gate, seniors $9 online, $10 at gate, kids age 11 and younger, free. Info/tickets: 3countyfair.com.

*AUG. 31 – KIX 100.9 COUNTRY SHOW IN AGAWAM

      From 7-8 p.m. at School Street Park, Agawam, MA. This popular show closes out the Agawam Summerfest concert schedule. Free. Bring lawn chairs. Call the Agawam Park & Rec. at 413-821-0513 after 2 p.m. on the day of the show for updated information on any weather cancellations. Info: agawam.ma.us/255/Parks-Recreation

SEPTEMBER

SEPT. 2-7 – BRIMFIELD OUTDOOR ANTIQUES FAIR

      This is the last show of the season for the largest outdoor antique venue in the country! The show takes place over almost 1/3 mile of Rt. 20, some fields have a admission fee, some do not. Hours, more info: brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/

*SEPT. 3 – SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS FREE FIRST WEDNESDAY

       Thanks to a grant from the Art Bridges Foundation, everyone gets free admission to the five Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA., on the first Wednesday of every month through 2026! Info: springfieldmuseums.org/free-first-wednesday/

SEPT. 4-7 – 176TH FRANKLIN COUNTY FAIR

      The oldest continuously running county fair in the U. S., it features family entertainment, midway rides, agricultural shows, and thrilling grandstand events like dirt bike stunts and demolition derbies. Gates open at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 87 Wisdom Way, Greenfield, MA.  Info./ticket information: facebook.com/FranklinCountyFairGreenfield/

*SEPT. 5 – AQUANETT IN CONCERT

At 7:30 p.m. on the outdoor Plaza at MGM casino, downtown Springfield. Free. Refreshments available for purchase. This is the final concert of the outdoor Free Music Fridays for 2025.

*SEPT. 6 – MATTOON ARTS FESTIVAL

      The 51st Mattoon Street Arts Festival is the oldest arts and crafts show in Western Massachusetts, features 100 exhibitors, food vendors and strolling musicians. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Free parking available at TD Bank lot. Info: mattoonfestival.org

SEPT. 12-28 – THE BIGE!

      This multi-state fair brings famous musical acts to its free court of Honor stage, plus great concerts to the (paid admission) Big E Arena. There’s also plenty to see and do in the Avenue of States, the Better Living Building, they Young Building, Farm-a-Rama, the Grange building and more. Don’t forget the fair food and the midway! Tickets: Singe day adults $17.50, child 6-11 $13.50. Info, multi day passes: thebige.com/

SEPT. 13 – WALKING TOUR OF SPRINGFIELD ARMORY

      From 10:30 a.m. to noon, tour the grounds of the Springfield Armory, now a National Historic Site, with guide Carl Steele, and learn about the architecture and how the buildings were used when the armory was in operation. Tickets: $5 for Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museum members, $10 non-members. Info./reservations springfieldpreservation.org/eventandtour/

*SEPT. 14 – 35TH PUERTO RICAN PARADE

      The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade will kick off at 11a.m. and march from Main and Wason Ave through downtown ending where Boland Way and Main Street. The parade highlights Latino music and traditions and is a way for residents in Western Massachusetts to learn about the culture and celebrate it as well. Info: springfieldprparade.com/

*SEPT. 18-21 – 166TH ANNUAL BELCHERTOWN FAIR

      There are plenty of family-friendly activities on tap (most of which are free), and the midway never disappoints. Come for the rides (and fried dough), but stay for the inspiring celebration of this incredible farming community. Fair Day parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with pre-parade concert on the lawn of the Clapp Memorial Library. Info: belchertownfair.com/

*SEPT. 21 – CARILLON CONCERT AT STANLEY PARK

      At 1:30 p.m. in front of the Carillon at Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave. Westfield, MA. The park’s Carillonneur Karen Duchame, performs a variety of musical selections.

SEPT. 26 & 27 – NORTHAMPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL

 The Northampton Jazz Festival features jazz performances by local and visiting artists at over a dozen different venues around downtown Northampton, MA. Friday night features the  Jazz Strut from 4-11 p.m., Saturday is Jazz Fest Day. Info./tickets: northamptonjazzfest.org/

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