10 Ways to Make the Most of Late Fall in Western MA
Northampton International Cyclocross | Photo by Cycle-Smart
The leaves are falling fast, daylight savings ends soon, and the holidays are fast-approaching, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops between now and Thanksgiving. Before you slip into a holiday craze, take some time for yourself and plan a visit to Western Massachusetts–there’s a lot of great things going on all throughout the fall for foodies, culture vultures, and everyone in between.
Beer & Cheese Tastings at Northampton Brewery
Every Tuesday, 6 p.m.
These now weekly tasting events are hosted inside the brewhouse, which is not normally accessible to the public. Northampton Brewery’s head brewer works with the chefs every week to feature a new cheese and pairings. Other weekly fall and winter events at the Brewery include Do Nothing Mondays, Community Pint Nights on Tuesdays and Movie Nights on Wednesdays.
Rollins to Guthrie at the Academy of Music
October 28, November 3 and November 4
The Academy of Music Theatre’s late fall popular artist shows are as diverse as they come. Up first is punk godfather Henry Rollins on October 28. Then rock and roll legend Dave Mason comes to town on November 3 and Arlo Guthrie is on November 4.
Northampton Restaurant Week
Monday, October 31-Sunday, November 6
Come visit your favorite local restaurant or try something new during Northampton's Restaurant Week! Creative menus and exciting specials await at many of downtown's favorite locations.
Food Truck Friday at Abandoned Building Brewery
Friday, November 4, 4-8 p.m.
Join Abandoned Building Brewery for the last Food Truck Friday, a popular monthly event that began in June during Western Mass Beer Week. Featured food trucks: Holyoke Hummus Company, Mothership Gourmet, Bistro Bus, Sun Kim Bop, and Sweet Spoken Patisserie. In line with the approaching giving season, Abandoning Building will also be sponsoring a food drive for the Northampton Survival Center so please bring non-perishable food donations, as well.
Open Studios at Eastworks
November 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & November 6, 12 to 5 p.m.
Dozens of artists and entrepreneurs open their doors to show and sell their work. Our holiday pop-up shop features over 30 artisans presenting Paintings, drawings, photography, jewelry and more. There will be live music, house concerts, gallery exhibits, live art demos, crafting projects, food and lots of fun for kids.
Free Family Day at Smith College Museum of Art
November 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Time-travel through the museum this Family Day. Begin your journey in the current show, When in Rome: Prints & Photographs, 1550–1900. Continue your trek through the museum’s galleries, exploring art and architecture from around the world in a variety of hands-on activities (12:30-3:30 pm).
YoYoExpert Throwdown
November 5, 5-8 p.m. at Eastworks
It’s true—Western Mass is a hotbed of yo-yo activity—you can even go to school for it! This year’s event marks the seventh YoYoExpert Throwdown.
Eat. Art. Love. At the UMass Fine Arts Center
Throughout 2016-17 season
Eat. Art. Love. Is the 2016 Season theme for the UMass Fine Arts Center. As part of the season, the University Club Restaurant offers a special prix-fixe menu before certain shows. For the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra on October 30, it’s a polish feast; on November 9 for the Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China on November 9, it’s all authentic Chinese food. See menus for the season here.
Beerology’s Grand Opening
November 12
Northampton’s newest homebrew supply store and education center celebrates its grand opening with a handful of in-house brewed delights to sample. Check out this space and classes as you think about a stellar gift for the beer-lover in your life. You could also join them Thursday, November 10 at Provisions for a special Cider Tasting Seminar at Provisions.
CycloCross at Look Park in Northampton
November 12 & 13
This year's Verge Northampton International Cyclocross presented by Cycle-Smart marks the 26th edition of the race. As the oldest UCI cyclocross race in North America, the event’s storied heritage is unmatched. The races are spectator-friendly with food trucks and vendors to explore as well as Fort Hill Brewery beer garden. Free with admission to the park.