Blog / Culture
There’s a Fest for That… in Western Massachusetts
Flava Evolution at Northampton Jazz Festival | Photo by Robert E. Davis
In the tech world people say there’s an app for everything, but in western Massachusetts it seems there’s a festival (or fair or party) celebrating every interest, artistic medium, hobby, food, or even whole towns! From jazz and upcycled junk to bikes, bread and beer, there’s an event this early fall that will fit every curiosity you’ve been looking to feed. Some highlight events include the 5th Annual Northampton Jazz Festival (September 8-12), Celebrate Amherst Downtown Block Party (September 17), and the Valley Beer Trail's Übeer Festival (October 3).
Your Summer Arts Bucket List in Western Massachusetts
Hampshire Shakespeare Company | Amherst
While western Massachusetts is bursting with culture all year long, the arts really shine in the summer. We’ve got three resident theater companies whose seasons are in the summer every year, no shortage of outdoor summer music series, outdoor film screenings, monthly art walks and more! Whether you're a visual arts, theater, music, or film buff, there's something here to add to your summer bucket list!
8 Ways to Have a Beery Hoppy Summer in Western Mass.
Abandoned Building Brewery, Easthampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
We’ve said this before, but the craft beer scene in western Massachusetts has truly been exploding over the last few years. From new breweries and expanded tasting room hours to beer festivals and scavenger hunts, you won't go thirsty for local beer this summer.
5 Awesome Festivals This June in Western Massachusetts
Live Music at Easthampton's Cultural Chaos | Photo by Lynne Graves
When June rolls around, festival season has arrived in western Massachusetts with something happening nearly every weekend. And there’s a festival for everyone, from foodies and cultural fiends to jazz buffs and book lovers. Have fun with the family at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art’s Children’s Book Festival (June 6). Embrace Easthampton’s vibrant cultural scene at its annual street festival with a twist, Cultural Chaos (June 13). Celebrate Gypsy jazz with Django in June (June 19-20). Indulge in local food at the WGBY Asparagus Festival on the Hadley Town Common (June 6) and Taste of Amherst (June 18-21).
7 Five College Alums Making Western MA a Delicious Place
ConVino Wine Bar, Northampton | Photo by Thornes Marketplace
Did you love where you went to school? Would you ever open a business there? With the Five College Consortium (the University of Massachusetts and Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges), there’s roughly 30,000 students in our midst during any given academic year. While many only reside in western Massachusetts for the duration of their college careers, there’s a few that stick around or come back later to do great things in our communities. One of those great things is contributing to our local food scene—a scene the Huffington Post thinks deserves some serious food cred. Learn more about the businesses these seven alums started because they loved their time at school in western Massachusetts so much!Featuring The Alvah Stone in Montague, ConVino Wine Bar in Northampton, Elbow Room Coffee in Williamsburg, Hungry Ghost Bread in Northampton, The Foundry in Northampton, Moti in Amherst and The Pub in Amherst.
3 Reasons to Celebrate Pride in Western Massachusetts
Northampton Pride Parade | Photo by Lynne Graves
It's that time of year again when Northampton lights up with Pride and celebrates the diversity our region in western Massachusetts is known for. This year the 34th Annual Noho Pride Day is Saturday, May 2 beginning with the iconic and colorful parade at noon that marches through Downtown Northampton. The parade consists of many diverse organizations, school groups, musicians, local businesses and many other participants. The parade route ends at the historic Three County Fair Grounds where the celebration and entertainment continue til 5 p.m. and over 20,000 people gather for dancing, eating, shopping learning, socializing and enjoying the freedom to celebrate who they are.
6 Early Signs of Spring in Western Massachusetts
Nashawannuck Pond, Easthamtpon | by Patrick Brough
While most of Massachusetts is still covered in snow as we begin the month of March, spring really is just around the corner—Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8 and the Spring Equinox is March 20. Despite all the snow and current cold temperatures, there’s a handful of good things happening in western Massachusetts this month that remind us spring is near, like the reopening of the Emily Dickinson Museum and the spring flower shows at Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges.
11 New Things to Do in Western Massachusetts in 2015
Snow Farm | Williamsburg
With a new year comes new energy to get out there and try new things. In western Massachusetts, 2015 offers you a handful of new places to shop and eat, package deals, several special anniversaries to celebrate, and new class schedules at our hands-on destinations. Featuring Northampton's new spot, Con Vino Wine Bar, Signature Sounds Presents Backporch Festival, new breweries, packages at the Lord Jeffery Inn, and classes Snow Farm and Good Stock Farm.
Make the Most of a Busy Fall Weekend in Western Mass.
The Haberdashery | Easthampton
This coming weekend, four of the five schools in the area are hosting their annual friends and family weekends, which means it’s going to be bustling all over Hampshire County in western Massachusetts. Why is that a big deal, you ask? It means there’s even more going on for you to enjoy! So whether you’re here to see your student, here by chance, or live here, take advantage of some of the extra happenings this weekend.
Win Tickets for Historic Theater’s World Premiere Play
The old balcony at the Academy and 'Nobody's Girl,' Mildred E. Walker
This fall, after several months of scaffolding, hammering, painting, and the like happening behind closed doors, western Massachusetts' historic Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton celebrates its grand reopening. And what’s even more exciting is that the theater officially reopens with the world premiere of its first ever commissioned production, Nobody’s Girl, October 17 and 18. Don't miss your chance to catch this new screwball comedy about the Academy's first ever female manager, the feisty and unconventional Mildred E. Walker.