Blog / Festivals & Fairs
How to Spend a Weekend in the Hilltowns of Western MA
William Cullen Bryant Homestead, Cummington | Photo by the Trustees of Reservations
When you visit Hampshire County of Western Massachusetts, the bustling downtown destinations only make up half the equation. There’s so much to discover beyond our city lines, particularly in the Hilltowns of western Hampshire County—Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Planfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg and Worthington. This part of Hampshire County is home to Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program and countless other artists finding inspiration…
6 Ways to Play It Cool This Summer in Western Mass.
Kayaking in Goshen | Photo by Lynne Graves
As if you thought you already had a lot of plans this summer, there are so many things to do in Western Massachusetts during this truly magical season. Check out summer concerts, theater productions and free outdoor movies; rent a kayak, sip on fresh beer, and enjoy delicious eats from our food trucks and roadside stands!
Share Your Best of Western MA
This summer on your Instagram, share awesome pictures of the the places you've been (or want to go!) in Western Massachusetts. Tag your photos #gowestMA for a chance to be featured on the @VisitMA Instagram and massvacation.com blog. Additionally if you're sharing any pictures of destinations and places in Hampshire County, tag #othersidema and you'll be entered into a contest for a $100 Downtown Northampton giftcard!
Win Tickets to Beers & Spears at Hadley Asparagus Fest
Western Massachusetts knows its libations, and some of the region's most creative brewers will be on hand to pour their best pints from inside the Beers & Spears tent at WGBY’s Asparagus Festival on the Hadley Town Common Saturday, June 4. Enter to win a pair of tasting tickets (valued at $20/each), which will give you up to 25 tastes and special VIP view of the Festival's live musical guests The Ballroom Thieves, Cabinet, and The Salvation Alley String Band.
Bird Walks, Hawks & More in Western Massachusetts
New England Falconry, Hadley | Photo by Melissa Breor
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird… it’s a plane… no, actually, it's just a bird. And for anyone with avian interests, a bird sighting can be just as exciting in western Massachusetts. Given that spring is the prime season for birding in western Massachusetts, here's a few events and experiences you might not have known about.
3 Recipes to Prepare You for Asparagus Season in Western MA
Hadley Grass for sale at Atkins | Photo by Lynne Graves
"Best in the World" is a claim that the farmers and chefs in western Massachusetts are ready to stand by when it comes to our asparagus, or "Hadley Grass." Hampshire County, home to New England’s most productive farmland, has been called the “Asparagus Capital of the World” for its prolific abundance of the crop. This celebrated spear is honored and enjoyed throughout the season at festivals, farmers markets, farm stands, and on restaurant menus where chefs do everything from grilling or pickling it to making crisp salads or mouthwatering soups. In anticipation of the season, some of our local chefs have shared their favorite asparagus recipes below for you to make at home.
Book Lover’s Guide to Western MA
White Square Books, Easthampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
The New York Times once wrote that our region is “arguably the most author-saturated, book-cherishing, literature-celebrating place in the nation.” And while that might have been said years ago, we’re proud to claim that not much has changed. When they visit western Massachusetts, book lovers will enjoy our wealth of appreciation for antiquarian and rare books and the variety of bookstores and places to browse such volumes; museums like the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art or Emily Dickinson Museum; and Easthampton's annual BookFest every April.
10 Reasons to Start Making Summer Plans in Western Mass.
Pines Theater at Look Park | Northampton
As winter begins to fade into spring, it’s time to start making your summer travel plans! While you might think of the Cape or North Shore beaches when you think about summer in Massachusetts, there couldn’t be a more exciting and pleasant time to visit western Massachusetts. We’ve got everything from top-notch music festivals to relaxing getaways from the busyness of everyday life. In 2016 many of our signature events celebrate milestone anniversaries, too, making this year one not to miss. Save some dates, grab some tickets and make your reservations today!
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).
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.