Make the Most of Summer’s Final Days in Western MA
Farm Fresh | Photo by Lynne Graves
We tend to associate Labor Day with the end of summer, but it doesn’t have to be that way! There’s still so many ways to enjoy the best that summer has to offer in Western Massachusetts until the season officially ends September 21, 2016. From outdoor concerts and festivals to celebrations of our farm fresh abundance, check out what’s going on these final few weeks of summer in Western Massachusetts.
Outdoor Concerts and Festivals
We’ve said it before, but nothing makes for a more perfect summer day than some live music. And with such a rich musical history in Western Mass., it’s no surprise that we have so much going on. Also, don’t forget many of our other free summer concert series continue throughout August and into September.
Amourasaurus Festival, August 27-28
Lake Street Dive returns for its second annual Amourasaurus Festval at the Pines Theater in Look Park, Northampton. This year the small festival has expanded to two days and features the likes of Mavis Staples, Josh Ritter and local heroes And The Kids.
Transperformance, August 30
Transperformance is a treasured annual celebration of the local arts. With the theme of “Labor Party,” this year musicians have selected artists or songs that reference working a job or a particular occupation. There’s an element of impersonation too, so it’s kind of like a big dress-up party.
Mill.pond Live Summer Concert Series, August 21-September 17
Easthampton has something wonderful brewing in its backyard. Millpond.Live just announced an incredible lineup of free outdoor concerts at Millside Park behind the mills that house New City Brewery and Abandoned Building Brewery. Bring a blanket, an appetite for delicious local food, a thirst for locally brewed craft beer, and a sense of adventure.
Downtown Amherst Block Party, September 15
For the fifth year in a row, a portion of North Pleasant Street shuts down for a celebration of all that the downtown Amherst community has to offer. Featuring live music, local foods, performers and more, the Amherst Block Party is becoming one of the region's best annual events.
Food Festivals, Agricultural Fairs and Farm-Fresh Dinners
In the cycle of New England agriculture, August is the peak of harvesting season. So it only makes sense that in August and early September there’s no shortage of events and happenings celebrating our local farms and food producers.
Cummington Fair, August 25-28
Billed as the “Best Little Fair in the Country,” the Cummington Fair is a celebration for the hard working folks in agriculture from dairy farmers to lumberjacks. This annual fair features all the thrills of a classic American fair from the midway to the fried dough.
Tomato Festival, August 27
Every year Red Fire Farm in Granby showcases its unbelievable selection of amazing and often award-winning tomatoes for you to taste. It’s a great day at the farm, with everything from hay rides to cooking demonstrations to live music to crafters and a smorgasbord of local fare from area producers.
Bistro Les Gras Meet the Farmer Dinner, August 29
This special prix fixe menu will highlight just a few of the farms Bistro Les Gras works with on a regular basis. Reservations are required -- please call 413-320-4666 to reserve your space. This dinner is hosted in partnership with CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture).
Three County Fair, September 2-5
2016 marks the 199th annual Three County Fair, the oldest consecutively run agricultural fair in the country. While the fair may add new events every year, it remains true to its core values and mission of supporting agriculture and education in the Pioneer Valley.
Dinner in the Fields at Crimson & Clover Farm, September 3
Crimson & Clover Farm and Wheelhouse Farm Truck are teaming up for an evening of community, celebration, and delicious food. This sit-down, multi-course meal, featuring Crimson & Clover’s produce, will be served in the very fields where the food was grown. This dinner is hosted in partnership with CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture).
Bread & Butter Chicken and Waffles Dinner, September 16 *NEW DATE*
Enjoy buttermilk fried chicken paired with traditional Liege-style waffles, plus traditional southern sides and a special selection of beers from Lefty’s Brewing Company. Call Bread & Butter at (413) 230-3123 to make a reservation. This dinner is hosted in partnership with CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture).