Events

Thursday

Earth & Fire Arts Fest: Thu.-Sun., Blue Room at CitySpace, the Earth and Fire Arts Fest spans the week of Earth Day. Workshops run by professional artists include visual arts, storytelling and multidisciplinary creative experiences about sustainability and our relationship with nature. The final weekend includes a free family parade. Teens and adults can enjoy culminating evenings of exhibits, networking sessions with environmental groups and performances of storytelling, puppetry, dance, and music about care for the planet that sustains us, Ranging from $5-$35. 43 Main St., Easthampton.

Hampden Garden Club Meeting: Thu., 7 p.m., Academy Hall-Hampden Historical Society. Guest speaker will be Robin Desrochers, who will give a slide presentation on bluebirds. For more information, contact Lil Fedora at 413-566-1137, 616 Main St., Hampden.

Kevin Hart: Thu., 7 p.m., MassMutual Center. Tickets $99, $125, $178, available online. 1277 Main St., Springfield, 413-787-6600 or massmutualcenter.com.

KidsBestFest: Thu.-Fri., Academy of Music Theatre, movie festival for children and adults with free admission held during spring vacation break, through Fri. For list of films and times, visit northamp tonartscouncil.org. 274 Main St., Northampton, 413-584-9032 or aomtheatre.com.

MGM Casino: Thu.-Sun, MGM Springfield, featuring retail stores, restaurants, Regal Cinemas and more. For more information visit www.mgmspringfield.com, 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

Planting Herbs Program: Thu., 6:30 p.m. Jones Library. Come learn where and when to plant herbs; you will also learn how to harvest for a longer season. This gardening program will be presented by Master Gardener Ken Conway. Free and open to the public, 43 Amity St., Amherst. 413-256-3090 or joneslibrary.org.

UPHA CH-14 Spring Premier Horse Show: Thu.-Sat., Eastern States Exposition, in the C Barn, Coliseum, E Barn and F Barn, free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or thebige.com.

Virtual Spring Nature Program: Thu, 2-3 p.m. Jones Library, “The Nature of Spring with the Mass Audubon.” This online program will introduce the seasonal dynamics of nature in spring, and provide ideas and resources for observing, appreciating, and supporting wildlife near home during this season This program will be presented by Tia Pinney. To register for the Zoom presentation, visit joneslibrary.org. 43 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-3090 or joneslibrary.org.

Harmonia V: Thu., 7 p.m. Westfield Athenaeum, SSO horn player Robert Hoyle’s quintet, the Connecticut-based Harmonia V. The quintet will celebrate “April in Parish,” with an all-French program. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Westfield Athenaeum during business hours, or online at www. westath.org, $25 per person. 6 Elm Street, Westfield. (413) 562-7833 or www.westath.org.

FRIDAY

Earth & Fire Arts Fest: See Thursday listing

Fanfare Brass Music Concert: Fri, 7 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, The event is free and open to the public. The 10 part brass ensemble consists of 4 trumpets, French Horn, 4 trombones and tuba. For more information, contact David Neill at 413-686-5027, email tbn8@aol.com or visit www.PremierEntertains. com. Funded by the West Springfield and Massachusetts Cultural Council, 1552 Westfield St., West Springfield.

Iain Matthews with special guests Pairdown and Allysen Callery: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Shea Theater. For tickets visit showclix.com/event/voo-andshea-present-iain-matthews, $25 in advance and $30 at the door. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, 413-8632281 or theshea.org.

“Into the Woods”: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Exit 7 Theater. Tickets $20-$25. 37 Chestnut St., Ludlow, 413-583-4301 or exit7players.org.

KidsBestFest: See Thursday listing MGM Casino: See Thursday listing MGM Springfield presents Tape Face: Fri., MGM Springfield, 8 p.m. in the Aria Ballroom. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com/event/01005E34CA2A5B3F, $45. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

UPHA CH-14 Spring Premier Horse Show: See Thursday listing

SATURDAY

68th Westfield River Wildwater Races: Sat., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Route 20 turnout on the Westfield River, the country’s oldest continuously run whitewater kayak and canoe races. The Westfield River, running down from the Berkshires through the Hilltowns of Western Mass, has been given Wild & Scenic designation by the National Park Service for its scenic, historic character and free

Calendar

flowing waters. This event is important as an annual rite of spring and celebration of the most distinctive and beautiful geological feature of the region. It draws spectators and paddlers from throughout the Northeast. $30 for participants, free for spectators. Route 20, Huntington.

Carolyn Wonderland: Sat., 7:30 p.m., The Stationery Factory. For tickets visit stationery-factory.com, $20$25. 63 Flansburg Ave., Dalton.

Earth & Fire Arts Fest: See Thursday listing

Earth Day Clean-Up 2023: Sat., 8:30 a.m. Abbey Brook Conservation Area, join the Springfield Science Museum’s annual clean-up of Springfield parks and public spaces, in cooperation with Keep Springfield Beautiful and the Great American Cleanup. Cleanup site and meeting place is Abbey Brook Conservation Area, 1170 Carew St. conservation land behind the Springfield Renaissance School. The Springfield Museums will supply gloves and bags on a first come first serve basis. For information or to volunteer, call 413-263-6800, ext. 404, or email earthday@springfieldmuseums.org, 1170 Carew St., Springfield.

FUNDrive: Sat, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. First Church of Monson, The church will be collecting clean used clothing, bedding, towels or any other woven goods for a fabric FUNDrive. Residents are asked to bring clean items in large plastic bags averaging 20 pounds to the church parking lot, 5 High St., Monson.

Good Acoustics James Taylor and Simon & Garfunkel Tribute: Sat., Crestview Country Club, Tickets are available for dinner and the show or just for the show; $26.50 show only; $55 dinner and show. 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. 413-786-2593 or crestviewcc.org

Hands All Around 18 Quilt Show: Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hampshire College, Hands Across the Valley Quilters Guild. This special exhibit will include an expected 200+ quilts on display, raffle quilt, raffle baskets, mini quilt sale, and vendors. Adults $10; 12 and under free; students and military $5 with ID. 893 West St., Amherst.

“Into the Woods”: See Friday listing MGM Casino: See Thursday listing New England Spring Classic Dog Shows: Sat., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, Mallary Complex, free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443 or thebige.com.

Norcross Earth Day Open House: Sat, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, events include family-oriented hands on activities such as helping to plant a native plant meadow, crafting a butter- fly life cycle wheel for children, a nature scavenger hunt and more, free and open to all. 30 Peck Road, Wales.

Springfield Earth Day Celebration: Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Myrtle Street Park. Enjoy food, music, family fun activities, walking tour of the neighborhood and historic sites and greenhouse, goods from local cooperative businesses and more. Located in Myrtle Park, free. 117 Main St., Springfield-Indian Orchard section.

UPHA CH-14 Spring Premier Horse Show: See Thursday listing

SUNDAY

Close Encounters with Music

Concert: Sun., 4 p.m. Mahaiwe

Performing Arts Center, “From Bach Brandenburg to Appalachian Spring” with Manhattan Chamber Players.

$28-$52. 14 Castle St., Great Barrington, 413-528-0100, mahaiwe.org.

Earth & Fire Arts Fest: See Thursday listing

Hands All Around 18 Quilt Show: See Saturday listing

“Into the Woods”: See Friday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

New England Spring Classic Dog Shows: See Saturday listing

Sergei Babayan, Prize Winning Classical Pianist, All Rachmaninoff Recital: Sun., 3 p.m., Smith College, $10-35. 144 Green St., Northampton; 413-585-3150 or smith.edu/ smitharts.

Quadrangle

Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Dr. Seuss National Memorial. Outdoor sculpture garden of larger-than-life bronze statues of Springfield native Dr. Seuss at his drawing board surrounded by some of his most beloved characters including Horton the Elephant, the Grinch, the Lorax and others. Free on the green.

George Walter Vincent Smith

Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. School vacation week “Make Your Mark,” through Friday, in all five museums. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “The Grinch: A Car with a History.” through Nov. 1. Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Nelson Stevens: Color Rapping,” through Sept.

3. “New/Now: Contemporary Art

Acquisitions,” through July 30.

Springfield Science Museum: “Leonardo’s Lab,” through Sun. Visitors can recreate Leonardo’s tool-and-hardware-free interlocking bridge and assemble an air powered flying helicopter, making changes to improve the aerodynamics and more. “We’re Still Here,” through June 30. Native Voices Initiative begins with contemporary perspectives. Curated by Aprell May.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. Firstfloor exhibition provides interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed tickets required, for reservations visit springfieldmuseums.org.

Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Museums

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibit: Hands-on activities and creative exhibits, the Hurricane Simulator. Sign up online for a play session at ameliapark museum.org. Mon. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thu.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for groups Tues. and Wed. $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission; members and infants free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org.

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent exhibit includes the Wiggle and Wash/Vet Clinic, a toddler merry-go-round and a STEM-based cash register for kids. Tues.-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, noon-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. In the event of severe weather conditions, check Facebook or Instagram, or local TV Station 22 for closures.

Admission: Children & Adults $8; Seniors (62+) $5; children under 1 and members are free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or childrensmuseum holyoke.org.

East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit: Historical artifacts. Featured at the museum are East Longmeadow artifacts pertaining to the quarries, local Native Americans, period clothing, the railroad system, and much more. 1-3 p.m., on the third Saturday of the month, Sept - June, weather permitting. Free. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow.

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E11