Do you live in Western Mass and have friends or family who live in Boston or Rochester, NY? Have you invited them to drive the less than two hours to join you for one of the many activities going on in the area this summer? 

If you live in Hatfield or Pittsfield or Agawam and have loved ones in Essex Junction, VT or New Haven, CT – have you reminded them Western Mass fun is less than a few hours away by train? 

Or if you don’t have someone who lives in Western Mass inviting you to visit… let us be the one to do so. There’s a TON going on this summer and countless comfy beds available at our area hotels.

IRONMAN 70.3 Western Mass triathlon is back on Sunday, June 9th for its second year! Participants will enjoy a 1.2 mile swim in the Connecticut River, a 56 mile bike ride through the rural roads of New England, and a 13.1 mile through downtown Springfield. 

Last year the event was not only a success for the athletes involved, but for the region too. With 60 percent of the 1,400 competitors being from outside of the area, our hotels, restaurants, and other businesses saw an increase in traffic and we got a chance to showcase all Western Mass has to offer. 

Even if you’re not up for participating, you’re VERY much invited to be a part of this awesome day. Spectators and cheering sections are highly encouraged. For more on the triathlon and for a turn-by-turn route plan (with appropriate times), check out our website. 

 

Hooplandia! The largest 3×3 basketball competition on the East Coast, for both recreational and elite players, happens June 21 – 23 @ Eastern States Exposition. Designed to be an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities, players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register today. And if you’re not into getting onto the court, then just come for the party because it’s also a fun festival jam-packed with experiences for attendees of all ages!

 

Jurassic Park in Concert on Aug. 17 @ Tanglewood. If you’re a fan of Steven Spielberg’s massive blockbuster, “Jurassic Park”… this is going to blow your mind. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, the action-packed adventure of prehistoric predators is taken to the next level when John Williams’ iconic score is performed live to picture by The Boston Pops Orchestra. 

These are only two of the many, please see our Explore Western Mass Calendar for more!

July 4: Springfield Fireworks at Riverfront Park, Springfield 

July 6: Greenfield Fireworks at Beacon Field, Greenfield

Here’s a sampling from the LONG list of regional activities. For everything the area has to offer, please check out our Explore Western Mass Calendar. 

Now – Aug. 4: Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North at Historic Deerfield, Flynt Center of Early American Life 

May 24 – Sept. 6: Free Music Fridays at MGM Springfield

July 1: Maroon 5 at MassMutual Center

July 12 & 13: Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival at Stearns Square and Tower Square Park area

July 13 & 14: Springfield Comic Con at MassMutual Center  

July 20: Springfield’s Annual Dragon Boat Festival at North Riverfront Park

July 25: National Merry Go Round Day at The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round

August 3: Brew At The Zoo at The Zoo In Forest Park 

August 10 & 11: Lego “Brick Convention” at MassMutual Center 

August 16: National Roller Coaster Day at Six Flags New England 

August 16 – 18: 96th Annual Westfield Fair at the fairgrounds, 137 Russellville Road in Westfield

Explore Western Mass this summer!!  Whether you are local or jut visiting, Western Mass is waiting for you! For great rates on overnight accommodations, click here.  

Learn more about upcoming events and must-see attractions here:  Explore Western Mass website, Instagram or Facebook.