We strive to post the most current and accurate event information but changes and cancellations do occur so please check the official event website to confirm all details.
When you think back to some of your favorite childhood moments, very few of them probably happened when you were sitting at home watching TV. Instead, your most poignant memories probably revolve around that time you ended up with the home run ball at a baseball game, and the crowd cheered and you felt like a rock star, or at least like Babe Ruth.
Or maybe it was that time your family attended The Big E together and your dad bought you cotton candy and let you get all sticky-faced, and you watched your mom beat the midway games, and you felt like your heart was going to overflow with contentment and happiness.
In Western Massachusetts, events bring us together to celebrate our successes and recollect on our heritage. We’ve put together a list of some of the top yearly events in Massachusetts, things we and our local friends love doing to feel connected to our area and our community.
Because of the beautiful area where we live, there are distinct Western Massachusetts-specific events that take place in each and every season. From leaf peeping in the fall to river rafting in the spring to skiing in the winter, you can find a wide range of things to do throughout the year, and some of our local events reflect the joyous beauty of our seasons.
Does anything scream “neighborly get-together more than a pancake breakfast? If your mouth is already watering over the thought of fluffy, buttery, syrupy goodness, you’re not going to want to miss the Springfield Annual Pancake Breakfast, typically hosted in May in downtown Springfield.
Bring your appetite, because it’s billed as the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, and be ready to feast on both good food and friendly conversation.
This Paradise City Arts Festival is ranked among the best in the country, and includes exhibits from more than 250 artists in all mediums. Artists flock to Western Massachusetts from around the country to be part of this visually dazzling display.
Come out to enjoy the weather that’s not quite summer, not quite spring, and stay to buy way too much from the vast selection of contemporary art pieces on display.
Brimfield Outdoor Antique Show
With spring in the air, you’ll want to get out and enjoy the largest outdoor antique and collectible show in the country. The Brimfield Outdoor Antique Show features over 5000 dealers throughout the quaint country town of Brimfield. And once is never enough – they do this in July and September, too!
Baseball is the quintessential American pastime, and there’s really nothing that can top the nostalgia of being present on opening night.
The Westfield Starfires and Valley Blue Sox will kick off their seasons right at the start of the summer, and both promise to bring plenty of excitement to the community. Be sure you arrive ahead of gametime to root, root, root for the home team.
We love the unforgettable scents of the holiday season. Fir and balsam, spicy gingerbread, warm apple cider – the list could go on and on.
So naturally, Christmas in July is a must. At the flagship Yankee Candle Village, you can enjoy the holiday season, snap selfies with Santa (who might have traded in his traditional red velvet for a more relaxed Hawaiian shirt vibe) and enjoy crafting with Mrs. Claus.
It’s just what you need to get a little dose of holiday spirit and deal with the fact that you probably won’t be decorating your tree for at least a couple more months.
Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement
Meet Basketball’s best in the birthplace of the sport! Each summer, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrines the best in the sport in Springfield. Rub elbows with the greatest to play the game and save time for a tour of the Hoop Hall.
Would this even be a reliable listing of Western Massachusetts events if The Big E weren’t included? The community gathering, more formally known as the Eastern States Exposition, is the biggest and best county fair you could imagine.
Every fall, The Big E brings together amazing food, parades, musical entertainment, agricultural exhibitions, car shows and more. There’s so much to see, do and taste – you’ll need more than one day to fully enjoy all The Big E has to offer.
Each autumn, Six Flags New England transforms into a fright-filled funzone for teens and adults. You’ll find scary shows, walk-through attractions and thrill rides that make the most of the season.
The Springfield Thunderbirds are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League affiliated with the National Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues. Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Thunderbirds play their home games at the MassMutual Center.
Can’t quite make it to New York City for the Thanksgiving parade? We’ve got you covered, with the Parade of the Big Balloons in downtown Springfield.
Enjoy bands, community gatherings and balloons that represent the best Western Mass has to offer – our favorite is definitely the 75-foot Cat in the Hat balloon.
Bright Nights at Forest Park
Holiday memories are made at Bright Nights at Forest Park. It’s just not the holiday season until you’ve driven through this holiday lighting extravaganza! Look for Santa’s Magical Forest, Dinosaur World and Seuss Land – it’ll become an annual tradition after the first mile.
Run, walk or float over to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This celebration of Irish heritage brings more than 400,000 guests to the community for a parade, music, food and fun.
It also includes traditional performances by the Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band and the Road Race, Western New England’s largest race (featuring a 10k, a 2 mile walk and a Kids Fun Run).
Community events help us to celebrate what we have in common – a love of the arts, of sport, of nature. The human connection these events create is so important to both mental and physical well-being.
If you’d like to learn more about these community events and dozens of others coming up in Western Mass, or about the top yearly events in Massachusetts, check out our Events listings and customize a schedule just for you. Or, contact us, and let our team of knowledgeable locals help you prepare for a fun and unforgettable Western Mass adventure.
College students are invited to visit Holyoke Mall between August 28th – September 8th for an exclusive shopping and entertainment experience with special discounts, in-store events & raffles, and more at participating venues. SHOPPING 101 GIVEAWAY! Enter to Win: $50 Gift Card to 110 Grill $50 Gift Card to Altitude Trampoline Park $50 Gift Voucher […]
Shop your favorites and save big at Holyoke Mall during the State’s tax-free holiday on August 14th & 15th! Holyoke Mall will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Department store, restaurant, and entertainment venue hours may vary. As part of the Tax Free […]
Holyoke Mall has partnered with the United Way of Pioneer Valley to be a collection site for their School Supply Drive. Now through August 3rd, patrons can drop off their school supply donations at Holyoke Mall on the Upper Level in front Target and Lower Level in front of Macy’s. This school supply drive will […]
On June 13th, Heroes Hideout is throwing a Kids Day!!! Come to Holyoke Mall to enjoy balloon artists, face painting, mascots and tons of other fun activities! We hope to see you all there from 11a-3p! How would you like to win $1,000?! It's sooo easy to enter! All you have to do is visit participating […]
Start your Memorial Day Weekend with a trip to Holyoke Mall! Holyoke Mall is proud to provide a variety of dining, entertainment and retail destinations which offer discounts to those actively serving, and who have served in our Armed Forces. VIEW MILITARY DISCOUNTS Don't miss out on your chance to win $1,000! All you have […]
Looking for something fun to do during spring break? Here are some ideas from Pioneer Valley’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination! .... Visit Round1 Bowling & Amusement for a day full of bowling, karaoke, pool using professional grade billiard tables, and arcade games including exclusive games imported straight from Japan! Billy Beez is the ultimate […]
Holyoke Mall will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 4th in observance of the holiday. However 110 Grill, Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub, Round1 Bowling & Amusement and Sumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar will be open. 110 Grill will be open 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM for dine-in and takeout on Easter Sunday, April […]
Bring your furry friends to Holyoke Mall on Monday, December 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Café Square for Pet Night with Santa! Reservations are required. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION »
He’s making a list and covering his face, and in addition, this year, he’s taking steps to keep everyone safe… Santa Claus IS coming to town! There will be plenty of fun and magic, as well as a focus on the health and well-being of everyone. Guests are encouraged to plan their visit with Santa ahead […]
On Veterans Day, 110 Grill is offering a complimentary lunch entree from a select menu to all Veterans and active duty military! This promotion will take place during lunch (11:30 am – 4:00 pm) on 11/11 only. Military ID/proof of service required to receive the discount. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. […]
