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.
The mother in your life deserves to be celebrated! Join us on Sunday, May 9th from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm for a delicious Mother’s Day offering. Using the best of the spring Pioneer Valley bounty, our menu has something for everyone. Sunday, May 9th, 10:30am – 4:00pm Adults $49.00 | Children’s Menu Available Coffee, […]
Come celebrate Easter Sunday with us at Inn on Boltwood! Spring is in the air in Pioneer Valley and we are bringing you a delicious Easter offering. Visit 30Boltwood at Inn on Boltwood for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday meal with loved ones. We look forward to serving you. Sunday, April 4th, 10:30am – 4:00pm […]
If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing way to ring in 2021, consider Inn on Boltwood for a special getaway. Our New Year’s Eve package is the perfect way to spend quality time with the one you love. You don’t even have to leave the comforts of your guestroom if you don’t want to! […]
Holiday Tea is one of our favorite holiday pastimes at Inn on Boltwood. The enduring tradition of afternoon tea, set in our cozy library, complete with a lit fireplace and classical harpist, is the perfect way to relax on a Saturday afternoon in December. Savor our Holiday High Tea with an impressive assortment of house-made […]
This year, enjoy a special Christmas meal at 30Boltwood. Whether you are looking to dine out Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, our associates and culinary team are busy preparing an unforgettable Christmas dining experience for you and your family. 30Boltwood’s remarkably talented culinary team has crafted an innovative and delicious Prix Fixe Menu for this […]
Holiday Tea is one of our favorite holiday pastimes at Inn on Boltwood. The enduring tradition of afternoon tea, set in our cozy library, complete with a lit fireplace and classical harpist, is the perfect way to relax on a Saturday afternoon in December. Savor our Holiday High Tea with an impressive assortment of house-made […]
Holiday Tea is one of our favorite holiday pastimes at Inn on Boltwood. The enduring tradition of afternoon tea, set in our cozy library, complete with a lit fireplace and classical harpist, is the perfect way to relax on a Saturday afternoon in December. Savor our Holiday High Tea with an impressive assortment of house-made […]
Holiday Tea is one of our favorite holiday pastimes at Inn on Boltwood. The enduring tradition of afternoon tea, set in our cozy library, complete with a lit fireplace and classical harpist, is the perfect way to relax on a Saturday afternoon in December. Savor our Holiday High Tea with an impressive assortment of house-made […]
Show thanks and appreciation to your family and friends as you enjoy a delicious farm-to-table Thanksgiving Dinner at 30Boltwood. If you prefer to stay in this Thanksgiving, take the flavors of 30Boltwood home with our Classic New England Thanksgiving To-Go Option, with service for 4 or 8. Our Chef has created a special holiday menu […]
Celebrate Valentine's Day at 30Boltwood, our signature restaurant. Impress your special someone with our locally sourced, seasonally inspired prix fixe menu. From the delicious, unique menu to the ambiance and wine pairings, we will take care of everything to ensure you have a dining experience you won't forget. With options like Prime Beef Carpaccio and […]
Sunday Brunch will have a special visitor and a whole lot of holiday cheer this December! Join us (and Santa!) for brunch Sunday, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 2019, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies and draw with Santa! Reservations are strongly recommended, visit www.30boltwood.com or by calling (413) 835-2011.
Sunday Brunch will have a special visitor and a whole lot of holiday cheer this December! Join us (and Santa!) for brunch Sunday, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 2019, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies and draw with Santa! Reservations are strongly recommended, visit www.30boltwood.com or by calling (413) 835-2011.
Sunday Brunch will have a special visitor and a whole lot of holiday cheer this December! Join us (and Santa!) for brunch Sunday, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 2019, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies and draw with Santa! Reservations are strongly recommended, visit www.30boltwood.com or by calling (413) 835-2011.
Sunday Brunch will have a special visitor and a whole lot of holiday cheer this December! Join us (and Santa!) for brunch Sunday, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 2019, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies and draw with Santa! Reservations are strongly recommended, visit www.30boltwood.com or by calling (413) 835-2011.
