Upcoming Events In Western Mass
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.
Top Yearly Western Massachusetts Events
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.
Top Western Massachusetts Events for Spring
Springfield Annual Pancake Breakfast
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.
Paradise City Arts Festival (Northampton)
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!
Top Western Massachusetts Events for Summer
Baseball Season Opening Night
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.
Yankee Candle Christmas in July
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.
Top Western Massachusetts Events for Fall
The Big E
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.
Six Flags New England’s Fright Fest
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.
Top Western Massachusetts Events for Winter
Springfield, Parade of the Big Balloons
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.
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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.
Old Sturbridge Village
Welcome to Old Sturbridge Village – a “must-see” New England attraction which depicts life in an early 19th-century rural Village, featuring costumed historians, antique buildings, water-powered mills, and a working farm. You can view antiques, meet heritage breed animals, and take part in hands-on crafts.
Old Sturbridge Village is the perfect place for a wedding – complete with multiple ceremony locations and reception spaces and nearly endless photo opportunities.
The Village is also a great place to hold a bridal or baby shower, anniversary party, reunion, or other social function.
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Old Sturbridge Village is also proud to be a Blue Star Museum. Active duty, career retired military or disabled veterans and their families (up to 6 people) receive complimentary standard daytime admission year round. Military Veterans receive 50% off adult standard daytime admission with an additional 25% discount for others in their party. Note – Military discount available with military and photo ID at the Visitor Center only; Not valid on special evening programs.
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MUSEUM GIFT SHOP & NEW ENGLAND BOOKSTORE
Great gifts available in the Museum Store! Browse online or in-store to choose from a host of unique gifts including village made redware, tinware, fudge and more! Open Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
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LODGING
Located adjacent to Old Sturbridge Village, the award winning Inn & Lodges offer comfort and convenience in 29 modern lodging units and a charming 10-room Inn. Be sure to check out the special money-saving packages at the Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges, recipient of the 2018 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence!
Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges
369 Main Street
Sturbridge, MA 01566
OPEN EVERY DAY
July 2020
Old Sturbridge Village, Workshops for Kids!
Workshops for Kids! Join Old Sturbridge Village for an in-depth exploration of the 1830s from the comfort of your own home! This summer, the museum will offer fun, virtual learning opportunities for kids ages 6 to 12. Sessions will be taught by experienced museum educators and knowledgeable historians, live on Zoom. In addition to live videos, participants will consult a library of demo videos and virtual tours, available through Google Classroom. Sessions will be taught by experienced museum educators and…
Find out more »September 2020
Old Sturbridge Village, Muster Day
To supplement the meager armed forces, most early 19th-century farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units – the forerunner of today’s National Guard. Every spring these citizen-soldiers were “called to muster” for a day of training in their town. Old Sturbridge Village re-creates a typical Muster Day and celebrates our local military history. Demonstrations will include marching, musket and cannon firing, military martial music, and target practice. Our young visitors will get the chance…
Find out more »April 2021
Old Sturbridge Village, Patriots’ Day
Patriots' Day observances at Old Sturbridge will resound with the peal of bells, the stirring beat of drums and the thrilling call of the fife, as the Sturbridge Militia musters in the countryside on Monday, April 15. Special programs and activities throughout the day will invite visitors to experience the sights and sounds of our colonial ancestors as the Revolutionary War began. Come rain or shine, the Village will be open for Patriots' Day! (Please note that certain activities, like…
Find out more »May 2021
Old Sturbridge Village, Mother’s Day
Old Sturbridge Village offers FREE Admission to all mothers on Mother’s Day. Family events are planned throughout the day, including demonstrations of cooking for children, hands-on crafts, and performances. Celebrate Mother’s Day at Old Sturbridge Village with our popular annual brunch, featuring favorites like smoked salmon, an omelet station, waffles, a carving station, assorted desserts, and more. Reservations are required and tend to fill up fast. Learn More Visit our Museum Store From handmade redware pottery to decadent fudge and…
Find out more »June 2021
Old Sturbridge Village, 75 Years
75 years later.... a hobby turned in to a village. On June 8, in 1946, Old Sturbridge Village opened to the public for the first time. 81 people paid a dollar apiece to tour the grounds and see displays of antiques arranged in the new and restored old buildings, including the Fitch House, Grist Mill, Richardson House and Gebhardt barn (now called the Parsonage and Parsonage Barn), the Miner Grant Store, Dennison Schoolhouse (now the Child’s World exhibit), Firearms exhibit,…
Find out more »July 2021
Old Sturbridge Village, Independence Day
An old-fashioned good time will be had by all on Independence Day at Old Sturbridge Village. Visitors will have the chance to take part in a citizens’ parade, play 19th-century style “baseball,” march with the militia, watch cannon and musket demonstrations, make a tri-cornered hat, and sign their “John Hancocks” on a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence. Summer barbecue food will be available for purchase along with beer and wine. Children and families will especially enjoy a little…
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