Explore Holyoke

Balafon Quartet: An Exploration of West African Musical Traditions
2026-04-06 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
The program features a one-hour performance, including insights into the role of the griot, followed by a hands-on workshop and Q&A, where audiences can try the instruments.
El programa incluye una actuación de una hora, en la que se profundizará en el papel del griot, seguida de un taller práctico y una sesión de preguntas y respuestas, en la que el público podrá probar los instrumentos.
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL/GRATIS Y ABIERTA A TODOS
Led by Guinean griot and virtuoso Abou Sylla, a master balafonist with over 50 years of international experience, this dynamic ensemble brings the vibrant sounds of West Africa to life.Performed on four balafons (wooden xylophones), the music blends traditional Mande repertoire with contemporary interpretation, creating layered rhythms rooted in centuries-old storytelling.
Musicians/Músicos: Griot Abou Sylla, Andy Algire, Niko Diarra-Koloseus, and Irene Koloseus
Dirigido por el griot y virtuoso guineano Abou Sylla, un maestro del balafón con más de 50 años de experiencia internacional, este dinámico conjunto da vida a los vibrantes sonidos de África Occidental. Interpretada con cuatro balafones (xilófonos de madera), la música fusiona el repertorio tradicional mandinga con una interpretación contemporánea, creando ritmos en capas arraigados en una tradición narrativa centenaria.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Este programa cuenta con el apoyo parcial de una subvención del Consejo Cultural Local de Holyoke, un organismo local que recibe financiación del Consejo Cultural de Massachusetts, un organismo estatal.

High School Rowing - New Rowers Welcome
2026-04-06 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-07 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-08 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-09 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-10 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-13 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-14 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-15 15:00 - 17:00 and 27 more dates | Holyoke Rows, 25 Jones Ferry Rd, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Spring High School Rowing at Holyoke Rows
High school students (Grades 9–12) are invited to join our High School Competitive Crew and be part of something powerful. Train after school with dedicated coaches, build strength and endurance, and develop the teamwork and confidence it takes to compete at regattas across New England.
No rowing experience? No problem. Whether you’re brand new or ready to race, Holyoke Rows is a welcoming program where athletes grow on and off the water. We’re building a strong, competitive team—and a community—that represents Holyoke with pride.
Open to all area high school students. Free for students from Holyoke, Chicopee & Springfield.
Learn. Grow. Compete. Come row with us and help put Holyoke rowing on the map.
Season begins Monday March 9th. Call 413-320-3134 for more info

Adult Learn to Row at Holyoke Rows
2026-04-06 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-08 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Holyoke Rows, 25 Jones Ferry Rd, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Always wanted to try rowing? This is your chance.
Holyoke Rows is offering a Beginner Adult Learn to Row sweep rowing program this spring. No experience is required. Our coaches will teach you the fundamentals while you get a great workout and enjoy time on the Connecticut River with a welcoming and supportive community.
By the end of the course, you will be ready to join our Adult Masters rowers, continue building your skills, and spend more time on the water.
Spring 2026 Session:
March 23 – April 10
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
5:30–7:00 PM
For the spring session, there will be six sessions during the three-week program with built-in weather backup days.
Sign up through the link below. Have questions? Give us a call 413-320-3134.

Beginning Your Spiritual Journey
2026-04-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-01 18:00 - 20:00 and 1 more date | MA
Every spiritual path begins with a single step… but it is the foundation of those steps that determines how far you can go. Beginning Your Spiritual Journey is a twelve-week Live In-Person immersive course designed to give you the tools, practices, and wisdom to start safely, clearly, and with confidence. Over the span of three months, you will learn how to ground and protect your energy, clear your field, and strengthen your spiritual awareness. Week by week, you’ll discover how to work with the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air; awaken the chakras and understand their role in your wellbeing; and practice seeing auras, connecting with guides, and sensing energy in yourself and others. With every session, you will experience your growth in real time, noticing how much stronger, steadier, and more open your energy becomes. This is not theory alone. You will be given practical exercises: feeling and moving energy in your hands, using breathwork to balance the elements, learning to sense truth from falsehood, practicing psychometry, and even exploring the four directions and their sacred teachings. We will weave together grounding, natural law, compassion, and spiritual hygiene so that your journey begins from a place of strength. By the end of the twelve weeks, you will have a living road map to continue your path; one that includes protection practices, a deeper understanding of your own aura and chakras, connection with spirit guides, and a foundation of natural law and compassion to guide you. This course is perfect for those at the beginning of their spiritual awakening, as well as anyone who has explored before but longs for a stronger, safer, more heart-centered foundation. “Early Bird” Coupon Code upon checkout to save $25 if you sign up by Feb 28! Any questions contact Mary McGrath directly 413 636 8496

Holyoke Farmers Market - Indoor Winter Market
2026-04-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-21 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-28 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-19 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-26 09:00 - 12:00 | MA
Indoor Winter Market with fresh seasonal vegetables, eggs, meats, crafts and baked goods.
We accept SNAP and HIP

Opening Reception: "Liberty and Labor" Exhibit at Wistariahurst
2026-04-07 16:30 - 18:30 | Wistariahurst, 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Wistariahurst Museum is celebrating the Fourth Annual Women’s History Month juried art showcase. This year, the theme is women’s labor and community building efforts. An opening reception for this exhibit entitled Liberty and Labor will be held on March 10th, 2026.
Liberty and Labor includes the work of artists who identify as women or nonbinary. Historically, Women’s labor has been undervalued and overlooked. Oftentimes, the work women have done in areas such as homemaking, community building, and parenting, has not even been viewed as work. Liberty and Labor highlights these efforts, and others, that showcase the hard work and dedication of women throughout history. From fiber art to painting, and sculpture, this exhibit includes a wide array of thought provoking pieces that connect with this theme.
Artists featured in this exhibit include Jankaleishka Burgos Cruz, Amy Crawley, Campbell Lackey, and Nancy Myrdal Carroll . There are also several other artists who have been awarded honorable mentions and will display their work as well.
The opening reception of Liberty and labor will be held Tuesday, March 10th, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. Wistariahurst is an artist-friendly space that encourages creativity and supports the growth of this region’s artists. Open Gallery Hours will be held from March 10th – April 7th on Mondays (10am-2pm) and Tuesdays (4:30pm-6:30pm), which will also be free and open to the public. We hope that you stop by and explore Liberty and Labor.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
El Museo Wistariahurst celebra la cuarta edición anual de la exposición de arte con jurado del Mes de la Historia de la Mujer. Este año, el tema es el trabajo de las mujeres y sus esfuerzos por construir comunidad. La recepción inaugural de esta exposición, titulada «Libertad y trabajo», se celebrará el 10 de marzo de 2026.
«Libertad y trabajo» incluye obras de artistas que se identifican como mujeres o no binarias. Históricamente, el trabajo de las mujeres ha sido infravalorado y pasado por alto. A menudo, el trabajo que las mujeres han realizado en ámbitos como las tareas domésticas, la construcción de la comunidad y la crianza de los hijos ni siquiera se ha considerado trabajo. «Libertad y trabajo» destaca estos esfuerzos, entre otros, que muestran el arduo trabajo y la dedicación de las mujeres a lo largo de la historia. Desde arte textil hasta pintura y escultura, esta exposición incluye una amplia gama de piezas que invitan a la reflexión y que conectan con este tema.
Entre los artistas que participan en esta exposición se encuentran Jankaleishka Burgos Cruz, Amy Crawley, Campbell Lackey y Nancy Myrdal Carroll. También hay otros artistas que han recibido menciones honoríficas y que también expondrán sus obras.
La recepción inaugural de Liberty and labor tendrá lugar el martes 10 de marzo, de 4:30 a 6:30 p. m. Wistariahurst es un espacio acogedor para los artistas que fomenta la creatividad y apoya el crecimiento de los artistas de esta región. El horario de apertura de la galería será del 10 de marzo al 7 de abril, los lunes (de 10:00 a 14:00) y los martes (de 16:30 a 18:30), y será gratuito y abierto al público. Esperamos que se acerque y explore «Libertad y trabajo».
Este programa está financiado en parte por una subvención del Holyoke Local Cultural Council, una agencia local que cuenta con el apoyo del Mass Cultural Council, una agencia estatal.

Air Quality & Transportation Showcases
2026-04-07 17:00 - 19:30 | Enlace de Familias, 299 Main Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Healthy Air Network invites you to our Air Quality & Transportation Showcases this spring!
These open-house style events are a chance to connect, learn, and take action around air quality and transportation in our community. Drop in at anytime, move at your own pace, visit different tables, and dive into the topics that matter to you! Free door prizes will be available while supplies last! Kids are welcome — activities will be provided. We will also serve food and refreshments.
Preview the NEW Healthy Air Network App
Launching this spring – get a sneak peek at how you can track air quality and stay informed.
Understand the link between air quality & transportation
Learn how traffic, transit, and daily choices affect the air we breathe.
Turn awareness into action
Explore real opportunities to advocate for policies that protect our health and our community.
Register here: bit.ly/HolyokeHAN

Musical Bingo
2026-04-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-19 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-26 18:30 - 20:30 and 19 more dates | Donovan’s Irish Pub, 80 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke, MA, 01040
Musical Bingo at Donovan’s Irish Pub. Four rounds, a gift certificate awarded each round

No Frills Karaoke
2026-04-09 20:00 - 23:59, 2026-04-16 20:00 - 23:59, 2026-04-23 20:00 - 23:59, 2026-04-30 20:00 - 23:59, 2026-05-07 20:00 - 23:59, 2026-05-14 20:00 - 23:59, 2026-05-21 20:00 - 23:59, 2026-05-28 20:00 - 23:59 and 44 more dates | Fame Lounge/Eatery, 386 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
No frills. No judgements. You do you.
Join us every Thursday at 8pm for music, laughter, and some unforgettable performaces! Everyone is welcome. Todos son bienvenidos!
Kitchen is open from 5pm to 10pm.

Free Community Meal & Family Movie
2026-04-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-08 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-12 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-14 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-11 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-10-09 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 and 1 more date | United Congregational Church of Holyoke, 300 Appleton St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Free Community Meal the 2nd Friday of each month. Join us for a delicious meal and conversation. Bring the family, come and eat, watch a movie or both. All are welcome. 50/50 Raffle and door prizes.

Art Opening: Charlie Gould DETOUR
2026-04-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Paper City Clothing Company, 144 High Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
We’re very happy to collaborate with Charlie Gold for a solo show this Spring featuring new oil paintings as well as an installation sculpture piece. Please join for a special reception on Friday April 10, 5-7pm!

Exploring the Vernal Pool at Gloutak Woods
2026-04-11 09:00 - 11:00 | MA
Spring is upon us and many ecosystems are beginning to stir as winter conditions recede. In our woodlands, shallow, water-filled depressions filled by snow-melt are seasonal wetlands that provide vital breeding habitat to many fascinating animals, including amphibians like wood frogs and spotted salamanders, and macroinvertebrates like fairy shrimp and caddisflies. These ephemeral wetlands, also known as vernal pools, are home to some “vernal pool obligate” species, meaning they are only found in or around vernal pools.
Join us on Saturday, April 11, 9:00-11:00 AM for an exploration of the vernal pool at Gloutak Woods in Holyoke. The event will be led by Laurel Carpenter, Environmental Science Professor and Chair at Holyoke Community College. She will be joined by some of her students who are participating in environmental science research projects.
We will bring equipment for gathering and viewing up close what we find: perhaps salamander eggs, tadpoles, and fairy shrimp. A great family event to learn about vernal pools before they vanish!
Vernal pool at Gloutak Woods
In 2019, with Kestrel’s assistance, the City of Holyoke purchased this 51-acre forest, protected from development with a conservation restriction held by Kestrel. In 2022, the trail system at Gloutak Woods was transformed for the enjoyment of the wider public by the great work of Greenagers.
Laurel Carpenter, a 2012 graduate of Holyoke Community College (HCC), is a wildlife biologist who chairs the HCC Environmental Science Department. She is co-coordinator of the HCC STEM Scholars program and a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she is pursuing a doctorate in education.
Registration is required.
A sliding-scale donation is optional.

Strong at Every Age: Women's Health & Nutrition Summit
2026-04-11 09:00 - 13:00 | HCC Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Geared towards the healthcare professional and health-focused community members alike, this summit will provide practical strategies, emerging research insights, and real-world applications to support optimal health at every stage.
?This impactful summit will highlight:?
Evidenced-based nutrition strategies for those on GLP-1 therapies (Nicole Knee, MPH, RD, CSOMN)
Optimizing muscle and bone health through targeted nutrition and physical activity strategies (Kathy Jordan, MS, RDN, CPT)
Supporting hormonal health from early adulthood through later life (Carly Detterman, CNM, MSCP)

Criminal Justice Info Session - Sesión Informativa sobre Justicia Penal
2026-04-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Enlace de Familia, 299 Main Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Criminal Justice Info Session ? Sesión Informativa sobre Justicia Penal
ENGLISH
Join Neighbor to Neighbor Holyoke for a Criminal Justice Information Session where we’ll learn about two important bills at the State House that could change how criminal records impact people’s lives across Massachusetts.
We’ll talk about:
The Clean Slate Bill This bill would automatically seal eligible criminal records after someone completes their sentence and without new offenses — helping remove barriers to jobs, housing, and opportunity.
The Presumption of Innocence Bill This bill would automatically seal charges that did not lead to a conviction, so dismissed or pending cases don’t continue to block people from moving forward.
Come learn, ask questions, and share your thoughts on how these policies affect our communities.
Food, childcare, and interpretation will be provided. Please let us know your needs in the registration form so we can support you.
We’re looking forward to connecting and building power together
ESPAÑOL
Únase a Neighbor to Neighbor Holyoke para una Sesión Informativa sobre Justicia Penal, donde aprenderemos sobre dos proyectos de ley importantes en la Casa Estatal que podrían cambiar cómo los antecedentes penales afectan la vida de las personas en Massachusetts.
Hablaremos sobre:
La Ley de “Clean Slate” (Borrón y Cuenta Nueva) Esta ley sellaría automáticamente ciertos antecedentes penales elegibles después de que una persona complete su sentencia y sin nuevos delitos — ayudando a eliminar barreras para el empleo, la vivienda y otras oportunidades.
La Ley de Presunción de Inocencia Esta ley sellaría automáticamente los cargos que no resultaron en una condena, para que los casos desestimados o pendientes no sigan bloqueando oportunidades.
Venga a aprender, hacer preguntas y compartir sus pensamientos sobre cómo estas políticas afectan a nuestras comunidades.
Habrá comida, cuidado de niños e interpretación disponibles. Por favor indíquenos sus necesidades en el formulario de registro para poder apoyarle.
¡Esperamos verles y seguir construyendo poder juntos!

Flywheel Zine Fest
2026-04-11 11:00 - 16:00 | Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join dozens of local and regional zine creators for this annual event celebrating DIY print culture.

Wistariahurst Museum Guided House Tour
2026-04-11 12:30 | Wistariahurst, 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Spring into Holyoke’s past by embarking on the next Wistariahurst Guided House Tour on Saturday,m April 11th at 12:30 pm!
This historic house offers an immersive experience that will transport you back in time to the lives and times of the people who shaped this vibrant community. Our expert guides will take you through the halls and rooms, providing fascinating insights into the family who owned Wistariahurst and the hardworking servants who kept it running smoothly. You’ll also learn about the city’s dynamic history during the Industrial Revolution, including how it attracted businesses and entrepreneurs from far and wide. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, our house tours at Wistariahurst offer a unique and unforgettable journey that will deepen your understanding of Holyoke’s past.
Don’t delay, book your tour and get to know Wistariahurst Museum today!
Tickets are available on our Eventbrite page:

Greater Holyoke YMCA's Annual Dinner (SneakER Peek)
2026-04-11 17:30 - 20:30 | Greater Holyoke YMCA, 171 Pine St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join us for our Annual Dinner and get a SneakER Peek at all the exciting things happening at the Y! Enjoy an evening of honoring, supporting, and strengthening the impact of the Greater Holyoke YMCA in our community.
Food will be provided, with a cash bar and raffle . The event is free, but please RSVP by clicking the ticket link or by emailing Julie at jchartier@holyokeymca.org

Noche Caliente
2026-04-11 21:00 - 2026-04-12 00:00, 2026-05-09 21:00 - 2026-05-10 00:00, 2026-06-13 21:00 - 2026-06-14 00:00 | Fame Lounge/Eatery, 386 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Noche Caliente is a sizzling Latin dance party that will set your nights ablaze! Come and experience the heat as you dance the night away to the fiery rhythms of salsa, bachata, merengue, and more. With electrifying music and a vibrant atmosphere, Noche Caliente is the ultimate destination for Latin dance enthusiasts. Let loose and immerse yourself in the energy of the dance floor, where the beats are hot, the moves are sultry, and the energy is infectious. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and passion at Noche Caliente!

Providence Place Chapel Concert
2026-04-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Providence Place, 5 Gamelin St, Holyoke, MA, 01040
Sunday, April 12th at 2:00pm in Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel at Providence Place; Tamila Azadaliyeva; Journey through some of the most lyrical and expressive music of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This solo piano program brings together works by Glinka–Balakirev, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and Mompou, celebrating the universal language of emotion and storytelling. Free and open to the public with ample parking available. For more information, please contact Katelyn Bacon at 413-534-9700 or email kbacon@providenceplace.org

Charlie Gold's Detour Art Show
2026-04-15 14:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-16 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-17 14:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-18 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-22 14:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-23 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-24 14:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-25 09:00 - 15:00 and 20 more dates | Paper City Clothing Company, 144 High Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
We’re happy to collaborate with talented painter Charlie Gold for a solo show this Spring featuring his stunning oil paintings depicting New England scenes, mostly painted en plein air.
Gallery is open:
Wednesdays 2:30-6:30pm
Thursdays 12-5pm
Fridays 2:30-6:30pm
Saturdays 9am-3pm
We had a packed house for celebrating the opening of this show on April 10 and are excited to keep enjoying it through the end of May, 2026.

Bookbinding Workshop
2026-04-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Create a pamphlet stitch journal with a pocket in the back with artist Lisa Hersey! This is a beginner friendly class, and no prior bookbinding skills are necessary. We will create a book together, and then you will create one more on your own. Choose your cover color and thread to create your own custom journals!
Free, but space is limited! Email csieh@holyokelibrary.org to register or call (413) 420-8106 to register.
This program is brought to you by a grant from the Holyoke Cultural Council, a local agency, supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

HCC MGM CULINARY ARTS INSTITUTE OPEN HOUSE
2026-04-15 16:00 - 18:00 | HCC Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Taste what our students,
faculty, and chefs are cooking.
Tour our state-of-the-art kitchens.
Play Food Bash Bingo and win a prize.
Discover HCC Culinary and Hospitality options:
• Academic degree and certificate programs
• Training and workforce development opportunities
• Personal enrichment classes

Scouting America Exploring Post 911 - Emergency Management & Communications
2026-04-15 18:00 - 20:00 | MA
Holyoke’s newly-formed Exploring unit focusing on Emergency Management and Communications is having an Open House on April 15th from 6pm – 8pm at Mt Tom Lodge, 235 Chestnut St. Exploring is a career-based youth enrichment program for 14-20 year-olds focusing on confidence, leadership, life skills, and FUN! Please come by the open house to learn more, participate in some activities, and enjoy our SNACKS!

Showtunes Karaoke!
2026-04-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Fame Lounge/Eatery, 386 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Ready to belt? Join us for Showtunes Karaoke! We’re clearing the stage for a night of nothing but musical theater. Grab a bite and a drink, pick your favorite showstopper, and come sing along with us. No professional experience required—just a love for Broadway.

Get Hired Job Fair
2026-04-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Holyoke Mall, 50 Holyoke Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
The Get Hired Job Fair provides employers the opportunity to interview and hire workers on the spot and connect job seekers with area businesses who need their skills. Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance looking for candidates at all skill levels. This event is open to the public and FREE to job seekers.
Sponsored by: Springfield Public Schools

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture
2026-04-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
The Holyoke Pride Committee presents a screening of 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, a documentary examining how the introduction of the word “homosexual” into a 1946 Bible translation influenced decades of misunderstanding and harm toward LGBTQIA+ people.
The event includes a live Q&A with composer Mary Lambert, a queer artist and activist whose work explores themes of faith, identity, and healing.
This program is part of Holyoke Pride’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive, community-centered cultural experiences. Ticket proceeds support year-round Pride programming.
Tickets: https://www.holyokepride.org/1946

Island Vybz
2026-04-18 21:00 - 2026-04-19 01:00 | Fame Lounge/Eatery, 386 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
One love, one night, come out and jam with us! Join DJ TRENDS, and some of your favorite bartenders for a night of hot island vibes, reggae, dancehall, all your favorite tunes, and good times.
NO COVER

Opening Reception: Fans, Fashion and Feminism
2026-04-21 16:30 - 18:30 | Wistariahurst, 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Come view “Fans, Fashion and Feminism” an exhibit that will reveal and demonstrate the secret language of the Victorian hand fan.
Wistariahurst Museum is delighted to announce that on April 21, it will exhibit, reveal, and demonstrate the secret language of the Victorian hand fan. The event will feature an exhibit of beautifully crafted fans and a live demonstration of how “fan language” was used to communicate without speaking a word.
Although hand fans were a “must-have” fashion accessory for women of the time, they also marked the beginning of women’s determination to free themselves from the oppression of the patriarchy and the overzealous eyes of chaperones during the Victorian era. Attendees will learn how the simple hand fan helped energize women to pursue greater independence… walking without a male escort, riding a bicycle, redesigning fashion, and demanding control of their everyday lives.
A live demonstration of fan language will be held during the opening reception by historic performer Kandie Carle. What began as a simple cooling device evolved to a symbol of status and wealth, then became an instrument of change to human relationships and social codes. Fans are a tangible record of art, history, and the ongoing connection among cultures.
About the Curator
Deborah Long is a volunteer at Wistariahurst and an enthusiastic participant in the museum’s events, projects, and ongoing activities. One project was to reconcile the linen closet’s contents with the inventoried list of items kept there. While examining each item in the various drawers and cupboards of the closet, she discovered a collection of Victorian hand fans. Impressed by their beauty and curious about their use, she explored the hand fan’s history and significance to women of that time. The “secret language of the hand fan” and its impact on changing the lives of women is a story she’d like to share with you on April 21, 2026.
The fashions in this exhibit were curated by Joanne Picard and Elizabeth Wood. Picard and Wood are also Wistariahurst volunteers.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, a local
agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
El Museo Wistariahurst se complace en anunciar que el 21 de abril expondrá, desvelará y mostrará el lenguaje secreto de los abanicos victorianos. El evento contará con una exposición de abanicos de bella factura y una demostración en directo de cómo se utilizaba el «lenguaje de los abanicos» para comunicarse sin pronunciar una sola palabra.
Aunque los abanicos de mano eran un accesorio de moda «imprescindible» para las mujeres de la época, también marcaron el inicio de la determinación de las mujeres por liberarse de la opresión del patriarcado y de las miradas excesivamente celosas de los chaperones durante la era victoriana. Los asistentes aprenderán cómo el sencillo abanico de mano ayudó a empoderar a las mujeres para que buscaran una mayor independencia… caminando sin escolta masculina, montando en bicicleta, rediseñando la moda y exigiendo el control de sus vidas cotidianas.
Durante la recepción inaugural, la intérprete histórica Kandie Carle ofrecerá una demostración en directo del lenguaje de los abanicos. Lo que comenzó como un simple dispositivo para refrescarse evolucionó hasta convertirse en un símbolo de estatus y riqueza, y luego se transformó en un instrumento de cambio en las relaciones humanas y los códigos sociales. Los abanicos son un registro tangible del arte, la historia y la conexión continua entre las culturas.
Acerca de la comisaria
Deborah Long es voluntaria en Wistariahurst y participa con entusiasmo en los eventos, proyectos y actividades habituales del museo. Uno de sus proyectos consistió en cotejar el contenido del armario de la ropa blanca con el inventario de los objetos que allí se guardaban. Mientras examinaba cada objeto en los distintos cajones y armarios del armario, descubrió una colección de abanicos victorianos. Impresionada por su belleza y con curiosidad por su uso, exploró la historia del abanico y su importancia para las mujeres de aquella época. El «lenguaje secreto del abanico» y su impacto en la transformación de la vida de las mujeres es una historia que le gustaría compartir con ustedes el 21 de abril de 2026.
La selección de prendas de esta exposición ha sido comisariada por Joanne Picard y Elizabeth Wood. Picard y Wood también son voluntarias de Wistariahurst.
Este programa está financiado en parte por una subvención del Consejo Cultural Local de Holyoke, una agencia local
que cuenta con el apoyo del Consejo Cultural de Massachusetts, una agencia estatal.

HSNI Earth Day Clean-up
2026-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | MA
The Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative (HSNI) will be holding a citywide Earth Day clean-up on Wednesday, April 22nd from 10am to 12noon, please arrive between 9:45am and 10am, please register below, so we can plan accordingly. We are also planning to do a cookout after the clean-up from 12noon to 1pm.
We will be meeting in the parking lot at Heritage State Park and will breakdown into groups. After the clean-up, we will have a cookout at Heritage State Park at 12noon.

Green Ventures Talk & Walk
2026-04-23 10:00 - 13:00 | MA
Holyoke Community College will host “Green Ventures: Lessons from Environmental Entrepreneurship,” a free public lecture and discussion featuring retired environmental entrepreneur Bob Saul and HCC alumnus Jamal Cumberbatch ’26 (who graduated in December), on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Kittredge Center, Rooms 301-303.
The event will provide students and community members with insights into building successful environmental businesses in western Massachusetts, featuring case studies from Saul’s career and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector.
Event Program
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: HCC President George Timmons, Ph.D. will introduce the speakers, followed by an interview led by Cumberbatch highlighting Saul’s journey as an environmental entrepreneur. The pair will examine four business ventures through the lenses of vision, funding, implementation, and long-term impact, concluding with audience Q&A.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Following the indoor presentation, attendees are invited to participate in a guided nature walk along the trails behind HCC campus, featuring tree identification and observations at a vernal pool. HCC Environmental Sciences Professor Heather Ruel will lead the outdoor experience.

Holyoke Arbor Day Celebration
2026-04-24 13:00 - 16:00 | MA
Celebrate Arbor Day with the community at Armour Yard in Holyoke. Join us on April 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM for a free afternoon of tree planting, hands-on activities, and a local vendor fair. Enjoy games, crafts, and environmental education, then stay for a special ceremony featuring community leaders and guest speakers. This event brings together local organizations and residents to promote sustainability, neighborhood pride, and a greener future for Holyoke. All are welcome.

City Nature Challenge & Celebrate Trails Day
2026-04-25 11:00 - 13:00 | MA
City Nature Challenge (CNC) is a four-day bioblitz that began in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco. A decade later, it has grown into an international event, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds to find and document wildlife in their own cities.
During the weekend-long challenge, participants go outside, take photos or record sounds of wild plants and animals, and use online identification platforms such as iNaturalist to upload their wildlife observations. These individual observations help promote local conservation efforts.
This year, Kestrel Land Trust is partnering with other local organizations, including Connecticut River Conservancy and UMass Amherst, to bring CNC to Western Mass. We invite you to join us in documenting the diverse flora and fauna that make our Valley so unique!
Kestrel is hosting a City Nature Challenge walk, about 1.5 miles long on an easy-moderate trail. An iNaturalist training session will be included. Group size is limited to 24 people and registration is required.
Saturday, April 25, 11:00 AM – 1 PM at Gloutak Woods in Holyoke REGISTER HERE (transportation available)

You Can Also Take the City Nature Challenge on Your Own! Here’s how:

To participate on your own or with family and friends. simply follow these steps:
Download the free iNaturalist app on your phone. Android. Apple.
Make an iNaturalist account and join the Western Mass iNaturalist Project (includes Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties).
April 24 – 27: Go outside and make observations on iNaturalist. Looking for a place to go? Check out Kestrel’s Nature Retreats.
April 28 – May 10: Upload your observations at home or in the field. As long as you are in one of the four Western Mass counties listed above, your observation will automatically be added to our project.
Questions? Email ari@kestreltrust.org
Timeline:
Observation period: April 24 – 27
Uploading and identification period: April 28 – May 10
Results announced: May 13

Presiding Bishop of America to visit St. Paul's Episcopal Church
2026-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 485 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke will welcome The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop of the national Episcopal Church of America, for a special Sunday service on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 485 Appleton St., Holyoke. This marks the first time a Presiding Bishop will visit St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The visit comes during an historic weekend for the Diocese of Western Massachusetts. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Very Rev. Miguelina Howell will be ordained and consecrated in Springfield as the 10th Bishop of Western Massachusetts—historic as she becomes the first woman and the first Black Latina/Hispanic person to serve as Bishop of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts. The community is welcome to this special service with Bishop Rowe on Sunday, April 26th and attendees can look forward to uplifting music performed by Vanessa Ford “the songstress of Springfield” accompanied by Curtis Mercier, the St. Paul’s Church Organist. All are welcome to this historic building for this historic event and invited to the parish hall following the service for refreshments and an opportunity to meet Bishop Rowe, and to connect with members of the congregation and community. Whether you are a longtime member or visiting for the first time, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church invites everyone to join in celebration and community during this momentous occasion. Spanish language interpreters will be on hand.

Reservoirs of Holyoke
2026-04-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
A presentation at the Holyoke Public Library on Tuesday April 28 2026 from 6 to 7 PM. All types of reservoirs will be covered including power, drinking water, and recreational ones. The reservoirs in and associated with Holyoke will be covered. Learn about Ashley, Gill, Whiting Street, White, and many more. The Holyoke Preservation Trust will promote and host this event which is funded by the Holyoke Local Cultural Council.

Poetry as a Witness: Workshop and Open Mic with The Writing Sisters
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join The Writing Sisters for a generative poetry writing workshop on the final day of Poetry Month. You will have the chance to share your work.
The Writing Sisters are part of Holyoke Arts League. Check out their Women’s History Month event recorded at Holyoke Media in March.

Mini Golf and Games at the Library
2026-05-02 09:30 - 15:30 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
We are pleased to announce plans for “Mini Golf and Games at the Library!” 2026 – A series of FUN activities inside and outside of the Holyoke Public Library on Saturday, May 2nd:Mini Golf in the Library, Free for all ages, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, 18 holes of miniature golf inside the building, on all floors!
Games outside in Library Park, 10:30 am – 3pm, featuring outdoor games and activities for all ages.
Lucky Ticket auction with a range of donated prizes and services available.
Since 2016, “Mini Golf in the Library!” has been a significant fundraiser for our Library. This weekend event also includes games OUTSIDE the library.
Proceeds will be used to augment services and programming, especially Summer Reading and other Literacy programs, for Children, Teens and Adults. These funds can help provide workshops that engage kids and adults in arts and crafts, robotics, and technology.
Our goal for this event is $15,000 via sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction proceeds.
You are invited to join the fun and help enhance programming at the Holyoke Public Library. We look forward to hearing from you.

Mother's Day Market and Plant Sale
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Wistariahurst, 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Wistariahurst Museum welcomes spring with the second annual Mother’s Day Market being held Saturday, May 2nd, 10:00 am-1:00 pm. This event features local vendors selling a variety of locally made products such as art, jewelry, and food. Vendors will be stationed indoors throughout the first floor of the museum. As guests shop and explore, the Brookline Trio will be playing live music for visitors to enjoy. Guests are also welcome inside the Carriage House as well, where they can shop our gift shop, take photos in the carriage, and view the frog circus.
Wistariahurst’s gardeners will also be hosting the first On-Site Plant Sale of the year during the market from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Witariahurst has an array of annuals and perennials to brighten up any garden. Best of all, visitors can take home one plant for free thanks to Bank ESB, which is sponsoring this event. There is a limited supply of free plants, so make sure not to miss out.
Wistariahurst Museum’s Mother’s Day Market offers something for everyone. From plans, to textile pieces and prints, vases, and home decor- you’re bound to find something your parent will love. This event is admission-free and open to the public, so that all can celebrate their beloved maternal figures.

1st Saturdays at the Print Shop
2026-05-02 10:00 - 14:00 | The Print Shop, 62 Main St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
First Saturdays at the Print Shop is a free monthly series of hands-on art and design workshops held on the first Saturday of each month at the Print Shop Makerspace in downtown Holyoke. These drop-in sessions invite families, creatives, and curious community members of all ages to explore the tools and technology of a working print shop and classroom space. No prior experience is required, and all materials are provided while supplies last.
Each month features a different make-and-take activity:
February 7: Valentine’s Card Lab – create handmade cards using colorful papers, professional cutters, color copier, and scoring tools
March 7: Sticker Studio – design and print custom stickers using wide-format printing equipment
April 4: Wear Your Art: Heat Transfer Vinyl – make a custom tote bag, hat, or T-shirt using sublimation, vinyl cutting and heat presses
May 2: Print Day in May Open House – a special expanded event celebrating an international day of printmaking with hands-on activities and demonstrations
Workshops take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Print Shop Makerspace, 62 Main Street, Holyoke. First Saturdays are free, family-friendly, and open to all ages; youth must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Salsa Social
2026-05-02 20:00 - 2026-05-03 01:00 | Fame Lounge/Eatery, 386 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join SALSA SQUAD for a pre-Cinco de Mayo Salsa Social. Free Bachata class at 8pm and free Salsa class at 8:45. Then test drive your skills on the dance floor til 1am.
No Cover! Kitchen open til 10pm

Providence Place Chapel Concert
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Providence Place, 5 Gamelin St, Holyoke, MA, 01040
Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm in Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel at Providence Place; Bella Voce; Vocal Duo features Teri LaFleur, Soprano, and Lisa Woods, Mezzo-Soprano and accompanied by Composer and Pianist, Jerry Noble. These talented musicians will present selections from Opera, Broadway and the American Songbook. Free and open to the public with ample parking available. For more information, please contact Katelyn Bacon at 413-534-9700 or email kbacon@providenceplace.org

“Each Knuckle with Sugar”: A Reading & Conversation with Sarah Levine
2026-05-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Wistariahurst, 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join the Wistariahurst Museum for an evening with poet Sarah Levine, whose collection Each Knuckle with Sugar received Poetry Honors in the Massachusetts Book Awards. This program will feature a reading from the collection, followed by a conversation with the poet and an audience Q&A. Attendees are invited to engage with the poems and hear Levine speak about her creative process, influences, and the questions that shape her work.
Each Knuckle with Sugar is a collection in which play becomes power at the turn of a page or a line. Sarah Levine’s endlessly inventive imagery offers readers a charged interiority through language that surprises, delights, and—at times—bares its teeth. The book’s lively wonder is driven by the interplay of grief, love, loss, confusion, and desire, unfolding through an epistolary exchange between two recurring speakers, Herman and Begonia.
This program is sponsored by the Mass Book Awards Speakers Bureau and is presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Center for the Book.
SARAH LEVINE is the author of Each Knuckle with Sugar, winner of the Driftwood Press Open Reading Contest and a 2025 Massachusetts Book Awards Honors recipient in Poetry. She is also the author of the chapbooks Take Me Home and Her Man, and her work has appeared in Poets & Writers, The Paris American, Passages North, Green Mountains Review, and the Best New Poets anthology, among others. Levine teaches at Williston Northampton School and lives in Western Massachusetts.

Purse Bingo
2026-05-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Rd, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Purse Bingo Fundraiser—win stylish handbags, enjoy a fun afternoon, and support the Greater Holyoke YMCA’s programs and community impact. Purses ranging in value from $300-$2500!

Mother's Day Brunch at 110 Grill
2026-05-10 10:00 - 15:00 | MA
Come celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch at 110 Grill. Available 10 AM – 3 PM on Sunday 5/10.
Reservations are recommended.

Conflict & Conservatism: Holyoke’s Struggle for Public Housing
2026-05-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join us as Jeremy Smith explores the contentious history of federally-funded housing and renewal in Holyoke, including the construction of Lyman Terrace in the 1930s, Jackson Parkway in the 1940s, and the demolition of the old Ward 4 in the 1960s.
Smith is a long-time local resident with deep roots in Holyoke. His great-great grandfather was Frank Feather, one-time Alderman and a co-proprietor of Feather & France, sheetmetal. Smith is also an archivist at UMass/Amherst Special Collections & Archives and a Holyoke Public Library Board member.
In the Community Room. All welcome. A discussion will follow the talk.
Sponsored by the Holyoke History Room.

Drop-in Genealogy Lab
2026-05-27 14:30 - 17:00 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Drop-in Genealogy Lab in the Computer Classroom – 2:30 – 5:00
Our two, professional genealogists offer support to family history researchers on fourth Wednesdays. Both have wide expertise and Iris also offers specialized, bilingual help with Spanish-language genealogy sources. Come to research in good company, ask questions, or to get strategies for getting past those brick walls.
Upcoming dates: May 27, June 24
Hillary Schau – 2:30-4:30; Irisneri Alicea Flores, 3:00-5:00
Can’t make the Lab? Our History Room staff can also help you get started with family history research during the History Room’s regular Reading Room Hours.

Shad Festival 2026
2026-06-07 - 2026-06-08 | Holyoke Rows, 25 Jones Ferry Rd, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
You’re invited to our second annual Shad Festival–
a celebration of the Connecticut River and the annual shad migration in western Massachusetts!
Join us for delicious food, crew races, kayak adventures, river-themed arts and crafts, fishing, shad planking, vendors, music, ice cream and much more.
Date: June 7
Parking: Free parking along both sides of Main Street & in the Dean High School parking lot
Location: Holyoke Rows, 25 Jones Ferry Rd., Holyoke, MA
*Local Vendors! If you are a Holyoke business or organization, come join us. Please reach out to Stephanie Moore, Director of Holyoke Rows, at smoore@holyokerows.org

Afro Caribbean History through the Arts, Celebrating Juneteenth!
2026-06-19 16:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-20 16:00 - 21:00 | MA
With Haitian Creole interpretation, food and more, our program will also blend with the Afro Taino and Afro Cuban cultural Heritage foundational beats, workshops, dance, and community building. Join us in this multicultural, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary celebration honoring Juneteenth!!

Holyoke PrideFEST 2026
2026-06-27 12:00 - 18:00 | MA
Join us for the 5th annual Holyoke PrideFEST — a day of joy, music, art, and community celebration in the heart of The Paper City! What began as a one-day block party has grown into a citywide movement of love and visibility, honoring the strength, creativity, and resilience of Holyoke’s LGBTQIA+ community and our allies across Western Mass.
Expect an unforgettable afternoon of live performances, drag, dancing, local food, family fun, and pure queer magic under the summer sky.
This year marks our biggest PrideFEST yet — and we can’t wait to celebrate YOU. Whether you’re coming to perform, vend, volunteer, or simply be loud and proud, everyone is welcome at Holyoke PrideFEST 2026!
Stay tuned for announcements about our lineup, special guests, and all the colorful surprises we have in store.
For sponsors, vendors, and performers, visit www.holyokepride.org for details and registration.
