Community Calendar

Visit the Easter Bunny in an inclusive atmosphere on Sunday, March 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Café Square. Exclusively for children & families with special needs. Reservations are required for this private photo experience. Donations will be collected on behalf of Autism Speaks. Reservations are encouraged. Walk-up visits available as space permits. Additional photo prints are available at checkout with the purchase of a photo package. Personalized merchandise is available online at myholidaymoments.com. Guests who pre-book get 2 FREE gifts!  Please reserve your complimentary ticket. ONE TICKET per group/family, please.

Bring your furry friends to Holyoke Mall on March 20 and March 27 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Café Square, to visit with the Easter Bunny! Reservations are encouraged. Walk-up visits available as space permits. Additional photo prints are available at checkout with the purchase of a photo package. Personalized merchandise is available online at myholidaymoments.com. Guests who pre-book get 2 FREE gifts!  Various photo packages will be available for purchase during the event. The Easter Bunny is comfortable with most pets, however, please leave snakes and rodents at home.

Intelligent Lives follows the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities as they tackle preconceptions of intelligence in the classroom, on campus, and the workplace. Light refreshments will be provided, as well as information packets and fidgets. Families, students, and professionals are welcome! If you require any accommodations, please contact osd@hcc.edu or call 413.552.2417. For more information about this event or MAICEI, please contact Rebecca Leporati, Program Coordinator, at rleporati@hcc.edu or call 413.552.2844.

Hop on over to Holyoke Mall for a fun filled morning on April 1 featuring Ed Popielarczyk’s Spring Spectacular Magic Show and crafts from 10:00 a.m. to noon in Café Square. This event is free. Registration is required. Various Easter Bunny photo packages will be available for purchase. Schedule of Events: Spring Crafts 10:00 AM Magic Show 11: 00 AM

Holyoke Parks and Recreation Spring Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 1, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Holyoke Heritage State Park Crafts ~ Pony Rides ~ Balloons Unlimited Free Rides at the Holyoke Merry Go Round Take your picture with the Easter Bunny Visit with the Holyoke Fire Department Egg Hunt Times 10:00 am   Toddler                           10:30 am    4-6 year olds 11:00 am    7-9 year olds                  11:30 am    10 - 12 year olds Rain or Shine!!!  […]

Holyoke Heritage State Park is proud to host the works of one who has made the city of Holyoke his home. Pieces created by J. Bryant II will showcase in the Exhibition Hall of the park’s visitor center from April 1, 2023 until May 31. Through his medium of color pencil & ink as well as illustrative marker & watercolor the artwork of J. Bryant II expresses the beauty of uniqueness and a vivid view of the simplicity of the shared moment. He states, "I believe art should inspire joy in the individual who looks upon it and each time this is […]

Join us as architectural historian Alain Munkittrick presents images and stories from his new book, Historic Houses of the Connecticut River Valley (Arcadia, 2023). Three years in the making, the book takes readers on a series of thematic historic tours along the river’s 410 miles, focusing on the homes of the businessmen, landowners, social reformers, and intellectuals who settled up and down the valley. Munkittrick’s process involved locating over 300 period images held by libraries and archives, some of which have never before been published online or in print.  His presentation will feature a few of the many stories he […]

2023 marks the 150th Anniversary of the City of Holyoke... a historic sesquicentennial event!! Our community will honor the date of our City's incorporation with a ceremony on the front steps of City Hall (Dwight Street) with a reception to follow in the City Hall Ballroom. The first inhabitants of this area of the Connecticut River Valley include: Native Americans – the Algonguins, including the Nipmucs, Pequots, and Mohegans, as well as Agawams to the south, and the Nonotucks and Pocumtucs to the north. Eventually early European settlers obtained the land that would be incorporated into the future boundaries of […]

You may be eligible to have your MA record expunged or sealed! Come to this free event on April 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Bartley Center at Holyoke Community College (303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke) to get free legal advice, obtain a copy of your CORI, connect with local services, and meet with employers who want to hire YOU! **Please bring a picture ID.** Register here: https://tinyurl.com/bder46th No appointment necessary. Please call 413.265.5232 with any questions.

Join Registered Dietitian, Marissa Chiapperino, to learn tips for preparing diabetes-friendly meals.

"Pan Seared Scallops with a Creamy Corn Risotto & Confit Tomatoes." A flavorful and rich entrée that will satisfy your cravings. However, we are completely Plant-Based. In this course, we will transform King Oyster Mushrooms into delicious "scallops", make a creamy risotto without the use of cream, and compose a dish that is balanced and flavorful. Discover the art of infusing and layering flavors that will satisfy even those who shy away from plant -based cooking.

For adults and teens. Migrant birds are now returning from various regions in the south. Join the park interpreter to search them out in canals, trees, ground cover and riverside. Learn of the amazing distances they travel, difficulties they face, and how climate change is affecting them. Be ready to walk around Holyoke Heritage State Park and up to Pulaski Park. Bring binoculars. A few sets are available to borrow. A spotting scope is available for participants’ use. Program is free. Meet at the Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor Center. Dress for the weather. Severe weather cancels. Call for more […]

Come meet and view the works of J. Bryant II. His large and vibrant illustrative pieces are now on exhibit.  Finger food will be provided. This temporary exhibit is on display from April 1 to May 31. Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor Center also hosts permanent exhibits depicting waterpower, mill industries, Mountain Park, and immigrant lives. Public programs and tours are also offered throughout the year. A complete listing of children and adult programs and further park information is available at the park’s website. Admission is free. Visitor Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, from noon until 4:00. The […]

Join Registered Dietitian, Marissa Chiapperino, to learn tips for preparing heart-healthy lunch options. Oftentimes adding in sources of healthy fats, whole grains and high fiber fruits and vegetables can boost flavor and decrease your risk for chronic disease.

Holyoke Mall will be hosting an in-person job fair on Wednesday, April 12 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM on the Lower Level Macy’s Court. The Get Hired Job Fair provides employers the opportunity to interview and hire workers on the spot, as well as help job seekers connect with area businesses who are in need of their skills. Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance looking for candidates at all skill levels. This event will be open to the public and FREE to job seekers! Participating Employers:  C&S Wholesale Coca – Cola Cooley Dickinson Girls Inc Valley […]

Find the Right Career for you and apply on the spot!  Please dress business casual, and bring your resume and references.  Good Luck!  

Join the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Team for the summer! DCR maintains and welcomes visitors to natural, recreational, and cultural sites across Massachusetts, including Mt. Tom and Holyoke Heritage State Parks, where local history and natural history come together! Perhaps you want to gain experience running a public facility, or maybe it will be the start of a life-long career with DCR. DCR opportunities include an array of summer jobs from presenting educational programming, to landscaping, to supervising, to tinkering behind the scenes on the mechanics that keep the parks running. Join us at this job fair to […]

Do you or a loved one have diabetes? Did you know even some of your favorite foods can fit into a healthy routine...especially carbs? Balancing foods across various nutrient groups can help with blood sugar management. Join Registered Dietitian, Marissa Chiapperino, to learn tips for preparing diabetes-friendly snacks.

THE IRON MAIDENS Formed in 2001, The Iron Maidens have quickly established themselves as one of southern California’s most popular tribute acts and are rapidly gaining international recognition. The band boasts beauty as well as excellent musicianship, lively stage presence, and a remarkable stage show with theatrical scenes interspersed throughout. The line-up is Kirsten “Bruce Chickinson” Rosenberg on vocals, Linda “Nikki McBURRain” McDonald on drums, Courtney “Adriana Smith” Cox and Nikki “Davina Murray” Stringfield on guitars, and Wanda “Steph Harris” Ortiz on bass.  

Host a brunch that everyone can enjoy! Here we will introduce you to breakfast foods that are completely plant-based but definitely exciting. Learn tips and tricks to heightening flavors. Learn how to cook a fluffy tofu scramble with turmeric... and make it delicious. We will rediscover other breakfast favorites such as savory home fries, the side of fruit that gets left behind and make an Avocado Toast that is better than theirs. One can start off their day from the roots up with this quick to make balanced meal.

For adults and teens. Migrant birds are now returning from various regions in the south. Join the park interpreter to search them out in canals, trees, ground cover and riverside. Learn of the amazing distances they travel, difficulties they face, and how climate change is affecting them. Be ready to walk around Holyoke Heritage State Park and up to Pulaski Park. Bring binoculars. A few sets are available to borrow. A spotting scope is available for participants' use. Program is free. Meet at the Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor Center. Dress for the weather. Severe weather cancels. Call for more […]

Come celebrate spring outside at the Holyoke Public Library. Holyoke resident and professional forester Tom Kass will lead a tour of the library’s grounds and introduce the many species of trees in Library Park. The flowering cherries will be in full display and are a must see. While other trees will be showing characteristics only observed this time of year, Tom will describe their features and what to watch for over the seasons. The walking tour around the library building will take approximately one hour. Free and open to the public. No pre-registration needed. Sponsored by the Holyoke History Room.

Deborah Leopold and David Sacks, and the Holyoke History Room, invite you to a celebration of the donation of The Esther and Edward Sacks Press Photograph Collection. Eddie and Esther Sacks were for many years a fixture in Holyoke's political and cultural scene. Both Holyoke natives, Eddie (auctioneer, realtor, Constable and Deputy Sheriff for seven decades) and Esther (insurance broker, auctioneer, and community group leader) were also both active in many Jewish community organizations, as well as other local organizations. Over many years Esther obtained newspaper photos of the couple's public activities. The photos hung in their downtown offices and later in their son […]

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music as Wistariahurst welcomes John Dalton and his trio, a talented group of musicians and leaders of the Spheres of Influence ensemble, to perform on April 15th. With their modular ensemble that specializes in original compositions, standards, and well-known repertoire, this group promises to deliver a truly unique and dynamic performance. As the main performer, John Dalton will lead the trio alongside Jim Robitaille and Evan Palmer. Their combined musical prowess has been showcased at various concerts and occasions throughout the greater Boston area, demonstrating their versatility and creativity. Together, they are sure […]

Come to an engaging naturalist program for ages 12 and up. What can you tell about an animal by examining its skull?  Educator Bob Kidd shares over 40 skulls with you, pointing out features that tell us what its former owner ate, how it saw the world, its size, and other characteristics. Test yourself to identify each skull. Also examine replicas of a tell-tale sign of animal presence: scat (otherwise known as poop, droppings, or by many other names). Hone your naturalist skills in this workshop to become more aware of animal presence during your outdoor jaunts. Presenter Robert Kidd […]

Boomer from the Springfield Thunderbirds will be behind the counter at LugNutz Cafe on Thursday, April 20th from 11a-1pm as their Guest Chef.  Stop by to enjoy great food, photographs and autographs.  For every order placed, we will donate $2 to Boomer's charity of choice.

Taste what our students, faculty, and chefs are cooking! Tour our state-of-the-art kitchens, see the new CAI Kitchen on Wheels food truck, play Food Bash Bingo and win a prize, and discover HCC culinary and hospitality options: - Academic degree and certificate programs - Training and workforce development opportunities - Personal enrichment classes

Taste what Holyoke Community College culinary students, faculty, and chefs from MGM and UMass Dining are cooking! Tour our state-of-the-art kitchens, see the new CAI Kitchen on Wheels food truck, play Food Bash Bingo and win a prize, and discovery HCC culinary and hospitality options: - Academic degree and certificate programs - Training and workforce development opportunities - Personal enrichment classes Learn more at hcc.edu/culinary!

CPA recently developed this beautiful parcel into public trails. Starting at 1pm, take guided tours with the Greenagers crew to see the work they did building out the trails! A 1.25 mile loop, with some steep ground. There is also a half-mile walk to a vernal pool. Available 1-3pm are kids' activities including a scavenger hunt and nature-based crafts. Water and snacks provided. ¡A partir de la 1pm, realice visitas guiadas con el equipo de Greenagers para ver el trabajo que hicieron al construir los caminos! Un estrecho de 1.25 millas, con algo de terreno empinado. También hay una caminata […]

On April 22nd, join Tom Kass and Bob Comeau as they take you back 125 years ago to the beginning of the development of the Mt. Tom Golf Club and its evolution from a 9-hole to an 18-hole golf course. Then learn about the Wyckoff Park Neighborhood that grew around the course.   Mountain View Drive & Northampton Street

Join us at the Y for a twist on our Annual Dinner. An evening of supporting, honoring, and strengthening our community as we recognize our 2023 Oldershaw Community Service Recipient and our Distinguished Service Awardees. Come dressed as you are for a sneakER peek (sneakers welcome) of the Y as we kick off our Annual Campaign. 2023 Oldershaw Community Service Award Winner - Martin J. Dunn (posthumously) 2023 Distinguished Service Award Winner - Eloyd Molina & Erika Van Duzer This event is FREE and RSVP's are required by April 15th to jchartier@holyokeymca.org or 534-5631.

Travel back in time and discover the untold stories of the servants who made Wistariahurst a home with the “Spring Cleaning with the Skinner Servants” tour on April 23rd, 2023. This exclusive tour takes you behind the scenes and gives you a glimpse into the daily lives and careers of the dedicated servants who worked tirelessly to keep the household running smoothly. Meet the servants in person and hear their personal stories as you explore the historic house. From cooking and cleaning to tending the gardens and caring for the family’s prized possessions, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the […]

Making heart healthy changes to your daily meal plan does not have to be hard or boring. Oftentimes adding in sources of healthy fats, whole grains and high fiber fruits and vegetables can boost flavor and decrease your risk for chronic disease.  Join Registered Dietitian, Marissa Chiapperino, to learn tips for preparing heart-healthy meals.

The ALANA Men in Motion program will host a panel discussion showcasing "stories of resilience" with guest speakers sharing their personal stories and discussing how resilience helps men of color overcome systemic barriers. This event is free and open to the public. Please email alana@hcc.edu with any questions. KC 301/303, Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke Can't join us in person? Register for the Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/rveea32h

Together we can spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S for Holyoke kids! Kick off this spring with an evening of drinks, food, fun and . . . a uniquely Holyoke twist on a classic Spelling Bee contest! Join us on April 27th at Mill 1 as teams comprised of local community members, businesses and civic leaders vie for the honor and glory of being the Homework House Spelling Bee Champs! Think your team can "bee" the Champion? Got a great team costume idea for you and your co-workers? Team registration fee is $200 for a team of three.  Tickets are $25 in advance/$30 at […]

Join Registered Dietitian, Marissa Chiapperino, to learn tips for preparing diabetes-friendly breakfast options.

Come celebrate Arbor Day 2023 with a ceremonial tree planting event at the Holyoke Senior Center! Light refreshments will be served Arrive right at 10 am to hear a tree-ish speech and Arbor Day Proclamation by Mayor Joshua Garcia!

The annual Spirit of Girls event is a long-standing Girls Inc. of the Valley tradition. This fundraising event supports our ability to provide free summer programming to young people in under-resourced communities across the Valley. Learn more about our mission and our free in-school, after-school, and summer programs at www.girlsincvalley.org.

Who doesn't like ramen? Dive into this course and learn how to make delicious ramen bowls. We will discuss the term "Umami" and how to use it to our advantage. The ramen will be broken down into its three main components: the broth, the noodles, and the toppings. We will familiarize ourselves with ingredients such as flavorful miso, savory & spicy bean paste, and the powerful shiitake mushrooms. We will pair the unique noodle bowls with a crisp wakame salad a creamy matcha ice cream for dessert. You will leave this course wanting more.

Join us on Saturday, April 29th for a day of activities at Scott Tower and Anniversary Hill Park! 9am-noon, Scott Tower Cleanup: Join the Friends of Scott Tower group to clean up and beautify the area . Driving access to Scott Tower will be available from the Community Field parking lot. 1-2pm, Anniversary Hill Park Restoration Update: Meet at the Community Field picnic pavillion for an update on the city's restoration plans for Anniversary Hill Park and Scott Tower Questions? Call the Office of Conservation & Sustainability at 413-322-5615

For adults and teens. Migrant birds are now returning from various regions in the south. Join the park interpreter to search for birds in canals, trees, ground cover and riverside. Learn of the amazing distances they travel, difficulties they face, and how climate change is affecting them. Be ready to walk around Holyoke Heritage State Park and up to Pulaski Park. Bring binoculars. A few sets are available to borrow. A spotting scope is available for participants’ use. Program is free. Meet at the Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor Center. Dress for the weather. Severe weather cancels. Call for more […]

Mini Golf and Games at the Library! – a series of FUN activities inside and outside of the Holyoke Public Library on Saturday, April 29: Mini Golf in the Library, for all ages (under 5 free), 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, 18 holes of  miniature golf inside the building!   Games outside in Library Park, 10:30 am – 3pm, featuring Human Foosball with teams of 6 competing for bragging rights and prizes. There may also be other outdoor activities for all ages.  Lucky Ticket auction with a range of donated prizes and services.  Since 2016, “Mini Golf in the Library!” has been a significant fundraiser for our Library.  This event […]

The 9th annual Flywheel Zine Fest (formerly known as the Pioneer Valley Zine Fest) is happening in Holyoke for the first time! Join dozens of zine makers, creators, and distributors from all over the Northeast as they sell their self-published 'zines (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zine), comics, and more on a variety of interesting topics. Students from Holyoke Public Schools will also be tabling and selling their zines. Organized and run by Flywheel, a 24 year old, volunteer-run, non profit arts collective. Sponsored in part with generous support from the Holyoke Local Cultural Council. Contact infoflywheelartsorg for more info on tabling, visiting, etc.