The Explore Holyoke community events calendar highlights the arts and cultural events throughout the city of Holyoke to help plan your visit. You are invited to submit your event. Events encouraged to be submitted are art openings, dance concerts, open mic events, cultural lectures. Events not allowed on the calendar are, political fundraisers, city meetings, daily specials from restaurants and events outside the city of Holyoke.
During the month of September Wistariahurst Museum’s great hall will be filled with florals as we welcome in “Blooms”, an art exhibit by painter Lora Barrett. This exhibit will feature 99 vibrant paintings of flowers of varying sizes. An avid gardener, Lora Barrett maintains her gardens as a reference and muse for her highly colored paintings, pushing the vibrancy of the flowers to the limit. Wistariahurst Museum will be hosting a solo show of 99 of her floral paintings from September 2-25, 2025.
Barrett’s artistic journey began with a childhood marked by curiosity and a passion for art. This passion was fueled by supportive parents and teachers. She carried her passion for the arts into her adulthood as she majored in Art at The College of Our Lady of the Elms and began teaching Art in Holyoke upon graduation. While teaching in Holyoke, she continued her studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she earned a Doctorate in Education and later taught Art Education at the University. Barrett has received several awards throughout her life for her artwork and for her work in arts education. She has continued her education at Cape Cod School of Art, the Chatham Creative Arts Center, the En Plein Air Art School in France, and Snow Farm, among others.
Barrett’s work has been shown in several galleries across the region, and Wistariahurst is excited to have her work in our halls once more. Her paintings are in personal collections in France, Canada, Mexico, Italy, England, and Ireland and in the permanent collection of the United States Federal Reserve in Washington, DC.
The opening reception of “Blooms” will be held Tuesday, September 2 from 4:30-7:00pm. Open Gallery Hours will be held on Mondays (10am-2pm) and Tuesdays (4:30pm-6:30pm) through September 25th, which will also be free and open to the public. The exhibit will also be on view during Wistariahurst’s Sunday Fundays and other public events through September 25th. Barrett will be hosting some events corresponding with her exhibit at Wistariahurst. Saturday, September 6th from 10:00am-1:00pm will be Painting in the Garden with Lora Barrett. Paint in the Wisty Gardens with Lora, or just come to watch as she demonstrates her craft. Some easels will be provided, but artists should bring their own art supplies. There will also be an artists talk on Tuesday, September 9th, 5:30- 6:30pm where Lora will discuss the making of Blooms. We hope that you stop by and explore Lora Barrett’s Blooms.
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.
This new indoor club will feature 15 fenced courts, a pro shop, and a snack bar, offering outdoor-style play with indoor benefits. Construction starts soon, with an opening planned for late 2025 near JCPenney.
Discover the Pioneer Valley’s top destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Conveniently located off I-91 and I-90, Holyoke Mall offers nearly 150 stores, eateries, and attractions—all in one place!
Wistariahurst offers a wide variety of programs, educational opportunities, and events including workshops, concerts, lectures and demonstrations designed to be of service to and enhance the quality of life of Holyoke residents.
This unique colorful book includes our Holyoke history, the City Hall dedication, all community events throughout the year, and highlights the Masquerade Ball and the closing of the Time Capsule.