Mondays at the Armour Yard: Where Holyoke Comes Together

Behind the Scenes at Beyond Armour Yard

To get the real story behind the event, we sat down with Bill, the Monday night manager at Beyond Armour Yard and the person keeping the weekly gathering running. Here’s what he had to say.

How did you become the Monday night manager at Beyond Armour Yard?

“I was recommended by folks who attended the original Armour Yard, which was conceived by Denis Luzuriaga and Mike Pratt over COVID in the Cubit grass lot. Denis wanted to pass the torch to someone else. I was also encouraged by OPED through my work on ExploreHolyoke.com. My business, cdeVision, supplies web services for the site on an ongoing basis. This season, keep an eye out for guest hosts too. Armour Yard regulars Alex, Kiari, and Dennis will be stepping in alongside me throughout the summer and fall.”

What’s your favorite part of running these events?

“My favorite part about these events is the people and the ideas that come each week to the yard. Folks show up with friends, meet new friends, and there is a great community sense. The special thing that comes out of this event each week are ideas. It reminds me of a think tank, but on a Monday night with beer, food, and music.”

Who can you count on seeing at Beyond Armour Yard each week?

Every Monday brings a rotating lineup of local vendors, and each one has built a following of its own.

Thai Place and Chappy’s MCE bring the dinner options that keep folks coming back week after week.

Tempest Temptations handles dessert, giving the evening a sweet finish.

Local businesses and organizations run the adult beverages, with a different organization stepping in each month.

D’s Smoke and Savor and A Good Mix have also stepped in with barbecue and a rotating variety of lemonades, and will be seen more and more as the weeks go by in the season.

“All of these vendors have a fan following, so it’s great to see folks just showing up for them,” Bill said.

What does the setting mean to the event?

Beyond Armour Yard sits inside a larger story about art and community in Holyoke. The space was created by Beyond Walls, the Lynn, MA-based nonprofit behind the murals covering the shipping containers that give the yard its identity.

“I just want to mention Beyond Walls and the artists that have made this possible,” Bill said. “The space is a bridge between the Puerto Rican Cultural District and the Race Street art and business scene.”

That bridge is intentional. Beyond Armour Yard sits right where Holyoke’s Puerto Rican Cultural District meets the growing Race Street corridor, making it a natural meeting point for two of the city’s most vibrant communities.

How is the season going so far?

“The crowd has expanded. Last season was the real breakthrough, in my opinion. Things are just getting started, though. July is a slow month with vacations and lots of hot weather. We’re booked every Monday from July 27th through October 12th, with the exception of Labor Day, when we’re off.”

How can the community get involved and help?

Beyond Armour Yard isn’t just a Monday night event. It’s a public space available to rent throughout the week, and Bill wants more local organizations to take advantage of it.

“The yard would be so great for local organizations to rent. We’ve had trunk-or-treat, the Mayor’s annual bike ride, sports fundraisers, birthday parties, and music events.” Reservations can be requested through Nueva Esperanza.

The yard also runs on community support. “We’re always looking for donations, whether it’s donated outdoor furniture, high school students looking for volunteer time for college, or local businesses wanting to support us financially so we can get more assets at the yard. Shade and seating always have room for improvement.”