Statewide
Trustees of the Reservation: Little Women Events
Statewide
Filmed in Massachusetts, Academy Award nominated director Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women will be celebrated with programs and events throughout the fall and early winter by the Trustees of The Reservation. These events will venture into the story behind the classic novel as well as Louisa May Alcott’s early childhood experiences at the film locations that are part of the Trustees properties.
Greater Boston
2019-2020
The Boston Speaker Series, hosted by Lesley University, invites renowned individuals to the Boston Symphony Hall to give the Boston community a chance to build knowledge, as well as an insightful and meaningful discussion. This year, the speakers will include: John Kerry, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Bob Woodward, Douglas Brinkley, Peter Diamonds, Susan Rice, and Jason Alexander.
North of Boston
Essex 200th Anniversary: 1819-2019
2019, Essex
Originally inhabited by Native Americans of the Agawam Tribe, Essex, incorporated in 1819, went on to play a significant role in the shipbuilding industry, serving as the site of construction for more than 4,000 schooners. Today, the Essex River, home to some of the best clam flats in the world, allows visitors of all ages the opportunity to meander through its rich tidal waters and along its banks by guided boat tour or a self-guided, adventure seeking, kayaking expedition. The town delights all with a wonderful array of antique and specialty shops and restaurants which feature local, award winning seafood. It was here in scenic Essex that the fried clam was invented by “Chubby” Woodman over 100 year ago.
Lowell’s City of Lights Parade
November 2019, Lowell
Downtown Lowell Massachusetts hosts its Annual City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration on Saturday, November 30, 2019.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem
Friendship of Salem has returned to Salem after being hauled-out for nearly 1,000 days. She is in her berth on Derby Wharf and she will be open for public tours all year round.
South of Boston
Plymouth 400
2020
Mayflower arrived in Plymouth Harbor on December 16, 1620. America is poised for an anniversary of national and international significance, the 400thanniversary of the Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony. The Plymouth 400 Anniversary will highlight the cultural contributions and American traditions that began with the interaction of the Wampanoag and English peoples, a story that significantly shaped the building of America.
A Conversation with Monica Lewinsky Presented by the New Bedford Lyceum
May 2020, New Bedford
Public figure Monica Lewinsky will be coming to New Bedford’s Zeiterion Theatre for an evening of conversation. Lewinsky will be discussing topics that range from #Metoo, cyber bulling and a personal essay she penned “Shame and Survival”.
November 20, 2020 – November 25, 2020, Plymouth
This series of events leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday promotes gratitude and giving. These youth-oriented events are designed to create an inspirational atmosphere anywhere that people gather, to stimulate gratitude and giving in communities, groups, and families. Based upon Governor William Bradford’s quote: “…as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many…” the One Small Candle Award is given to an individual who has made a difference in many lives at a young age.
2020 Schedule:
November 20: America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Concerts
November 21: America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade
November 22: Illuminate Thanksgiving Festival: “One Small Candle” Ceremony
November 23 & 24: Thanksgiving Festival Events
November 25: Illuminate Thanksgiving Main Event
https://www.plymouth400inc.org/event/wampanoag-ancestors-walk/
AUGUST 1, 2020
Plymouth, MA
Plymouth 400 Signature Event — Wampanoag Ancestors Walk. The Wampanoag Ancestors Walk will be led by the Wampanoag tribes of Massachusetts. Placards will be carried with the names of the original 69 villages of the Wampanoag Nation. Participants will pay homage to Massasoit and King Phillip and will stop at designated sites to bless the spots where Wampanoag ancestors walked. The walk will conclude with a drum ceremony and homage to Native souls, followed by a reception.
https://www.plymouth400inc.org/event/official-state-house-salute-to-the-400th-anniversary/
SEPTEMBER 14, 2020
Plymouth, MA
Plymouth 400 Signature Event — Official State House Salute to the 400th Anniversary. This State House Ceremony will honor the Pilgrim forefathers and Native people who are immortalized in the historic founding of Plymouth Colony. The General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Pilgrim families, and Wampanoag families will be in attendance. Additional, invited participants include the Governor and State Legislators, Federal Legislators, Representatives of The UK, The Netherlands, The Ancient and Honorables, and more.
https://www.plymouth400inc.org/event/embarkation-festival/
SEPTEMBER 19 – 20, 2020
Plymouth, MA
Plymouth 400 Signature Event — Embarkation Festival. The Embarkation Festival will be a grand cultural and arts festival that will honor the traditions, cuisine, and music of not only the settlers and Wampanoag people but of the diverse population of immigrants who have become the fabric of American life. World music, culinary events, artisan crafts, and cultural exhibits will define the many cultures represented. People will be engaged in America’s story of exploration, immigration, innovation, self-governance, religious expression, and thanksgiving. National and international in scope, the program will include performing groups, chefs, artists, storytellers, and student projects from around the world.
https://www.plymouth400inc.org/event/indigenous-history-conference-powwow/
October 29, 2020 – November 1, 2020
Plymouth, MA
Plymouth 400 Signature Event — Indigenous History Conference & Powwow. This conference will address the legacy of colonization experienced by Wampanoag and other Native people in the (now) New England area. The conference will be divided into 3 sections:
Day/Section I: discuss what traditional life was like before the time of European contact.
Day/Section II: discuss the processes of colonization, what colonization really is, how it impacted people at the time, and how it is an ongoing process that continues to impact Native people and tribes today.
Day/Section III: discuss what Wampanoag and Native peoples are doing today to carry on culture and tradition and continue as tribal entities.
Day IV: Powwow
Speakers and presenters will include both Native and non-Native scholars and cultural experts, with the emphasis on the primacy of Native voice and the validity of these perspectives and insights on Indigenous people, history, and culture. The Conference will officially close on Sunday with a traditional Powwow to which all are welcome to attend. The Conference will be filmed and recorded so that it may be prepared as a curriculum for classroom use at all levels.
https://www.plymouth400inc.org/event/illuminate-thanksgiving
November 20, 2020 – November 25, 2020
Plymouth, MA
Plymouth 400 Signature Event — Illuminate Thanksgiving 2020. This series of events leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday promotes gratitude and giving. These youth-oriented events are designed to create an inspirational atmosphere anywhere that people gather, to stimulate gratitude and giving in communities, groups, and families. Based upon Governor William Bradford’s quote: “…as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many…” the One Small Candle Award is given to an individual who has made a difference in many lives at a young age.
2020 Schedule:
November 20: America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Concerts
November 21: America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade
November 22: Illuminate Thanksgiving Festival: “One Small Candle” Ceremony
November 23 & 24: Thanksgiving Festival Events
November 25: Illuminate Thanksgiving Main Event
Cape Cod & The Islands
First Annual Martha’s Vineyard Oyster Fest
8-9 May 2020
Island-wide
The first annual Martha’s Vineyard Oyster Fest, marries food, wine, education, and music for a one-of-a-kind interactive culinary experience: 25+ oyster farms from across Massachusetts, 100+ top purveyors in the beverage industry, the region’s most innovative chefs, and a cadre of special music and influential guests.
24-26 July 2020
Vineyard Haven. Martha’s Vineyard
The first-of-its-kind Beach Road Weekend music festival began in August 2019 Friday night in Tisbury’s Veterans Memorial Park. The Festival runs all weekend and ends Sunday evening and is anticipated to draw thousands of concertgoers. Beach Road Weekend will run 24-26 July 2020.
Hyannis Village (Main Street)
Thursday 15 October to Sunday 18 October 2020
Start up event in mid-October plans to show 10-12 feature-length films plus some short films with morning panels, talkbacks after screenings and social gatherings.
Central Massachusetts
Saint Spyridon Grecian Festival
June 5-7, 2020
Worcester, MA
June 13, 2020
Worcester, MA – WPI
family-friendly festival featuring hands-on experiments, research lab activities, and interactive exhibits for all ages. The festivities run from 10am to 4pm, rain or shine!
Tough Mudder
June 20-21, 2020
508 International, Charlton, MA
New England’s only Tough Mudder race returns to 508 International in Charlton, MA on June 20-21 of this year. This race will attract up to 10,000 athletes and spectators for a weekend full of obstacle races, camaraderie and fun.
Central Mass Jazz Festival
June 14, 2020
Worcester, MA – Worcester Common Oval
Juneteenth Festival
June 20, 2020
Worcester, MA – Institute Park
Southeast Asian Coalition Annual Asian Festival
June 28, 2020
Worcester, MA – Worcester State University
Blueberry Festival
July 25, 2020
Douglas, MA – Douglas Farm & Orchard
U.S. Junior Disc Golf Championships
July 31 – Aug. 2
Leicester, MA – Maple Hill Disc Golf
American Legion Baseball Northeast Regional Championship
August 5-8, 2020
Worcester, MA – Fitton Field at The College of the Holy Cross
August 13-16, 2020
Worcester, MA
Latin American Festival
August 15, 2020
Worcester, MA – Worcester Common Oval
Shine 2020 eSport Competition
August 28-30, 2020
Worcester, MA – DCU Center
Super Smash Brother e-gaming conference in Worcester, MA
MVP Open
August 28-30
Maple Hill Disc Golf Course, Leicester, MA
Maple Hill is proud to host its 3rd annual MVP Open and its 17th annual premier event. We are excited to continue to see all the fun and extras events back as well. The 2020 MVP Open will be disc golf the way it is meant to be, pie eating contests and all
Worcester Caribbean American Carnival
August 30, 2020
Worcester, MA
Armenian Youth Olympics
September 3-7, 2020
Multiple venues, Worcester, MA
The Worcester “Aram” Chapter is delighted to host the 2020 AYF Senior Olympics by “Bringing it back to where it all began”. Come join us to celebrate our traditions and our culture in this historically important location.
Worcester Dragon Boat Festival
September 19, 2020
Worcester, MA – Lake Quinsigamond
Family friendly event that includes dragon boat races, cultural performances, vendors, food, music, activities and more at DCR Regatta Point and Lake Quinsigamond. The 2019 event attracted more than 6,000 attendees.
Mass Brewers Build: Mass Collab Beer Festival
September 12, 2020
Worcester, MA
Annual festival on the Worcester Common Oval that features some of the top breweries across the state.
Worcester Chili and Chowder Festival
September 19, 2020
Worcester, MA – The Canal District
Live music and fun activities while some of the region’s top restaurants battle for the best chili.
Western Massachusetts
25th Anniversary of Bright Nights at Forest Park
November – December 2019, Springfield
Bright Nights at Forest Park celebrates 25 years as New England’s largest holiday lighting display. Held each year from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day in Springfield’s Forest Park.
200th Birthday of Susan B. Anthony & 100th Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement
February – August 2020, Adams
The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace is proud to coordinate 100 events throughout Massachusetts to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution is the Susan B Anthony Amendment. It is named in honor of America’s leading woman suffrage leader, Susan B. Anthony who was born in Western Massachusetts in 1820, making her exactly 200 years old in the Suffrage Centennial year. A monumental celebration beginning on Susan B. Anthony’s 200th birthday and ending on the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment that granted women the right to vote.
November – December 2019, Stockbridge
Naumkeag will be illuminated with thousands of shimmering holiday lights and designed light installations with performances and activities for the whole family.
Sweet: A Tasty Journey Exhibition at Springfield Museums
October 2019 – April 2020, Springfield
From the history of candy itself to its role within pop culture, this exhibition creates an immersive experience to learn about the nuts and sprinkles of the candy and chocolate-making process. Sweet includes fascinating stories about famous candy makers and chocolatiers, interactive video and audio displays, and candy-inspired art. The centerpiece of this exhibition is the Rock Candy Mountain, which offers visitors an exciting experience sprinkled with interactive displays and photo opportunities.
125th Anniversary – City of North Adams in 2020
2020, North Adams
2020 will be the 125th Anniversary of North Adams becoming a city. Additional details TBD.
150Th Anniversary, The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Memorial Hall Museum
2020, Deerfield
For the 150th Anniversary of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the celebrations will be spread out.
Apr 13, 2019 – Dec 22, 2019: Furniture Masterworks – Tradition and Innovation in Western Massachusetts
Seating and case furniture made in Massachusetts before the 1840s is as varied as the craftsmen and consumers who created it. From Beacon Hill to the Berkshires, the extremes test the richness of the whole region.
Mar 2, 2019 – Feb 9, 2020: Inspired Design – Asian Decorative Arts and Their Adaptations
This new exhibition highlights 18th- and 19th-century Asian decorative arts and their imitations, drawn from the museum’s rich collection. The exhibition explores how Western craftsmen adapted Asian decorative arts into a design vocabulary more familiar to them and their customers, and highlights New Englanders’ own quest for these imported goods.