Calendar of Events

FALL-WINTER CALENDAR 2022

Over the past two years, many community organizations have closed their doors, postponed or cancelled events, or limited attendance to comply with state Covid-19 restrictions. The situation continues to be fluid and regulations may change at any time.

As this issue of The Guide goes to press, the events listed in this Calendar are expected to go forward. However, due to the constantly-changing Covid landscape, we strongly recommend that you check the organizations on social media or by phone to confirm the event status, masking requirements, and any limits on attendance.

EXHIBITIONS

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4. Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. The Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft is one of the longest-running juried exhibitions in New England. Open Wednesday-Friday 12 pm – 4 pm; Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 5 pm; and first Thursday of the month 12 pm – 7 pm. THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4. Hypnagogia: Bridie Wolejko’s Mixed Media Fantasies at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. Lunenburg artist Bridie Wolejko creates hand-crafted mixed-media collages and objects that create dream-like images, informed by her interests in myth, magic, horror, popular culture, surrealism, architecture, and nature. Hypnagogia is the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep. During hypnagogia, many people can experience involuntary and vividly imagined experiences. Bridie Wolejko was the first prize winner in last summer’s 85th Through September 4. Call and Response: Material Matters at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. The theme calls back to the very first “Call and Response,” which highlighted work from FAM’s African art collection. Material Matters revisits the African collection, with a particular focus on the diverse materiality of African artistic practice. This year’s selected ArtsWorcester artists are Stephen Bergeron, Esther Clark, Jennifer Davis Carey, Kristi DiSalle, Gloria Goguen, Casey Hickey, Abu Mwenye, Lisa Shea, Suzanne Stumpf, and Robin Tost. THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8. Connections— Mother/Daughter at the Petersham Art Center, 8 North St., Petersham. Works by Pearl J. Maroni & Tracey J. Maroni. Open weekends, noon to 4 pm. Visit the center on Facebook. THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10. New England Triennial 2022 at the Fruitlands Museum Art Gallery, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard, an exhibition featuring New England Contemporary Art. In the Native American Gallery is Building Relationships: Artwork from the Permanent Collection, which includes art made and found by European-American settlers, underscoring the reality that the Native American and White settlers have coexisted here, not always peacefully, for hundreds of years. It is in the spirit of equity and inclusion that we show the collection together in this exhibition. THROUGH OCTOBER 2. Images of Atheism: The Soviet Assault on Religion at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. Images of Atheism explores the role of visual propaganda in the Communist Party’s seven-decade war against religion (ca. 1920– 1990). With their eye-catching design, strident slogans, and stereotyped characters, the posters and publications of Soviet atheism demonized the world’s religions and jeered at those who practiced them. Above all, they appealed to young people by promising a new world of abundance and moral values replacing the superstitions and injustices of the past. Intended mainly for domestic consumption, this remarkable campaign to eradicate faith is among the least known aspects of Soviet visual culture. Visit museumofrussianicons.org. THROUGH OCTOBER 2. Tea is for Tradition at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. The objects associated with Russian tea are tactile reminders of this important tradition and evoke warmth, home, and family. Much of tea’s popularity is owed to Russia’s literary greats and decorative artists, for it is in their craft that tea becomes immortalized as a central aspect of the Russian identity. This mini-exhibition in the Museum’s lobby explores the permeation of tea culture in Russian art, craft, and literature. Visit museumofrussianicons.org. THROUGH OCTOBER 30. Rooted, A New England Society of Botanical Artists Illustrated Exhibit at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Rooted is an illustrated exhibit created in collaboration with the New England Society of Botanical Artists and the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Forty-one NESBA member artists worked to create fifty-seven unique works of art that depict the parts of plants we don’t typically see, their roots! ROOTED will adorn the New England Botanic Garden’s Fern Gallery from June 4th to October 30th, 2022. Many original pieces, prints, and cards will be for sale throughout the duration of the exhibit. Visit nebg.org. THROUGH NOVEMBER 1. Uprooted Land Art by W. Gary Smith at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Rd., Boylston. This nature inspired exhibition, imagined by author, artist, and landscape architect W. Gary Smith, features stunning sculptures. Made from natural materials collected at the garden, this exhibit celebrates the connections between people and nature, combining art and horticulture to explore ecological design and artistic abstraction. Join us throughout the exhibition for events, tours, drop-in activities, and more as we explore different ways to connect with the land through art. Visit nebg.org. NOVEMBER 1-30. Gnomevember at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Rd., Boylston. In 1986, the Worcester County Horticultural Society purchased Tower Hill Farm in Boylston and began building New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. It is said that gnomes inhabited the property, long before the Garden was ever built, but strangely, over the past two years gnome activity has been on the rise. But why? Perhaps the gnomes are tired of hiding. Or maybe they are curious about the visitors, or the new gardens we’re building. Either way, we’re prepared for them to pop out again this year. Are you? SEPTEMBER 17 THROUGH DECEMBER 31. Ron Rosenstock in Color and Gabriel Sosa: No Vehicles in the Park at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. Visit Fitchburgartmuseum.org for updates. OCTOBER 1, 2022 THROUGH JANUARY 8, 2023. Cicely Carew and Adding Pattern, Adding Value at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. Visit fitchburgartmuseum.org for updated details. OCTOBER 20 THROUGH FEBRUARY 13. Holy Helpers: Folk Icons of Peasant Russia (1861-1917) at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. Holy Helpers examines rarely exhibited Russian folk icons from the Museum’s and other private collections and explores the icon’s function in the peasant’s daily life. The exhibition will feature groups of icons of particular importance to the peasant, including Saint Nichols, Saint Nil, and Saint Seraphim of Sarov. Visit museumofrussianicons.org.

Exhibition at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

NOVEMBER 10 THROUGH JANUARY 29. Birch Bark Icons from the Collection of Dmitry Feld and Photographs of the Ballets Russes from the Collection of Yana Veselova, at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St. Clinton. Visit museumofrussianicons.org. JANUARY 7, 2023 THROUGH MAY 28, 2023. Rania Matar: SHE Expanded at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. FEBRUARY 4, 2023-JUNE 4, 2023. Paper Works at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. The Museum is open Wednesday – Friday 12 pm – 4 pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am – 5pm; and the first Thursday of the month 12 pm – 7 pm

SEPTEMBER

1THURSDAY, 1 PM. Opening of Gardner Theatre Guild exhibition at The Gardner Museum, 26 Pearl St., Gardner. From 1939 until the early 1960s, local residents produced top-notch “Broadway Shows” at the Miller's Opera House, The Little Theater, and Pearson Auditorium and supported several organizations with funds raised by these plays, like PTA, Camp Collier, and others. On display during regular Mum hours, until Dec 18. Admission $3.

1THURSDAY, 5 PM. First Thursday Intown Fitchburg, Main Street. Local shops welcome visitors, with pop-up food vendors, artists, music and entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

1THURSDAY, 6:30 PM. Carb Compassion at the Gardner Museum, 26 Pearl St., Gardner. Margie White will enlighten us about “Lasagna Love,” a local nonprofit that organizes volunteers to make lasagnas for people in need.

3SATURDAY, 11 AM–4 PM. Hardwick Winery Fall Craft & Food Festival at Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, 3305 Greenwich Rd., Hardwick. 3-5 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10–5; MONDAY, 10–4. Appleseed Country Fair at Red Apple Farm, 4455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. A full Labor Day weekend packed with fun for all ages. Live music on two stages, scores of crafters, cold beverages in the brew barn, food trucks and more. Visit the farm animals, take a wagon ride around the farm, pick apples, select your Halloween pumpkin, enjoy some freshly-baked cider donuts. Parking is $15 per carload, with proceeds benefiting local fire departments.

4SUNDAY 10 AM–4 PM. Free First Sunday at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. Enjoy free admission to the museum on the first Sunday of each month, courtesy of the Nypro Foundation. Visit museumofrussianicons.org.

4SUNDAY, 3 PM. Historical Piano Concert at the Ashburnham Community Church, Main Street, Ashburnham. Dmitry Rachmanov performs Beethoven variations Opp. 34, 35 and 76, ad Sonatas Opp. 90 and 101 on a piano from the Frederick Collection of Historic Pianos. Visit FrederckCollection.org for information or email piano.fred@juno.com. Admission is $15 per person; children and students, free of charge.

6TUESDAY, 6:30–8 PM. Music and Moonlight at the Pavilion at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Enjoy listening to the Fitchburg State University Community Orchestra from 6:30-7:15, then join a guided walk on the park’s beautiful grounds. You may learn about some of the park’s wildflowers and monuments, and experience a peaceful river meditation. Bring a picnic! Tables and benches available. Free admission; donations appreciated. Visit saima-park.org. 7 WEDNESDAY, 5–8 PM. Wine Down Wednesdays at 137 Mill St. in downtown Leominster. Visit an adorable wine garden filled with local makers, artisans and creatives for shopping, delicious food, henna art, wine and bubbles and more! Rain date, Thursday. Repeats Sept 21.

8THURSDAY, 6 PM. Tinseltown Inventor: Hedy Lamarr at The Gardner Museum, 26 Pearl St., Gardner. History At Play, LLC offers living history performances which breathe life into the stories of influential and often forgotten women. Artistic director and performer Judith Kalaora will be back at the museum with a portrayal of Austrian refugee Hedy Lamarr who became “the most beautiful woman in the world” and was not only an actress, and film producer, but also an inventor.

9FRIDAY, 5–9 PM. Food Truck Festival in downtown Leominster. Get your tastebuds ready for a tantalizing experience! All your favorites … and more …offer a tasteful evening. Visit Leominster-ma.gov. 9-10 FRIDAY, 5–10 PM; SATURDAY, NOON-10 PM. Our Lady of the Lake Parish Bazaar, 1400 Main St., Leominster. White elephant table, books, Christmas items, children’s booth, theme baskets, jewelry, baked goods and games. Visit ourladylake.org. 9-10 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 8 PM. Nick Locapo Magic Show at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Rd., Shirley. Originally from Massachusetts, Nick Locapo is a true master of magic. For over a decade, Nick has toured America as one of the busiest working magicians in the country. Tickets at bullrunrestaurant.com. 9-11 FRIDAY, 5–11 PM; SATURDAY, 9 AM–11 PM; SUNDAY, 9 AM – 5 PM. The Sterling Fair at the Sterling Airport, 121 Greenland Rd., Sterling. The fair is three days, family oriented, community, agricultural fair with the emphasis on agriculture and education. It features rides, horse pulls, oxen pulls, tractor pulls, helicopter rides, antique engine and machinery show, livestock shows, food, entertainment and more! Visit TheSterlingFair on Facebook. 10 SATURDAY, 9:45–10:45 AM. Brewpub Yoga at Wachusett Brewing Company 175 State Rd E, Westminster. Zen Yoga & Wellness is a yoga-for-all practice, where all can participate, without judgment, and leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for the weekend. The hour long class/practice will be followed by your favorite Wachusett pub beer. Preregistration required. Visit wachusettbrew.com. 10 SATURDAY, 11 AM. Still Chasing the Fire: Lives of the Civil War Veterans Who Became Firefighters at Forest Hill Cemetery, Mt. Elam Road entrance, Fitchurg. History walking tour presented with Stratton Players. A look at Fitchburg’s Civil War veterans who became firefighters, including some who fought in the war’s most pivotal battles. Members of the Fitchburg Fire Department Honor Guard and 15th Mass Volunteer Infantry Civil War re-enactors will join us. Rain or shine. Free. Visit fitchburghistoricalsociety.com. 10 SATURDAY, 7 PM. Casino Royale at the Murdock Whitney Mansion, 151 Front St., Winchendon. Enjoy a night of gambling, silent auction and great conversation to help raise funds for the Winchendon History and Cultural Center! Blackjack, Roulette, Money Wheel and a 50/50 raffle are some of the games you can play. Visit winchendonhistory.com/. 11 SUNDAY, 1–3 PM. Contemporary Russian Literature Book Group at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Central St., Clinton. New members always welcome. September book: Grey Bees by Andrey Karkov. Visit museumofrussianicons.org. 11 SUNDAY, 3 PM. Historical Piano Concert at the Ashburnham Community Church, Main Street, Ashburnham. Clemens Teufel performs works by Debussy and Poulenc on an Erard piano from the Frederick Collection of Historic Pianos. Visit FrederickCollection.org for information or email piano.fred@juno.com. Admission is $15.00 per person; children and students, free of charge. 13 TUESDAY, 6–10 PM. Dining Under the Stars in downtown Leominster. Take it outside — your dining adventure, that is. Visit Leominster-ma.gov. 16 FRIDAY, 8 PM. Richie Kotzen performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Rd., Shirley. Richie Kotzen has always been on a clear, laser-focused mission as an artist, acknowledged worldwide for being a stellar guitar player and an emotive singer. For tickets, visit bullrunreraurant.com. 16-17 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM. Love and Laughs – Short Play Festival at Smokestack Roasters, 39 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg produced by Amy Newberg. Tickets for sale at Smokestack Roasters, or through website. 17 SATURDAY, 8 AM–3 PM. Citywide Yard Sale in Leominster. Looking for treasures? Start here! Stop by City Hall, 25 West St., for a map, and let the fun begin! Visit leominster-ma.gov. 17 SATURDAY, 9 AM–3 PM. 2022 Hubbardston Field Day at 20 Gardner Rd, Hubbardston. Vendors, food, Chicken BBQ, attractions, town clubs, and organizations. There will also be a baby contest, bounce house, cow flop contest, music and much more! Rain date, Sunday Sept. 18. Visit hubbardston250 on Facebook. 17 SATURDAY. Film: Sergei Eisenstein’s STRIKE (1925) at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. The first feature film by the director of Battleship Potemkin, STRIKE is a visual tour-deforce that employs dynamic editing and experimental camerawork to dramatize the saga of a bitterly fought factory strike in 1903. Often compared to Citizen Kane in terms of audacious directorial debuts, STRIKE embodies the revolutionary spirit of the Soviet people of the late 1920s, cresting the waves of artistic and political idealism. Visit museumofrussianicons.org. 17 SATURDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. Pepperell Fall Fest at the Town Field, 4 Hollis St., Pepperell. The Pepperell 4th of July Committee is delighted to bring Fall Fest back to the Pepperell community. Crafters, vendors, entertainment, raffles, food trucks, mini golf and more. Visit pepperellfourth.org/fall-festival.

Dmitry Rachmanov performs, Historical Piano Concert, September 4.

17 SATURDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. St. Edward’s Fall Festival at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 10 Church St., Westminster. Attic Treasures, theme baskets, Eddie’s Auction, grocery wheel, jewelry room and food are highlights of this popular church event.

17 SATURDAY, 6 PM. New Pond Fondle performs at Hollis Hills Farm, 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg.

17-18 SATURDAY & SUNDAY. Honeycrisp Weekend at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster.

17-18 SATURDAY, 9 AM–4 PM; SUNDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. 41st Annual Arts and Craft Fair on Townsend Common (Routes 119 and 13). This fall favorite is jam-packed with fun for everyone; 75 vendors, live music, artisan demonstrations, a petting zoo, children’s games, food, and more! You’ll not want to miss your chance to win one of the unique vendor-donated raffles. Proceeds help support the Townsend Historical Society.

17-18 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. Autumn Festival of Quilts show at the Hawthorne Brook Middle School, 64 Brookline St., Townsend. The Squanicook Colonial Quilt Guild presents this show with over 200 stunning quilts on display. $7 admission. Visit the Guild on Facebook.

17-18 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 11 AM–5 PM. BBQFest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Food trucks, entertainment, crafters, vendors and more. Bibs are welcome and big appetites are encouraged! The Skyride will be open. Visit wachusett.com.

17-18 SATURDAY, 1–PM; SUNDAY, 10 AM–3 PM. New England Dahlia Society Show & Sale at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Rd., Boylston. There are few flowers that have the unique genetics of dahlias, which accounts for their amazing variability of forms, colors, and sizes.

18 SUNDAY, 10 AM–2:30 PM. TORI/ Nordic Outdoor Marketplace & Classic Car Cruise, 50/50 and Basket Raffle at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Shop for Nordic wares, arts, crafts, jewelry, baked goods, books, music, and more! Show off your vehicle and admire others. Live music, food, and fun! Visit saima-park.org.

18 SUNDAY, 2 PM. Mr. Strickland performs at the bandstand on Templeton Common, Routes 2A & 101, Templeton. Enjoy music from the ‘60s through ‘80s amid the glorious foliage of autumn on this picturesque common. Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a lunch, and enjoy a relaxing family day. 18 SUNDAY, 2 PM. Taverns and Tavern Life in Early New England lecture at Post 2, American Legion, 450 S. Barre Rd., Barre. Old Sturbridge Village Historian Tom Kelleher talks about the role of taverns in the public life of the community. From typical food and drink to the common topics discussed and kind of songs sung by the fireside, this talk will look at what it was like inside those "public houses" that dotted the highways and center villages of virtually every town in new England." 22 THURSDAY, 6:30 PM. Women in WWII at The Gardner Museum, 26 Pearl St., Gardner. Kara Fossey, Executive Director of the Fort Devens Museum and the Groton History Center will present an illustrated program about the various roles American Women played during World War II: military, civilian, and volunteer. WWII has been known as a time of liberation for women, and on the heels of the 100th anniversary of the culmination of the Suffrage Movement, it is a perfect time to remember both the struggles and victories that women faced after 1919. Special emphasis on Fort Devens and women from Massachusetts. 22 THURSDAY, 7:30 PM. The Jerry Douglas Band performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Rd., Shirley. Douglas is a freewheeling, forward-thinking recording and touring artist whose output incorporates elements of country, bluegrass, rock, jazz, blues and Celtic into his distinctive musical vision.. Tickets at bullrunrestaurant.com. 23 FRIDAY, 8 PM. A Night of Zeppelin at the Polish American Citizens Club (PACC), 171 Kendall Pond Rd W, Gardner. Visit gardnerpacc.com/ 23 FRIDAY, 6 PM. The Ben Cote Band performs at Wachusett Brewing Company, 175 State Road E, Westminster. Visit wachusettbrewingcompany.com. 24 SATURDAY, 8 AM–3 PM. 14th Annual Templeton Town Wide Yard Sale. Stop by Narragansett Regional High School, 464 Baldwinville Rd., Templeton, to pick up a map and visit a variety of crafters and vendors. The Townwide Yard Sale benefits the Gansett music program. For details, visit the yard sale on Facebook. 24 SATURDAY, 9 AM. Fitchburg Veterans Council’s 8th annual 5K at Hollis Hills Farm, 340 Marshall Road, Fitchburg. Registration starts at 8 am, race at 9 am. 24 SATURDAY, 10 AM. Ashby Pumpkin Festival on the Common, Main Street, Ashby. Family fun, games, delicious food, crafters, live music and more! Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashby Public Library. Visit the festival on Facebook. 24 SATURDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. Up in the Air Fair at the Royalston Fish & Game Club, 49 Main Rd., Phillipston. Aerialists Molly Baechtold and Leah Abel perform at 1 pm. Enjoy music, food, crafters and vendor tables, raffles, and music by Joshua LeVangie. Sponsored by the Royalston South Village Revitalization Committee. 24 SATURDAY, 10 AM–5 PM. First Annual Celebrate Ashburnham Street Fair on Main Street, Ashburnham. The street will be lined with businesses and artists from Ashburnham and surrounding areas, along with art projects, live entertainment all day, food and drink, live demonstrations, Touch-a-Truck, the Farmers Market, and activities for all ages. 24 SATURDAY, 10 AM–11 PM. Fabulous Fall Festival, Chair Luge, and Oktoberfest in downtown Gardner. Vendors, food, games, entertainment — and it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without beer! Cheer on the racers as they steer (or try to steer) their wild and wacky chairs down Parker Street. 24 SATURDAY, 11 AM–5 PM. Hey Day at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. Celebrate Wachusett Meadow’s agricultural history at our annual Hey Day festival. Listen to live music, shop local vendors, and enjoy locally made foods and baked goods for sale. Admission includes all activities including canoeing, hayrides, pumpkin painting and more. Princeton Arts Society Members will have art on display and for sale. 24 SATURDAY, 6 PM. Fitchburg History Trivia, School House Rock edition at the Fitchburg Historical Society, 781 Main St., Fitchburg. Tickets: $25. Visit fitchburghistoricalsociety.com. 24-25 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 11 AM–5 PM. Fitchburg Open Studios 2022 on Main St, Fitchburg. Take a free, self-guided, art discovery tour. Visit with as many artists and locations as you desire, with each stop offering its own unique and varied experience. Using the City of Fitchburg as the “core” of the tour, Open Studios branches off to include artists in several neighboring communities, all of which are within an easy drive of each other. Simply grab a map, plan your day, and enjoy a little “leaf peeping” along the way! See FitchburgOpenStudios on Facebook. 24-25 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. The 10th Annual Craft Festival at Fruitlands Museum, 105 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. The festival features 48 juried New England artisans under two 140’ x 40’ festival tents (rain or shine). The show’s quality of handmade craft, museum offerings, and stunning views has made the festival a popular September destination. Tickets, $12, include entry to Fruitlands Museum galleries, historic structures, exhibits, and trails. For tickets and details, visit thetrustees.org. 24-25 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 11 AM–5 PM. Kids Fest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Princeton. KidsFest is a celebration of children and young adults that features vendor activities, live shows, contests, walk around talent, athletic activities like climbing walls and a ninja warrior course, food trucks, live animals, contests and more! Two-days full of fun for the whole family. Visit wachusett.com. 24-25 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. Cream of the Crop Macoun Weekend at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. Join us as we unveil the finest eating apple in the region! Macouns may be your fave, too, but don’t delay — these apples are only available in the fall. Visit sholanfarms.com. 24-25 SATURDAY, 10 AM–5 PM; SUNDAY, 10 AM – 4 PM. Gesneriad Society Show & Sale at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Rd., Boylston. Enjoy a fantastic display of begonias and gesneriads presented by the Buxton Branch of the American Begonia Society and the New England Chapter of the Gesneriad Society. Visit nebg.org. 25 SUNDAY, 11 AM–4 PM. Motorpalooza on Templeton Common, Routes 2A & 101, Templeton. The Narragansett Historical Society presents a car show, live music, food, tours of the Society building and more on this traditional New England Common. 25 SUNDAY, 3 PM. Historical Piano Concert at the Ashburnham Community Church, Main Street, Ashburnham Akiko Kobayashi, violin and Eric Siepkes, piano, perform Mozart Two violin sonatas: K. 304 in e, and K. 296 in C; Beethoven Piano Sonata Op. 31, “Tempest”; and Violin Sonata No. 8 in G, Op. 30, No. 3. Piano by Ignaz Bösendorfer, Vienna (ca. 1830) from the Frederick Collection of Historic Pianos. Visit FrederickCollection.org for information. Admission is $15.00 per person; children and students, free of charge.

25 SUNDAY, 2 PM. John McDermott performs at Fitchburg State University, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. CenterStage arts and culture series welcomes acclaimed singer John McDermott back to campus! McDermott, born in Scotland to Irish parents and raised in Toronto, draws from a wide repertoire of songs telling stories of love and war, of loss and history. A McDermott performance is a festival for the ears. Additional details and ticket information can be found at fitchburgstate.edu/centerstage. 29 THURSDAY, 3-6 PM. Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Real Fresh Local Produce, meat, honey, fiber, soap & more.

OCTOBER

Inside Out Dance Co. at Garlic Fest –see Garlic & Arts Fesival, October 1-2. Vanilla Fudge – see Bull Run performance, October 7.

1SATURDAY, 9 AM. Blacksmith and Renaissance Festival at Riverfront Park, Boulder Drive, Fitchburg. Attention lords, ladies, and children of all ages! See knights do combat and local blacksmiths demonstrating their crafts. Check Facebook for updated details.

1SATURDAY, 9 AM–4 PM. Fall Open House at the Reed Homestead, 72 Main St., Townsend. The Townsend Historical Society holds a daylong celebration of Revolutionary War history. The Reed Homestead comes alive with the sights and smells of the 18th century. Members of the Stow and Townsend Minutemen will demonstrate muskets and military drills, hearth cooking, and hands-on crafts. There will also be artisans and crafters on hand to show period crafts (such as blacksmithing, tinsmithing, and stenciling/painting).

1SATURDAY, 10 AM – 4 PM. 46th Annual Horseshed Fair at the First Church of Lancaster, 725 Main St., Lancaster. Crafters, quality antiques, items for sale, activities and food including Harvest Pies. Visit the Tea Room or the Lunch Box.

1SATURDAY, 10 AM. Tractor Parade in downtown Leominster. Enjoy a country parade right in the heart of the city, then enjoy the tasty produce available at the Farmer’s Market in Monument Square, right there on Main Street, from 11 am – 2 pm. Visit leominster-ma.gov.

1SATURDAY, 1 PM. South Street Band kicks off Rocktoberfest at Wachusett Brewing Company, 175 State Rd. East, Westminster. Visit wachusettbrewingcompany.com.

1SATURDAY, 7 PM. Rock Fest at Eagles 747, 71 City Hall Ave., Gardner. All Ages, $10 cover. Bar for 21+. Check it out on Facebook events. 1-2 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10 AM–5 PM. Garlic & Arts Festival at Forster's Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange. A full weekend of food, crafts, music… and, of course, lots of garlic! Visit garlicandarts.org. 1-2 SATURDAY, 10 AM–5 PM; SUNDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. New England Carnivorous Plant Society Show & Sale at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Rd., Boylston. Featured plants will include pitcher plants from Malaysia with traps the size of softballs that are capable of eating lizards and mice. Visit nebg.org.

2SUNDAY, 10 AM–3 PM. Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus Craft and Vendor Fair of Gardner at Jackson Playground and Skatepark, 151 Cross St., Gardner. Fair featuring more than crafters and vendors, food trucks and tents, children’s character visits, music, games, contests and more.

2SUNDAY, 6–8 PM. Halloween on Tolman opens at 83 Tolman St., N. Leominster. Take a walk through the dozens of inflatables (some lit up as well) daily through Halloween. There will also be a pumpkin patch where children can pick a pumpkin to bring home and carve. See christmasontolman on Facebook.

2SUNDAY, 3 PM. Historical Piano Concert at the Ashburnham Community Church, Main Street, Ashburnham. Sergio Gallo performs works by Bach-Egon Petri, Domenico Scarlatti, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Liszt. Piano by Erard et Cie., Paris (1840 from the Frederick Collection of Historic Pianos. Visit FrederickCollection.org for information or email piano.fred@juno.com. Admission is $15.00 per person; children and students, free of charge.

4THURSDAY, 5 PM. First Thursday Intown Fitchburg, Main Street. Local shops welcome visitors, with pop-up food vendors, artists, music and entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

6THURSDAY, 7 PM. Rita Parisi shares “Gothic Victorian Tales” at the Fitchburg Historical Society, 781 Main St., Fitchburg. Free, donations accepted.

7FRIDAY, 8 PM. Vanilla Fudge performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 25 Great Rd., Shirley. In 1967, Vanilla Fudge rocked the world with a new sound, influencing a generation of musicians and creating a legion of loyal fans. For tickets, visit bullrunrestaurant.com. 7-8 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM. The Play That Goes Wrong at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. Welcome to opening night of The Murder of Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s a riotous explosion of comedy. All seats $24. See mwcc.edu/tam for tickets.

8SATURDAY. Scarecrows in the Orchard Harvest Festival at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster.

8SATURDAY, 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM. Brewpub Yoga at Wachusett Brewing Company 175 State Rd E, Westminster. Zen Yoga & Wellness is a yoga-for-all practice, where all can participate, without judgment, and leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for the weekend. The hour long class/practice will be followed by your favorite Wachusett pub beer. Preregistration required. Visit wachusettbrew.com for details.

8SATURDAY. Special Guest Tour of the S. K. Pierce Mansion, 4 W. Broadway, Gardner. This “one night only” tour of the haunted mansion is hosted by former resident Victoria Casanova, who will take visitors through the Mansion, recounting her many experiences while living there. A limited number of tickets available on the website, skhauntedvictorianmansion.com. 9 SUNDAY, 12:30 – 2:30 PM. Learn to Curl at the Petersham Curling Club, 250 North Main Street, Petersham. Learn the basics of the Olympic sport curling scoring, rules, etiquette, and on-ice instruction on how to throw a rock, sweep, and play a game. See more on Facebook at petershamcurlingclub60.

9SUNDAY, 3 PM. Historical Piano Concert at the Ashburnham Community Church, Main Street, Ashburnham. Stephen Porter performs works by Leos Janacek and Beethoven. Visit FrederickCollection.org for information or email piano.fred@juno.com. Admission is $15 per person; children and students, free of charge.

9SUNDAY, 1 PM. Pumpkin Weigh-In and Festival at Red Apple Farm. The Massachusetts Giant Pumpkin Association is organizing this event that will include live entertainment — and of course, the competition for who has grown the biggest pumpkin! 10 MONDAY, 5–9 PM. Cannoli Festival in downtown Leominster. Cannoli! What more do you need to know? You don’t have to be Italian to enjoy these luscious treats. Indulge yourself! Visit Leominster-ma.gov. 13 THURSDAY, 6–9 PM. Brian Walker performs at Wachusett Brewing Company 175 State Rd E, Westminster. Great music and fine brews — what more could you ask for? Visit wachusettbrew.com. 13 THURSDAY, 6:30 PM. Poetry Night at the Museum at the Gardner Museum, 26 Pearl St., Gardner. Published Boston/RI poet Ryk McIntyre has toured nationally and in Canada, opening for varied acts, and has performed his work at NYC’s New School, Boston’s ICA and Strand Theater, among others. He will present his poems, and the role of sobriety in his life. 14 FRIDAY, 8 PM. Darrell Scott performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Rd., Shirley. Darrell Scott is a four-time Grammynominated Nashville songwriter, performer and recording artist, an in-demand multi-instrumentalist, playing 13 instruments, a producer and an ASCAP Songwriter of the Year. Visit bullrunrestaurant.com. 14-15 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DUSK TO 11 PM. Haunted Hayrides at Silver Lake Park, Athol. The Athol Lions Club takes young children on non-scary rides about 6 pm, followed by the regular, spookier rides for the brave, at dark. Refreshments available. Visit the Lions on Facebook for updates. 14-16 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, SUNDAY, 2 PM. The Play That Goes Wrong at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. See October 7-8 listing for details. Visit mwcc.edu/tam.

Take the "Rock Walk" to the top of Rollstone Hill on October 15.

15 SATURDAY, 9 AM. Golf & Curl Biathlon at the Petersham Curling Club, 250 N. Main St., Petersham, and Ellinwood Country Club, 1928 Pleasant St., Athol. Try a unique experience: nine holes of golf and six ends of curling! Don’t know how to curl? No problem! Optional Friday night pickup curling starting at 6 pm includes a light snack. Register at petershamcurlingstore.org/golfncurl. 15 SATURDAY, 9 AM-2 PM. Antique and Vintage Collectibles Marketplace at Petersham Town Hall, 3 South Main St., Petersham. 30 booths on two floors covering 2,600 square feet of retail space. 15 SATURDAY, 10 AM–1 PM. Treasures from the Attic: An Antiques Appraisal Event at Townsend United Methodist Church, 265 Main St., Townsend. The Townsend Historical Society has partnered with Central Mass Auctions to bring back this antique appraisal day. Guests may bring up to three items to be verbally appraised by Wayne Tuiskula. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. There is no charge to come watch. Visit townsendhistoricalsociety.org. 15 SATURDAY, 10 AM – 5 PM. Westminster Cracker Festival on Main Street, Westminster. Visit the home of the historic cracker factory for a day filled with arts and crafts, food vendors, live music and a beer garden. Be sure to check out the Westminster Dog Show — a display of fanciful panted dogs throughout the area. The pooches will be auctioned as a fundraiser for the Westminster Village Foundation. 15 SATURDAY, 8 AM – 10 PM. 1st Alarm at Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, 3305 Greenwich Rd., Hardwick. Sponsored by Hardwick Fire, Hardwick Vineyard & Winery and Hardwick Fireman's Association, this Firemen's Association Fundraiser features a car show, burnouts, tug of war, live music, food trucks and more. 15 SATURDAY, 10 AM. Rock Walk to Rollstone Hill, 960 Main St., Fitchburg. Take a slow and easy, comfortable and extraordinarily scenic two mile walk to the summit of Rollstone Hill. The story and history of the Rollstone Boulder, the quarries, and several other interesting sites along the way will be explored and the historical and cultural influence they had on Fitchburg will be discussed. Call 978-345-7000 for details. 15 SATURDAY, 11 AM – NOON. Professor Bugman – Creepy Bugs & Spooky Bones at the Townsend Public Library, 12 Dudley Rd., Townsend. Children learn about and get hands-on time with large and bizarre live insects, as well as real bones from different animals that we can find right here in our own back yards! Look, feel, and ask questions in this scientific event inspired by the spookiest time of year! Reservations required. Contact Elise Johnson, ejohnson@cwmars.org. 15 SATURDAY, 12 PM. Tully Lake Triathlon at Tully Lake Campground, 25 Doane Hill Rd., Royalston. This 17-mile paddle/run/bike triathlon is designed to showcase all the best this region has to offer. Awards will be given to the top finishers in each of the following categories: Individual–Women, Individual–Men, Team–Two Person, Team–Three Person, and Team–Four Person. Racers must be 13 or older. Visit thetrustees.org. 15 SATURDAY, 1 PM. “WWII Souvenirs” at Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens. Well-known militaria collector, Bill Shea, will present a program on items brought home by soldiers from WWII. Visit fortdevensmuseum.org. 15-16 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 11 AM–5 PM. Applefest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Farmers market, live entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors, scenic skyride and more! Visit wachsuett.com for details and tickets. Repeats Oct. 22-23. 18 TUESDAY, 5:30–6:30 PM. Escape Room- Case of the Haunted Hotel at the Townsend Public Library, 12 Dudley Rd., Townsend. Ghosts are afloat in this Paris hotel, just as the owner is trying to sell. Check in at the Lobby, then visit some rooms, solve puzzles and codes, but beware of what looms. The Kitchen, the Gameroom, a Closet, and Lounge, see what information and clues you can scrounge. Solving this mystery shouldn't scare you away, Unlocking the answers might just save the day! For ages 12-17, reservations required. Contact Elise Johnson, ejohnson@cwmars.org. 20 THURSDAY, 6:30 PM. All Shall Be Well at The Gardner Museum, 26 Pearl St., Gardner. Those encouraging words by 14th century mystic and anchoress, Julian of Norwich, have soothed humanity during its darkest times. Now is the time to revisit her words as we struggle through our greatest human reckoning to date. Presenter is Will Darcangelo, M.Div. Minister of First Parish of Fitchburg and First Church of Lancaster, columnist and blogger. 21 FRIDAY, 8 PM. Opening Night at Meadow Hall at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Vista Philharmonic chamber players present an enticing program for chamber orchestra, including Aaron Copland’s all-time favorite, Appalachian Spring, and featuring young harpist Li-Shan Tan in the music of Ravel. For tickets, visit grotonhill.org. 22 SATURDAY, 8–10 AM. Pannukakku Breakfast at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Finnish oven pancake, bacon, sausage, fruit, Finnish coffee bread, juice, coffee/tea/cocoa. Loaves of Finnish coffee bread for sale. Vendors of arts, crafts, and bee products; Raivaaja Foundation information table. 22 SATURDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. Winchendon Fall Festival on Central Street, Winchendon. Live entertainment, kids’ activities, street performances, bouncy houses, food and over 150 vendors fill Winchendon’s business district for a fun-packed family day. Visit townofwinchendon.com. 22 SATURDAY, 1–3 PM. Halloween Parade in downtown Leominster. Kids are invited to don a scary (or not-so-scary) costume and take a tour of the city’s business district, starting at the Leominster Credit Union on Adams Street. Visit Leominster-ma.gov. 22 SATURDAY, 8 PM. Brian O’Donovan presents Celtic Roots and Branches at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan brings the music of his popular, three-decade A Celtic Sojourn program to Groton Hill, exploring traditional and contemporary music from around the Celtic world. For tickets, visit grotonhill.org. 22-23 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 11 AM–5 PM. Applefest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Farmers market, live entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors, scenic skyride and more! Visit wachusett.com for details and tickets.

Winchendon Fall Festival, October 22.

23 SUNDAY, 2 PM. Women’s Caucus for Art, “Drawing our Histories” at the Fitchburg Historical Society, 781 Main St., Fitchburg. Artist Talk and Creative workshop with Joanne Stowell and Massachusetts Women’s Caucus for Art. Visit fitchburghistoricalsociety.com.

23 SUNDAY, 3 PM. Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Vista Philharmonic Chamber Players perform at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Vista Philharmonic chamber players present an enticing program for chamber orchestra, including Aaron Copland’s all-time favorite, Appalachian Spring, and featuring young harpist Li-Shan Tan in the music of Ravel. For tickets, visit grotonhill.org.

27 THURSDAY, 6:30 PM. Bumbling through the Hindu Kush at the Gardner Museum, 26 Pearl St., Gardner. Local journalist and author Chris Woolf will talk about his new book, “Bumbling Through the Hindu Kush: A Memoir of Fear and Kindness in Afghanistan.” In 1991, he travelled to Afghanistan to visit a BBC colleague. They hitched a ride with an aid convoy and bumbled straight into the war.

28 FRIDAY, 8 PM. Acoustic Alchemy performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 125 Great Rd., Shirley. For more than 30 years, Acoustic Alchemy has pushed the limits of the acoustic guitar’s potential by embracing a spectrum of musical styles ranging from straight-ahead jazz to folk to rock to world music and beyond. For tickets, visit bullrunrestaurant.com.

28 FRIDAY, 8 PM. Fabiola Mendez and Albino Mbie perform at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. Fabiola Mendez (Cuatro & Voice from Puerto Rico) and Albino Mbie (Guitar & Voice from Mozambique) bring their ensembles to Meadow Hall in an evening of global music from two continents that range from brilliant original songwriting to the deep traditions and jazz fusion that influence them both. Visit grotonhill.org.

28-29 FRIDAY & SATURDAY. Haunted Walk to the Cemetery at Templeton Center, Routes 2A and 101. The Narragansett Historical Society invites you to take a stroll (if you dare) from The Society building on Boynton Road to the historic cemetery behind First Church of Templeton. Learn about the history of town center and its early inhabitants: their lives, daily struggles and some of the tragedies, wars and pandemics they faced.

28-30 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM; SUNDAY, 2 PM. 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at New Players Theatre Guild Playhouse, 15 Rollstone St., Fitchburg. This musical comedy centers on a fictional spelling bee set in a middle school. Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups. Repeats on Nov. 4-6. Visit nptg.org for tickets. 29 SATURDAY, 12–2 PM. Trick or Treat on Main Street, Fitchburg. Bring the family and kids in costume to visit local businesses! 29 SATURDAY, 2 PM. Tall Tales & Heroes, a children’s show, at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. As American as apple pie, this delightful musical introduces kids to the stories of Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Calamity Jane, John Henry, Molly Pitcher and more! All seats $7. Visit mwcc.edu/tam for tickets. 29 SATURDAY, 7–10 PM. Bowlaween at Putnam Lanes, Fitchburg. Enjoy bowling, raffles, comedy, prizes, a FUN-draiser for “Lucy’s Barn Foundation.” Lucy’s Barn is the new home of the Stratton Players. Tickets available at Putnam Lanes in the month of October. 29 SATURDAY, 8 PM. Watkins Family Hour performs at the Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. The Americana musical collaborative, led by Sara and Sean Watkins, will be one of the first groups to perform at the new venue. For tickets and more information, visit grotonhill.org. 30 SUNDAY, 11 AM–5 PM. BooFest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd., Westminster. Enjoy all things spooky and fun, with festive contests, ghoulish treats and entertainment for the whole family. Visit wachusett.com for details. 31 MONDAY, 5–7 PM. Haunted Gazebo on Templeton Common, Routes 2A & 101, Templeton. The Templeton Lions Club offer an evening of slight spookiness for families, with plenty of candy for little ghosts and goblins. 31 MONDAY, 6–8 PM. Trick or Treat & Bonfire at the Fire Station and on Bacon Street in Westminster.

NOVEMBER

4-5 FRIDAY, 4-8 PM; SATURDAY, 9 AM-6 PM. Pumpkin Patch Food & Craft Fair at the Leominster United Methodist Church, 77 Hall St., Leominster. Craft fair plus a visit from Santa (noon – 2 pm on Saturday)! Also enjoy a fried chicken dinner on Friday; and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday. Visit leominsterumc.org for details. 4-6 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM; SUNDAY, 2 PM. 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at New Players Theatre Guild Playhouse, 15 Rollstone St., Fitchburg. See Oct. 28-30 listing for details. Repeats on Nov. 4-6. Visit nptg.org for tickets.

5SATURDAY, 11 AM–5 PM. Fall Food Truck Festival at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Enjoy live music, a huge selection of beer and plenty of food to keep you full and Food Truck Festival, at happy all day long. Visit Wachusett.com. Wachusett Mountain Ski Area.

5SATURDAY, 6 PM. Fitchburg History Trivia, Turkey Day Edition at the Fitchburg Historical Society, 781 Main St., Fitchburg. Tickets: $25. Visit fitchburghistoricalsociety.com.

5SATURDAY, 6–10 PM. Harvest Dinner Dance at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Turkey dinner catered by Family Café. Reserve by Sunday, October 30; email finnishcenter@ yahoo.com or leave a text message or voice mail at 978-407-9690. Visit www.saima-park.org.

5SATURDAY, 8 PM. Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper perform at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. International Bluegrass Musicians Association’s most-awarded Fiddle Player of the Year, Michael Cleveland was inducted to the National Fiddler Hall of Fame in 2018. For tickets, visit grotonhill.org.

6SUNDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. Holiday Craft Show at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, 1050 Westminster St., Fitchburg. More than 100 crafters exhibit at this show to benefit Monty Tech sports teams. Visit newenglandcraftshows.com.

6SUNDAY, 2 PM. Lydia Maria Child: The Frugal Housewife program at Townsend United Methodist Church, 265 Main St., Townsend. The Townsend Historical Society will hold a brief business meeting, followed by Lydia Maria Child: The Frugal Housewife. Best known as the author of the holiday classic Over the River and Through the Woods, Mrs. Child was a prominent author, abolitionist, teacher, novelist, and women’s rights advocate. Out of these contributions came the Frugal Housewife, one of the first guides to running a household in an economical manner. It is not hard to imagine this advice making its way from the book into the practice of every New England family. Learn more about how this book and Mrs. Child helped change the lives of residents in Townsend, the Commonwealth and beyond.

9WEDNESDAY, 1 PM. Opening for 6th Annual Festival of Trees at the Gardner Museum, 26 Pearl St., Gardner. The beloved event is open to the public starting today, until Saturday, Dec. 3. Exhibit is open Wednesdays, Thursdays 1–4 pm; Fridays 1–7 pm; Saturdays, Sundays 10 am – 4 pm. 11 FRIDAY. Opening Day of the Annual Country Roads Holiday Tour. Visit 15 shops in the North County area, from Barre to Phillipston, Hubbardston and Templeton, for special products, prices, and prizes. The Tour of these businesses featuring everything from farm-fresh cheese to fine art, antiques, alpaca fiber products, and more, runs through December 11. Visit countryroadschristmas.com. 11 FRIDAY, 8 PM. Will Hoge performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Rd., Shirley. Will Hoge is a mainstay of 21st century rock & roll, carrying the torch for a blue-collar sound rooted in ringing Telecaster guitars and anthemic songwriting. For tickets, visit bullrunrestaurant.com. 12 SATURDAY, 9 AM–3 PM. Narragansett Craft Fair at Narragansett Middle School, 464 Baldwinville Rd., Baldwinville. The 43rd annual fair brings together crafters from throughout New England. Do all your holiday shopping here! Café open all day. Visit narragansettcraftfair.com. 12 SATURDAY, 6–9 PM. Downtown Athol Ladies Night on Main Street, Athol. Visit downtown Athol for some shopping and shenanigans! Participating stores have specials and discounts. 12 SATURDAY, 8 PM. Catherine Russell, Grammy-winning Jazz vocalist, performs at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. Visit grotonhill.org. 17 THURSDAY, 4-6 PM. Indoor Farmers Market at Tata Auditorium in Leominster City Hall, 25 West St., Leominster. 18 FRIDAY, 8 PM. Mike Block and Balla Kouyaté Band perform at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. Kouyaté, a balafon player and singer coming out of the Djeli tradition of Mali, hails from the family who invented the balafon, and is an NEA National Heritage Fellowship recipient. Block is a classically-trained American cellist/singer/composer and Grammy Awardwinning member of the Silkroad Ensemble. For tickets and information, visit grotonhill.org. 19 SATURDAY, 9 AM–2 PM. Arts & Crafts Fair at the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Rd., Sterling. Visit three rooms of crafter booths, sponsored by friends of the Conant Public Library. Visit sterlinglibrary.org for details. 19 SATURDAY 1 AM—12:30 PM. Workshop: Mushroom Tinctures with Rachel Goclawski at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. Explore native wild medicinal mushrooms and how you can forage them during this info-packed workshop and lecture! Learn these mushrooms' identification, preparation, and therapeutic qualities with an interactive lecture and presentation while brewing and sipping native Reishi tea; make tinctures and tonics from medicinal mushrooms, which can help modulate immune systems against viruses, disease, and auto-immune-related conditions; and prepare a Mushroom Tincture with native wild mushrooms to take home, along with written instructions and mushroom info sheets. Registration required; visit museumofrussianicons.org. 19 SATURDAY, 1 PM. “The Cocoanut Grove Fire” at Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, Historian Bob Begin returns to the Fort Devens Museum with an illustrated program of the devastating November 1942 fire at the Cocoanut Grove, a popular nightspot in Boston. Several soldiers from Fort Devens perished in the fire as well as the daughter of one of the higher ranking officers on post. Visit fortdevensmusuem.org. 19 SATURDAY, 10 AM TO 3 PM. Annual Miniature War Games Day at Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens. A day of miniature war games is back! No experience necessary to join in. Visit fortdevensmuseum.org. 19 SATURDAY, 10 AM–1 PM. Holiday Farmer’s Market on Academy Hill in Westminster. Visit westminsterfarmersmarket.com. 19-20 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM. Seussical the Musical at the Barre Players Theatre, 64 Common Rd., Barre. A musical perfect for the whole family, Seussical takes us into the world of Dr. Seuss, where we revisit beloved characters including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and JoJo. Repeats Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 2-4. Visit barreplayerstheater.org for tickets. 19-20 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10 AM-4 PM. Thanksgiving Harvest Festival at Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. Local family farms and businesses come together to offer all the best fixings for your Thanksgiving table and home — plus features like the Brew Barn, face painting, pony rides & hayrides, Sattva Center for Archery Training (Saturday only!), blacksmith demonstrations, local live music, PYO ornamental corn, guided nature hikes, and more! Local vendors selling fresh crops and unique products from all over New England. Bring non-perishable food items to support our local food pantries (enter to win great raffle items for every 5 food donations)! Visit redapplefarm.com. 20 SUNDAY, 10 AM–2PM. Craft Fair at American Legion Post 373 Hall, 3 Central St., Baldwinville, sponsored by the post Auxiliary Unit. Visit Legion Post 373 on Facebook.

21 THURSDAY. Opening of the Festival of Trees at Tata Auditorium in Leominster City Hall, 25 West St., Leominster. See a variety of decorated trees, through December 17. Hours vary; visit Leominster-ma.gov. 25-27 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM; SUNDAY, 2 PM. Seussical the Musical at the Barre Players Theatre, 64 Common Rd., Barre. See Nov. 18-20 listing for details. Repeats Dec. 2-4. Visit barreplayerstheater.org for tickets. 25-27 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 7:30 PM; SUNDAY, 2 PM. Silver Bells (It’s Christmas Time in the City) at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. The hustle and bustle of Christmas in New York City comes to the Theatre at the Mount stage in this traditional-meets-untraditional Christmas Spectacular! The elegance and excitement of Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are filled with holiday music, love and laughter for the entire family…and a special visit from the big guy in the red suit himself! All seats $24. Visit mwcc.edu/tame for tickets. Repeats Dec. 2-4.

DECEMBER

Seamus Egan performs, December 2.

1-11 DAILY. Annual Country Roads Holiday Tour. Visit 15 shops in the North County area, from Barre to Phillipston, Hubbardston and Templeton, for special products, prices, and prizes. The tour of these businesses featuring everything from farm-fresh cheese to fine art, antiques alpaca fiber products and more, runs through December 11. Visit countryroadschristmas.com.

1THURSDAY, 8:30–11:30 PM. Brian Walker performs at Wachusett Brewing Company 175 State Rd E, Westminster. Visit wachusettbrew.com.

2FRIDAY, 5-10 PM. Opening night of Leominster Lights, with homes throughout the city decorated for the holidays. Event runs nightly through December 25.

2FRIDAY, 8 PM. Seamus Egan performs at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. Egan is one of the leading composers and interpreters of traditional Irish music. Visit grotonhill.org. 2-3 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM. Let It SHOW – Winter Cabaret presented by the Stratton Players. Location to be announced. Family-focused Variety Show with songs, comedy, short sketches, and seasonal delight. Visit strattonplayes.com for updates. Repeats Dec. 9-10. 2-4 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 7:30 PM; SUNDAY, 2 PM. Silver Bells (It’s Christmas Time in the City) at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St, Gardner. See Nov. 25-27 listing for details. Visit mwcc.edu/tam for tickets. 2-4 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM; SUNDAY, 2 PM. Seussical the Musical at the Barre Players Theatre, 64 Common Rd., Barre. See Nov. 18-20 listing for details. Repeats Dec. 2-4. Visit barreplayerstheater.org for tickets. Birchbark Ornaments Workshop, December 10.

3SATURDAY, 8–10AM. Pannukakku Breakfast at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg: Finnish oven pancake, bacon, sausage, fruit, Finnish coffee bread, juice, coffee/ tea/cocoa. Loaves of Finnish coffee bread for sale. Vendors of arts, crafts, and bee products. Raivaaja Foundation information table. Visit saima-park.org.

3SATURDAY, 9 AM–2 PM. Historical Society Christmas Open House at the Westminster Historical Society, 110 Main St., Westminster.

3SATURDAY, 10 AM–2 PM. Visit with Santa at Forbush Memorial Lirbary, 118 Main St., Westminster. Visit forbushlibrary.org.

3SATURDAY, 2–5 PM. Fox and the Dragon performs Hardwick Winery, 3305 Greenwich Rd., Hardwick. Visit hardwickwinery.com.

3SATURDAY, 3–5 PM. Winter Stroll in downtown Leominster, followed by a Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting ceremony. Get in the holiday spirit in the heart of the city! Visit Leominster-ma.gov.

3SATURDAY EVENING. Tree Lighting at the Town Common on Academy Hill Road, Westminster. 3-4 SATURDAY, 9 AM–3 PM; SUNDAY, 9 AM – 1 PM. St. Martin’s Holiday Fair at the American Legion hall, 3 Central St., Baldwinville. Raffles, a “Polish Auction” of more than three dozen beautifully packaged theme baskets, had-crafted ornaments and holiday decorations, baked goods, fresh wreaths made to order, and more! Stop in for lunch or a snack. Visit St. Martin’s Church, Otter River on Facebook. 3-4 SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 6–8 PM. Living Nativity Scene at the Lutheran Church, Hager Park Road, Westminster.

4SUNDAY, 9 AM–4 PM. Holiday Open House at the Reed Homestead, 72 Main St., Townsend. Partake in merriment during this festive gathering complete with Christmas cookies and punch. Tours are provided to help you step back in time and escape the holiday rush.

4SUNDAY, 2–5 PM. Tree Lighting at Templeton Common, Routes 2A & 101, Templeton. Start the season off with a tree lighting, carols, wreath sale and an open house at the Narragansett Historical Society building. Say hello to Santa, too

4SUNDAY, 3–5 PM. Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting in downtown Leominster. See beautifully decorated store windows, enjoy music, do some shopping. Tree lighting at 5 pm. 2-3 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM. Let It SHOW – Winter Cabaret presented by the Stratton Players. Location to be announced. Family-focused Variety Show with songs, comedy, short sketches, and seasonal delight. Visit strattonplayes.com for updates 10 SATURDAY 10 AM–3 PM. Holiday Fair and Festival of Trees at the Townsend Library & Senior Center complex, 12 Dudley Rd., Townsend. The fair features crafters, homemade food cookies by the bag, games for kids, kids-only shopping and a visit by Santa. Visit townsendlibrary.org. 10 SATURDAY, 10 AM–4 PM. Holiday House Tour, starting at 151 Front St, Winchendon. The Winchendon History and Cultural Center invites you to enjoy the multiple well decorated homes around town. Start at the Murdock Whitney Mansion, and make a day of touring these beautiful buildings! Visit winchendonhistory.org. 10 SATURDAY, 1–5 PM. Birchbark Ornaments Workshop at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. Enjoy the simple pleasure of crafting a decoration or gift from materials responsibly and hand harvested in Northern Vermont. Utilizing techniques common to the Russian and Scandinavian styles of basketry, you will create birds and stars using strips of inner bark from the paper birch tree. Each participant will make a total of three ornaments. The workshop will include information on the many uses and qualities of birch bark and how the material is harvested and prepared. Registration required; visit museumofrussianicons.org. 10 SATURDAY, 8 PM. Miguel Zenon Quartet performs at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. Miguel, a Puerto Rico native, is widely considered as one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists of his generation, and is a multiple Grammy nominee. For details and tickets, visit grotonhill.org. 11 SUNDAY, 3 PM. Light Beyond Shadow: A Christmas Celebration presented by the Greater Gardner Community Choir at Bethany Baptist Church, 72 Ryan St., Gardner. In addition to the principal work, "Christmas Oratorio" by Camille Saint-Saens, seasonal pieces from traditional to contemporary will be sure to delight and inspire. Tickets are available at the door. For information GGCC on Facebook or at ggcchoir.org. 11-30 NIGHTLY, 5–9 PM. Holiday Light Fight 2022 throughout the town of Pepperell. Local homes compete for the best holiday light display in Pepperell!! Maps are available online after Dec. 11 and will include the map, voting link instructions, and this year's iSpy game of lights. Visit pepperellfourth.org. 15 THURSDAY, 4–6 PM. Indoors Farmers Market at Tata Auditorium in City Hall, 25 West St., Leominster. Get the goodies you’ll need for your holiday entertaining! Visit Leominster-ma.gov. 17 SATURDAY, 8 PM. Christmas Classics with Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Vista Philharmonic chamber players perform at Groton Hill Music Center, 36 King St., Littleton. Celebrate the magic of Christmas in traditional classical and holiday music, poetry and storytelling! Boston’s favorite actor, Jeremiah Kissel brings his talent for many voices and moods to join with our select string ensemble. Tickets at grotonhill.org.

JANUARY

1-30 DAILY. Frozen Assets Challenge on Country Hen Pond, Route 68 in Hubbardston. Take a guess — no, take five guesses! — on when the pond’s ice will melt, sending the outhouse into the chilly waters. Contest forms are available at local stores until Feb. 1 … and then the wait begins. Visit hubbardston250 for details. at Tata Auditorium in City Hall, 25 West St.,19 THURSDAY, 4–6 PM. Indoor Farmers Market Gardner. Visit Leominster-ma.gov.

19 THURSDAY, 6–8 PM. Gardenmania in City Hall, 25 West St., Leominster. We know it’s winter, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about your spring garden! Chat with some of Leominster’s businesses and organizations. You’ll be able to purchase items for your garden and earn more about the resources available in the area. If you love to garden, or always wanted to give it a try, this is for you! Visit Leominster-ma.gov. 24 FRIDAY, 10 AM–2 PM. Once Upon a Time at Tata Auditorium in City Hall, 25 West St., Leominster. 28 SATURDAY, 8–10 AM. Pannukakku Breakfast at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg: Finnish oven pancake, bacon, sausage, fruit, Finnish coffee bread, juice, coffee/tea/cocoa. Loaves of Finnish coffee bread for sale. Vendors of arts, crafts, and bee products. Raivaaja Foundation information table. Visit saima-park.org.

FEBRUARY

2THURSDAY, 8 AM. Groundhog Day with Featherstone in Monument Square, downtown Leominster. Forget that furry Phil from Puxatawny. Leominster has its own prognosticator: Featherstone, the flaming pink flamingo. This kitschy icon was created right here in Leominster, and he knows local weather! Join the mayor in peering into the forecasting future for this fun event.

4SATURDAY, 10 AM–2 PM. Ski Trail Open House at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Saima Park’s trails will be open to the public for skiing and snowshoeing, or hiking. Free admission. Donations welcome. A limited supply of equipment is available to borrow. Visit saima-park.org. 11 SATURDAY, 10 AM–2 PM. Ski Trail Open House at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Saima Park’s trails will be open to the public for skiing and snowshoeing, or hiking. Free admission. Donations welcome. A limited supply of equipment is available to borrow. Visit saima-park.org. 18 SATURDAY, 10 AM–2 PM. Ski Trail Open House at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Saima Park’s trails will be open to the public for skiing and snowshoeing, or hiking. Free admission. Donations welcome. A limited supply of equipment is available to borrow. Visit saima-park.org. 20 MONDAY, 9 AM. George Washington Hatchet Hunt at the New England Equestrian Center, 802 New Sherborn Rd. Athol. It’s the 101st running of this popular local event. Children aged preschool to 15 are invited to scour the property, looking for hidden gifts. Pre-registration is required: Visit georgewashingtonhatchethunt on Facebook. 12 TUESDAY, 5:30 PM. Indoor Drive-in Movie at Tata Auditorium in City Hall, 25 Wet St., Leominster. No car? No problem! Turn a cardboard box into the vehicle of your dreams, then settle in to watch a family movie. Visit leominstercommunitydevelopment on Facebook for details. 24 FRIDAY, 10 AM–2 PM. Once Upon a Time at Tata Auditorium in City Hall, Leominster. Bring the kids for a fun vacation week event. 25 SATURDAY, 8–10 AM. Celebrate National Sauna Week at the Pannukakku Breakfast at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Oven pancake, bacon, sausage, fruit, Finnish coffee bread, juice, coffee/tea/cocoa. Loaves of coffee bread for sale. Vendors of arts, crafts, and bee products. Visit saima-park.org. 25 SATURDAY, 10–2. Ski Trail Open House at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg. Saima Park’s trails will be open to the public for skiing and snowshoeing, or hiking. Free admission. Donations welcome. Visit saima-park.org.

Loeminster's mayor and pink flamingo.

Ski Trail Open House, Saturdays in February.

ONGOING

FARMERS’ MARKETS

NOTE: Most local farmers’ markets run through September or into October. Since closing dates vary and outdoor markets are dependent on weather, check websites or Facebook pages for details. ASHBURNHAM Last Saturday morning of the month through October, Meeting House Hill

BARRE Saturday mornings, on the Common

FITCHBURG Thursday afternoons, Upper Common; Monday afternoons, Health Alliance

GARDNER Thursday mornings at Monument Park

GROTON Friday afternoons, Williams Barn, Chicopee Row

HARVARD Saturday mornings, Hildreth Elementary

LEOMINSTER Saturday mornings, Monument Park

LUNENBURG Sunday mornings, the Ritter Building

ORANGE Thursday afternoons, Butterfield Park

PEPPERELL Saturday mornings, Town Field

PETERSHAM Fridays, 3-6 pm starting May 27, Town Common

SHIRLEY Thursday afternoons, Historic Common

STERLING Friday afternoons, Butterick Building

TEMPLETON Thursdays, 4-7 pm, Boynton Library

WINCHENDON Thursday & Saturday afternoons, 128 Central Street

WESTMINSTER Fridays, 3-6:30 pm. Academy Hill, rain or shine.

*Information provided by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and subject to change. For up-to-date hours of operation, visit mass.gov/agr/ or check them on Facebook. THURSDAYS. First Thursdays of the month in intown Fitchburg. Free admission to the Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg Farmers Market, Pop-up events, special deals. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 11 AM. Puppet Shows at the Drawbridge Puppet Theater, 1335 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg. The whole family can enjoy a live puppet performance in a small theater setting. Led shows are: September, Carnival Puppet shows at the of the Animals/Three Drawbridge Puppet Bears; October, Witch Theater. Matilda & the Fright Contest; November, Aladdin; December; Santa & the Christmas Trolls; January, Princess & Pea/Fisherman & His Wife; and February, Cinderella. $7.00 per ticket; call 978-5821578 or reserve online at drawbridgepuppets.com. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS. Davis Farmland Discovery Farm and MegaMaze, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. Kids under 12 will love meeting the animals, exploring Adventureland, and letting their imaginations soar at the Discovery Farm. Across the street, the MegaMaze offers a host of attractions, from a paintball shooting gallery to zip lines, fire pits, live entertainment, barbecue and more. Check it out at davismegamaze.com and davisfarmland.com. SUNDAYS. Table-side entertainment by George, named one of Boston’s top rated magicians, at Happy Jacks’ Restaurant, 785 North Main St., Leominster. Kids love him and adults will feel like kids again Fun for the whole family. Visit happyjacksrestaurant.com. WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS. Discover Ancient Egypt at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. This interactive gallery introduces visitors to the wonders of one of the oldest and most accomplished civilizations in recorded history. Realistic paintings of ancient tomb walls bring both the history and art of ancient Egypt to life. See murals depicting Egyptian religious beliefs, a real child mummy, small sculptures, everyday objects, a miniature diorama about mummification, and hands-on activity stations. Visit fitchburgartmuseum.org for details and hours. DAILY. Who cares what the weather is like outside? Hot, cold, sunny, cloudy… no matter, it’s always balmy in Great Wolf Lodge Lodge New England! Water slides, pools, a ropes course, MagiQuest adventure games — there’s always something for the whole family to do at America’s premier indoor water park resort, right here at 50 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg. Visit greatwolf.com/new-england for details.

ENTERTAINMENT

SUNDAYS. Live Jazz Breakfast at the Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker Street, Gardner. Visit gardnerale.com. FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENINGS at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Rd., Shirley. Visit bullrunretaurant.com. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT YEAR ROUND at Hardwick Winery, 3305 Greenwich Dr., Hardwick. THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENINGS, 5–8 PM, IN SEPTEMBER. Local musicians perform in front of the Woodblock Building, 14 Monument Square, Leominster.