Greenfield Library offers crafting programs
Greenfield Public Library will host two upcoming crafting programs in its Makerspace. Craft-O-Rama will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., inviting participants to bring a cloth item to decorate with library- and camp-themed iron-on designs and patches. The program will include materials and cookies. On Monday, Aug. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Needleworker’s Guild: Embroidery for Everyone will offer an embroidery workshop for teens and adults ages 13 and up, featuring a summer bag charm project with beads and sequins. Both programs are free, and no prior experience is required. Pre-registration is encouraged for the embroidery workshop at greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/16626154.
Writers Read to feature Nicole Young-Martin, Doug Selwyn and Dahlia Riddington
The LAVA Center in Greenfield will host its next Writers Read event on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m., featuring writers Nicole Young-Martin, Doug Selwyn and Dahlia Riddington. The monthly series offers an intimate setting for local authors to share their work, followed by a discussion with facilitator Lindy Whiton.
Young-Martin is a poet, playwright and producer of the award-winning Black Writers Read podcast; Selwyn is an author, educator and Greenfield Recorder columnist; and Riddington is a Greenfield native whose writing explores the local landscape and human connection. A donation of $1 to $5 is suggested. For more information, email lindy@localaccess.org.
Ja’Duke Theater announces auditions for fall productions
Ja’Duke Theater, 110 Industrial Blvd. in Turners Falls, will hold auditions for two fall productions on Monday, Aug. 10. Auditions for “The Addams Family” begin at 6 p.m., followed by auditions for “Night of the Living Dead Live!” at 7:30 p.m. Additional audition information is available at jadukeshows.com/Auditions or by emailing jaduketheater@gmail.com.
Turners Falls First Friday features Vinyl Crawl, music and community events
Turners Falls’ First Friday celebration returns Aug. 7 from 4 to 9 p.m. with a lineup of live music, shopping, art and community activities. Featured events include the Turners Falls Vinyl Crawl from 4 to 8 p.m., inviting music lovers to visit Two Ghosts Vinyl Cafe, Breakdown Records and Music Connection along Avenue A for record shopping, live music, karaoke and more. Highlights include an all-vinyl DJ set by E-Mag at Breakdown Records, karaoke at Music Connection and a performance by Dan Becker.
Other First Friday events include performances at the Brick House, a McLane Silk Mill walk, face painting at LOOT, a closing reception for the interactive art exhibit “Please Touch” at Waterway Arts, and a free outdoor screening of “Pee Wee’s Great Adventure” at Peskeompskut Park. All movies are free and open to the public. Donations to benefit the Turners Falls Thunder Music Booster. The 2026 Summer Movie Series presented through a partnership with Montague Parks and RiverCulture with funding from the MCC Cultural District Grant. Anyone looking for details on First Friday can follow the new @firstfridayturnersfalls Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest updates, or continue to follow RiverCulture.
Singer-songwriter Kimaya Diggs to perform at Emily Dickinson Museum
The Amherst Business Improvement District and the Emily Dickinson Museum are bringing live music to the Emily Dickinson Homestead. On Friday, Aug. 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., western Massachusetts singer-songwriter Kimaya Diggs will perform on the Dickinson family lawn between the historic Homestead and Evergreens properties. The concert is free and open to the public.
Diggs’ music weaves together folk, soul, jazz and R&B to explore themes of grief, resilience, love, identity and the search for meaning.
“By bringing this concert to the Emily Dickinson Homestead, we’re activating a beautiful green space and inviting residents and visitors to experience our community in exciting ways,” said Executive Director of the Amherst BID, John Page. “Whether it’s a family outing, a date night, or just hanging out with friends, it’s an easy, affordable way to enjoy the whole Amherst experience.”
Drag Bingo will benefit Peace Development Fund
The Peace Development Fund and Four Phantoms Brewing Co. invite the public to Drag Bingo on Friday, Aug. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. Located at 301 Wells St. in Greenfield, bingo will begin at 7 p.m. Hosted by Fanny Lockhart, the event will feature performances and prizes from local businesses. Proceeds will support the Peace Development Fund’s social justice organizing grants in the Valley, including funding for LGBTQ+ groups. Guests are welcome to attend even if they do not play bingo. Tickets are $20 and include 10 rounds of bingo and drag performances. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/4xk3tfO.
‘Franklin County Stories’ to be presented at Wendell Meetinghouse
The Wendell Meetinghouse will host “Franklin County Stories” on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 16 at 3 p.m., featuring personal stories collected through a Community Arts & Conversations workshop led by Story Preserves founder Nisse Greenberg. The performance will weave together local histories, music and images, highlighting experiences from across Franklin County. The 75-minute show will feature stories from community members, including Steve the Hippie, Trouble Mandeson and Danny Botkin.
Using personal stories to tell the history of Franklin County, Story Preserves works with individuals to share experiences that capture the way in which this community has shifted, along with the people who have lived in it. In this performance, they will share the stories of what it feels like to be alone on a hill in Gill, in a commune in Wendell, the last one on your family farm in Montague, or driving around in your car in Greenfield listening to 93.9 The River. As Greenberg noted, “each of these uniquely Franklin County stories speaks to the way in which lives here in the northern part of the valley are remarkably emblematic of the human experience.”
Tickets in advance of the show are available for $10 at patron.wendellmeetinghouse.org/ticketing/wmh/catalog/events. Tickets are $15 tickets at the door. The Wendell Meetinghouse is located at 1 Morse Village Road in Wendell. For more information on Story Preserves, contact Greenberg at storypreserves@proton.me. For information on the Wendell Meetinghouse and its programming, contact Court Dorsey at courtcdorsey@gmail.com or visit wendellmeetinghouse.org.
Tilton Library to host ASL story time
The Tilton Library in South Deerfield will host “Hands On! ASL Story Time” on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. The family-friendly program invites children and caregivers to explore American Sign Language through storytelling, shared reading, games and activities that encourage creativity, mindfulness and empathy. No prior ASL experience is required.