At the library
The library is located at 4 Pond Road.
Story times
Registration is required for all story times. All story times will be held outdoors under the tent through Oct. 27. In case of inclement weather, outdoor story time will be canceled (all registrants will be notified in case of cancellation). Register at forms.gle/TNAtQgJxCgVMoVUR6.
- Ages 2 and under: Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. No story time on Thursday, Sept. 29.
- Story time for ages 2 and 3: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
- Stories for ages 4, 5, and up: Mondays, 1:30 p.m.
Children’s program
- World-class frisbee show, for all ages: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2 p.m. With two-time Frisbee champion Todd Brodeur. Register at forms.gle/iX5ZG WhdvxMtVqrq8.
Fivesparks exhibits, classes, activities
Fivesparks is located at 7 Fairbank Street.
New children’s music
Semester-long classes; first class free
- Children’s choir: Mondays, Sept. 26-Jan. 10, 4-5 p.m., ages 8-12.
- Music for little kids: Tuesdays, Sept. 27-Jan. 9, 4-4:45 p.m., ages 5-7.
- Private/small group music instruction on recorder and/or guitar: Mondays or Tuesdays, Sept. 26/27-Jan. 9/10. 30-45-minute sessions between 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Upcoming programs, events, classes
- Exhibit: “Marks of Distinction,” Central Mass. Pastel Society national juried art show. On view through Sept. 28. Winners have been notified; ribbons are posted. Special gallery hours Saturdays and Sundays in September, noon to 4 p.m.
- School early-release crafting with Rachel Benson: Wednesdays 1:45-3 p.m. Sept. 28, mini felted pumpkins; Oct. 19, clay tea light ghost.
- Teens a Tellin’ storytelling workshop. Grades 6-9. Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Storyfest 2022: Saturday, Oct. 1. A full day of live storytelling with six professional storytellers.
- Oct. 1-2: Harvard/Bolton open studios. Select artists on view Saturday, Oct. 1. Full exhibit on view Oct. 2-28. Public reception on Sunday, Oct. 9, 3-5 p.m.
- Exploring nature with pencil and watercolors, workshop with nature artist Barry Van Dusen. Saturday. Oct. 8, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Back by popular demand: Silk painting workshop with Johanna Tiemann. Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Watercolor techniques for nature artists, workshop with Barry Van Dusen. Saturday, Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fruitlands craft fest
The 10th annual craft festival at Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, returns Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25, after a two-year hiatus. The event will feature 48 juried New England artisans offering handmade crafts. $12 admission ($6 for members) includes entry to Fruitlands Museum galleries, historic structures, exhibits, and trails. Transportation via golf cart is available from the parking field to the festival enclosures. This event takes place rain or shine. Learn more at thetrustees.org/program/2022-fruitlands-craft-festival.
Healing Garden Walk and Ride
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden’s Walk and Ride concludes on Sept. 30. Celebrate the participants at the garden, 141 Bolton Road, Sunday, Oct. 2, 1-3 p.m. The Healing Garden offers services to improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer. For more information and to register, go to secure.qgiv.com/event/hgcscp2p.
Bolton and Harvard Open Studios
Local artists will open their studios as the Bolton and Harvard Open Studios takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2, at various locations throughout Bolton and Harvard. See story on page 1. For a list of participating artists and for more information, visit openartstudios.org.
Parlour concerts
notloB Parlour Concerts presents two upcoming shows at Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank Street.
- Friday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Geoff Bartley, folk-blues guitar player, singer-songwriter, and recording artist.
- Friday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Traditional music with 17-year-old fiddler Owen Kennedy, accompanied by Ethan Tischler Stokes and Fern Tamagini-O’Donnell.
Admission is by free-will offering, suggested cash donation adults $15-20; teens and seniors $10; children $5. 100% of patron donations go to the artist. Reserve a spot at notlobmusic.eventbrite.com.
Yoga at the orchard
Renee Laurencelle will be leading a gentle vinyasa yoga class, Friday, Oct. 7, 6-7 p.m. at Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road. The cost is $10 cash or Venmo on the day of the class. Arrive early to enjoy some cider and food offerings from the orchard; be sure to bring your own mat. Email reneelaurencelle@gmail.com for more information.
50th Annual Flea Market
The 50th Annual Harvard Flea Market will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the grounds of the Bromfield School (Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 9). Admission is $3 per person for adults and seniors; $1 per child ages 6-12; and $10 for early birds (7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.). For more information, including directions and booth availability, visit www.harvardfleamarket.com.
Apple Festival
The Congregational Church of Harvard will host its Apple Festival on the Common Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pies are apple crumb streusel or traditional, baked or frozen; slices and whole pies will be available.
OUT OF TOWN
Come to the fair
The Newton Street Folk and Arts Festival takes place in downtown Ayer Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live heritage music, dance, theater, and storytelling for children, as well as local food, artisans, and community booths.
Time for music
Oct. 1 and 2 are free class days at the Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer, Groton. Explore a wide range of classes and ensembles for all ages, and meet teachers and view the center’s new space. Learn more and register at grotonhill.org/freeclassday.
The play’s the thing
The Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green Street, Gardner, will present “The Play That Goes Wrong,” Oct. 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. The play combines Monty Python hijinks and the mystery of Sherlock Holmes with an amateur troupe of comically clumsy actors. Tickets are available online at mwcc.universitytickets.com or by phone at 978-630-9388.
Iconic exhibit
The Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union Street, Clinton, presents “Holy Helpers: Folk Icons of Peasant Russia (1861-1917),” opening Thursday, Oct. 20. The exhibit examines rarely exhibited Russian folk icons and explores the icon’s function in daily life. Visit museumofrussianicons.org to view the museum’s online collection and a virtual tour of the museum.
