Current & Virtual Events: May 16, 2025

At the library

The Harvard Public Library is at 4 Pond Road. For the full calendar of events and to register for events, visit harvardpubliclibrary.org/services/events.

Children’s programs

• Paws and read, grades K-6, Wednesday, May 21. Read to therapy dogs. Appointments at 3:45, 4:05, and 4:25 p.m.

Teen programs

• Teen treat program, grades 6-12, Tuesday, May 20, 3 p.m.
• Teen maker program, grades 6-12, Thursday, May 29, 3 p.m. Crafts projects.

Adult programs

• Harvard Calling music festival, all ages. Saturday, May 17, noon to 4 p.m.
• Monday afternoon at the movies, Monday, May 19, 1 p.m. Rated PG.
• Cookbook club, Tuesday, May 20, 6:30 p.m. Browse a cookbook featuring the cuisine of a specific region or culture and bring a dish for potluck.
• Children’s literature book discussion group for grownups, Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m. Book is “The Mona Lisa Vanishes” by Nicholas Day.
• “WWII: Letters from a Young Soldier,” Thursday, May. 29, 6 p.m. Genealogist Seema-Jayne Kenney uses family letters to tell stories of life during wartime.

At Fivesparks

Fivesparks is at 7 Fairbank Street. Visit fivesparks.org for the complete schedule, hours, and more information.

• Exhibit: Mardie Luppold, “Archetypes: Making the Invisible Visible,” through May 24. Portrait sessions or a chat with Mardie Luppold, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 22, between noon and 2:30 p.m.
• School half day felting for grades 5-7: spring otter. Friday, May 16, 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.
• Evening felting for adults: otter. Friday, May 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Creating luminous portraits on toned paper, Friday, May 23 and Friday, May 30, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Off-Brand Comedy Improv Troupe, Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.

Celebration open house

Bromfield Celebration, Harvard’s post-prom event for juniors and seniors, will hold its annual public open house Friday, May 16, at Hildreth Elementary School, 27 Mass. Ave., from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to view the event’s decorations before the students arrive. Volunteers and various items are still needed; sign up at bromfieldcelebration.com.

‘Constellations’ at Fivesparks Theater

“Constellations,” by British playwright Nick Payne, will be performed at Fivesparks Theater, 7 Fairbank St., through Saturday, May 17. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets $20, reserve online at fivesparks.org>>Fivesparks Theater.

‘Unity Days Powwow’

The United Native American Cultural Center will present its annual “Unity Days Powwow” Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, noon to 5 p.m. each day, at the cultural center, 29 Antietam Street, Devens. Vendors open at 10 a.m. The event will include drumming, dancing, flute players, and a food tent. Open to all; no admission fee, but donations are appreciated. For more information visit unacc.org/events.

Celebrate Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day will be observed Saturday, May 17, 4 to 10 p.m., on Rogers Field, Devens. Rain date Sunday, May 18. Salute our troops and honor the men and women of the U.S. military. Enjoy food, drinks, vendors, and more.

Vernal pool exploration

The Harvard Conservation Trust will host an exploration of vernal pools at Barba’s Point with biologist Bob Douglas Sunday, May 18, 1 p.m. The event is appropriate for most school-age children and curious preschoolers. Wear waterproof footwear or good walking shoes, and apply bug spray. Nets will be provided, and families are welcome to bring their own. Register in advance at harvardconservationtrust.org/vernal-pool-exploration-2025.

Afternoon storytelling

Fugitive Productions will host storytelling Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m., at Old Frog Pond Farm & Studio at 38 Eldridge Road. Featured tellers include Moth and Massmouth Story Slam winners and champions, theater professionals, and authors. May’s theme is “wonder.” Tickets $20 at the door, $15 in advance. Visit fugitiveproductions.com/calendar/fugitive-stories-ofpf-may2025. In the event of rain, the event will move to a local indoor location. Details will be at oldfrogpondfarm.com at noon.

Mark Schatz to perform

Bass player Mark Schatz will perform in a house concert Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m., at a private residence in Harvard. A two-time winner of the IBMA Bass Player of the Year award, Schatz will pull out all the stops on banjo, bass, and guitar, presenting songs, stories, and tunes in this solo performance. Space is limited; email notlobreservations@gmail.com for reservations.

Friends of COA to meet

The Friends of the Harvard Council on Aging will meet Thursday, May 22, 4 p.m., at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road. FHCOA fundraising and volunteering activities help the COA provide programs and other experiences. Come and see what we are all about, all ages welcome.

‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’ at Cannon Theatre

The Cannon Theatre will present “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” weekends through Sunday, May 25, at 28 Andrews Parkway, Devens. Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. curtain; Sunday 2 p.m. curtain. In this Tony Award winning comic romp, Monty Navarro discovers that he is ninth in line to the Earldom of Highhurst, but feels that he might be able to move up the line with a little well-placed homicide. Tickets and information at thecannontheatre.org.

Memorial Day events

Harvard’s Memorial Day commemorations will be held Monday, May 26. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the police and fire departments, and all veterans who wish to walk in the parade are welcome. The Immaculate Heart of Mary marching band will participate.

Schedule

• 9:40 a.m. Assembly of parade participants at Town Hall.
• 9:45 a.m. Parade units line up at Town Hall.
• 10 a.m. Parade marches to Civil War memorial; reading of General Order #11, May 5, 1868; placement of wreath at Civil War memorial; taps played.
• 10:10 a.m. Parade marches to Center Cemetery; geraniums placed at each veteran’s gravesite by children; wreath placed at Founders’ Flagpole; taps played.
• 10:25 a.m. Parade marches to town center memorials; wreaths placed at combined World War II, Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf war memorial; taps played.
• 10:30 a.m. Parade marches to town center flagpole; wreath placed at World War I memorial, and taps played; national anthem with concurrent raising of U.S. flag; keynote address; tolling of the bell with reading of veterans who have died since last Memorial Day.
• 11 a.m. Parade units released at Town Hall.
• 11:20 a.m. Parade reassembles at the former Still River post office; wreath placed at Cpl. Skillings memorial; taps played.
• 11:45 a.m. Parade reassembles at Bellevue Cemetery; parade marches using inside loop; wreath placed at Bellevue Cemetery flagpole and taps played; children place geraniums at each veteran’s gravesite.
• Time to be decided. Wreaths placed at Stewart grave, Poor Farm Road, and at Shaker Cemetery.

Pancake breakfast

The Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church will host its Memorial Day pancake breakfast Monday, May 26, from 8 to 10 a.m., at the church’s Fellowship Building, 7 Elm Street. The event is free, though there will be options to donate to Clear Path for Veterans. Pancakes, fruit, sausage, and coffee will be served, with gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Save the date

• Saturday, May 31, Harvard Historical Society living history tour at Center Cemetery
• Saturday, May 31, Harvard Schools Trust fundraiser at Billiards Cafe
• Sunday, June 8, Harvard Lions Bare Hill triathlon, duathlon, and aquabike
• Tuesday, June 24, library ice cream social.

OUT OF TOWN

Meet the Stormgears FRC 5422 robotics team

The Discovery Museum will welcome the Stormgears FRC 5422 robotics team to the museum Saturday, May 17, 2 to 4 p.m., at 177 Main St. (Route 27), Acton. Learn about the team’s involvement in robotics challenges, meet last season’s robot, and try hands-on activities like mechanics and coding that demonstrate the basics behind robotics. Free with museum admission. Visit discoveryacton.org/visit/events-programs.

Nashoba Valley Pride Festival

Nashoba Valley Pride will hold their annual festival Sunday, May 18, 1 to 5 p.m., on the Bolton Town Common, Rt. 117 at Wattaquadock Hill Road. All are welcome, whether you’re LGBTQ+, an ally, or just curious. Enjoy live performances, local LGBTQ+ vendors, art and community tables, and speakers and proclamation reading. More information on Instagram and Facebook @nashobavalleypride.

Evening paddle on the Squannacook River

Enjoy an evening paddle on the Squannacook River in West Groton Wednesday, May 28, or Wednesday, June 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nashua River Watershed Association educator and naturalist Gaynor Bigelbach will show how bird and animal activity changes from late afternoon to dusk. For ages 16 and older. Free.

To register, email gaynorb@nashuariverwatershed.org with contact information, group size, and choice of date. Canoes, paddles, and flotation devices will be provided; personal equipment may not be used.