Library book sale
The Friends of the Harvard Public Library will hold its annual book sale Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the library. Members of the Friends are invited to a preview Friday, May 9, 3 to 7 p.m.; new members may join at the door. On sale will be hardcover and paperback books, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles. Proceeds allow the library to fund children’s programs, musical and theatrical performances, and free museum passes, among many other services.
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
- Outdoor games spectacular and ribbon dancer craft, all ages. Thursday, May 15, 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.
- 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 advisory board, grades 7-12, Tuesday, May 13, 3 p.m. Help the library shape its teen collections and programs.
- Teen reader’s club, grades 7-12, Wednesday, May 14, 3 p.m.
- Teen treat program, grades 6-12, Tuesday, May 20, 3 p.m.
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.
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 with Mardie Luppold, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 22, between noon and 2:30 p.m.
- Chat with Mardie Luppold, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 22, noon to 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.
HES spring musical
Superstar Productions presents the musical “A Year with Frog and Toad” at the Hildreth Elementary School Friday, May 9, 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 10, noon and 4 p.m., at 27 Mass. Ave. Tickets $8 at the door.
Fanfare parents’ night out
FanFare will host “Pay Your Dues with Rock and Blues,” a fundraiser for music programs in Harvard’s schools, Friday, May 9, 7 to 10 p.m., at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church Fellowship Hall, 7 Elm St. The Blues Dogs will be playing and free pizza will be served; bring your own beverage. Tickets are $35 a person in advance at fanfareformusic.org.
‘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, Friday, May 9 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.
Electronics recycling
Harvard Boy Scouts Troop 1 will receive electronics for recycling Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Bromfield School. Most small electronics items will be accepted, including laptops, monitors, game consoles, and printers. Small appliances such as grills, fans, and space heaters will also be welcome. No fee for recycling, but cash donations to support Troop 1 are welcome.
Seeds, roots, and grounding
Old Frog Pond Farm & Studio will hold a morning for those seeking deeper connection with nature, community, and self, on Saturday, May 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the farm at 38 Eldridge Road. Explore what we want to grow—both within and around us. Reflect on how we can establish this relationship with nature, using mindful movement and connection with the land. $45 fee. First in a series; visit oldfrogpondfarm.com/upcoming-events.
District-wide art show
Art departments at the Hildreth Elementary School and the Bromfield School will host public receptions Wednesday, May 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at each school. Visit both schools and see the range of works produced by students at all levels.
High school spring concert
The Bromfield High School will hold its spring concert Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m., at the Cronin Auditorium at 14 Mass. Ave. Come for the art show, stay for the music.
‘Constellations’ at Fivesparks Theater
“Constellations,” by British playwright Nick Payne, will be performed at Fivesparks Theater, 7 Fairbank St., Thursday through Saturday, May 15-17. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets $20, reserve online at fivesparks.org>>Fivesparks Theater.
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.
Garden Club plant sale
The Garden Club of Harvard will hold its annual plant sale Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Westward Orchards, 178 Mass. Ave., rain or shine. The selections will feature potted perennials from local Harvard gardens as well as annuals, vegetables, and herbs.
‘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; it is 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.
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 of 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 the 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 very welcome.
Save the date
- 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
Community fair on Bolton Common
Backyard Bolton (Spring Edition) will be held Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the Bolton Town Common, Route 117 at Wattaquadock Hill Road. There will be dozens of artisans, food producers, and community organizations, along with live music, a food truck, a visit by SPOT the robot dog, a touch-a-truck experience, and face painting. Park at Trinity Church off Wattaquadock Hill Road.
Wachusett Dam open
The Department of Conservation and Recreation will open the top of the Wachusett Dam to the public Saturday, May 10, 2 to 5 p.m., at 265-283 Boylston St., Clinton. No dogs or large backpacks allowed. For more information call the ranger station at 978-365-3800.
Party like it’s 1945
The Fort Devens Museum will hold a WW II victory dance Saturday, May 10, 6 to 10 p.m., at the American Legion War Memorial Building, 8 Church St., Shirley. Celebrate the 80th anniversary of V-E Day with a USO-style dance, with live music, food, dancing, and more. Period dress is encouraged. Tickets $40 per person or $75 per couple, at fortdevensmuseum.org/events. Proceeds support the Fort Devens Museum.
The world of fireflies
Learn about the wondrous world of fireflies Wednesday, May 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive, Boylston. Biologist and author Sara Lewis will explore the science behind their bright lights and illuminate their remarkable lifestyles. Human activities have put fireflies at risk, but there are ways to help protect these dazzling creatures. Free and open to all.
The presentation will be delivered in-person at Tower Hill and will also be online. For more information and for the online link visit grownativemass.org.
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