Peach festival
Celebrate peach season at Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come for peach-picking, wagon rides in the orchard, live music, local artisans, the Harvard Lions Club cookout, and more. Don’t miss the special peach festival cider.
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.
Teen craft, grades 7-12, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2 p.m. Create a Zen garden.
Teen reader’s group, grades 7-12, Thursday, Aug. 21, 3 p.m.
Cookbook Club, Saturday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Browse a cookbook featuring the cuisine of a specific region or culture and bring a dish for potluck.
Monday afternoon at the movies, Monday, Aug. 25, 1 p.m. Rated PG-13.
At Fivesparks
Fivesparks is at 7 Fairbank Street. Visit fivesparks.org for the complete schedule, hours, and more information.
- Story time and movement for littles, Saturdays, Aug. 16 and Aug. 23, 10 to 10:45 a.m.
- Summer felting mini-series for children entering grades 5-8, Tuesday, Aug. 19, and Wednesday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register for two full days or two half-days.
- Evening felting for adults and teens, Tuesday, Aug. 19, and Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Upcoming exhibit, “Marks of Distinction,” juried show by the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society. Opens Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Apart from scheduled programs, Five-sparks will be closed until Aug. 26.
‘Sip Sassparilly Saloon’
The Cannon Theater presents the final night of “Sip Sassparilly Saloon” Friday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., at 28 Andrews Parkway, Devens. Produced by the kids and teen summer program, this is a show within a show, set in the town saloon, with lots of western costumes, dances, and music. Tickets $20, available at thecannontheatre.org.
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Mark Nichipor, local historian and former National Park Service ranger, will present a program on the historic Revolutionary War battle at Bunker Hill Saturday, Aug. 16, 1 p.m., at the Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens. Leave behind folklore and myth, and hear how British and American leaders made the decisions they did based on sound reasoning and information they had at the time. Free and open to the public, wheelchair accessible.
Devens Dog Festival
Clear Path for Veterans New England will hold a dog and music festival Saturday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Verbeck Field complex, 29 Antietam Street, Devens. Enjoy dog demonstrations, local vendors of pet products and crafts, and live music and food trucks. Free, benefits Clear Path’s service dog program. Leashed, vaccinated dogs are welcome. For more information, go to clearpathne.org/devens-dog-festival-2025.
Open house at Historical Society
The Harvard Historical Society will hold an open house Sunday, Aug. 17, 2 to 4 p.m., at the meetinghouse, 215 Still River Road. Visitors are invited to explore the 1832 building and the collections on exhibit—from Shaker items to paintings, signs, household items, and children’s toys—all of which reflect Harvard’s past. Note cards, books, and prints will be available for purchase. Come discover more about the town and the people, events, and organizations that shaped its history.
Storytelling at Old Frog Pond
Fugitive Productions will host storytelling Sunday, Aug. 17, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Old Frog Pond Farm & Studio, 38 Eldridge Road. In addition to several local, handpicked storytellers, four regional, award-winning storytellers will share their true-life stories. The theme for August is “epiphany.” Tickets and information at fugitiveproductions.com/calendar.
Yoga on Rogers Field
IridESSENCE Community Health Collaborative will lead free outdoor yoga Wednesdays through Aug. 27, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., on Rogers Field, Devens. Bring a yoga mat, water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Parking is available at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center, 100 Sherman Ave. For information and registration visit dragonflywellnesscenter.net/workshops.
James Montgomery Band at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum will host the next in its summer concert series with the James Montgomery Band Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m., at 102 Prospect Hill Road. For information and tickets visit thetrustees.org/fruitlandsconcerts. Doors open at 6 p.m. Rain date Aug. 27. Upcoming: Duppy Conquerors, Thursday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.
Welcome kindergartners
Parents with kindergartners starting at Hildreth Elementary School this fall are invited to the HES playground Monday, Aug. 25, 4 p.m., for popsicles and playground time and to meet other kindergartners, their families, and the HES principals. This free event is open to all incoming HES kindergartners and their families and is sponsored by the Harvard Family Association and Harvard Schools PTO.
Save the date
- Saturday, Sept. 13, Lions Club Fall Festival
- Sunday, Sept. 14, PTO pickleball tournament.
OUT OF TOWN
Going mental: A one-man mind show
Psychological illusionist Dan Candell will present a performance of mentalism, subconscious communication, and covert hypnosis Friday, Aug. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at 19 Carter St., Berlin. In this interactive, cutting-edge experience, Candell blurs the line between intuition, influence, and the unexplained, and creates the illusion of psychic phenomena. $25 per person, recommended for ages 18 and older. For tickets and information visit 19carter.org.
Antique truck show
The 23rd annual Baystate Antique Truck Show returns Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23 and 24, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Bolton Fairgrounds, 318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster. Immerse yourself in celebrating craftsmanship and innovation, and see a stunning collection of classic rigs. Whether you’re a passionate truck enthusiast or just looking for a weekend of fun, this family- friendly event will have it all. $5 per day at the gate, 12 and under free.
Cow parade
Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, will host a cow parade exhibit through Sunday, Sept. 28. Come see more than two dozen life-size cow sculptures creatively decorated by New England artists as they “graze” amongst our 1830s homes, gardens, and meadows. Visit explore.osv.org/cowparade for the full schedule and to purchase tickets.
Groton Hill hosts TEDxNewEngland
TEDxNewEngland will host its fall conference Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer Rd., Groton. Nine speakers will explore how internal beliefs and external systems shape human behavior, and how curiosity, wonder, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge can inspire positive societal change. For more information and tickets visit tedxnewengland.com.
