The Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents a varied program that begins on an antique note with Respighi’s irresistible first set of Ancient Airs and Dances. Violinist Charles Yang makes his Springfield debut in Kris Bowers’ iconoclastic concerto For a Younger Self, commissioned by Yang himself. The concert will close with Johannes Brahms’ bucolic Symphony No.2, brimming with joy and radiance.

Courtney Lewis, Conductor
Charles Yang, Violin

John Violinist brings the violin into a vividly modern frame, where classical technique meets cinematic atmosphere and intimate storytelling. His performances unfold less like a recital and more like a living soundscape, blending original compositions with reimagined traditions. Each piece is shaped with care and restraint, inviting listeners into a world that feels personal, expansive, and quietly transporting.

At the HOPE Center for the Arts, John’s work takes on an added dimension. Subtle use of multimedia and spatial sound deepens the experience without overpowering it, allowing the music to breathe while surrounding the audience with texture and light.

Get tickets here

FREE TICKET to JOIN with HOMELESS GUESTS

"Come From Away" is a Broadway musical that tells the remarkable true story of what happened to travelers whose airplane trip was diverted to a tiny town in Canada upon the September 11 terrorist attacks in America for safety. The arrival of the standed passengers doubled the population of the tiny town overnight. 

The musical highlights the generosity and warmth of the real-life townspeople who welcomed 7,000 strangers, who came from away into their homes and hearts. Its themes of kindness and community remind us of the power of compassion in the face of adversity and the shared humanity that unites us all in times of crisis.

Metro Center Association invites our neighbor residents to us and Friends of the Homeless guests to enjoy theatre and shared humanity together. Call Linda at 413-206-9782 to sign up.

Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard, an award winning solo play written and performed by Springfield native Ken Harris, is a story of self discovery about an underappreciated retail guard who is called into work on his day off and reassigned as a loss prevention detective. If he fails to protect the store's inventory, he faces termination by a ruthless manager. Harris portrays 10 different characters in this 65 minute show.

No admission fee

!Game On! Hosted by Metro Center Association

Super Civic Engagement

Neighbors! Let’s come together with our Springfield City Councilors on a level playing field. No politics, no podiums, lots of personality as we play games, chat, and share snacks. When picking up pick-up sticks, grabbing jacks, and having other fun together, formal authority comes down and relationships build up. So, come get to know personally the people behind Springfield’s policies – and let them know you.

RSVP here

Event happens at The Intersection, the new civic engagement space at Tower Square, 1500 Main St. The comfy space is on the first floor of the mall across from BigY and Dunkin.

Get ready for some Springfield Shenanigans : The Mummers are marching their way through Downtown Springfield - bringing music, mayhem, and a whole lot of Irish spirit from bar to bar.

This is a pub crawl, so timing is more of a suggestion than a rule. Expect 30–45 minutes of music, dancing, and good vibes at each stop. Join for one stop… or commit to the chaos and follow along all night.
6PM — Student Prince
7PM — UNO at the Basketball Hall of Fame
8PM — Theodore’s BBQ
9PM — Max’s Swing Lounge
10PM — MGM Springfield

Paddy Gear: You can grab Springfield-themed St. Paddy’s gear at the Springfield Visitors Center before the parade begins.

Visitors Center Hours:
Monday–Friday | 10AM–4PM

“Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard” is a powerful, funny, and deeply human one-hour solo play that shines a light on aging, dignity, and the quiet pressures of low-wage work. Come to the “Intersection” gathering space to enjoy it for free.

Watch a clip: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MeQScufT_AY

The play is written and performed by Ken Harris, directed by Michael Buster McMahon of Feeding Hills, and roduced by Angela Grout out of West Springfield.

Springfield Police Department has bi-weekly C3 meetings with its officers together with neighborood residents, the Springield District Attorney’s Office, the Hampen County Sheriff’s Office, sand ocial service providers to work on sharing information, stabilitizing neighborhoods, and reducing illegal activity.

Join artist Giovanni "Gio" Cavallini for a fun, hands-on workshop that introduces participants to the world of zines — small, self-made booklets used to share stories, ideas, art, and personal experiences. No prior experience is needed.

Anyone can make a zine using simple folding, drawing, writing, and collage techniques. In a short, guided session, participants will create their own mini-zine, learn how they can be printed, shared, and distributed as a way to connect voices. Come create, connect, & leave with a finished mini-zine ready to share with the community.

Grab a friend or come as you are, for a fun night of DIY & community building.

Metro Center Association invites neighbors to join a lively theatre outing with Friends of the Homeless guests on February 4v to see “Hound of the Baskervilles at the Majestic Theatre for free. This fast-paced, hilarious version of a classic Arthur Conan Doyle tale.

This outing is part of MCA’s “Welcome Home” program, which connects unhoused and housed residents of our neighborhood with arts and culture activities. The arts build community. This outing will begin at 6 p.m. in the Majestic’s comfy cafe. The show begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are first-come, first-served. Request a free ticket here

Motown & Philly Sound!

Magic melodies come to life as the pop, soul and R&B sounds of Motown and the famous hits from the Philly Sound face off in this exciting concert experience. Led by three extraordinary vocalists, the evening will be full of classic hit songs made famous by The Spinners, The Stylistics, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff and Percy Sledge. Philly Sound hit songs including Ain’t No Stopping Us Now, You’ll Never Find A Love Like Mine, Rock The Boat and Love Train share the stage with Motown smash hits including What’s Going On, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, and I’m Coming Out.

Conductor: William Waldrop
Guest Artists: Cherise Coaches, Brik Liam, Jeremy Keith

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A New Orleans All-Star benefit for the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival

Blues to Green brings the heartbeat of New Orleans to Springfield with a rare all-star ensemble that captures the spirit, soul, and cross-generational power of New Orleans music. Inspired by the award-winning documentary and album “Take Me to the River,” this live concert unites some of the city’s most celebrated musicians—including Cyril Neville, Omari Neville, Ian Neville, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr., Jelly Joseph, Robert Mercurio, Joe Ashlar, and Brian Richburg Jr.. Together, they create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends funk, R&B, brass-band fire, soul, and Mardi Gras Indian tradition into a single electrifying night.

BUY TICKETS

Join the Metro Center Association meeting to hear from and speak with Gumersindo “Manny” Gomez, the newly elected School Committee member who represents the Metro Center neighhborhood. If you have children in the Springfield Public Schools, this get-together is an opportunity to hear what’s up in the SPS, ask your question, and share your opinions. The Metro Center School Committee District includes Wards 1 (our ward) & 3.

The spectacular architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds of the Springfield Museums will sparkle against a dazzling outdoor lighting display. This festive holiday celebration features appearances by the Grinch and Santa Claus, music, refreshments, and more. Free and open to the public.

Yo-Yo Ma will be performing Bach’s complete suites for solo cello for the first time in one evening at his home in Boston. Enjoy a live simulcast of the event as it happens, from the immersive stage at the HOPE Center for the Arts. Hear every note and get an up-close view of Ma’s artistry. This is music that he has offered to communities on all six continents, in moments of joy and in times of tragedy. For him it exemplifies how culture helps us to seek truth, build trust, and act in service.

Get tickets: https://hopecenterforthearts.org/events/yo-yo-ma/

Few voices have left as profound a mark on American music as Judy Collins. For more than six decades, the Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter has captivated audiences. Collins continues to inspire generations with music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Collins’ career has been defined not only by her artistry but also by her unwavering social consciousness. Her concerts remain a moving journey through memory and meaning, woven together with stories from a remarkable life.

At Metro Center’s new HOPE center, music lovers can be transported by Collins. Don’t miss this unforgettable night with Judy Collins—an artist whose voice, now as then, continues to shimmer with grace and truth.

Trunk or Treat events originated in the 1990s as a safer and more hospitable alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, especially in neighborhoods like Metro Center where traditional door-knocking is challenging since single family homes are few in number. Trunk or Treat events offer popular community-oriented Halloween fun.

Metro Center church downtown neighbors South Congregational Church and Christ Church Cathedral are partnering this year to host a Trunk or Treat event and expand our shared neighborhood joy. Voluteers will park in South Church’s parking lot, decorate their open car trunks, and hand out candy and non-candy treats to trick or treating youth. All are invited.

Free fall fun for all ages: Paint your own pumpkins (while supplies last), facepainting, arts & crafts, games, local vendors and more. Come and enjoy!

At the Landing, downtown Springfield’s new public gathering space next to Mass Mutual Center, beside the Car Park.

Join an engaging conversation with artists Louise Laplante and Aura Pan as they share insights into their creative practices and discuss the ideas and inspirations behind their work. This program offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their processes, challenges, and the themes that shape their art.

Free Avery Sharpe Concert on New England Tour. You Are Invited!

South Congregational Church at 45 Maple Street in downtown Springfield is hosting a free concert with renowned composer and jazz bassist Avery Sharpe featuring his new composition, “I Am My Neighbors Keeper”.

Sharpe is known world-wide for his compositions that blend musical genres and a wide range of top-tier performers in unique and crowd-pleasing creations. The upcoming performance blends a jazz quartet with a traditional, classical string quartet.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for light receptions.

This landmark exhibition, The Power of She, centers on the theme of Reclaiming Space—spotlighting women and women/femme-identifying artists who challenge boundaries, claim visibility, and shape narratives through their creative work. The show is a vibrant celebration of the strength, resilience, and transformative vision of women in the arts.

Featuring works across a wide range of mediums, the exhibition highlights stories of identity, empowerment, and legacy. It also marks a special moment in the life of the gallery: a heartfelt tribute to our Founding Director, Rosemary Tracy Woods, who concludes 21 years of groundbreaking leadership and vision, and begins the next chapter of her journey.

VOTING IS A SUPERPOWER: Springfield City Council Election, Nov. 4

METRO CENTER ASSOCIAION and three other neighborhood councils unite to host a City Council Candidate Forum focusing on questions relevant to life in Springfield’s more urban and historic neighborhoods. Come learn what the eight candidates for the 5 at-large seats on Springfield’s City Council bring to the table.

Please join Metro Center Association, Maple-High/Six Corners, McKnight Neighborhood Council, and South End Citizens Council on September 24. Light refreshments will be served.

The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade's mission is to uplift and empower the community  by celebrating Puerto Rican culture, challenging stereotypes, preserving heritage,  providing a sanctuary for cultural expression, representing the island, and leaving a  lasting legacy. 

Parade begins in the North End and marches to the center of downtown.

Learn More

Rise Up Western Mass Indivisible offers a day of education, community-building, and fun. Enjoy a variety of activities while learning about critical issues in our community. Connect with like-minded folks and find where your passion and skills can create meaningful impact! Learn why protesting matters, take simple actions, and connect with area groups who are already organizing in this area.

SO MANY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS for LOVERS OF HISTORY!

Hands on Woodworking with Trades Up

Colonial Blacksmithing and Cooking

Firearms & Artillery Demonstration

Continental Arsenal in Springfield Exhibit

Henry Knox’s Artillery Regiment

Armory National Guard 101 Field Artillery

Battalion: Howitzer and Blackhawk Helicopter

For Kids: Spy Challenge and Move the Troops

Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Company

Come celebrate the 52nd Annual Mattoon Street Arts Festival, The longest running arts festival in the Pioneer Valley is held in Springfield’s first historic district on Mattoon Street, is lined with restored Victorian row houses. The Festival

Features more than 90 arts and crafts exhibitors, food vendors, and strolling musicians - something for everyone! You can attend for great shopping, seeing new craft ideas, or just walking on a beautiful Victorian street! No admission fee.

HOURS: Sunday, Sept. 7: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

PARKING:
Mattoon Street is located off Chestnut Street, near the Springfield Museums. FREE festival parking can be found in the TD BANK Lot on Dwight Street and Harrison Avenue. On-street parking is free on the weekends.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram to check out new information and spotlight vendors. Click the icons below.

Come celebrate the 52nd Annual Mattoon Street Arts Festival, The longest running arts festival in the Pioneer Valley is held in Springfield’s first historic district on Mattoon Street, is lined with restored Victorian row houses. The Festival

Features more than 90 arts and crafts exhibitors, food vendors, and strolling musicians - something for everyone! You can attend for great shopping, seeing new craft ideas, or just walking on a beautiful Victorian street! No admission fee.

HOURS:
Sat., Sept. 6: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 7: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

PARKING:
Mattoon Street is located off Chestnut Street, near the Springfield Museums. FREE festival parking can be found in the TD BANK Lot on Dwight Street and Harrison Avenue. On-street parking is free on the weekends.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram to check out new information and spotlight vendors. Click the icons below.