UPCOMING EVENTS
Neighborhood Police-Community Meeting
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.
Theatre Seat for Free with Metro Center
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
Zine Workshop
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.
Police and Community Meeting
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.
Award-Winning Solo Play
“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.
SSO: Let's Groove Tonight concert
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
Take Me to the River
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.
Metro Center Association Meeting: Our new School Committee member Manny Gomez
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.
Festival of Trees
Enjoy amazing holiday trees at the Springfield Boys & Girls Club's Annual Festival of Trees in MassMutual Center's Exhibition Hall. Trees are donated and decorated by businesses, civic and social organizations, schools, hospitals, families and individuals to support the Clubs’ programs.
HOURS:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 10am - 5pm CLOSED: Monday thru Wednesday
TICKETS: Less than $10
Children 12 & Under: FREE
Active Military, Veterans, First Responders & their Families: FREE
The Lighting of the Quadrangle
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.
The Ginch's Grotto
Explore a winter wonderland and get into the Grinchmas spirit at the Springfield Museums! Step inside the Grinch’s home on Mount Crumpit and strike a pose for holiday photos. Visit a new, large-scale Who-ville, write a letter to the Grinch, and drop it in the Who-ville Post. Celebrate Grinchmas by playing games of the season. Grow your heart three sizes with the joy of this immersive experience.
Yo Yo Ma: The People's Simulcast
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/
Judy Collins!
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
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.
Downtown Springfield Harvest Festival
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.
Art for the Soul: Artists Talk!
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.
Avery Sharpe: I Am My Neighbors Keeper
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.
The Power of She
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.
City Council At-Large Candidate Forum
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.
Puerto Rican Parade
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.
Community Activist Fair
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.
Revolutionary Springfield 250
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
Mattoon Street Arts Festival - Day 2
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.
Mattoon Street Arts Festival - Day 1
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.
Latino Arts Festival
The 3rd annual Latino Arts Festival, a celebration of the myriad arts and rich cultures of the Puerto Rican, Cuban, Afro-Cuban, Portuguese, Mexican, Dominican, and Central and South American populations of Greater Springfield. Presented by the Springfield Museum’s in partnership with the Mi Museo Committee.
This year’s festival will serve as a celebration of an exhibition of works from Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico. Tour two special exhibitions. Enjoy music by The Goza Latin Band, DJ Cowboy, and Bomba de Aqui; complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and hands-on activities.
Free and open to the public!
Rest & Heal Final Session
Four serene wellness gatherings will blend therapeutic sound healing, gentle body awareness practices and spiritual connection to guide participants back to their center. Through crystal bowl sound vibrations, mindful movement and breathing, stagnant energy will be eliminated and you will reconnect with your inner self.
Dates: July 6, July 20, Aug. 17, and Aug. 30
Sessions are fee
3rd Annual Seafood Celebration
Another White Lion Wednesday event - The 3rd annual Seafood Celebration in Tower Square Park. Chef Andrew Brow and team present the freshest culinary delights. The deliciousness goes quick, come soon have this culinary delight
Rest & Heal No. 3
Four serene wellness gatherings will blend therapeutic sound healing, gentle body awareness practices and spiritual connection to guide participants back to their center. Through crystal bowl sound vibrations, mindful movement and breathing, stagnant energy will be eliminated and you will reconnect with your inner self.
Dates: July 6, July 20, Aug. 17, and Aug. 30
Sessions are fee
Parking Lot Party With Backpacks!
Generours community-building South Congregational Church is throwing a party for kids and their grown up companions. The focus feature of the event is South’s annual back pack giveaway. The two hours of fun in the expansive parking lot behind the churtch offers food, music, game and more fun.
South Church is at 45 Maple Street, a block from the corner of State and Chestnut Streets.
Art on Market Street Decoupage
Aug. 16: Doing decoupage fun with artists Darlene Savage and Korey Simmons
The Art on Market Street family-friendly free, drop‑in kids art program held every Saturday this summer in downtown Springfield sponsored by the Springfield Business Improvement District in collaboration with Springfield Cultural Partnership. No supplies are needed. The young artists show up with curiosity, and the organizers provide everything from paint to pastels.
Art on Market Street “Art Splosian!”
Aug. 9: Mark’s Art Splosian! with artist Mark Austin REGISTER HERE
The Art on Market Street family-friendly free, drop‑in kids art program held every Saturday this summer in downtown Springfield sponsored by the Springfield Business Improvement District in collaboration with Springfield Cultural Partnership. No supplies are needed. The young artists show up with curiosity, and the organizers provide everything from paint to pastels.
Farmer's Market, Weekly
The Downtown Springfield Farmers Market brings fresh, locally-sourced goods to the heart of the Metro Center neighborhood.
The family-friendly market features a rotating mix of local farmers, artisans, and food vendors offering seasonal produce and handmade products. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome too!
Arrive early for freebies!
Eversource Open House Listening Session
Eversource is holding a public listening session as part of its effort to get the state permits needed to build and install a new gas pipeline from Longmeadow to the Bliss Street Regulator Station in downtown Springfield. What will this pipeline mean for your rates and a safe environment in Springfield? The session will consist of a short presentation by Eversource, followed by Q & A. Eversource will be providing parking, food and child care, as well as language interpretation in Spanish and Russian.
National Night Out
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes Police-Community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhood safer and Springfield residents closer. Food, music and vendors with resources will be there to greet Metro Center residents
The location in the parking lot of City View Commons, organized by First Resource Development, is for us. It is one of nine citywide on Aug. 5 .
Coffee Talk for Community
Come grab your coffee and join the Springfield Community Connections Coalition for weekly community conversations centered on building stronger connections and sharing resources: Weekly speakers share around housing, mental health, family advocacy, employment opportunities, food security, health & wellness, education and youth services.