It’s Monday and we’re back with our roundup of the week’s events. Here are this week’s town government meetings, and cultural and recreational events that caught our eye.

Groundbreaking Ceremony: ARHS Track & Field – Monday

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School track and field reconstruction will take place on Monday. The event also will recognize the recent achievements of ARHS athletics teams. The reconstruction will feature several significant improvements including a new eight-lane running track, new perimeter fencing, new LED field lighting system, a reoriented north-south playing field with a natural grass surface, and a second new playing field to be built west of the track. View the complete track and field improvement plans. Read about the background of the project. Monday, 4:00 pm at the ARHS track and athletics field. MORE

Town Council – Monday

The Town Council meets on Monday to review and adopt the FY26 municipal budget and the FY26 capital improvement program and budget. The Council also will consider adopting new water and sewer rates, which are increasing in FY26, and regulations. They also will reconsider the vote taken at the June 2 meeting to appoint councilors Griesemer, Ryan, Schoen, and Hanneke to represent the Council on the Four Towns Fiscal Sustainability Task Force that’s being convened to address the Regional schools’ fiscal challenges and future budgets. Monday, 6:30-10:30 pm in Town Hall and on Zoom and Amherst Media. MORE

Amherst School Committee & Joint Meeting – Tuesday

The Amherst School Committee meets on Tuesday and will hear a presentation from Fort River fifth graders about using compostable utensils in the school cafeteria. Later, they will meet jointly with the Regional and Pelham school committees and the Superintendency Union 26 Committee and will consider entering executive session to discuss strategy related to negotiations about overall compensation limits for school principals and other non-union staff of the three school districts. Tuesday, 6:30 pm in the library at ARHS and on Amherst Media. MORE

Groundbreaking Ceremony: Jones Library Building Project – Wednesday

Join the Jones Library staff, Friends, and Trustees in celebrating the launch of this historic project, marking a significant milestone after a decade of dedicated planning. This Project includes rehabilitation of the Jones Library original building constructed in 1928, removal of the three-story rear addition built in 1993, and new construction of a three-story rear addition. Wednesday, 10:00 am at the Jones Library. MORE

Amherst & Regional School Committees – Wednesday

The Amherst and Regional school committees meet jointly on Wednesday with the Pelham school committee and the Superintendency Union 26 Committee to discuss and potentially vote on overall compensation limits for school principals and other non-union staff of the three school districts. Wednesday, 6:30 pm on Google Meet. MORE

Planning Board Public Hearing & Meeting – Wednesday

The Planning Board hosts public hearings on Wednesday for site plan reviews of the proposed accessible walkway and ramp at the Munson Memorial Library and of the proposed mixed-use housing development at Atkins Corner. At the meeting afterward, the Board will discuss and potentially vote on the Housing Production Plan that was developed over the last year and will continue discussion of a possible zoning overlay for existing apartment buildings. Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Public Listening Session: Charter Review Committee – Wednesday

The Amherst Charter Review Committee hosts the first of four public listening sessions on Wednesday to hear from the community about our town government. These sessions are a great opportunity to engage in the charter review process. Each session will be an open forum of lightly facilitated discussion for any and all Amherst residents to share thoughts and opinions about town government and how it is working. Wednesday, 7:00-8:00 pm at the Bangs Community Center. MORE

Dispatches from the American Black Film Festival – Thursday

Amherst Cinema is delighted to present a free to the public selection of short films from the American Black Film Festival on Thursday. This Juneteenth program presents the complete roster of the 2024 HBO® Short Film Award Showcase, featuring five narratives directed by Black women showcasing stories ranging from sweet family drama to inspiring historical fiction to abstract existential mystery. The event is co-curated by ABFF’s Jeff and Nicole Friday and is underwritten by a grant from the Amherst Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Thursday, 7:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. MORE

Veterans Breakfast for All – Friday

Join us to make new friends and get to know Amherst Veterans! At each breakfast, a veteran or veteran ally will tell their personal story regarding military service. Everyone is welcome to attend including veterans, partners, caregivers, and all Amherst community members. Friday, 8:00-9:00 am at Bangs Community Center. MORE

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting: Masuda’s Cafe – Friday

Masuda’s Cafe, a brand new breakfast and lunch spot, will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID). Owner Masuda Abdullah says the cafe will offer “your favourite North American classics with a delicious South Asian twist. Think fluffy pancakes with a twist, savory breakfast plates, freshly baked pastries, and specialty coffee that will keep you coming back for more!” After the ribbon cutting, enjoy complimentary treats and explore the cafe’s inviting indoor and outdoor spaces. Friday, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Masuda’s Cafe, 17 Kellogg Ave. MORE

No Man’s Land Film Festival – Saturday

No Man’s Land Film Festival, a world tour and traveling showcase of all-women, genderqueer adventure films, makes its Amherst Cinema premiere on Saturday. No Man’s Land celebrates the full scope of athletes and adventurers by un-defining femininity in adventure, sport, conservation, and film since 2015. This 2025 touring shorts program celebrates inspirational athletes in running, cycling, climbing, and more. Saturday, 1:00 pm at Amherst Cinema. MORE

Amherst Pride Parade & Celebration – Sunday

The first-ever Amherst Pride is on Sunday! Amherst Pride aims to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, promote visibility, and provide valuable resources and support. It’s a day for everyone to come together, celebrate love and identity, and strengthen the bonds of our community. This event will feature a festive parade, an empowering rally, and a community resource fair. Read about the organizers of the event and how it got started, here.

The parade begins at 12:00 pm at the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and will wind its way through downtown ending at the Amherst Town Common. Parade participants are invited to a sign making session at 11:00 AM. Supplies will be provided.

Following the parade, a celebration including a rally and resource fair will take place 1:00-3:00 pm on the Amherst Town Common. Inspiring speakers, community leaders, and performances will honor LGBTQ+ voices and experiences. Attendees will be able to connect with local organizations and businesses offering support, services, and information. Sunday, 12:00-3:00 pm in downtown and on the Common. MORE

Dr. Fred Tillis Memorial Jazz Concert – Sunday

Head to Wildwood Cemetery on Sunday for a special afternoon of music and celebration at the Wildwood Honors: Dr. Fred Tillis Memorial Jazz Concert! This event is a tribute to the legendary Dr. Fred Tillis, a renowned musician, composer, and educator, on the occasion of his 95th birthday anniversary. Enjoy performances by his former UMass students and colleagues who are now internationally known artists: Drummer – Royal Hartigan, Saxophonist – Charles Langford, Bassist – Wes Brown, and Pianist- Alexis Marcelo who will be playing a wide range of Dr. Tillis’ jazz compositions and other works in his honor. Do not miss this in-person event that promises to be an experience to remember! Tickets are by donation – pay what you can! ($25 is the suggested amount.) Sunday, 2:00-4:00 pm at Wildwood Cemetery. MORE

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Want more? We’ve gathered the event and program calendars from the many organizations and committees in Amherst onto Community Calendars. Check it out to find even more upcoming events.

Have an event you’d like us to spotlight? Email us TheAmherstCurrent@gmail.com.