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.

Special Town Council Meeting: Work Session — Monday 

The council will receive a consultant presentation on the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study and hold a public comment period. Monday, 6:30 PM, in person at Town Hall, Town Room, 4 Boltwood Ave., and via Zoom. MORE

Cherry Hill Working Group — Monday 

The group will receive an update from the Recreation Director, review a voted motion from its June 2 meeting, discuss winter operations at Cherry Hill, potential community partners, Friends Group follow-up, and the working group’s final report. Monday, 7:00–9:00 PM, via Zoom. MORE

State Primary Election — Tuesday 

Tuesday is state primary election day. You don’t need to enroll in a party to vote in a primary in Massachusetts. All registered voters can participate. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Residents can find their polling location HERE.

Rainbow Coffee Hour — Tuesday 

The Amherst Senior Center hosts a Rainbow Coffee Hour for LGBTQ+ older adults and friends. Tuesday, 9:30–11:00 AM, Amherst Senior Center, Bangs Community Center. MORE

Amherst Housing Authority — Tuesday 

The board will vote on the FY2027 operating budget and Executive Director salary, review financial, property management, and leased management reports, vote on bid awards for the Parking Lot Paving Project and the AW Zone Valve Replacement, elect a housing representative to the 2026–2027 Community Preservation Act Advisory Committee, and vote on a collective bargaining agreement. Tuesday, 4:30–6:00 PM, in person at the Jean Elder Community Room, 9 Chestnut Street. MORE

School Committees Joint Meeting — Tuesday 

The Pelham School Committee will introduce the interim Pelham principal, receive a Q4 budget update, review the 2026 retreat, adopt protocols and norms, review its annual agenda, make subcommittee assignments, make an Open Meeting Law determination, and receive a Pelham Program Review and update from the Pelham Futures Committee; the joint meeting will then take a first read and possible emergency vote on Policy ACL governing interactions with law enforcement officers engaged in civil law enforcement under the Protect Act, before going into executive session. Tuesday, 5:30–7:30 PM, in person at Pelham Elementary School, 45 Amherst Road, Pelham, and via Zoom. MORE

Amherst Community Homes Ribbon Cutting Celebration — Wednesday 

Valley Community Development invites the community to celebrate the opening of 30 new homes at Amherst Community Homes with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 195 Montague Road. Parking is available on-site from both Montague Road and Pulpit Hill Road, and snacks will be provided. The celebration takes place rain or shine. Wednesday, 1:00–3:30 PM, 195 Montague Road. RSVP.

Board of Health — Wednesday 

The board will follow up on a review of existing tobacco regulations, discuss a state emergency order regarding kratom, and receive a director’s update on Puffers Pond, International Overdose Awareness Day, the fall vaccine clinic, and other matters. Wednesday, 5:00–7:00 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Community Heart and Soul Community Conversation — Wednesday 

The Town of Amherst Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invites residents to a community conversation as part of its Community Heart and Soul initiative, a resident-driven process that brings people together to share what they love most about Amherst, envision the future they want, and help shape a collective vision that informs future planning and community development. This conversation precedes the official launch of the initiative in October, and all individuals, organizations, and businesses are welcome. Registration is required but can be completed any time, including the day of the event. Wednesday, 5:30–8:00 PM, Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. Register here.

Planning Board — Wednesday 

The board will discuss potential zoning amendments to allow housing in the Professional and Research Park district and receive liaison reports from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Community Preservation Act Committee, and Design Review Board. Wednesday, 6:30–9:00 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Public Art Commission — Thursday 

The commission will select artists for the Electrify Amherst 2026 program. Thursday, 5:00–7:00 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Veterans Breakfast for All — Friday 

The Town of Amherst hosts its monthly Veterans Breakfast for All, at which a veteran or veteran ally shares their story about military service or a related topic. All community members are welcome. Friday, 8:00–9:00 AM, Large Activity Room, Bangs Community Center. MORE

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: ARHS Track & Field Renovation — Friday 

The community is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the high school track & field renovation. Friday, 4:00–5:00 PM, Amherst-Pelham Regional High School. MORE

Big D & The Kids Table w/ Matamoska – Saturday

Boston ska-punk veterans Big D and the Kids Table come to The Drake on Saturday in support of their first new LP in five years, The Good Ole American Saturday Night, produced by Joe Gittleman of the Mighty Mighty BossTones and Matt Appleton of Reel Big Fish and Goldfinger. The band, formed in Boston in 1995, is known for high-energy live shows blending punk, ska, and reggae. East LA ska-punk Matamoska opens. Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM. MORE

Applications Open: 2nd Annual Civic Academy – through September 20

The Town of Amherst is accepting applications for its second annual All About Amherst: Civic Academy, a free 8-week program running Wednesday evenings from September 30 to November 18 that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at local government through department presentations, facility tours, and hands-on activities. Topics include town history and finances, infrastructure, public safety, conservation and development, schools, libraries, recreation, and how to get involved in local government. The program is open to Amherst residents and college students who are at least 16 years old, with enrollment limited to 15–20 participants. Applications are due Sunday, September 20. MORE

Save the Date: Auditions for Amherst Community Theater’s Production of Disney’s Frozen September 17-22

Directed by Kimberly Overtree Karlin, with Musical Direction by Cindy Naughton and Choreography by Mari Washburn, this multigenerational production offers meaningful opportunities for performers of all experience levels who are ready to challenge themselves and collaborate in telling a powerful story. In addition to beloved principal characters, the production features a wide variety of ensemble roles for all ages—from the citizens of Arendelle and the royal court to the Hidden Folk, palace staff, Oaken’s family and friends, and more. We are committed to creating the strongest cast possible and will cast based on performance, not preconceived ideas about age, appearance, or experience.

Nine performances in January 2027 at Bowker Auditorium, UMass. Children age 7 (and having entered **2nd grade**) through adults are encouraged to audition. This is not just a show for kids—there are wonderful opportunities for teens and adults as well. For audition appointments and complete audition information, including character descriptions and audition materials, visit amherstacts.org/auditions or contact producer@amherstacts.org

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Want more? Check out our Community Calendars page to find even more upcoming events.

Have an event you’d like us to spotlight? Email us TheAmherstCurrent@gmail.com. We publish the Amherst Week Ahead on Mondays; events that are submitted by Friday at midnight will be considered for the following Monday’s post. If your event is on a weekend, please submit it at least 10 days before the event.