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.

ARHS Varsity Athletics at Home – Monday-Friday

Catch ARHS varsity athletes in action at home this week! Boys Golf vs. Belchertown, Monday at 3:30 PM. Girls Soccer vs. Monsoon, Monday at 4:30 PM. Girls Volleyball vs. W. Springfield, Monday at 6:00 PM and vs. Frontier, Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Boys & Girls Cross-Country vs. Ludlow, Tuesday at 4:00 PM. Girls Field Hockey vs. Westfield, Wednesday at 5:15 PM and vs. Holyoke, Friday at 5:00 PM. Boys Football vs. Greenfield, Thursday at 7:00 PM. MORE

Town Council — Monday

The council will take a second read and vote on proposed Zoning Bylaw Article 18 Clean Energy Infrastructure, discuss preparation for the Four Towns Meeting on the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District Agreement, pass a proclamation for 2026 International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day, and approve Town Manager appointments to the Community Preservation Act Committee, Cultural Council, DPW Building Committee, Energy and Climate Action Committee, Historical Commission, and Transportation and Parking Commission. Monday, 6:30 PM, in person at Town Hall, Town Room, 4 Boltwood Ave., and via Zoom. MORE

Cherry Hill Working Group — Monday

The Cherry Hill Working Group (CHWG) was formed to provide advice and recommendations about the long-term viability of golf operations at Cherry Hill Golf Course, innovative strategies for course management and fiscal sustainability, and alternative/compatible uses of the property. The group meets Monday to receive an update from the Recreation Director and discuss and potentially vote on its final report (not posted as of the time of this publication). Monday, 7:00–9:00 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Cable Television Advisory Committee — Tuesday

The committee will review and discuss draft report recommendations and schedule its next meeting. (Draft report not posted as of the time of this publication.) Tuesday, 9:30–11:00 AM, via Zoom. MORE

Finance Committee — Tuesday

The committee will review the Fourth Quarter FY25 report, receive an update on Jones Library project financing and costs to the Town, hear a report from the Budget Ad Hoc Subcommittee, and discuss the FY27 budget timeline. Tuesday, 1:00 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Zoning Board of Appeals — Tuesday

The board will go into executive session to discuss litigation strategy regarding two Land Court cases brought by Newell Court, LLC concerning the property at 27 Newell Court. Tuesday, 5:00 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Amherst School Committee — Tuesday

The committee will receive the Q4 and end-of-year FY26 fiscal reports, hear the Superintendent’s opening of district report and leadership updates from the Early Childhood Education Center, Crocker Farm, Amethyst Brook Elementary School, and Chestnut Street Academy, discuss safety and well-being, review the Superintendent’s SY26-27 goals and post-evaluation plan, discuss superintendent search groundwork, and consider forming a new Communications Subcommittee and Finance Working Group. Tuesday, 6:30–9:30 PM, in person at Town Hall and via Zoom. MORE

The Jones Library Presents: The US Congress Midterms and Democracy — Tuesday

UMass Amherst political scientist and UMass Poll co-director Ray La Raja will draw on the latest polling data to examine what voters are saying about President Trump, the two political parties, the major issues shaping the 2026 midterm elections, and the health of American democracy heading into November. La Raja is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the author of Small Donors: Myth and Reality (2026) and Money, Partisanship and Power in Local Politics (2025). The talk will include time for questions and discussion. Free and open to the public. Tuesday, 7:00–8:00 PM, North Amherst Library, 8 Montague Road. MORE

Amherst Recreation Commission — Tuesday

The commission will confirm its chair, receive reports on the Community Preservation Act Committee, the Cherry Hill Working Group, and the Community Heart and Soul Grant, and hear reports from the chair and staff. Tuesday, 7:00–9:00 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Jones Library Community Feedback Session – Wednesday

The Jones Library invites all members of the public to attend one of our community feedback sessions, facilitated by Dr. Pat Romney and Angelica Castro. Together, we will envision YOUR new Jones Library. We welcome you to bring your hopes and concerns so that the Library can serve everyone in our community. Free parking for all sessions. Childcare and refreshments provided; registration required for childcare and/or food. Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 PM at the Jones Library (101 University Drive, Suite B1). MORE

Human Rights Commission — Wednesday

The commission will discuss anti-Black issues in Town, the weaponization of anti-semitism, a response to the zoning bylaw restricting household residents to a maximum of 4 unrelated individuals (Amherst Zoning Bylaw 12.162), a response to public participation regarding an investigation into domestic and foreign human rights violations by the United States before the International Criminal Court, and will consider establishing standing subcommittees for outreach and relationships with organizations and government officials. Wednesday, 6:00–7:30 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Planning Board — Wednesday

The board will discuss potential zoning amendments to allow housing in Professional and Research Park districts and a potential Campus Adjacent Zone, and will 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

Valley Green Energy Working Group — Thursday

The group will receive an update on Valley Green Energy program changes from Mass Power Choice, and hear Valley Green Energy and Local Energy Advocates updates. Thursday, 1:00–2:30 PM, via Zoom. MORE

Amherst Downtown Annual Block Party – Thursday

The Amherst Business Improvement District hosts the 13th Annual Downtown Block Party on Thursday on North Pleasant Street. The free, family-friendly event features live music, aerialists, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and other street performers, with downtown restaurants and retailers lining both sides of the street. North Pleasant Street will be closed to traffic from noon to 11:00 PM; parking is available at Boltwood Garage, the Amity Street Lot, and several other downtown lots, and free parking is available at Amherst Regional High School. MORE

Cuppa Joe with Paul Bockelman and Jeff Bagg, Director of Planning & Economic Development – Friday

Join community members for coffee and conversation with Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Planning & Economic Development Director Jeff Bagg.

The Town is facilitating several planning and economic development initiatives that Jeff will share information and answer questions about. These include the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study, Affordable Housing Projects, Downtown Design Standards, Open Space and Recreation Plan, East Amherst Historic District, and more. 

The “Cuppa’ Joe with Paul” events are monthly and rotate locations around Town. Each time, Paul is joined by a different Town department head or official who provides insights into their area of focus. Residents and others are welcome to share their concerns, offer suggestions, or just get to know each other. Friday, 8:00-9:30 AM at Izote Latin & American Kitchen (460 West St.). MORE

Encore Presentation of common: a live theatrical experience on the Amherst Town Common – Saturday

Don’t miss this encore presentation! Inspired by the Common’s history and the early works of Thornton Wilder, common offers participants an imaginative reorientation of the town common while building a communal experience for all. Featuring a simple, web-based soundtrack that leads you through the piece, audience members will be able to pocket their devices for the entire piece after tapping “Begin” so that they can attend to the world around them. Note: this encore presentation is an expansion of the program presented on July 18, 2026.

This free, participatory event will require headphones and a connection to the internet while on the Amherst Town Common. The program will be run 3 times: at 10:30, 11:15 and 12:00.  Information on how to access the program will be available at Amherst Historical Society’s Hands on History table at the Amherst Farmer’s Market that morning. Saturday, 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM, and 12:00 PM on the Amherst Town Common. MORE

Mini Trees w/ Frown Lines at The Drake – Saturday

Mini Trees, the solo project of LA-based songwriter Lexi Vega, comes to The Drake on Saturday. Her indie-alt-pop sound navigates self-doubt, emotional cycles, and the grind of the music industry, most recently on her album *Slow It Down*; a deluxe version is due out this year. She has previously supported Julien Baker, Death Cab for Cutie, and others, and her 2025 headline tour sold out venues across the country. Montreal indie rock four-piece Frown Line opens. Saturday, 8:00 PM at The Drake. 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: Hampshire Campus Zoning Study Community Input Sessions – September 22 and 24

The Town of Amherst invites the community to attend a series of two upcoming events about the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study on Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24. These events are an opportunity to learn more and provide input as the Town works to develop new zoning for the Hampshire campus. Participation in both sessions is encouraged. 

Tuesday–Hampshire Campus Zoning Study: Listening Session. A short presentation and conversation about zoning options for the Hampshire Campus property. This listening session is an opportunity for community members to learn more and share their input on future Hampshire Campus zoning.

Thursday–Hampshire Campus Zoning Study: Design Workshop. A design workshop featuring a series of fun, interactive activities. These activities will help us refine ideas for how new zoning of the Hampshire Campus can support Amherst’s housing, economic, and community goals. This design workshop is an opportunity for community members to explore zoning scenarios and provide direct input on future Hampshire Campus zoning. No previous knowledge of zoning is necessary!

All are welcome! Space is limited so please register to secure a spot. Tuesday, September 22, 6:00-8:00 PM and Thursday, September 24, 5:30-8:30 PM. Both events take place at the Eric Carle Museum. Learn more and register HERE.

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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.