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, recreational, and athletics events that caught our eye.

Historical Commission Public Hearing – Monday

The Historical Commission will host a public hearing about an application to demolish a ca. 1890 carriage house at 1146 North Pleasant St. Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Light for Our Democracy Vigil – Tuesday

The League of Women Voters Amherst is coordinating a candlelight protest on Tuesday to protest the ongoing actions of the Administration to dismantle federal agencies and the flow of federal funds. With special guest speaker, Rep. Mindy Domb. Tuesday, 4:30-5:30 pm on the Town Common. MORE 

Open Mic Night with Tank Hood at The Drake – Tuesday

The infamous open mic night at The Drake is back, with host and MC Tank Hood. Tank Hood plays mostly acoustic originals & American roots music. His originals are influenced by his deep appreciation of roots music, and he enjoys adding some modern/bent variations to standard folk structures. Doors open at 5:30 pm for sign-ups, music begins at 6:00 pm. Tuesday at The Drake. FREE. MORE 

Budget Coordinating Group – Wednesday

The Budget Coordinating Group (BCG) meets on Wednesday to discuss multiple topics related to the FY26 and future town budgets. The BCG is an advisory group composed of representatives from the Town Council, two school committees, and the library Board of Trustees. Among the topics on the group’s Wednesday agenda, the group will discuss the latest FY26 projections, future budget impacts of the new elementary school building (to replace two school buildings) and other major town capital projects, and the options and procedure for seeking increased property tax for the FY26 operating budget. Wednesday, 12:00-2:00 pm on Zoom. MORE

Planning Board Public Hearing and Meeting – Wednesday

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on Wednesday about the site plan review for work by PV Squared at 742 Main St. The planned work includes the construction of a building addition, parking lot, and the installation of solar canopy in the parking lot. Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 pm on Zoom. MORE

Town Services & Outreach Committee – Thursday

The Town Council’s Town Services and Outreach Committee meets on Thursday to discuss road work plans on South East St. between Main St. and Rte. 9 to accommodate the anticipated increased traffic related to the opening of the new elementary school building that will combine the current Fort River and Wildwood elementary schools. They’ll also review Town Manager appointments to the Committee for Persons with Disabilities. Thursday, 10:00-11:30 am on Zoom. MORE

Black Art Matters Festival – Thursday & Friday

The eighth annual Black Art Matters Festival at Amherst College takes place Thursday and Friday this week. The Festival consists of a visual arts exhibition installed at the Mead Art Museum on campus, and a performance showcase hosted at the Eighmy Powerhouse. It kicks off with an opening reception at the Mead on Thursday. Celebrate Black student artists with stunning visual arts, spoken word, poetry, and music. Come vibe, connect, and experience the power of creativity and culture. Free and open to the public. Thursday, 5:30-7:00 pm at the Mead Art Museum (MORE) and Friday, 7:00 pm at the Eighmy Powerhouse MORE.

Liberatory Visioning Project Dialogue Session – Wednesday

The Town of Amherst Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is proud to announce the launch of the Liberatory Visioning Project, an initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for all residents. This process is designed to bring members of the Town together to develop a shared vision through dialogue sessions and a community survey. The Town is hosting three hybrid community dialogue sessions, where residents will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas about creating a more equitable community. The next session is Wednesday, 5:00-6:30 pm in the cafeteria at the middle school and on Zoom. 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.