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.

10-Alarm Fire: We Won’t Shut Up! at Amherst Cinema— Monday

Recorded live in November 2025, this Young @ Heart documentary spans decades and continents of protest songs, followed by a post-film discussion with co-director Julia van IJken and chorus members. Monday, 7:00 PM, at Amherst Cinema. MORE

Public Shade Tree Committee Potluck Picnic — Tuesday

Come celebrate trees and treats with other forest folk in your community! Join the Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee for their annual potluck picnic on Tuesday. We will talk about trees, but not any official business, as this is not an official meeting of the Public Shade Tree Committee. Tuesday, 5:30 PM, at the picnic tables on the North Common in front of Town Hall. MORE

Board of Health — Wednesday 

The board will address the tobacco regulations fining structure, review a tobacco permit transfer and updated tobacco regulations, and consider new rules on smoking/vaping in workplaces and public places and smoking disclosure in multi-unit housing. The board will also hear a director’s update on tick- and mosquito-borne illness, cyclosporiasis, and the Sharps and Needle Disposal Program. Wednesday, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, Room 101, Bangs Community Center. MORE

Summer Seminars at UMass Downtown – Wednesday

The UMass Downtown Summer Seminar Series continues on Wednesday with Private Freewriting In and Beyond the Classroom: What Unedited, Unsurveilled Writing Does for College Students and Their Wellbeing with Miranda Lutyens.

When was the last time you wrote for ten minutes, by hand, without stopping for any reason—especially not to check your phone? This is how Miranda’s first-year writing students begin every class session, yet they never revise, turn in, or share that writing.Instead, they reflect on the experience of private freewriting.

Join us to learn more about this practice and how, according to this research, it may be impacting students’ relationship to writing, to others, and to themselves.Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 PM at UMass Downtown. MORE

Planning Board & Community Resources Committee of the Town Council — Wednesday 

The joint session will review proposed revisions to the East Amherst Local Historic District, then continue a public hearing (carried over from five prior meetings since May) on a zoning bylaw amendment establishing Article 18 Clean Energy Infrastructure, covering solar and battery storage installations, dimensional regulations, fences, and related definitions, followed by a general housing discussion. Wednesday, 6:30 PM, virtual meeting (Zoom). MORE

Karrin Allyson, Freddie Bryant & Friends at The Drake — Wednesday

An all-star jazz quartet performs an evening of jazz with special guests. Wednesday, 6:30 PM–8:30 PM, at The Drake. MORE

Sunset Thursdays at The Carle – Thursday

As the sun begins to set, the grounds at the Eric Carle Museum come alive with live outdoor jazz performed by local musicians curated by Northampton Jazz Festival along with artists of all ages drawing together, hands-on art activities, storytimes for all ages, local food vendors, and more. This week, enjoy live music from StarCats, an eclectic jazz trio, and delicious bites by Wandering Waffles food truck. Relax on the lawn, explore the galleries, and enjoy the creative energy of the season! Thursday, 4:00-8:00 PM at the Eric Carle Museum. MORE

Kimaya Diggs at the Emily Dickinson Homestead – Friday

The final event in the Summer Concerts series is Friday, this time on the grounds of the Emily Dickinson Homestead! This week: Kimaya Diggs makes music for people who want to feel things. A performance of soulful original music with storytelling and community-building woven through. Spread out a blanket, pull up a chair, and grab a bite from one of our local restaurants. Friday, 5:30-8:00 PM on the grounds of the Emily Dickinson Homestead. MORE

CatVideoFest 2026 — Saturday

Oscilloscope Laboratories’ compilation of the year’s best cat videos, culled from countless submissions and internet classics. Saturday, 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM, Amherst Cinema. MORE

Outdoor Movie on the Common: I Was a Hurricane – Saturday

A twenty-years-in-the-making documentary about ultimate frisbee at Amherst Regional High School premieres outdoors. Attendees will be invited to participate in the filming of the documentary’s final epilogue scene. Bring a chair, gather your family, friends, and teammates, and join us for an unforgettable evening of film, reflection, and community, Saturday, 7:30-10:45 PM on the town common. MORE

Podcast Parlor with Amherst Media – Sunday

Join Amherst Media for a fun event celebrating three amazing podcast creators from Amherst Media! Hear stories from Milan Clark, Amina Davlatshoeva, & Jamahl Jackson and learn about the process of making a podcast. Tickets are $20 and cover the cost of light refreshments; drinks will be available for purchase and donations are encouraged. Sunday, 6:00 PM at Amherst Coffee. MORE

Town Seeks Your Input About Cable TV/Internet – Through Friday

The Town of Amherst invites the community to participate in a brief survey to share their experiences with cable television in Amherst. All residents are encouraged to participate even if they are not current cable subscribers. This public survey is an opportunity for residents to provide feedback about whether the current cable operator, Comcast, is in full compliance with its currently-existing cable license, and the Town’s future community cable-related needs. Complete the survey here. The survey is open through Friday, August 7. MORE

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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.