The Caterpillar Lab
2023-07-21 12:00 - 15:00, 2023-07-21 16:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join us for a special visit from The Caterpillar Lab! Come see a variety of New England caterpillar species showcased on open-air displays of local plants. Get up close to enormous giant silk moth caterpillars, fierce-looking snake-mimicking caterpillars, convincing twig-mimicking caterpillars, and bubbly butterfly caterpillars. Witness rare moments of metamorphosis and watch ecological relationships play out first-hand under a digital microscope. Be sure to chat with the educators from The Caterpillar Lab–you’re sure to discover something new! Learn more about The Caterpillar Lab at https://www.thecaterpillarlab.org/.
12pm to 3pm and 4:30pm to 7:30pm

Fairyborough
2023-08-15 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-08-16 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-08-17 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-08-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Tuesday, August 15 – Friday, August 18 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Outdoors
Cost: Free with admission
Welcome to Fairyborough – the little city with a big future! Design, build, and explore a mysterious forest environment of fairy houses, gnome homes, and sprite skyscrapers, constructed completely out of natural materials and creativity. This changing and evolving temporary space will be put together by staff and visitors over the course of 4 days.
Inclement weather may result in changes to the program or cancellation.

Discovery Museum Reflection Room: Whose Land are We On?
2023-10-07 09:00 - 16:30, 2023-10-08 09:00 - 16:30, 2023-10-09 09:00 - 16:30 | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
October 10th is Indigenous People’s Day, a day to honor and celebrate Native American Peoples. Join us as we explore a variety of stories written by Indigenous authors to learn more about Native histories and cultures. Take a closer look at a map of New England to see where the tribal territories overlay the borders that we know as our current cities and towns. Then, add a mark to the map where you live to find out whose land we are really on.

Second Annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival
2023-10-20 16:30 - 21:00, 2023-10-21 12:00 - 19:00, 2023-10-22 12:00 - 20:00 | MA
Middlesex Community College and the City of Lowell are thrilled to host the Second Annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival. This FREE 3 day weekend film festival features Asian American directed films from across the country for a weekend of celebrating art culture and diversity. Guests are also invited to the festival’s opening reception Friday, October 20 which will feature live DJ, traditional Khmer dance and music performances, and delicious Asian food.
Location:
MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center
240 Central St, Lowell, MA 01852
Link to Second Annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival:
https:/www.middlesex.mass.edu/laaff/default.aspx

Santa Experience
2023-10-21, 2023-11-04, 2023-11-11 | Luciana Calvin Photography Studio, 21 Central Square, Chelmsford, MA, 01824, United States
A Santa Visit unlike any Santa visit your child has ever experienced!!
From the first glimpse of Santa to finding their name on his nice list, children are transported into Santa’s Magic world.
During your visit, the kids will explore Santa’s workshop, help him make toys and even plan his trip around the globe.
The Santa Experience creates memories that will last a lifetime. Our photographers will capture each moment for you to enjoy forever.
Treasure these memories in beautiful photos or create a storybook featuring your child’s visit.

Halloween Hullabaloo
2023-10-28 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-10-29 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-10-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join us as we celebrate Halloween weekend! Dress for the occasion and give your Halloween costume the chance to spook, sparkle, and shine. Challenge yourself to a few holes of Pumpkin Putt Putt and other outdoor games with a frightfully fun twist. Use your powers of observation on a Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt and expect other ghostly surprises to pop up around the Museum! Some outdoor activities will be weather dependent.

Small Acts, Big Impacts: A Day of Service
2024-01-13 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-01-14 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-01-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a designated National Day of Service, to encourage all Americans to volunteer within their communities and honor the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader. Join the Discovery Museum as we engage in small acts of service to benefit our neighbors.
Make a birthday card and help collect “Birthday-in-a-Box” supplies to support two local charities whose missions are to create special birthday moments for children who are experiencing homelessness or who are in the hospital in their birthdays. Most needed items are:
• Boxed cake mix and jar frosting, chocolate, vanilla, or Funfetti (please ensure expiration dates are at least 8 months from date of donation)
• New and unopened, colored/themed paper plates, paper napkins, paper cups (9 oz.), and paper straws; Happy Birthday banners; Birthday candles (18-24 count)
• Disposable cake pan (8”x8” or 9”x13”)
All birthday supply donations will benefit Birthday Wishes and The Confetti Foundation.

Medieval merriment
2024-01-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Mill No. 5, 5th floor Events hall, Jackson street, Liwell, United States
Miss the renaissance faire during the chilly winter? Enjoy the afternoon of food, fun, faire, music and vendors (free to attend). Win prizes for best medieval attire.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza 2nd Annual Craft & Vendor Fair
2024-03-10 10:00 - 14:00 | 97 University Ave, Lowell, MA, 01854, United States
Hop on over to our
Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Craft & Vendor Fair
March 10th
10a-2p
Chelmsford Lowell Elks
300 Littleton Rd.
Chelmsford MA
30 plus vendors
Visit from the Easter Bunny
Raffle Table
Cash Bar
Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/709973631102654

Braided Streams: Women of Faith Speak (27th Annual)
2024-03-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Dugan Hall, 883 Broadway St, Lowell, 01854, United States
Women student panelists from diverse faith traditions reflect on their experiences of the intersection between religion and gender. 2024 marks the 27th annual offering of Braided Streams.
(For more information and/or to arrange for parking, contact Imogene_Stulken@uml.edu)

Braided Streams: Women of Faith Speak (27th Annual)
2024-03-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Dugan Hall at UMass Lowell South Campus, 883 Broadway St, Lowell, 01854, United States

Annual Lowell Women's Week Breakfast
2024-03-25 07:00 - 09:00 | Lenzi’s Catering, Lenzi’s Tavern & Lenzi’s Function Facility, Lenzi's Catering, Lenzi's Tavern & Lenzi's Function Facility, 810 Merrimack Ave, Dracut, MA, United States
Please join us for a morning of inspiring words, community, and recognizing the achievements of extraordinary women in greater Lowell. Tickets required.
Keynote Speaker: Yun-Ju Choi, Chief Executive Officer of Coalition for a Better Acre
Yun-Ju Choi is the Chief Executive Officer of Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA), a membership-based community development corporation dedicated to fostering resident empowerment and facilitating sustainable community revitalization. CBA manages 529 affordable rental units, providing housing for 1,600 residents, while also offering foreclosure, financial, and workforce development training, and driving veteran housing initiatives. In her capacity as Chief Executive Officer, Choi has successfully more than doubled CBA’s budget, surpassing $2.5 million. She adeptly oversaw the construction of 131 units of affordable housing across Lowell, Dracut, and Haverhill. Expanding beyond CBA’s foundational focus on affordable housing, Choi enriched the organization’s impact by expanding youth programs, civic engagement, health access, workforce and economic development, and community engagement activities. Choi emphasizes that, for CBA, the mission extends beyond real estate, “It’s about uplifting people and giving them opportunities to buy homes and market rate housing.” Her vision for CBA is rooted in the belief that the organization should not only address housing needs but also empower individuals to achieve their goals and enhance their overall well-being. In addition to her role at CBA, Choi actively contributes to several boards and commissions, including the Whistler House Museum, Lowell Finance & Development Corporation, Greater Lowell Community Foundation, and Mill City Community Investments. Choi’s exceptional leadership and contributions were recognized with the 2023 Community Advocacy Award, acknowledging CBA’s role in creating affordable housing in Lowell, Dracut, and Haverhill. Notably, in the summer of 2023, CBA cut the ribbon on 27 affordable housing units for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder in partnership with Lowell House Inc. This development marked a significant milestone as the first Passive House certified building in the city of Lowell within CBA’s portfolio. Yun-Ju Choi came to CBA in 2014 and brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously worked in various capacities within Boston’s non-profit landscape, including positions at Madison Park and Lena Park Community Development Corporations, the Boston Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. She holds a master’s in management from Cambridge College and completed her undergraduate studies at Bowdoin College in her home state of Maine.
Emcee: Cathy Mercado, Executive Director of Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership
Cathy Mercado is the Executive Director of Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership in Lowell, MA. She joined MVHP in 2015. Prior to her role at MVHP, she served as a loan originator with a national bank. After being motivated by her personal experience as a first-generation homebuyer, she made the decision to transition her career path, recognizing her calling to advocate for housing and homeownership opportunities. With an unwavering dedication spanning over two decades, she has consistently advocated the cause of homeownership for low and moderate-income individuals. Now, more than 20,000 families have completed the home buyer training program. Beyond her role in housing advocacy, she has also been a fierce advocate in the pursuit of racial and social justice for our BIPOC communities. As a lifelong resident of Lowell, MA, with familial roots tracing back to Comercio, Puerto Rico, her deep connection to the community fuels her commitment to positive change. In addition to her role at MVHP, Mercado actively contributes to various boards, exemplifying her extensive engagement in community service. She currently serves on the boards of the Center for Hope and Healing, Inc., Acre Family Child Care, Fortaleza and Abundant Housing Massachusetts, Citizen Housing and Planning Associates, and Lowell Development Financial Corp. Cathy Mercado, a devoted spouse, and mother of four children, is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Lowell, Massachusetts. Her multifaceted contributions underscore her pivotal role in shaping the landscape of housing, social justice, and community development in the area.

2024 Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism
2024-04-02 09:00 - 16:30 | Hilton Boston Logan Airport, One Hotel Drive, Boston, 02128, United States
Join us for a full day of industry networking and learning, featuring remarks from Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) presents the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, an all-day gathering to bring together industry experts, government officials, and hospitality professionals. Join us in person on April 2, 2024, at 9:00 AM for dynamic and relevant panels, networking opportunities, and a chance to dive into the latest topics impacting travel and tourism in Massachusetts.
Highlights will include remarks from Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll, the presentation of the Massachusetts Tourism Awards, and announcements regarding Massachusetts 250th and the upcoming Massachusetts domestic marketing campaign. Continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided. Join Team Massachusetts for the first Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism in nearly a decade. If you’re in the industry, you won’t want to miss this event!
If you’re interested in participating in this conference as an exhibitor, please fill out this interest form and someone will be in touch with more details.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend MOTT events. If you require an accommodation(s) to fully participate in this event, please share your requirements in the registration form. For additional support, please contact Elisabeth@discoverasg.com. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Countdown to April 19th, 1775: The Gathering Storm
2024-04-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Acton Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Noted historian and author J. L. Bell will be speaking on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 PM in
Room 204, Acton Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA. Please register for the talk at:
http://tinyurl.com/APR-02-Bell, or use the QR code above. Remote Participation: You
can participate in the Q&A using ZOOM http://tinyurl.com/Acton250-ZOOM or watch
live at Acton TV http://tinyurl.com/Acton-TV.
Context: As the year 1774 began, Massachusetts politicians worried about how the
royal government in London would respond to the Boston Tea Party. The force of that
reaction became clear in the return of troops to Boston, the Coercive Acts, and the
Massachusetts Government Act. In late summer the province’s people rebelled by
shutting down government functions in rural counties, seizing weapons in ports, and
electing their own legislature. The engine of that resistance was a little-understood
institution: the colonial militia. By fall, it was clear that the new royal governor had no
leverage outside Boston. This talk traces the end of British power in most of
Massachusetts even before the war began.
J. L. Bell has explored the end of British royal government in Massachusetts by
following the contest for artillery pieces in his acclaimed book, The Road to Concord:
How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War. He also maintains the Boston
1775 blog, which offers daily helpings of history, analysis, and unabashed gossip about
Revolutionary New England.
We will post a recording shortly after on the Acton 250 website. This is the fourth
lecture in a series commissioned by the Acton 250 Committee. Please visit the Acton 250 website
https://www.actonma.gov/250 for all event programming.
Generously supported by the Acton Lions Club.

Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week - Monday
2024-04-22 | MA
The Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week
This food-focused promotion and business driver will span five business days from Monday, April 22nd–Friday, April 26th to support local restaurants. Restaurant Week is a wonderful opportunity to foster new relationships between patrons and restaurateurs, and to grow first-time and repeat dining experiences for guests in the Greater Merrimack Valley.

NEW THIS YEAR!
Participating restaurants are encouraged to run a special for $20.24 – it can be anything your Culinary Team wants!

RESTAURANT WEEK REQUIREMENTS
It’s time to join the fun! To participate:
• Simply create a special to showcase your restaurant totaling $20.24 (dine-in only) during the promotional period of Mon, April 22nd–Friday, April 26th within your established operating hours.
• Upload a photo of your special when you register online.
• Provide a brief description of the dish when you register online.
• Share your participation on social media
(see Social Media Toolkit).

Greater Merrimack Valley Restaurant Week - Tuesday
2024-04-23 | MA
