Revolutionary Valley Regional Tourism Council

Make a Mess: Paint with What?? at Discovery Museum
2024-09-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
You won’t find any paintbrushes in today’s program! We’ve searched the backrooms of the Museum to find silly objects to use instead. Which of our unconventional painting tools will end up being your favorite?

GMVCVB OPEN HOUSE!
2024-09-19 16:30 - 18:00 | Evviva Trattoria Westford, Cornerstone Square, Westford, Massachusetts, 01886, United States
Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau OPEN HOUSE!
Open Houses are informal networking events held at member companies. At Open Houses, businesses are invited to introduce themselves to other businesses and enjoy refreshments, beverages, tours, prizes, and more. Don’t forget your business cards!
September 19, 2024
4:30pm – 6:00pm
Please Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/off-the-clock-networking-open-house-evviva-trattoria-westford-tickets-982289934637?aff=oddtdtcreator

Orchard Night on the Lawn
2024-09-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Forge & Vine, Forge & Vine, 128R Main St, Groton, MA, 01450, United States
Carlson Orchards and The Groton Inn | Forge & Vine are excited to present Orchard Night on the Lawn!
Join us for a delightful autumn evening featuring:
– Tasting samples and full selections of Carlson Orchards’ hard and nonalcoholic ciders
– A unique apple-inspired menu from the Forge & Vine Food Truck
– Live music by singer and guitarist Luke Condon, of the band Town Meeting
– Carlson Orchards merchandise and a signature cider cocktail
This event is free and open to the public—no reservations needed. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Family friendly and fun for all!

1774 and All That: Reflections on a Long Year of Revolution
2024-09-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Concord Museum, Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Tpke, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
On September 19, 2024, the Concord Museum will commence its highly anticipated fall forum series with a special discussion featuring Mary Beth Norton, renowned historian and award winning author of the landmark text 1774: The Long Year of Revolution. This exciting event marks the beginning of a series of programs hosted by the Concord Museum leading up to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Norton will explore the pivotal period leading up to the American Revolution and the dramatic events that occurred between December 1773 through April 1775, including the Boston Tea Party and the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
In 1774: The Long Year of the Revolution, Mary Beth Norton chronicles the 16 months, during which colonists loyal to King George III began discordant “discussions” that led to their acceptance of the inevitability of war. Norton will be joined in conversation by the Society of Colonial Wars of Massachusetts to discuss this transformative era and its impact on American history, highlighting its significance in leadup to the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race 2024
2024-09-21 09:00 - 16:00 | Market Street, Market Street, Lowell, Massachusetts, 01852, United States
Kinetic Sculptures are all-terrain, human-powered, art sculptures, engineered to race over road, water, mud and sand. Kinetic sculptures are amazing works of art; many are animated with moving parts like blinking eyes, opening mouths, heads that move side to side and up and down. These machines of art are usually made from what some people consider “junk” or better put, recycled materials. Each kinetic team has a theme and consist of pilots, pit crew and support crew. Spectators are encouraged to either watch from the sidelines or follow the race on their bikes (obeying all traffic laws that apply).

Live Music and Food Truck at The Groton Inn | Forge & Vine
2024-09-21 12:00 - 15:00 | Forge & Vine, Forge & Vine, 128R Main St, Groton, MA, 01450, United States
Join us at The Groton Inn | Forge & Vine for great live music by the talented Acoustic Tandem, delicious selections from the F&V Food Truck, refreshing beverages, and stunning views of beautiful Gibbet Hill. It’s the perfect way to spend a September Saturday.
Free to attend, no reservations required, food & beverages available for purchase. Family friendly and fun for all!

Addison Gallery Opening Reception
2024-09-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Addison Gallery of American Art, Chapel Avenue, Andover, Massachusetts, 01810, United States
Join us in celebrating the new exhibitions: enjoy great company, light refreshments, and the best of American art! Free and open to the public.

Meet the Artist: Stevie Leigh at Discovery Museum
2024-09-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Meet local artist Stevie Leigh who upcycles fabric scraps to create unique pieces of clothing that look as good on a body as they do hanging on a wall. Bring a stuffed animal from your home to design and construct a new outfit for your furry friend using your imagination and a variety of creative materials.

Celebrate Take a Child Outside Week! Outdoor Scientists at Discovery Museum
2024-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Get a new perspective on Discovery Woods by exploring with a variety of science tools. Measure, observe, compare, and contrast as we collect some data and look closely at what we find.
Inclement weather may result in changes to the program or cancellation.

Public Lands Day Clean Up 2024
2024-09-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Concord River Greenway (Davidson St.), 51 Davidson Street, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
Join Lowell National Historical Park for the annual Public Lands Day Clean-up! Volunteer to clean up along trails and riverbanks and help clear invasive plants and brush. Supplies including gloves are provided – we request that you please wear appropriate closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Volunteers can plan to meet at the Concord River Green Way (Parking is at the Davidson St. open lot, across the street from Lowell Memorial Auditorium off East Merrimack St.)
The National Park Service will be partnering with Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Lowell Canalwaters Cleaners, and Lowell Litter Krewe to clean along the Concord River Greenway in honor of Public Lands Day.
“National Public Lands Day is more than a clean-up—it’s a chance to connect with new communities, an event that creates kinship among those working together for a common goal, and an opportunity to use America’s public lands for education, recreation, and overall physical and mental health. The theme for this year’s celebration is National Public Lands Day: Together for Tomorrow. Let’s join forces for a common goal, stewarding America’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Be a part of this impactful day and help make a difference in our public lands!” -NPS

Stone Walls of New England with Kevin Gardner
2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Moses Greeley Parker Memorial Library, Dracut, Arlington Street, Dracut, MA, 01826, United States
Kevin Gardner is a lifelong resident of Hopkinton, NH. Like a lot of independent rural Yankees, he’s been a jack of many trades, a builder, logger, writer, teacher, radio voice, even an actor and director.
For more than forty years he has been a stone wall builder in a family business widely known for traditional New England stonework, particularly for historic restoration of antique structures. In 2001 Kevin published The Granite Kiss: Traditions and Techniques of Building New England Stone Walls. His second book, Stone Building: How To Make New England Style Walls and Other Structures the Old Way, was published in May of 2017. He has also published poetry, songs, and essays, including “Land of Stone”, an examination of several historic sites in the Monadnock Region, in the 2006 anthology Where The Mountain Stands Alone.
From 1985 to 2010, Kevin was also an award-winning performance critic, feature writer, and producer for NH Public Radio. His pieces on arts, history and culture have aired on National Public Radio and the Christian Science Monitor broadcast network. In 2004, Kevin was a co-host of the nationally syndicated radio series Storylines New England, an interview and call-in program about our regional literature. He has written and produced other special programming for NHPR as well, including a 45-minute radio drama adapted by NH poet Julia Older from her own long poem, Tales of the Francois Vase.
Kevin is also a longtime professional actor, director, and teacher of theatre. He has taught at the New Hampton School, the NH Institute of Art, and at St. Paul’s School. Since 1999 he has been the Master Teacher of the course Shakespeare for Performance in St. Paul’s summer Advanced Studies Program. He is also a regular Guest Director at Plymouth State University, a former performance evaluator for the NH State Council on the Arts, and a frequent adjudicator of local, regional, and national theatre festivals. New Hampshire Magazine named him the state’s Best Theatre Critic in 2008.
Register at www.dracutlibrary.org/events if you want the Zoom link to attend remotely.

Free Community Health Fair
2024-09-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Public Health Museum, East Street, Tewksbury, MA, 01876, United States
Celebrate the Public Health Museum’s 30th Anniversary with a weekend of activities. On Saturday, September 28th, visit the museum at 365 East Street, Tewksbury, MA from 10AM-3PM for free health screenings, flu shots, mini-talks about Rabies, HIV/AIDS, Art as Healing, and more. The museum will be open for tours and we’ll have groups such as MSNO, MHOA, MEHA, UMass Lowell, Billerica Tewksbury Animal Control, and the Merrimack Valley Reserve Corps.
Visit our website for more information at publichealthmuseum.org

National Alpaca Farm Days
2024-09-28 10:00 - 2024-09-29 17:00 | Harvard Alpaca Ranch, 58 Old Mill Road, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
Join us in celebrating our eighth anniversary at National Alpaca Farm Days. In addition to hosting tours of the farm all day on Saturday and Sunday, we are very excited to once again welcome The Fat Rooster food truck to the farm. We will have live music and a mini farmers market on Saturday and fiber art demonstrations on both days. We will be welcoming Lost Shoe Brewery on Sunday for a beer garden at the Ranch. We will also have kids activities, special sales, and giveaways all weekend. Come out and help us celebrate our wonderful herd of 34 alpacas!! Please book ahead if you want to take a tour (https://harvard-alpaca-ranch.square.site/s/appointments) . Otherwise, just drop in! No charge to enter but donations are encouraged! THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT – We will have tents and various building to take cover in, as needed.

18th Century Market Day
2024-09-28 11:00 - 16:00 | Lawn of the Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
What was life actually like in Lexington at the time of the American Revolution – who lived here, what did they do, and did anyone actually have time for fun? Stop by the Visitors Center and meet a variety of reenactors showcasing different trades and perspectives of the time, as well as some favorite historic toys and games for all ages!
This event coincides with Lexington PorchFest, so be sure not to miss performances by our own Lexington Historical Society Singers and Dancers, performing 18th century music and dance!
FREE

Chelmsford Fall Festival
2024-09-28 11:00 - 16:00 | Chelmsford Town Common
The Chelmsford Board of Health presents the Fall Festival on Saturday, September 28, from 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM on the Town Common. Enjoy a fun autumn day and meet a princess or a superhero from Party Palace! Or visit the petting zoo and touch a truck! The event will provide you with music, food, drinks, ice cream and many event vendors!

Becoming a National Park Service Boat Captain
2024-10-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St, Lowell, MA, United States
Do you have a passion for boats? Do you love meeting people from around the world? Have you ever wondered what you might need to qualify to be a Boat Captain at Lowell National Historical Park? Now is your chance to get all your questions answered and learn what it takes to captain a National Park Service vessel!
Our boat captains convey tour rangers and visitors on our canal and river boats for a wide variety of educational programs May through October.
Join us on Saturday, October 5th at 10 a.m. to meet one of our captains and learn more about the duties, certifications needed, and the federal hiring process. Applications for the WG-5786 Small Craft Operators will be posted at a later date.
Interested captains can meet at the Visitor Center (246 Market St.) and will walk with park staff down to the Boat Dock at Swamp locks.
Free parking is available at the Hamilton Canal Innovation District parking garage at 350A Dutton St., Lowell. Parking in this garage (only) is available to National Park visitors at no cost provided they obtain a valid parking voucher at the LNHP Visitor Center (246 Market Street).

Steps Against Melanoma - Chelmsford
2024-10-06 09:00 - 11:30 | Byam Elementary School, Maple Road, Chelmsford, Massachusetts, 01824, United States
For 17 years, AIM at Melanoma’s walks have been a symbol of hope and support for our community. These walks are also the number one way we raise funds to end melanoma, and your participation makes all the difference. The money you raise goes to AIM’s groundbreaking research initiatives like our International Melanoma Tissue Bank Consortium.
Join us, along with others who have been touched by melanoma for a special event day. Let’s come together for one day—all with ONE common goal…ENDING MELANOMA.

Hosmer Open House featuring a cannon from Bunker Hill!
2024-10-06 14:00 - 17:00 | Acton Historical Society, Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Acton Historical Society will host a visit of a British cannon.
This cannon was cast between 1760 and 1770. It was acquired by a local militia company in May of 1775. The ship on which it was located became mired in the mud at Chelsea Creek. This cannon and 3 others taken from the ship were later used by American forces to fight off the British at Bunker Hill.
Come and see this “survivor” and learn about its discovery to restoration!

Wine-INN Wednesday
2024-10-09 17:00 - 19:00 | The Inn at Hastings Park, 2027 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Lexington’s Inn at Hastings Park, Boston area’s ONLY Relais & Châteaux property, is hosting a complimentary wine tasting of the world’s best wines every second Wednesday of the month throughout 2024 at Town Meeting Bistro’s beautiful bar beginning on March 13, 2024. Meet and learn from the industry’s top experts, leaders, distributors, and winemakers as you sample the delicious aromas and flavors of each month’s featured varietals. Make a night out of it and book a reservation at Town Meeting Bistro after the tasting and order a bottle of your favorite! These events are for adults only, 21 and older.

Sounds of Labor in Lowell: Agriculture and Early Industry
2024-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St, Lowell, MA, United States
What does the history of work in Lowell sound like, and how can you tell that story through music? Come be part of the musical composition process in the first of a series of workshops on the soundscape of Lowell through its many eras! Join contemporary composers working on new pieces specifically for Lowell National Historical Park as they explore the labor of the Agriculture and Early Industry eras. Attend a ranger-led talk, attempt hands-on activities, and have a chance to discuss the compositions in progress. No musical knowledge necessary!
Participants can plan to meet at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center (246 Market Street). A guided tour will walk to the Boott Cotton Mills Museum (115 John Street) and attendees can expect about half a mile of walking.
Lowell National Historical Park visitors may park at the Hamilton Canal Innovation District parking garage at 350 Dutton St., Lowell. Parking in this garage (only) is available to National Park visitors at no cost provided they obtain a valid parking voucher at either the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center at 246 Market Street, or at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum at 115 John Street.
This program is made possible through a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support from the Mellon Foundation, and with our programming partner, Mosaic Lowell. For more information on this project, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/lowe/getinvolved/supportyourpark/the-measure-of-work-sounds-of-labor-in-lowell-project.htm

Admiral Gilday Returns to Lowell for Special Parker Lecture Series
2024-10-23 18:30 - 20:00 | UMass Lowell Comley-Lane Theatre, Broadway Street, Lowell, Massachusetts, 01854, United States
The City of Lowell, in collaboration with the Parker Lecture Series and UMass Lowell, is proud to present Admiral Michael Gilday, a distinguished native of Lowell, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6:30PM, at UMass Lowell’s Comley-Lane Theatre, located at 870 Broadway St. This special event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required.
Admiral Gilday, who served as the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations from August 22, 2019, to August 17, 2023, returns to his hometown to share insights from his remarkable military career. His service includes positions of great distinction, such as Naval Aide to the President. Among his many accolades, Admiral Gilday is a recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (four awards), Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” and the Combat Action Ribbon.
The evening will feature a keynote address by Admiral Gilday, along with a panel discussion moderated by City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. Panelists include Mayor Daniel P. Rourke and Parker Lecture Series Chair John Carson. Following the panel and presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Admiral Gilday.

Admiral Gilday Returns to Lowell for Special Parker Lecture Series
2024-10-23 18:30 - 20:00 | UMass Lowell Comley-Lane Theatre, Broadway Street, Lowell, Massachusetts, 01854, United States
The City of Lowell, in collaboration with the Parker Lecture Series and UMass Lowell, is proud to present Admiral Michael Gilday, a distinguished native of Lowell.
Admiral Gilday, who served as the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations from August 22, 2019, to August 17, 2023, returns to his hometown to share insights from his remarkable military career. His service includes positions of great distinction, such as Naval Aide to the President. Among his many accolades, Admiral Gilday is a recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (four awards), Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” and the Combat Action Ribbon.
The evening will feature a keynote address by Admiral Gilday, along with a panel discussion moderated by City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. Panelists include Mayor Daniel P. Rourke and Parker Lecture Series Chair John Carson. Following the panel and presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Admiral Gilday.
This event is free, and no tickets are required.

Kids Trick or Treat Event at Moonlight & Mindfulness, Dracut
2024-10-27 11:00 - 16:00 | Moonlight & Mindfulness, Moonlight & Mindfulness, 91 Mill St # 7, Dracut, MA, 01826, United States
Kids of all ages are welcome to stop by, grab some treats, and participate in our coloring contest! Then, they can head over to Lakeshore Littles Playground for more spooky fun! Winner of the coloring contest will be announced via email, and your child will have a chance to win a free crystal!

NOA Gallery Artist Reception at The Groton Inn
2024-10-27 13:00 - 16:00 | The Groton Inn, The Groton Inn, 128 Main St, Groton, MA, 01450, United States
Join us for a beautiful autumn afternoon celebrating creativity and talent at the NOA Gallery Artists Reception. Explore the art throughout The Groton Inn, mingle with the artists behind the masterpieces, and connect with fellow art lovers.
Event Highlights:
-Light bites
-Full cash bar
-Exclusive chance to meet and chat with the artists
-A welcoming environment to network and share your passion for art
Don’t miss out on this unique experience to immerse yourself in the world of art. We look forward to seeing you there!
Free to attend, no reservations required.

Bessie’s Closet at Discovery Museum
2024-11-01 15:30 - 19:30, 2024-11-02 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-11-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Friday, November 1 thru Sunday, November 3 | Fri. 3:30 – 7:30pm; Sat. & Sun. 10am – 3pm
Museum Admission not Required
Bessie’s Closet is a free pop-up clothing store open to all members of our community. Supported by donations from our Museum community and beyond, Bessie’s Closet offers new or gently-used clothing and shoes for both children and adults. Anyone who may benefit is welcome to visit Bessie’s Closet. Museum admission is not required, but also not included. All items are available free of charge, take what you need! Items available in Bessie’s Closet are dependent upon donations received.

GIVING PEACE | October 30 – November 24, 2024 | Loading Dock Gallery
2024-11-02 15:00 - 17:00 | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, United States
The Loading Dock Gallery’s November exhibition, “Giving Peace,” is a show of fine art and craft, with a wide range of unique gifts for everyone on your list. Come and celebrate with friends and family. It will inspire you as you enter the holiday season. For that generous host, consider candles, hand-thrown pottery, or a whimsical lamp. Scarves, hand dyed and hand-made, offer a colorful embrace. “Giving Peace” also includes a selection of fine art for the wall and here is where you’ll find gifts for hosts, friends, and relatives. Pick something for yourself too.
The annual Loading Dock Gallery show, “Giving Peace,” will be on display October 30 through November 24, 2024 at the Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, Noon-5:30 pm, Wednesday-Saturday, until 4pm Sunday. Reception 3-5pm, Saturday, November 2, 2024. More at www.theloadingdockgallery.com.
Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3.

Atomic Black Coffee & Cocktails Event at The Groton Inn
2024-11-02 17:00 - 20:00 | The Groton Inn, The Groton Inn, 128 Main St, Groton, MA, 01450, United States
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the rich flavors of Atomic Black Espresso Liqueur, crafted right here in Massachusetts! Immerse yourself in the world of coffee-infused delights as we showcase tantalizing samples and custom cocktails crafted with this unique liqueur.
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Location: The Groton Inn – Keep’s Conservatory & Lobby
Enjoy live music by the talented singer and guitarist John Inza, creating the perfect backdrop for a night of relaxation and enjoyment. Savor our special chef-curated menu featuring delicious coffee-infused dishes that complement the bold flavors of the liqueur.
Don’t miss out on this unique experience—come sip, savor, and discover this local spirit with us!
Event is free to attend with no registration required. Food & drinks available for purchase. Full cash bar.

Harvest Fest is This Weekend at Wilson Farm!
2024-11-09 11:00 - 2024-11-10 16:00 | Wilson Farm, Lexington MA, Pleasant Street, Lexington, Massachusetts, 02421, United States
Come celebrate our 140th Harvest Nov 9 & 10 11am-4pm.
Hayrides, Food Samples, Carnival Games, Birthday Cake and Ferris Wheel Rides!
