Located on a 105-acre former dairy farm in Ashfield, Massachusetts, Double Edge Theatre is a cultural cooperative and ensemble collective that has been pushing the boundaries of theatrical performance since 1982. Founded by Stacy Klein, this unique organization views itself as having a two-fold mission: to develop and promote the highest [...]

lGet ready for a delightful autumn celebration as the Ashfield Fall Festival returns to the charming town of Ashfield, Massachusetts on October 12 and 13, 2024. This annual event will run from 10 am to 5 pm both days, offering visitors a perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the fall season and the warmth of community [...]

The Ashfield Fall Festival is a favorite event of Western Mass locals. Always falling on the weekend around the best foliage, the Ashfield Fall Festival is a time to come together on the Ashfield Town Commons in true New England fashion. Come out to Ashfield this Saturday, October 7th and Sunday, October 8th, 2023 and you will understand why [...]

Franklin County is often celebrated for its thriving agriculture and abundance of local farms. The local orchards stand out as one of our agricultural gems, drawing in visitors to enjoy the annual harvest and partake in the fun of pick-your-own fruits. Warm autumn days are the perfect time to visit a local orchard to pick your own delicious, [...]

Tour six different Hilltown museums in one day! The 2nd annual Hilltown History Trail is happening Saturday, August 5th, 2023. Hop in your vehicle and go from town to town to learn about each one's [...]

The Ashfield Fall Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday, October 8th and 9th, 2022. Foliage colors have already come out in Ashfield, so head over to the Ashfield Commons this weekend and join in the celebration of this wonderful [...]

In a normal year, the hilltowns would be gearing up for the Ashfield Fall Festival at this time. Unfortunately, for the first time since 1970, Ashfield has had to cancel the festivities due to [...]

Every summer I always look forward to the shows at Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield. Their creative performances, which invite the audience to move around their farm with them, always inspire and evoke deep thought in viewers about the world around them. Now more than ever, the artistic imagination of this theater group is something that we all need. This year, Double Edge has utilized their large outdoor space to create a safe experience for all. Now through August 9th on Wednesdays to Sundays, visit Double Edge Theatre’s farm for the showing of 6 Feet Apart, All Together, a summer spectacle for the time of COVID-19. 

This summer’s show has been downsized in both number of performers and audience size to ensure safety for all. The audience will move around in small groups on an invigorating and reflective walk through the scenes which will touch on past shows and also look towards the future. 6 Feet Apart, All Together will be performed in rounds and all audience members must wear a mask for everyone’s safety. 

From now until August 9th, you can view 6 Feet Apart, All Together from Wednesdays to Sundays at 8:00 pm in July and 7:30 pm in August with a Saturday matinee at 1 pm. Purchase tickets here in advance soon as there are a limited number of spaces.

For more information visit their website at doubleedgetheatre.org or follow them on Facebook.

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For 25 years, CiderDays has been a Franklin County staple event of all things apple. Every first weekend in November, events pop up all over the area to appreciate and learn more about ciders, cidermaking, and orchards. There are cider tastings, workshops, and tours, hosted by various orchards, cideries, and other cider professionals. This year, CiderDays will be held November 1-3. Some of the events are free; others require tickets purchased in advance, such as the Cider Salon. 

The Cider Salons will once again be held in the large tent in Unity Park, Turners Falls. Sponsored by the United States Association of Cider Makers, the Salons will feature over 130 ciders from a range of producers around North America and Europe. Buy your tickets in advance for either Round 1 or Round 2 and enjoy the opportunity to sample ciders from near and far.

Some events will be happening throughout the weekend and you can drop in anytime to check them out. Check out an art exhibit at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, 25 Years of CiderDays, which will display historic cider presses and images honoring cider producers. While you’re in Turners Falls, you can also stop by the official Cider Days Bookstore at Two Birds on Avenue for books about orchards and cider and even some author signings. Several tasting rooms will have their doors open to the public throughout the weekend, including West County Cider in Shelburne, Bear Swamp Orchard and Cidery in Ashfield, Headwater Cider in Hawley, and more. 

See the full list of tastings and other events happening throughout the weekend here and find everything you need to know about CiderDays at CiderDays.org

Happy CiderDays! 

It’s time for the wonderful annual Ashfield Fall Festival. This Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th, Ashfield’s Main Street will be filled with crafts, food, and music from 10 am to 5 pm on both days. 

Check out more than 50 local exhibitors including, Tom Kuklinski woodworking, Ed Branson hand-blown glass, and Walter Cudnohufsky watercolors. View the full list of arts and crafts vendors here. They will be stationed on the town common or the Upper Town Hall.

You’ll find lots of tasty autumn treats at the festival, such as home-made pumpkin donuts, apple pie, and applesauce sundae. Get your savory fix as well with warm chili, burgers, crawfish pasta, or vegetarian and kids options, too.

Bring the kids because there will be tons of entertainment and games, including the pumpkingames! Check out the full lineup of performances, as well, here. Don’t miss out on this amazing community event, with the backdrop of the beautiful fall foliage. 

For more information go to www.ashfieldfallfestival.org.