Fall in Shelburne Falls is a special time of year, and the 3rd Annual Shelburne Falls Oktoberfest offers a chance for families, friends, and neighbors to come together while supporting a great local cause. Presented by the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School PTO, the family-friendly fundraiser will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from…

For nearly five decades, DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services has worked to make sure young people in Western Massachusetts have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to build independent and fulfilling lives. Founded in 1977 by a local doctor and community members concerned about the lack of services available to [...]

Film lovers and members of the local community will have two opportunities to gather for an evening of movies, conversation and celebration when the 18th Annual Ashfield FilmFest returns to Ashfield Town Hall on Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19. The annual festival brings together filmmakers, film enthusiasts and the wider [...]

September 10–13, 2026 | Franklin County Fairgrounds, Greenfield, Massachusetts

Every September, the Franklin County Fair brings together agriculture, entertainment, local traditions, and family fun in Greenfield, Massachusetts. This year, the fair celebrates its [...]

If you own a home in Western Massachusetts or you are thinking about buying one, property taxes are an important part of the equation. But many homeowners and buyers aren't exactly sure how property taxes are calculated, why assessed values change, or why two similarly priced homes in neighboring towns can have very different tax bills.

With 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, property taxes are very local. Here in Western Massachusetts, tax rates can vary considerably from one community to another.

So, how does it all work?

For more than a century and a half, families have gathered in the hills of Hampshire County for one of New England's most beloved agricultural fairs. From August 27–30, 2026, the 158th Cummington Fair returns with four days of livestock shows, thrilling competitions, live music, family entertainment, delicious fair food, and timeless [...]

Education doesn't have to be confined to the classroom. At Hawlemont Regional Elementary School, students learn by planting gardens, caring for farm animals, exploring nature, and discovering where food comes from through the school's unique Hawlemont, Agriculture, and You (HAY) [...]

If you're looking for an authentic New England agricultural fair this summer, mark your calendar for the 108th Annual Heath Fair, taking place August 21–23, 2026, in the scenic hilltown of Heath, Massachusetts.

For more than a century, the Heath Fair has celebrated the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship, and community spirit of Franklin County. Hosted by the [...]

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, cyclists from across the country will gather in Franklin County for one of New England's most iconic cycling events—the Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnée [...]

Every August, runners from across New England gather in the picturesque village of Shelburne Falls for one of the region's favorite summer running traditions—the Bridge of Flowers Road Race. Set against the backdrop of the Deerfield River, historic downtown, and rolling hills of Franklin County, this annual event combines a challenging [...]