The Acton Exchange

Acton Woman's Club: Pie Sale!
2025-10-18 09:00 (America/New_York) | Acton Woman’s Club, 504 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
This major fundraiser for the year, which supports the scholarships the club presents to two ABRHS students, features homemade pies, and is supplemented by some baked goods. Pies and baked goodies sell out quickly, so, come one, come all!

Friends of Pinehawk: Adult Archaeology Walk
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Trail Through Time, multiple access points, see website, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Bettina Abe, a retired member of Acton’s Conservation Department and a long-time leader of hikes along Acton’s trails, will lead a new and brisk hiking route this year, exploring local archaeology along the Nashoba Brook, Robbins Mill, and Spring Hill connector Trails.
This year’s hike will begin at the Robbins Mill Conservation Parking lot on Carlisle Road and will include stops at the Roof Slab Quarry, the Robbins Mill Pond and mill site, and the Pipsissewa Native American ceremonial sites. Trail conditions can be rocky, uneven, and often wet, and thus participation is limited. Registrants will receive a detailed email several days before the walk. Limited to 20, ages 17 and up.
Friends of Pine Hawk events are free but this walk requires registration at https://tinyurl.com/2025-Pinehawk.

Acton DPW polystyrene (styrofoam) collection
2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | DPW, 14 Forest Rd, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
On the third Saturday of every month (except June, which is 2nd Saturday), you can recycle your clean styrofoam containers.
For details about the 2025 schedule, and what you can recycle, see https://actonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10278/Polystyrene-collection-days-and-guide-2025.

FreeBee Market: Boxborough
2025-10-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Boxborough FreeBee Network, 30 Middle Road, Boxborough, MA, 01719, United States
The FreeBee Network and Market was formed in the wake of the pandemic, and a large local apartment fire. These experiences emphasized the importance of a central, volunteer-driven team to connect neighbors to share access to food, resources, and services.
For more information, see Boxborough FreeBee Network and Market.

Library: Halloween Wreath Making @ West
2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
Sign up on the program page on our website.
Join us for Halloween Wreath Making!
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing WACL@actonma.gov. Please note that the West Acton Citizens’ Library has limited accessibility. More accessible programs are offered at the Acton Memorial Library.

No Kings Acton
2025-10-18 15:30 - 17:30 | Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join your local hometown No Kings event.
Make it joyous. Keep it peaceful.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

Concord Orchestra: Montgomery Variations and more
2025-10-18 19:15 - 21:30, 2025-10-19 14:30 - 16:30 | 51 Walden, 51 Walden Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
On Saturday, October 18 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, October 19 at 2:30 PM, the Concord Orchestra presents a program called “Always in Motion” at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord, highlighting the Montgomery Variations. A pre-concert talk is scheduled for 7:15 on Saturday.
Also on the program will be Javelin by Michael Torke. Javelin was commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for its 50th anniversary and it was performed at the opening ceremony of the Atlanta Summer Olympics in 1996.
The concert will conclude with Samuel Barber’s lyrical Symphony No. 1 which combines the four movements of a classical symphony into a single movement. It is modeled after Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 7, which is also in one movement.
Tickets for adults and seniors are $25. Admission for youth under 18 is free. For tickets and information, call 978-369-4967 or visit www.concordorchestra.com.

Concert: Emma's Revolution - Benefit for First Parish Reckoning & Repair and Immigration Justice Task Forces
2025-10-18 19:30 - 21:30 | First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road, Concord, MA, 01742
Benefit Concert to support First Parish in Concord task forces for Reckoning & Repair and for Immigration Justice.
California-based, activist singer/songwriting duo Emma’s Revolution will perform a benefit concert for the work of First Parish in Concord’s “Reckoning & Repair” and “Immigration Justice” Task Forces.
The concert will be In-Person, plus Livestream with Replay. Get recharged, inspired and energized in community, justice and song! “In this intense and unprecedented time, when our democracy, rights and norms are on the line,” the duo says, “all of our voices are needed to create the country and the world we want to live in.”
First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road, Concord.
Tickets:

In-Person: $25 Advance, $30 Door, $18 Low/No Wage
Livestream w/Replay: $20 General Admission, $15 Low/No Wage
No one turned away.

Tickets & Information: http://tinyurl.com/Oct18Concord.

Theatre III: Women in Jeopardy
2025-10-18 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-10-19 14:00 - 17:00 | Theatre III, 250 Central St., Acton, 01720
Thelma and Louise meets The First Wives Club in this fun and flirtatious comedy. Divorcées Mary and Jo are suspicious of their friend Liz’s new dentist boyfriend. He’s not just a weirdo; he may be a serial killer! After all, his hygienist just disappeared. Trading their wine glasses for spy glasses, imaginations run wild as the ladies try to discover the truth and save their friend in a hilarious off-road adventure.
Tickets $25 general/$22 students and seniors/$10 EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholder.

Acton Restaurant Week Oct 19 - 26!
2025-10-19 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-20 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-21 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-22 12:00 - 12:30 | MA
Get ready to enjoy a week of great flavors right here in Acton!
See the Acton Economic-Development page for a list of participating restaurants and more information.

Diwalifest 2025: RAIN DATE!
2025-10-19 12:00 - 16:30 | Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Mass. Ave., Boxborough, MA, 01719
Diwalifest is a local, non-profit mela (fair/festival) with the goal of celebrating Diwali as a community.
Due to predicted bad weather on October 12, Diwalifest will be held on Sunday, October 19.
We encourage people of all different backgrounds to participate, learn, and celebrate Diwali together.
There will be music, dance, performances, vendors, food, and more. Diwali Fest is FREE to attend (with food and crafts to purchase). Mark your calendars. We hope to see you there!
New for 2025! Parking shuttle!
Diwalifest is so popular that parking can be an issue. If you can’t get parking at the Sargent Memorial Library or Blanchard Memorial School lots, you can park at the satellite parking lots and hop on the free shuttle!
Lot 1 : Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA.
Walk to Diwalifest
Lot 2 : Blanchard Memorial School, 493 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA
Walk on the Pathway to Diwalifest
Lot 3 : Douglas and Gates School Parking Lot, 73 Spruce St., Acton MA
Hop on the Free Shuttle to Diwalifest (1-4 PM)
Lot 4: Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road, Boxborough MA
Hop on the Free Shuttle to Diwalifest (1-4 PM)
For more information, to volunteer, or to sign up for the rangoli contest, see the Diwalifest website.
Rain date, October 19.

Acton Historical Society: 65th Anniversary Open House
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Jonathan Hosmer House, 300 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Acton Historical Society hosts an open house at the historic Hosmer House.
Celebrating 65 years of the Acton Historical Society, there will be speakers, tours of the historical site, and more!

Vintage model A Autos (Minuteman Model A club)
Jenks Library housed in 1920’s auto garage
Farm wagon, sleigh, Fire Pump
Cake and refreshments
Pumpkin painting
Tour 1760 Hosmer House
Learn about our preservation journey

The Birth of Precision Design and Manufacturing in Revolutionary New England
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road, Boxborough, MA, 01719
There was a second revolution brewing in New England in the late 1700s, America’s own Industrial Revolution. The Boxborough Historical Society is proud to present Boxborough’s Jim Gorman discussing the early efforts of New England craftsmen to develop a system of interchangeable parts production that would sweep the world by the late 19th century. Jim is an Aerospace Engineer with deep interest in precision manufacturing. While most histories trace New England innovations in firearms, this early manufacturing story is really more about clockmaking and shoemaking, and does not encompass firearms until after 1810.
The presentation will be followed by a brief annual meeting of the Historical Society. All are welcome.

ACC Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser
2025-10-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Senior High Youth Fellowship (SHYF) is hosting a chili cook-off to raise money for their mission trip to West Virginia in April.

Come to Hartman Hall to learn more about the type of work we do there, and come to try some amazing chili! The attendance fee is $5 per person, $15 for families of 4 or more. If you wish to vote for the best chili, it’s $1 per voting ticket, $5 for 6, $10 for 12. Donations are always welcome.

Danny's Place School Days Off
2025-10-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Danny’s Place, 543 Mass Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
Join the School Days Off at Danny’s Place! Kids in grades K–5 can attend from 9 AM–12 PM and enjoy a day of themed activities, games, and creative fun. Whether the day’s focus is tied to a holiday or simply a special seasonal activity, it’s always a great time to connect, learn, and play.
School Days Off are offered individually (or as a membership).
$75.00 per kid per session.

Library: Sewing and Embroidery Club @ AML
2025-10-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Sign up on the program page on our website.
Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, come learn new techniques, share ideas, and enjoy crafting in community.
This month’s craft will be: Fabric Pumpkins.
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

Library: Virtual - Revolutionary Whiskey - History and Recs of American Whiskeys with Travis Ireland
2025-10-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Sign up for the Zoom link on the program page on the Ashland Public Library website.
We’re excited to welcome Travis Ireland back to discuss the best American whiskeys to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Revolutionary War! You may be surprised at how many wonderful whiskeys made right here in the good old U.S. of A.! Learn a bit of history and BYO to do a virtual taste test with Travis, who will be recommending some of his favorites. You must be 21 or older to participate in taste testing but all are welcome to join and learn. Hope you can make it!
This program is in partnership with the Ashland Public Library.

Library: Sewing and Embroidery Club @ West
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
Sign up on the program page on our website.
Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, come learn new techniques, share ideas, and enjoy crafting in community.
This month’s craft will be: Fabric Pumpkins.
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing WACL@actonma.gov. Please note that the West Acton Citizens’ Library has limited accessibility. More accessible programs are offered at the Acton Memorial Library.

Acton COA Presents: Energy Bingo with Acton’s Sustainability Office
2025-10-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Come join us at the Senior Center for Energy Bingo! It’s just like regular bingo—only a bit more electric (get it?). Learn how to save money with state and local energy efficiency programs, while enjoying a fun afternoon of bingo hosted by the Acton Sustainability Office. Topics will include the Acton Clean Energy Coaching Program, Home Energy Assessments, heat pumps, renewable energy, weatherization, subsidized appliances, electric vehicles, and more! No prior knowledge is needed—just come ready to learn and have fun. Members of the Sustainability Office will be available for questions after the game until 3:30 and take-home resources will also be provided.
And of course, there will be prizes!
Open to all age 60+/free

Library: Acton Memorial Library Book Discussion Group
2025-10-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The AML Book Group meets the third Tuesday of the month. All are welcome, no registration required. Copies of the books will be available at the circulation desk. Please check the Program Calendar for discussion dates and times.
This month’s book is: Consilience by Edward O. Wilson
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

AB Forward community forum #1
2025-10-21 18:30 - 20:00 | ABRHS Auditorium, 36 Charter Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
AB Forward is the committee to create a strategic plan for the future of the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.
AB Forward requests community feedback about reorganization options at one of three community forums:

Tuesday, Oct 21 at the ABRHS auditorium
Monday, Oct 27 at the Blanchard Memorial School gym
Thursday, Oct 30 – Virtual (registration and link to follow)

Acton'sTrails Challenge
2025-10-22 14:30 - 16:00 | Provided after registration
“I Hiked Acton’s Trails!”

Walk the trails in Acton’s conservation areas with the goal of earning a sticker and a sew-on patch! These weekly walks are a joint effort between Acton Conservation Trust and Acton Conservation Division. We’ll walk a different conservation area weekly. Check out the “I Hiked Acton’s Trails” Challenge form HERE for more information about the challenge.

Date: Wednesdays from September 3 to November 19. Once you register, the location of each hike will be sent out each Sunday before the walk.

Time: 2:30-4:00 pm. Plan to arrive a few minutes early as we will start our hikes on time.
Typical distance: 1-2 miles

REGISTER HERE

Acton Community Supper - October
2025-10-22 16:30 - 17:30 | Mt Cavalry Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
Join us for our weekly community supper! We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.
October 1: GRAB & GO: Pasta and Meatballs
Sponsored by St. John Lutheran Church of Sudbury
October 8: GRAB & GO: Chili and Cornbread
Sponsored by West Acton Baptist Church
October 15: SIT DOWN: BBQ Chicken Dinner
Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church
October 22: SIT DOWN: Middle Eastern Chicken Dinner
Sponsored by Acton Boxborough Regional Islamic Cultural Center
October 29: SIT DOWN: Halloween Goulash and Spooky Slides
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Elohim

** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
Doors open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter earlier so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.
Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door.
For more information, see http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA.

We are so grateful for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community
organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we
hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.

Household Goods 35th Anniversary Celebration
2025-10-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Household Goods, 530 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Household Goods, Inc., has furnished homes for people in need, free of charge, for 35 years. On October 22, they are holding a community fundraiser to celebrate this milestone anniversary and kick off its Furnish the Future campaign to sustain Household Goods’ work well into the future. Household Goods warmly invites its community of new and long-time supporters to gather for a fun and informative evening at its center.
For three and a half decades, Household Goods has been a pillar of the community, transforming empty apartments into furnished homes for thousands of individuals and families who have been living without basic furniture. The “Furnish the Future” campaign will provide the stable, long-term funding necessary to sustain Household Goods’ mission well into the future, ensuring the organization can continue to respond to community need. The multi-year initiative aims to secure a total of $1 million in giving over three years.
“Our 35th anniversary is a time to reflect on the incredible impact we’ve made and to look forward with hope and optimism,” said Household Goods Executive Director, Sharon Martens. “Oktoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate this milestone with our community and officially launch the ‘Furnish the Future’ campaign. Every ticket sold and every dollar raised at this event allows us to keep providing hope and essential items to those who need it most.”

Friends of Pine Hawk: The Historical Archaeology of Massachusetts
2025-10-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Some of America’s most significant historic archaeological sites are located in Massachusetts and some of the earliest and most influential archaeologists investigated sites in the Commonwealth. Join archaeologist Holly Herbster for an overview of Massachusetts’ post-1600 archaeological heritage, its role in the development of historical archaeology, and the ways in which current research and collaboration are helping to rediscover histories that have long been hidden or ignored.
Friends of Pine Hawk events are free but for talks like this registration is encouraged at https://tinyurl.com/2025-Pinehawk.
