The Acton Exchange

NARA: Kids Night! Jeff Jam
2026-07-28 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | NARA Park Amphitheater, 71 Quarry Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Kids Concert Night with Jeff Jam!
Boston Parents Paper Reader’s Choice 2022 – Kid’s Party Entertainment!
“Boston’s Best Birthday Party Entertainer!” – MommyPoppins.com
Jeff Jam is a friendly, goofy guy who sings and performs songs for children of all ages. He travels all over Massachusetts, New England, and the world with his acoustic guitar, bringing songs and smiles to children everywhere.
Born in Massachusetts, Jeff Jam grew up watching Sesame Street, reading Dr. Seuss, and listening to The Beatles. Three of his favorite things are books, music and baseball. When he gets to sing Take Me Out To The Ballgame in a library, Jeff Jam is in heaven.
Jeff Jam is a certified Music Together teacher, and leads music classes in Cambridge, Arlington, Somerville, and Lexington. He has released five albums, including his hit songs Crazy Monkey Day, Tutu Bird and Bad Sandwich.
His YouTube channel features hours of family friendly songs, including his Old MacDonald video, with over 9 million views.
Named by MommyPoppins.com as “Boston’s Best Birthday Party Entertainer”, Jeff Jam is available for birthday parties, preschools, day-cares, libraries, toy stores…anywhere a child needs a song!
Boston Parent’s Paper Family Favorite 2022 – “Kids Party Entertainment!”
End time is approx.

Library: Gentle Yoga with Revolution Yoga
2026-07-28 17:30 - 18:30 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Gentle Yoga with Jenny from Acton’s Revolution Community Yoga
Bring your own yoga mat!
Sign up here!

Acton COA Presents: Remember Music Student Performance
2026-07-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Remember Music is a student-led musical outreach program that brings live performances to participants at the Senior Center. Talented musicians perform a variety of instruments, including piano, cello, flute, creating an engaging and uplifting musical experience for residents. Each performance is designed to foster connection, relaxation and joy through the shared experience of music.
Open to all age 60+/free

Library: Yarn & Needle Club
2026-07-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and sewers, join the library to work on your project and socialize! We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Acton COA Presents: Grandparenting with Purpose with Henry Quinlan
2026-07-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Learn how retirees can help grandchildren build character and confidence, and connection — with wisdom, presence, and a little help from AI. Henry will discuss why grandparents matter, why your influence is larger than you think, practical roles, examples of unique experiences, what grandchildren need today, and a 30-day action plan to maximize the grandparent/grandchild relationship. Henry Quinlan has given more than 300 talks to seniors on a variety of topics, including at the Acton Senior Center. He is a former publisher and a member of the MIT Age/Lab as a Senior Achiever. He has six grandchildren.
Open to all age 60+/free

Library: Line Dancing Social Hour
2026-07-27 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Sign up here!
This is not a structured lesson, just an opportunity to dance socially with others.

AB Farmer's Market
2026-07-26 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Elm Street Playground, Elm Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Come visit the Farmer’s Market for fresh food, art, music, and community tables! The 2026 season runs from Sunday June 14 to Sunday October 11. There’s always something fun at the Farmer’s Market!

Library: Beginner Ukulele Class
2026-07-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Each participant in my percussion and ukulele circle creates collaborative rhythmic jams after learning the basics. It is one of the best team-building and fun exercises out there. The magic is found in the group building upon its own creations.
Sign up here!

Library: Afternoon Movie - Where the Crawdads Sing
2026-07-24 11:30 - 13:30 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join us for this free afternoon showing of: Where the Crawdads Sing
Arrive early, the movie starts at 11:30 am
Sign up here!

Discovery Museum: Discovery After Dark for 21+
2026-07-23 18:30 - 21:30 | Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Trade your to-do list for an island getaway to Discovery Museum! Grab your favorite beach pals and drift into a grown-ups-only evening full of vacation-worthy delights! Join the fun outdoors in Discovery Museum’s Discovery Woods and Treehouse, and inside the Museum.
Join us at the “Discovery After Dark” 21+ party . Features live Caribbean steelpan music from PanNeubean Steel, drinks, BBQ dinner (including vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and dairy-free options) from Big Pig Barbeque, games, and FUN.
Ticket prices:

$45 Dry – Event entrance and food, no alcohol
$60 Standard – Event entrance, food, and 2 drink tickets for beer/wine
$100 Benefactor – Event entrance, food, 2 drink tickets, and a donation to Discovery Museum
$330 Party Pack of 6 – Standard admission for 6 guests including event entrance, food, and 2 drink tickets for beer/wine per person

For tickets and more information: Advance tickets required; walk-ins will not be guaranteed entrance. Tickets are on sale now, visit https://bit.ly/DiscoveryDark2026

Acton COA Invites You to: Need a Mammogram? The Van is Coming!
2026-07-23 07:00 - 15:15 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Have you been putting off a mammogram? The Council on Aging and Acton Nursing Service make it easy! Get yours from Dana Farber’s Mammography Van which is coming to the Council on Aging.
Preregistration is required. To schedule a mammogram or learn more, please call 617-632-1974.
This van day is hosted in conjunction with Acton Nursing Service.
Dana Farber’s Mammography Van possesses a valid license and certificate of inspection issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Acton Exchange All-Hands Meeting
2026-07-22 19:00 - 20:30 | ActonTV offices, 16a Craig Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Acton Exchange team holds monthly meetings that are open to our active volunteers and anyone who might want to become a volunteer. If you have an Acton connection and want to contribute to independent community journalism in our town, it is likely that the AE has a role for you, whatever your skill sets and interests might be. Each meeting begins with an opportunity to learn what has been going on at the Acton Exchange, followed by an opportunity to improve our journalism skills. Meetings are either hybrid (in-person or zoom) or zoom-only. For this month’s venue and topic, email info@actonexchange.org.
Use this link to join by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86431644688?pwd=[REDACTED]
The password, if needed, is newspaper.

A Celebration of Plant-Based Foods: 4th Annual Community Potluck
2026-07-22 18:00 - 20:00 | NARA Park Picnic Pavilion, 71 Quarry Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
We all share one activity that can have a significant impact on climate change–the food we eat! Eating more plant-based meals is an immediate and DELICIOUS way to put less CO2 into the atmosphere. Come taste wonderful vegetarian and vegan dishes from across our community and bring a dish of your own based on veggies, fruits, grains, beans, or nuts. It can be as simple or as complicated as you like. Enjoy a cooking demo and special resources. Be part of something healthy, resilient, and YUMMY!
For more information and to sign up, see https://energizeacton.org/event/celebration-of-plant-based-meals/.
Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org and the Acton Sustainability Office.

Acton Community Supper - July
2026-07-22 16:15 - 17:30 | Mt Cavalry Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
Join us at our All Sit Down Supper! We welcome all our guests inside to join neighbors and friends at the tables in Fellowship Hall. Welcome Summer! We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.
July 2026 Menu
July 1 Time to Celebrate: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY-HAPPY 250th USA!!
Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs and Potato Salad
Sponsored by Acton Boxborough Community Compass
July 8 Summer BBQ: Chicken Tenders and Corn Salad
Sponsored by friends of Mt Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton
July 15 Fenway Night: Sausage and Pepper Subs (And onions if you wish)
In Memory of Joan Appleton
July 22 Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
Sponsored by Friends of Mt Calvary Community Supper
July 29 Roast Pork Tenderloin
Sponsored by Friends of Mt Calvary Community Supper

** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy **
Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:30pm. Doors open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior 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.
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper
http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Library: Teaching Tech @ West - Mango Languages
2026-07-22 14:00 - 15:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
No experience necessary—just bring your questions and curiosity!
Sign up here!

Acton COA Presents: Exploring Improvisation with Poornima Kirby
2026-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Come unlock your sense of humor, play, and discovery with this class on the art and fun of improvisation! We’ll play simple improv games, explore short-form and long-form scenarios, and gain tools for building characters on the fly. We’ll also sharpen our listening skills, use our imaginations, and learn how to say “yes, and . . .!” to our fellow improvisors. We’ll even learn how to apply improvisation skills in everyday life to solve problems, increase confidence, & gain insights into human relationships. People with any level of experience are welcome to join! Poornima Kirby is an experienced Shakespearean actress, with numerous credits in film & theatre. She has performed at the Senior Center in King Lear, A Christmas Carol, & a compilation of Shakespeare scenes. She has taught public speaking, poetry, and theatre to students of all ages.
Open to out-of-towners age 60+ for $20

Library: AML Book Discussion Group
2026-07-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Acton Memorial Library Book Discussion Group. Check this link to see this month’s and upcoming month’s books:
https://www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/kids-teens-and-adults/just-for-adults/book-groups/
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

Acton COA Presents: Windows, Weatherization, and Wall-Unit AC, Oh My!
2026-07-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Looking for ways to lower your energy bills, reduce drafts, or add AC to your home? Join the Acton Sustainability Office & the Town of Acton’s partnered home performance contractor, Colt Home Services to learn how you can reduce energy costs & improve home comfort using Mass Save’s energy efficiency incentives. We will discuss weatherization, window sealing & replacement, heat pump air conditioning, & how you can sign up for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment! Did you know that if you rent or own a single-family home or a condo in a 1-4 unit building, you are eligible to receive a no-cost Home Energy Assessment from Mass Save every two years? All are welcome, & snacks will be provided! Register here: https://forms.gle/AurcDM2deKGgEEdU6 or call the COA at 978-929-6652.
Open to all/free

Library: Virtual - America at 250: The Black experience of the Revolution w/Gracia Collins Rich
2026-07-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
We’re thrilled to welcome herstorian Gracia Collins Rich, Independent Scholar, Author and Avid Reader to our virtual stage. She will be discussing the extraordinary efforts of Black Americans whose invaluable contributions during the Revolutionary War helped bring about U.S. Independence.
Sign up here!

Discovery Museum: Special Saturday evenings
2026-07-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Especially for Me series offers dedicated hours and free admission for families with disabilities. During these events, we offer accommodations that increase access to exhibits and provide an opportunity for families to network with one another in an understanding, ADA-compliant environment.
While the event titles indicate the focus for certain program accommodations, any family that would benefit from a sensory friendly visit is welcome at any time. A medical diagnosis is not required.
All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but preregistration is required. More information, dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe.
For these events, the museum is closed to the public. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided.

Summer Fun Inclusive Evenings – July 18, August 15
Autism-Friendly Evening – October 10
Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – December 12
Sensory-Friendly Halloween – October 30 (this event is a Friday, not a Saturday)
Inclusive Evening for Visitors 18+ – September 19

Library: Beaded Food Screen @ West
2026-07-18 11:00 - 12:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
Make weighted food bowl covers for the summer. Using beads and lace placemats, we’ll be making beautiful covers for the next time you need to protect your food from flies. Join for some chatting, music, and crafting!
Sign up here!

Acton DPW polystyrene (styrofoam) collection
2026-07-18 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.

NARA: Shot of Poison - Tribute Band - Most Entertaining Poison Experience on the Planet
2026-07-17 20:00 - 22:30 | NARA Park Amphitheater, 71 Quarry Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Shot of Poison is a group of talented, veteran musicians who, in 2017, created the most authentic tribute to Poison as they are today, the fun-loving, Los Angeles-based glam rockers who burst onto MTV in 1987 and created a phenomenon, sold 50 million records worldwide, and became legendary for their energetic live shows.
When it comes to covering Poison, Shot of Poison doesn’t hold back. Fans can expect to hear classic anthems like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Talk Dirty to Me,” and “Nothin’ but a Good Time.” These tracks are lovingly resurrected with the same energy and passion that made Poison legends in the first place. Whether it’s the head-banging guitar solos or the catchy choruses, the band ensures that every performance feels like a rock extravaganza worthy of the original glam rock gods.
Shot of Poison‘s achievements are on a scale that very few, if any, tributes ever attain.
A Shot of Poison show features costuming accurate to Poison’s 2017-2023 tours, a rock & roll party atmosphere, great lighting, a video show, sing-alongs, a theatrical, high-fidelity musical performance of Poison’s classics with energy to spare, and extras you just have to see. The band members have amazing rock & roll credentials, know their stuff, and aim to bring full-on entertainment every time. Don’t miss this show!
What time do the gates open for the concert?
The gates at NARA Park will open one hour before the concert starts, allowing attendees to find their seats and enjoy the atmosphere.
Are there age restrictions for the event?
This event is family-friendly and welcomes attendees of all ages. However, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 12 are free with paid admission.
Will there be food and beverages available at the venue?
Yes, NARA Park will have various food and beverage vendors on-site for concertgoers to enjoy during the event.
What should I do if I have special accessibility needs?
NARA Park is committed to ensuring accessibility for all guests. If you have special needs, please contact the Acton Parks and Recreation Department in advance for assistance and accommodations.

Library: Virtual – Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads
2026-07-16 19:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Sign up here for the Zoom link!
Looking for the best books with BIPOC/LGBTQ+/Neurodivergent/Disabled etc. characters or by representative authors but not sure what to read next? Join bookstagrammer, Leelynn Brady (aka @sometimesleelynnreads), quarterly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations – any genre as well as YA and Middle Grade books, as long as they are by diverse authors or have inclusive storylines! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Leelyn’s many enthusiastic reviews.
This program is in partnership with the Ashland Public Library.

Library: Virtual - Insect Safari with Margie Patlak
2026-07-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join award-winning nature writer Margie Patlak as she takes you on a wonder-filled insect safari of common insects that you can find wherever there are green spaces.
Sign up here!

Ribbon Cutting: Boston Area Gleaners
2026-07-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Stonefield Farm (Boston Area Gleaners), 91 Martin Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Boston Area Gleaners, at Stonefield Farm, has made great progress on their new distribution center, and though there is more work to be done, we want you to be a part of the official unveiling.
This cold storage building will allow us to distribute more fresh produce to our communities and support our food access partners with even greater speed, capacity, and reliability.
Representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, members of state and local government, generous donors, key partners, and our staff and board will be in attendance to share words about the impact this building will have on the community.
Join us for a gathering of our partners, a tour of the new building and to raise a glass to celebrate this milestone achievement!
For more information or to RSVP, go to https://secure.givelively.org/event/boston-area-gleaners-inc/ribbon-cutting-building-for-the-future.

Acton COA Presents: Share Your Life Experiences with the Elder Libraries Project!
2026-07-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Join Elder Libraries & share your life experiences with the younger members of the community through friendly & small group conversations. Participants will have the opportunity to talk about their memories, interests, challenges, accomplishments, and lessons learned. No special preparation is needed, just bring yourself and your story. Thank you to student volunteer Matthew Liu for organizing this program!
Open to all age 60+/free

Acton COA Presents: We Hold These Truths: An Exploration of the Declaration of Independence, with Paolo Di Gregorio
2026-07-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
The Declaration of Independence is one of the foundational documents of the United States. We celebrate the date of the document as our national birthday, and most of us are familiar with some of the stirring phrases. But how many of us have read the whole thing or looked at the influences behind the words? This lecture by historian Paolo Di Gregorio explores the story behind, and the meaning of, the Declaration.
Open to out-of-towners age 60+ for $5
