Sign up for the Ride for Food ﻿& 5K Walk: Support the Acton Food Pantry
2025-05-01 | Noble and Greenough School, 10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA, 02026
Choose from a 25-mile, 50-mile, or 100-K bike ride, or a 5K walk! Team Participant:

Entry fee: $85, Fundraising Minimum $350
Riders between 14-18 must be accompanied by an adult, 5K open to all

Email Team Captain Andrew Gruskay here to join the AFP Ride for Food Team!
Every mile we ride or walk gets us closer to ensuring no one goes hungry. 100% of rider-raised funds collected by Team AFP goes back to our pantry.​
For event details, see the Ride for Food website. The Acton Food Pantry’s website is here.
Sign up begins May 1 for the October 5 event.

Cohousing neighborhood tour and breakfast
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Provided after registration
It’s National Cohousing Week, and many cohousing neighborhoods, including one in West Acton, are giving tours of neighborhoods and any houses for sale.
Visit (and share breakfast with us) to learn about this type of intentional community and how residents and non-residents alike can participate. Find us on the Cohousing Association of the United States calendar. Email us to RSVP and get directions.

Library: Adult Collage Making @ West Acton Citizens Library
2025-05-03 11:00 - 12:00 | West Acton Citizens Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
Location: West Acton Citizens’ Library | 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton MA 01720

Adult program. Join for some creativity and fun! Attendees will enjoy a presentation about collaging followed by a chance to build their own. Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring anything you would like to include in your collage.
Registration Required: https://actonmemoriallibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/collage-making-2/

Silver Unicorn Books: 3rd Annual Kid's Graphic Novel Festival
2025-05-03 11:00 - 17:00 | Silver Unicorn Bookstore, 12 Spruce Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Come join Acton’s indie bookstore at the 3rd annual Kid’s Graphic Novel Festival!

Author/illustrator meet & greets
Drawing demos
Panel talks
Design Your Own Cover Contest for kids with prizes

Free to attend!
A detailed schedule will be available at Kid’s Graphic Novel Festival.
Please register (free!)

Library: Holi Celebration
2025-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Location: Back Lawn, Acton Memorial Library | 486 Main Street, Acton MA 01720
Celebrate Holi at the Library! Join the library for music, dancing, color throwing and a scavenger hunt! Delicious desserts and food for sale (bring cash or use Venmo) from Holi restaurant, Bedford, and West Side Creamery. Choreography by Shikha, who awed everyone at last years’ Holi event with her music selection and performances.
The Holi event is co-funded by Mass Cultural Council, The Dotcom Team LLC. the Friends of the Acton Libraries and the AML Foundation. The Dotcom Team LLC (dotcom-team.com) is a Technology Consulting & Staffing Solutions company providing innovative software solutions to businesses since 1999. It’s Retail Technology Practice (Proxima360) assists world-class retailers to integrate and optimize complex data across business functions. The company is headquartered in Braintree, MA and is one of the top certified minority-owned business nationwide and winner of Boston Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2023
All ages are welcome!
Rules of playing:

While throwing colors at others, always aim from the shoulders down. Do not throw directly at someone’s face, always avoid the face and eyes.
Protect your eyes:

Wear goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes from any colored powder or water entering them.
Color Powder:

The colors that we would be using are made with high quality cornstarch, organic dyes, and baking soda. All dyes are 100% FD&C and/or D&C approved. These color powders are gluten free and do not contain dairy, nuts, wheat, soy, or other common allergens.
Recommendations:

Wear white or light colored clothes so that the colors of Holi stand out in pictures/videos.
Bring towels to place in your cars, to avoid shaking color powder all over the interior of your car and to clean up later.
To get colors off clothing, simply shake off the excess powder and place it in the washing machine.
A quick shower will get colors off skin and hair.
Bring a folding chair if you are not up to or unable to actively participate in color throwing. Enjoy the dancing and music while seated.
Parking Information:
Behind the Acton Fire Station, Fire Department, 7 Concord Rd, Acton, MA 01720. This is the closest option to us and is an easy walk away. Please be safe and use the crosswalks.
Conant Elementary School, 80 Taylor Rd, Acton, MA 01720. There will be a free shuttle to and from this parking lot. The shuttle will go back and forth every 10 minutes between 12:30 – 3:30pm.

Lucky Stiff Musical
2025-05-03 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-05-04 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-08 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-05-09 20:00 - 22:00 | Theatre III, 250 Central St., Acton, 01720
Theater III in Acton presents Lucky Stiff, the Musical!
Synopsis: Tony Award-winning writing team Ahrens and Flaherty’s first produced show, Lucky Stiff, is an offbeat, hilarious murder mystery farce, complete with mistaken identities, six million bucks in diamonds, and a corpse in a wheelchair.
Performance dates: May 3, 8, 9, 10, 2025 at 8 p.m., May 4, 11, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Cost: $27.00 Adult; $24.00 Student (thru high school); $24.00 Senior (65+); $10.00 MCC Card to Culture Program

ACT Community Service Day
2025-05-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Mount Hope Cemetery, 176 Central St, Acton, 01720
Acton Conservation Trust (ACTO is looking for volunteers to help during our community service day on Sunday, May 4, 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery, 176 Central Street, Acton MA. This spring we will continue work to remove invasive growth in one of the conservation restrictions (CR) held by ACT. Family groups, scout groups, students and everyone else is welcome. No experience needed – we’ll show you what needs to be done. Click HERE for more information and registration.

Library: Winter Concert: Triology
2025-05-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Location: 2nd Floor Piano | Acton Memorial Library | 486 Main Street, Acton MA 01720

Mixing Jazz and Latin in eclectic arrangements of old and new, famous and obscure, hot and cool, Triology plays a wide variety of material with international influences. The members originate from three different continents and each brings their own unique experience to the music.Ranging from straight ahead swing to explorations of Latin rhythms and odd time signatures on Jazz tunes, standards, original compositions, folk melodies, and the occasional pop hit, Triology puts its unique imprint on the music.

Bassist Tal Shalom-Kobi, drummer Renato Malavasi, and singer/pianist Reed Cournoyer formed Triology in 2018. They perform in both concert and club settings and bring something a little bit different to the Jazz trio format.

Taking Climate Action Together and Now!
2025-05-04 19:15 - 20:00 | First Religious Society of Carlisle, 27 School Street, Carlisle, 10741
All are invited to discuss “Taking Climate Action Together and Now!” with Dr. Juliette Rooney-Varga of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. The event is planned as an interactive discussion on climate action we can take now — as individuals, as communities, and as engaged citizens who want to protect our democracy and support effective climate policy that benefits all.

Rooney-Varga’s research focuses on the nexus of climate change and sustainability science and decision support. At U Mass Lowell, she is the Director of the Climate Change Initiative, and Co-Director of the RIST Institute for Sustainability and Energy.

The event is at 7:15, on Sunday May 4, at the First Religious Society (FRS) of Carlisle, 27 School Street, on the Common in the center of Carlisle. The presentation will be available live and recorded on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/live/uATC2L0vI8c?feature=share

Hosted by the FRS Environmental Action Committee. Address questions to e2huber@verizon.net

COA presents: Exploring Improvisation with Poornima Kirby
2025-05-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Open to out-of-town seniors for $20, free for Acton seniors.
Come unlock your sense of humor, play and discovery with this 8-week class on the art and fun of improvisation at the Acton Council on Aging (COA)! 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, and gain insights into human relationships. People with any level of experience are welcome to join! Her classes at the Senior Center are educational and great fun!
No class May 26th

Acton Town Meeting
2025-05-05 19:00 - 22:30, 2025-05-06 19:00 - 22:30 | ABRHS Auditorium, 36 Charter Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
For all registered voters in Acton, this is your turn to participate in the democratic process.
Town Meeting is the legislative branch of your local government.
If you need transportation, call Cross-Town Connect at 978-844-6809 to book a ride no later than noon on Friday, May 2.
Got kids? You can bring your school-age kids (age 4 and up) to a kid-friendly movie night in the high school Chorus Room. Movie night is available on Monday from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. RSVP to shelaghconway@gmail.com by Friday, May 2 to reserve a spot (or spots).
For detailed information about Town Meeting, including transportation, child care, links to the Warrant and other resources, and messages from town officers, see the Acton Town Meeting page.

Acton Garden Club: Gardening with Dahlias
2025-05-06 10:30 - 11:30 | St Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Presentation by Betsy Szymczak – Open to all

Someone once said that peonies are the “Show Girls” of the spring garden; with dahlias, it’s all about late summer-early fall “Royalty!” Following a brief history of the discovery of dahlias, you will learn how to select dahlia tubers, where to plant, how to water and fertilize. To stake or not to stake, to dig or not to dig – these are the questions! If you dig tubers, how to store, overwinter, and to wake them up for planting. A discussion of American Dahlia Society Classification and how to make cutting, enter a dahlia show will follow.

Betsy is an avid outdoor vegetable and flower gardener. She grows about 75 dahlia varieties in a relatively small suburban garden in Natick. Betsy is a member of the American Dahlia Society (ADS), Yankee, Connecticut, and New England Dahlia Societies and is an ADS accredited judge. She is the immediate past president of the Natick Garden Club. Betsy is also a Principle Certified MA Master Gardener, and volunteers at Elm Bank in Wellesley and the Longfellow House in Cambridge, MA. She is a National Garden Club (NGC) – Garden Consultant and is training to become an accredited NGC Flower Show judge.

I Hiked Acton’s Trails!
2025-05-07 14:30 - 16:00
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, on Wednesdays from April 9 to June 11. The location of each hike will be sent out each Sunday before the walk. Once registered, you can join us whenever it suits you.

REGISTER HERE

Library: (Virtual) Relax, Reflect, and Recharge: A Stress Relief Workshop
2025-05-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join this event on Zoom

Unwind and release tension with guided relaxation techniques. Through reflective journaling, gentle movement, breathing exercises, and meditation this workshop is the perfect opportunity allowing you to center yourself and find a sense of peace and balance. The knowledge and tools you acquire here will also serve you well in your day-to-day life. Registration required, sign up using the link below.
https://actonma.zoom.us/webinar/register/4217444018838/WN_H_C2zxJTTpGb863UFXYZDQ

Library: West Acton Citizens' Library Book Disscussion Group
2025-05-07 15:30 - 16:30 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
Location: West Acton Citizens’ Library | 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton MA 01720
The Personal Librarian By: Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps build a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths to which she must go—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
Copies of the book will be available at the West Acton Citizens’ Library.
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Please email actadultservices@minlib.net with a description of the accommodation you will need and include a way we can contact you if we need more information.

Acton Community Supper: May
2025-05-07 16:30 - 17:45 | Mt Cavalry Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
Spring has arrived. Mother Nature always returns us to many colors and warmer temps in May. Please, join neighbors and friends at the tables in Fellowship Hall. We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.
May 2025 menu:
May 7 — Cinco de Mayo – Mexican burrito bake
Sponsored by United Church of Christ Congregational, Boxborough
May 14 — Amish casserole (burger and pasta with cheese)
Sponsored by the Acton Lions Club
May 21 –Pork chops with pasta salad
Sponsored by Friends of Mt. Calvary Community Supper
May 28 — Ravioli and meatballs
Sponsored by Kate Zhong and Friends
** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
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.

Library: Adult Collage Making @ Acton Memorial Library
2025-05-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Location: Meeting Room, Acton Memorial Library | 486 Main Street, Acton MA 01720

Adult program. Join for some creativity and fun! Attendees will enjoy a presentation about collaging followed by a chance to build their own. Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring anything you would like to include in your collage.
Registration Required: https://actonmemoriallibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/collage-making/

Library: Adult Bord Game Night
2025-05-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Meeting Room, Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720

Unplug, unwind, and unleash your competitive side! Join us for Adult Board Game Night at the library—a casual, fun-filled evening of strategy, laughter, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just in it for the good company, there’s a game for everyone. Choose from a variety of modern classics and hidden gems, or bring your own favorite to share!

Carlisle Potluck and Contradance
2025-05-09 18:30 - 22:00 | First Religious Society of Carlisle, 27 School Street, Carlisle, 10741
The Carlisle Dance, with its accompanying potluck dinner, is known as the most sociable dance in the area. Arrive at 6:30 for dinner and conversation, and then dance from 8 until 10. Live music by the Carlisle Band, who bring an eclectic collection of instruments. Outstanding local callers call mostly contradances, plus occasional square and circle dances.
Admission is just $6-10 (self-determined sliding scale) for all ages, along with your tasty and creative contribution for the meal.
You’ll find us at the lovely Unitarian Church in Carlisle Center on the Common. Navigate to 27 School St, Carlisle MA and look for a classic New England church with the town clock in the steeple.

Acton Woman's Club Pie and Bake Sale
2025-05-10 09:00 | Acton Woman’s Club, 504 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Always popular and delicious! During the sale, you may ask for a tour of the antique Clubhouse building [ask for Margie or Brenda]. For more information about the Club, or for information about renting the upstairs ballroom or vintage living and dining room, see www.theactonwomansclub.org.
Bake Sale hours: 9am until sold out!

West Acton Village Run and Spring Fling
2025-05-10 09:00 - 15:00 | West Acton Village, 588 Mass Ave, Acton, MA, 01720
Family-friendly activities throughout the day.
10 AM Acton Boxborough United Way 5K and 1 mile Run/Walk for Mental Health
12 PM West Acton Baptist Church Flea Market
Sales, Raffles, Freebies!
Activities for kids & adults! And more!
For information see West Acton Village Spring Fling.
Note: To support the run, Spruce Street will be closed from 8:30 – 11:30. For more information, see Road Closure Notice.

Energize Acton Home Tour: A 1793 Farmhouse Goes Energy Efficient
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Provided after registration
How we use energy matters. But what if you live in a colonial home? How does one honor historic inheritance and yet create energy upgrades that honor the future? The homeowners of this iconic Acton property are eager to share their efforts. You will see major insulation updates, solar, air source heat pumps, heat pump hot water heaters, and more.
What could work for you?
Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org. Info and registration at https://community.massenergize.org/ActonMA/events/1937.
Address sent after registration.

Bazaar Russe Slavic Food and Bake Sale
2025-05-10 11:00 - 17:00 | Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, 15 Prospect Street, Maynard, MA
Slavic Food and Bake Sale.
Pierogi, Kielbasa, Borscht, Cabbage Rolls!
Food to eat in or take out.
Reserve your order no later than Friday, 4pm.
Details at Bazaar Russe – Spring 2025

Flea Market and Artisan Fair
2025-05-10 12:00 - 15:00 | West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Mass Ave, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
At the West Acton Baptist Church during the West Acton Village Merchants Association Spring Fling.
Stress & Fidget items, Crochet items, Handmade Jewelry,
Paintings, Household Items, Handmade Cards, Handmade Soap,
Decorative Silverware & Charcuterie, Dog Toys & Treats, Antique
Items, Handmade Seashell & light Items, Yard Sale Items, Thrift
Shop Clothing & Accessories.

South Acton Tour with Amy Cole
2025-05-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton, 01720
Join tour guide Amy Cole to visit the Iron Work Farm sites and walk South Acton’s historic Mill Corner. You will learn about Acton’s earliest colonial settlement.
Important Details: Registration is required. Details on parking and where to meet will be sent via email closer to the walk date. Register for the April 26th tour HERE. Register for the May 10th tour at https://tinyurl.com/Acton250-May10.
Tour leader Amy Cole is an accomplished professional tour leader. She grew up near Acton Center and knows the town well. She has a wide- ranging interest in Acton’s unique history. This tour is sponsored by the Acton 250 Committee and the Iron Work Farm.
