The Acton Exchange

Iron Work Farm: Museum open house & Hands-on Colonial Life
2025-06-22 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Jones Tavern, 128 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Iron Work Farm continues its series of combined “4th Sunday” events with a museum open
house at Jones Tavern (1 to 3 p.m.) and at the Jones-Faulkner Homestead (3 to 5 p.m.), as
well as the first part of a two-part program for children on colonial ceramics, “Fire in the Hole.”
For “Fire in the Hole,” part of our hands-on Colonial Life series for children and families, from
12 to 5 p.m. at the Faulkner Homestead we will dig and build a kiln pit, and learn how to process
clay and make a vessel for the dining table. A traditional colonial rough, working man’s lunch will be served in the field.
Locations: 128 Main Street and 5 High Street, Acton
No charge.
Parking on site or nearby.
Check www.ironworkfarm.org for details.

Acton Lion's Club Town Fair
2025-06-19 18:00 - 22:00 | School Street Fields (corner of School St and Rt 2 eastbound), 343 School Street, Acton, MA, 01720
The annual Lion’s Club fair has been a beloved local tradition since the 1970s and serves as our largest fundraiser.
Join us in supporting the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund to advance eye-related research and aid various local charities.
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ActonLionsClub
Follow us at www.actonlions.org

Boston International Asian Music Festival
2025-06-22 17:00 - 20:00 | NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Boston International Asian Music Festival, a beloved nonprofit event in the Greater Boston area, warmly invites you and your family to join us for an evening of vibrant cultural celebration with delicious Asian food!
Event Details:

Location: NARA Park Amphitheater, Acton, MA

Admission: Free

Discover a vibrant showcase of Asian music and dance, featuring Japanese, Chinese and Russian songs, dance and opera, and captivating performances by talented local artists, including the Annie Scherer Band, Utar Artun Band, and Berklee Chinese Traditional Music Club. Get a sneak peek of what’s in store with our preview video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUR0bx4XY2o)

Library: Virtual – “Dead End Road” with True Crime Author E.C. Hanson
2025-06-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
In June 1977, Renee Freer, nicknamed Giggles, went out to play with her friends. A few hours later, she was found bludgeoned to death with a rock. In a true crime book unlike most, E.C. Hanson stumbles upon an unsolved murder case that haunted his former stepfather. Unable to get specifics from the old and new guard of detectives, Hanson forges ahead, mining what he can from previously released articles and people who lived in the neighborhood at the time. An unusual yet passionate text, DEAD END ROAD honors Renee Freer’s memory and asks its how will you help? Join us for this conversation with E.C. as he discusses his book, research, and goal in pursuing this cold case.
Register directly on Zoom here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7917447449239/WN_go5AapuBRje-1dRDJ2J2ig#/registration

Acton 250: The British Soldiers of April 19, 1775
2025-06-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Please join the Acton 250 Committee for its next speaking event featuring historian and author Don N. Hagist. Don will share lesser-known narratives from the Revolutionary Era, including the lives of British soldiers who engaged the colonials on April 19, 1775 and maintained the Siege of Boston for the following year.
Don is managing editor of Journal of the American Revolution (allthingsliberty.com). His historical studies focus on presenting an accurate picture of individual soldiers and their families, especially those of the British army who served in America. This research is done using exclusively primary sources, mostly from archives in North America and Europe. He is the author of several recent books and a consultant for the PBS documentary The American Revolution.
Remote Participation: A recording will be available at Acton TV https://actontv.org/ and on our website https://www.actonma.gov/250 where you’ll find all programming information and a link to our commemorative store.
Generously supported by the Acton Lions Club.

Acton COA Presents: Tools for a Calmer Mind Seminar
2025-06-24 13:00 - 13:45 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Join Dr. Jennifer Staples, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of guts. for a 45-minute practical talk on how to ease worry & quiet racing thoughts. You will walk away with simple, science-backed tools to help you feel more present, calm, and in control. The non-profit guts. is dedicated to making mental health tools more accessible, actionable, and relatable — because it takes guts to talk about mental health.

Library: Yarn & Needle Club
2025-04-22 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-08 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.

OARS annual meeting
2025-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Road, Stow, MA, 01775
Featured speaker, Dr. Kim Kastens.

OARS is the watershed organization for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers (SuAsCo), a non-profit organization that does river science, advocacy, education, and public outreach towards a vision of “resilient streams and rivers that provide healthy wildlife habitat, water supplies, beauty, education, and recreational opportunities for all.”

At the 2025 annual meeting, Dr. Kim Kastens, Chair of the Green Acton Water Committee (and an Acton Exchange editor) will be the featured speaker, discussing Salt Pollution in the Waters of the SuAsCo Watershed. Much of the data in Kim’s talk was collected in Nashoba Brook, Fort Pond Brook, and their tributaries, right here in Acton. In addition to Kim’s talk, the evening will also include a short business meeting and updates from OARS staff on River RATs community paddles, 86 Mile Challenge for determined paddlers, and Water Wise Workshops for children ages 5-10.

The event is free and open to the public; however, we request that you register in advance. The venue is air conditioned.

Library: Great Decisions Group Discussion – U.S. Foreign Policy @ 100 Days
2025-06-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. This months topic will be on U.S. Foreign Policy @ 100 Days.
A short article is available from the Great Decisions briefing book. Please read it ahead of the meeting. It is available in the library.

Library: VIRTUAL: Racism and Civil Rights with David Kalivas
2025-06-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
We have reached a critical time as Supreme Court cases and some state laws have eroded civil and voting rights protections along with a resurgence of white supremacist activities across the country. This has contributed to increased discontent and polarization with no clear resolution and these challenges weaken the bonds of our communities. Unfortunately, racism and the struggle for civil rights and equity is not new to the American experience and to help us understand the historical context on where we find ourselves as a society, Dr. David Kalivas will offer an analysis of the history of racism and civil rights in the United States.
Sign up for the link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8317443136496/WN_y8pH4KTLR-Wh4xhnaANdNA#/registration

Acton COA Presents: All About Wetlands with Ian Bergemann
2025-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Are you curious about what types of wetlands there are? Or which species are native to wetlands? Explore the wonderful world of wetlands with the Acton Conservation Division’s Community Conservation Specialist, Ian Bergemann. The presentation will take a deep dive into how to identify different wetland environments, why wetlands are often seen as bad places, and how wetlands are protected. Lastly, we will explore how wetlands protect us!

Library: West Acton Citizens’ Library Book Discussion Group
2025-06-25 14:30 - 15:30 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, MA, 01720
Join your fellow community members at the West Acton Citizens’ Library for a lively book discussion led by our Librarians. Limited copies of the book in multiple formats will be available at the West Acton branch. First come, first serve. All are welcome!
Sign up on our website: Citizens’ Library book group.
This months book is: Endpapers By: Jennifer Savran Kelly
It’s 2003,and artist Dawn Levit is stuck. A bookbinder who works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she spends all day repairing old books but hasn’t created anything of her own in years. What’s more, although she doesn’t have a word for it yet, Dawn is genderqueer, and with a partner who wishes she were a man and a society that wants her to be a woman, she’s struggling to feel safe expressing herself. Dawn spends her free time scouting the city’s street art, hoping to find the inspiration that will break her artistic block—and time is of the essence, because she’s making her major gallery debut in six weeks and doesn’t have anything to show yet.
One day at work, Dawn discovers something hidden under the endpapers of an old the torn-off cover of a lesbian pulp novel from the 1950s, with an illustration of a woman looking into a mirror and seeing a man’s face. Even more intriguing is the queer love letter written on the back. Dawn becomes obsessed with tracking down the author of the letter, convinced the mysterious writer can help her find her place in the world. Her fixation only increases when her best friend, Jae, is injured in a hate crime for which Dawn feels responsible. But ultimately for Dawn, the trickiest puzzle to solve is how she truly wants to live her life.
A sharply written, page-turning, and evocative debut, Endpapers is an unforgettable story about the journey toward authenticity and the hard conversations we owe ourselves in pursuit of a world where no one has to hide.

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 Community Supper: June
2025-06-04 16:30 - 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.
June 4 — Mediterranean Chicken with Rice Pilaf
Sponsored by West Acton Baptist Church
June 11 — BBQ Night: Pork Chops with Roasted Veggies
Sponsored by Chaves Heating and Air Conditioning
June 18 — Ballpark Night! Hot Dogs with all the Fixin’s
Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church of Littleton
June 25 — Italian Summer Supper: Antipasto Salad and Meatball Subs
Sponsored by Friends of Community Supper
** 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: Pride Book Group
2025-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Conference Room (2nd floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join your fellow community members at Acton Memorial Library for a lively book discussion this Pride, led by Librarian Olivia. Limited copies of the book in multiple formats will be available at Acton Memorial Library. First come, first serve. All are welcome!

Sign up on our website: Pride Book Group.
The Book is: Endpapers By: Jennifer Savran Kelly
A sharply written, page-turning, and evocative debut, Endpapers is an unforgettable story about the journey toward authenticity and the hard conversations we owe ourselves in pursuit of a world where no one has to hide.

Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

Public Information Meeting: Road Improvements on Rt 2 at Piper/Taylor Rd.
2025-06-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will hold an information meeting about changes to the Route 2 and Route 111 intersection at Piper and Taylor Road. MassDOT will discuss proposed new traffic signals, turning lanes, pavement markings and signs as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

View the Public Notice

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Wireless Zone Verizon
2025-06-27 10:00 - 10:30 | Wireless Zone Verizon, 295 Main Street, Acton, 01720
Join us for a special ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome Wireless Zone Verizon to their newly remodeling store. Not only will this ribbon cutting ceremony be held, but on Saturday the store is planning fun activities for all!

Discovery Museum Free Friday Nights
2025-06-20 16:30 - 20:00 | Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Visitors can enjoy the Museum and the Discovery Woods outdoor nature playscape and Treehouse with free admission from 4:30pm to 8:00pm every Friday night from June 20 until Labor Day. Reservations are no longer required nor accepted.
The Museum will gratefully accept non-perishable food items for Open Table and Acton Food Pantry in lieu of admission, though a food donation is not required for admission.
Thank you to the following local businesses that made this summer’s free admission Friday nights possible:
June 20 – Dube Construction Management
June 27 – Enterprise Bank
July 4 ** Closed for Independence Day **
July 18 – Enterprise Bank
July 25 – Enterprise Bank
August 1 – Heffernan Build & Remodel, Inc.
August 8 – Not Your Average Joe’s
August 15 – Swymfit
August 29 – Sutherland Realty Group/Keller Williams Realty Boston NW
Free admission on Friday nights—every Friday during the summer, and the first Friday night of each month October through June—is part of the Discovery Museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers to experience the Museum.

FreeBee Market: Boxborough
2025-06-28 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.

American Radio Relay League 2025 Field Day
2025-06-28 14:00 - 2025-06-29 12:00 | Concord Rod and Gun Club, 74 Strawberry Hill Road, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
American Radio Relay League Field Day is a radio communications event that brings together amateur radio operators (also called “hams”) within your community. The theme for 2025 Field Day is “Radio Connects” – highlighting the many ways that wireless technology connects people across distances near and far. The event is part picnic, campout, practice for emergencies, informal contest, and most of all, fun! ARRL Field Day is the most popular ham radio activity held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend in June each year, more than 31,000 hams get together with their radio clubs, schools, or friends to operate from remote locations.
The Westford Police Amateur Radio Team will be participating, and the public is welcome to join. During the event, they will be communicating with other amateur radio operators from across North America and around the world, and showcasing 7 different live amateur radio stations each using a different amateur radio communication technique. Most of all, one of the stations will permit you to get on the air.
WB1GOF is an amateur radio club out of Westford with members in many of the surrounding towns (including Acton) and beyond. We are interested in supporting all people interested in amateur radio.

Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market
2025-06-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Elm Street Playground, Elm Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Stock up on local produce and artisanal goods while you enjoy music, artisan offerings, our community table . . . and friends and neighbors.
Every Sunday, 10AM – 1PM, June 15 – October 12.

Library: Paying For Education with CFA Society Boston
2025-06-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
This program explores various methods for financing higher education, including scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities. It aims to help students and families make informed decisions by comparing the benefits and drawbacks of each option. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already in school, this presentation will break things down in a way that’s easy to understand.

Library: Summer Sewing Series - Introduction to Sewing Machines
2025-07-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Want to learn how to make your own clothes but don’t know where to start? Join our Summer Sewing Series! We’re starting off with an Introduction to Sewing Machines! You’ll learn the basics of how a machine works and the steps to sewing your very own Corner Bookmark!! Sewing machines are limited, so if possible, please bring your own!!
Space is limited, sign up on the program page on our website: https://actonmemoriallibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/summer-sewing-series/
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Please reach out to library@actonma.gov and include a description of the accommodation you will need, including as much detail as you can and include a way we can contact you if we need more information.

Acton Community Supper: July
2025-07-02 16:30 - 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 our air-conditioned Fellowship Hall. Welcome Summer! We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.
July 2 — Fireworks Fruit Salad and Cheeseburgers (HAPPY 4th OF JULY !! )
Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia
July 9 — Summer Supper: Hot Open face Turkey Sandwiches
Sponsored by friends of Mt Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton
July 16 — Fenway Night: Sausage and Pepper Subs
Sponsored by the Students of Paint for Progress
July 23 — Mexican Night: Chicken Chili and Quesadillas
In Honor of Joan Appleton
July 30 — Chef Salad with Deli Meats Dinner
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.

Library: Adult Writing Group
2025-07-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Conference Room (2nd floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Writing Club is a free group for prose, poetry and non-fiction writers to come together, connect, share and create in a welcoming environment. Join the conversation, work on optional weekly prompts or use the time to work on an existing project that your passionate about. Feel free to join in person or on Zoom, all writing levels welcome!
Optional Prompt: Make a list of 25 “things” You love reading about (Topics, locations, literary devices, time periods, etc). Take five things from your list and write a one page or more story, scene or outline

NARA: July 4th Celebration (concert/fireworks)
2025-07-04 17:00 - 22:00 | NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join us for an unforgettable July 4th celebration at NARA Park! We are thrilled to invite you to an event that promises to dazzle and delight with fantastic music and spectacular fireworks. Below, you’ll find all the exciting details you need to know. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
This year, NARA Park will not open until 5 p.m. as staff and vendors prepare for the event.
Please visit actonma.gov for updates closer to the event. No rain date is planned. Click here to view the complete list of events all summer at the park!
SHUTTLE BUSES AND PARKING: Shuttle buses start at 5 p.m. Parking is offsite at various parking lots along Nagog Park Drive with free shuttle bus transportation during limited hours.
Free shuttle buses will stop and pick-up guests at designated bus stops along Nagog Park Drive during the hours of 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. all guests will need to walk to the park through the lighted Town forest trail at the end of Nagog Park Drive. Shuttle buses will resume following the fireworks with one-way trips back to Nagog Park Drive with last shuttle bus leaving NARA at 10:45 p.m.
Parking at NARA is restricted to handicap and special permit parking only. Please be patient upon exiting the parking areas. Traffic is heavy and expect delays. Please note that upper parking lot (special permit only) will be closed to exiting traffic from 8 p.m – 10:30 p.m.
CONCERT AND FIREWORKS:
Get ready for an unforgettable evening! Thirty6Red will take the stage immediately following the opening remarks at 7:00 p.m. This incredibly talented band from Foxborough is sure to captivate you with a setlist that features all of your favorite hits!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening! A spectacular fireworks show will light up the sky at dusk, approximately 9:30 p.m. Pyrotechnico is set to deliver a breathtaking display that will leave everyone in awe, with bursts of color and sound that will have you gasping in delight. Don’t miss this dazzling spectacle that promises to be the highlight of the night!
FOOD VENDORS* open from 5:00- 9:30 p.m.
Celebrating Independence Day with a variety of food vendors can enhance the experience for everyone. Here’s a list of some of the food vendors that will be present on July 4th:

Boston Events: Hot dogs, burgers, BBQ chicken, veggie burgers, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and more
Tandoor and Curry on Wheels: Veg samosas, chicken tikka masala, vegetable curry, chicken curry, channa masala
Kona Ice of Marlborough: Hawaiian style flavored shaved ice
Buenos Aires, LLC: Empanadas of all kinds: Beef, chicken, short rib, ham, spinach, caprese, mushroom, onion, and corn
Lizzies Bakery: Cookies, cake jars, cakesicles, cupcakes, mini pies, water, canned soda, macaroons
P & Ps Thai Food Truck: Fried rice, chicken wings with sticky rice, crispy rolls, crab rangoon, boba tea, green tea, blue tea
Birds Nest Italian Street Food: Meatball and chicken parm sliders, mozzarella sticks, and more

*As of May 22, 2025 – menu/vendors subject to change if necessary.

Library: Virtual - "Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts"
2025-07-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Space is limited, sign up on the program page on our website: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3017460384553/WN_K6u3ApS0RByORHo2w6JFPw#/registration

We had so much fun chatting with author and veterinarian, Philipp Schott a few years ago, we just had to bring him back to discuss his new book, “Heal the Beasts: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts”. This history of veterinary medicine provides an abundance of bizarre, funny, surprising, and heartwarming anecdotes. Heal the Beasts chronicles human efforts to treat animal illnesses from 14,000 BCE to today.

This is in partner with the Ashland Public Library

Housing Legal Clinics
2025-04-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Acton Community Services office, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
The Acton Community Services Office within the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with MetroWest Legal Services, will host a monthly housing legal clinic beginning in January.
Housing Legal Clinic appointments will begin on Jan. 14 and will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 4-6 p.m. at the Human Service and Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear.
Before you attend a session, you must complete the following registration form, which can be found here.
The program, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will run until Dec. 31, 2026.

Green Acton monthly meeting
2025-04-08 19:00 - 20:45 | Zoom
Green Acton works to protect and enhance Acton’s natural environment and resources for present and future generations, and to help resolve the urgent environmental issues that transcend Acton’s boundaries. The group meets monthly (except for August) on the second Tuesday of the month, usually by zoom but occasionally in person. To learn more about Green Acton’s mission, accomplishments, and ongoing work, visit https://greenacton.org/
To get the agenda and zoom link for the upcoming monthly meeting, email info@greenacton.org
In addition to the all-topics monthly meeting, the individual committees hold more specialized meetings; topical committees are Biodiversity, Energy, Materials (e.g plastics, toxics, recycling), Land Use (e.g. zoning), and Water. To find the dates for committee meetings visit the Green Acton Upcoming Events page at: https://greenacton.org/calendar/
