The Acton Exchange

LWV of Concord-Carlisle: Challenges facing the free press; who safeguards the truth?
2026-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742
The League of Woman Voters of Concord-Carlisle present a discussion with Danielle Allen, Harvard professor of political philosophy and democracy scholar, and Scot Lehigh, longtime political columnist at The Boston Globe, about the challenges facing a free press today. Together, they will explore how journalism, public trust, and democratic institutions are evolving in an era of polarization, misinformation, and political pressure.
Join the discussion via Zoom.

HONK! at Open Door Theater
2026-03-20 19:00 - 21:30 | Dragonfly Theater (RJ Grey Jr HS), 16 Charter Road, Acton, MA, 01720
Open Door Theater Takes Flight with HONK! at The Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. HS in Acton, March 20-29, 2026.
Open Door Theater (opendoortheater.org), based in Acton is proud to announce our production of HONK!, a musical telling of “The Ugly Duckling” story. HONK! is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his siblings, and others are quick to notice and point this out. Ugly is kind-hearted, awkward and innocent, and his journey of self-discovery is the heart of the show. This messaging supports the mission of Open Door Theater and will resonate with audiences now more than ever. Like Open Door Theater, HONK! has the audacity to assert that the default state of community should be inclusion and that “fowl” behavior will no longer be tolerated.
NOTE: All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. Performances on March 27, 28, and 29 are also audio-described.
Tickets are $20, with free or discounted tickets available for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders.
For more information, see www.opendoortheater.org.

Pack Meals for Rise Against Hunger
2026-03-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Acton Congregational Church is hosting a meal packing event with Rise Against Hunger. Our church pays for the event, we are simply looking for people who would like to join us and volunteer a couple of hours of your time. It is a lot of fun and it is a great cause! Bring a friend or two. All are welcome.
Please register in advance by clicking on this link
Our goal is to pack 10,000 meals on March 22nd. Help us meet our goal!

AB Softball Clinic
2026-03-22 09:00 - 10:30 | Boardwalk Campus, 73-75 Spruce Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join the AB Varsity softball team and coaches for a softball clinic at the Boardwalk School gym.
K – 3rd grade – 9 – 10 am
4th – 7th grade – 10 -11 am
Register your player here:
Acton Boxboro Softball Youth Clinic Registration 2026
Bring any softball equipment that you have (gloves, bats, helmet, etc.)
Youth coaches and parents are welcome and encouraged to stay and learn about some of the drills the Varsity team participates in.
Note: In lieu of a registration fee, we are asking for an $30 donation to the AB Softball program.
Questions? Email Coach Kara O’Riley at koriley-coach@abschools.org.

Discovery Museum: Special Saturday evenings
2026-01-10 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 at no cost.

Autism-Friendly Evening – January 10
Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – January 31
Inclusive Evenings – February 28, March 21, May 16, June 27
Mask On, Play On! – April 11
Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA visitors – date tba

Library: Fix It Clinic
2026-03-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join the folks from Fixit Clinic to learn and (with luck) repair! We provide the space, tools, and expert coaches for free to help you tinker, troubleshoot, and perhaps fix your small appliances, toys, devices, clothing, electronics, or other items.

Acton DPW polystyrene (styrofoam) collection
2025-04-19 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.

Danny's Place School Days Off
2025-10-13 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: Virtual - Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads
2026-02-19 19:30 - 20:00 | Provided after registration
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), monthly 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 story lines! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Leelyn’s many enthusiastic reviews.
Sign up here for the Zoom link!

Library: Virtual – Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads
2026-01-15 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.

LWV: Making Town Meeting Accessible to All (Zoom)
2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
The Acton Area League of Women Voters (LWV) is proud to announce our second Marge Kennedy Social Justice Initiative event. It focuses on ways to improve barriers to people being able to come to Town Meeting.
You will walk away equipped with the knowledge and tools to help increase participation which will strengthen your community’s democratic process. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the change.
Register for the Zoom link at Barriers to participation in TM webinar.

Library: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
2026-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Brought to you by the Alzheimer’s Association
Sign up here.

Acton Republican Town Committee
2026-03-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton, 01720
Acton Republican Town Committee
6:30 PM Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Faulkner House (circa 1707), 5 High Street
Friends of Acton RTC Welcome! please RSVP to Chair or ARTC Officer
acton-repubs@pm.me
Meeting Agenda: 6:00 to ~9

Meet-n-greet time: 6:00-6:30

Library: Teaching Tech @ AML - Canva
2026-03-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Conference Room (2nd floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
This month’s topic: Canva
No experience necessary—just bring your questions and curiosity!
Please bring your smartphone, tablet, or laptop if you have one. If you don’t have a laptop, one can be supplied for you.
Sign up here.

Acton Community Supper - March
2026-03-04 16:15 - 17:30 | Mt Cavalry Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
Are you eager for Spring? It’s coming! We just need to be patient at this time of year. Please join us each week to keep warm. We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.
March 2026 menu
March 4 Mediterranean Chicken
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Elohim Sisterhood
March 11 Roast Pork Tenderloin
Sponsored by United Christ Church of Boxborough
March 18 Our St Patrick’s Day Shepherd’s Pie
Sponsored by Faith Evangelical Free Church
March 25 Herb Roasted Chicken
Sponsored by St John Evangelical Lutheran Church
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.
We all wish for the coming of Spring. But do take care should snow and cold reappear. Looking forward to seeing you all for laughter and friendship.
Remember, if the schools are closed due to weather, there will be no Supper.
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper
http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Acton COA Invites You to: Irish-Themed Line Dancing Party with Paul Hughes
2026-03-18 14:30 - 15:30 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Paul will be teaching some line dancing steps with an Irish twist in this fun dance party in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Paul will be donning a leprechaun hat so join him by wearing green or accessorizing! No experience necessary. Paul Hughes is a line and ballroom dance instructor and teaches at various senior, recreation, and community centers throughout MetroWest Boston.
Open to all 60+/free

Library: Irish Dancing demo
2026-03-18 14:00 - 15:15 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, dancers from the Inishfree School of Irish Dancing will demonstrate traditional Irish step dancing with some lively jigs and reels. Following the performance, children in the audience will be invited to learn a step!

Library: Teaching Tech @ West - Canva
2026-03-18 14:00 - 15:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720

Acton Planning Board Public Hearing
2026-03-17 19:05 - 21:00 | Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
An Acton Planning Board Public Hearing will be held on 03/17/2026 at 7:05 PM at Acton Town Hall, Room 204 & virtually via zoom (https://zoom.us/j/96275905703) to discuss the following proposed zoning bylaw change:
(1) creation of a Nagog Park Innovation Overlay District; and
(2) amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw. To view the proposed zoning bylaw
changes: https://doc.actonma.gov/dsweb/View/Collection-19970 or contact
planning@actonma.gov.

Library: AML Book Discussion Group
2026-01-20 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.

Library: Line Dancing Social Hour
2026-03-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Do you love line dancing or just want to get into it? Come to our Line Dancing Social Hour to dance with others in the community. Learn new dances or just dance some of your favorites! This is not a structured lesson, just an opportunity to dance socially with others.
Sign up here.

Acton Democratic Caucus
2026-03-15 15:30 - 18:00 | Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA, 01720
The Acton Democratic Caucus will be held on Sunday, March 15 at 4:00 PM at Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton. Doors open at 3:30 PM, and everyone wishing to vote or be elected a delegate to the Massachusetts State Convention must be signed in by 4:15 PM.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party’s 2026 Nominating Convention will be held in Worcester at the DCU Center on Friday and Saturday, May 29-30. If you are planning on attending the March 15 Caucus please sign up in advance at https://tinyurl.com/2026-ADTCCaucus-Signin,

Library: Winter Concert Series - Gloucester Hornpipe and Clog Society
2026-03-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Gloucester Hornpipe and Clog Society has delighted audiences since 1975 with a lively mix of Celtic jigs, reels, hornpipes, and polkas; maritime music including sing-along sea chanteys; French Canadian tunes; and original songs and tunes. From ragtime to oldtime, the band’s rollicking, friendly style is fun for all ages.
Sign up here.

Acton Conservation Trust annual meeting
2026-03-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Acton Conservation Trust Annual Meeting

1:00 PM Business Meeting
1:15 PM Carol Holley Conservation Volunteer award presentation to Terry Maitland
1:30-2:30 PM Animal Adventures presentation

This program is free for all and perfect for families with children aged 5 and older.

Please register here so we know how many to expect.

Chef Challenge to benefit the Acton Food Pantry
2026-03-14 18:30 - 21:30 | The Barn at Gibbet Hill, 61 Lowell Road, Groton, MA, 01450
Support the Acton Food Pantry with an evening of great food, great entertainment (with comedian Jimmy Tingle as MC and auctioneer), and great auction items!
Featuring tastings from local restaurants including the Barn at Gibbet Hill, Season to Taste, 80 Thoreau, Silver Girl, Saltbox Kitchen, Puritan & Company, and Adelita.

OARS 3 Rivers: Sounds of Science
2026-03-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Concord Art, 37 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
What does a river sound like when you really listen? Join OARS for an immersive evening inspired by nature’s soundscapes. Hear the voices of our rivers, see their sounds come alive in stunning spectrograms, and discover what these acoustics reveal about the natural world. Bioacoustics researcher Dr. Laura Kloepper will share how sound informs science and uncovers stories we may not see, only discoverable by ear.
OARS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit watershed organization located in Concord, MA. OARS focuses on protecting the Assabet, Concord, and Sudbury rivers.

Library: Mini Canvas Painting @ West
2026-03-14 11:00 - 12:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
For Adults!

Join for some chatting, music, and crafting!
This month’s craft is: Mini Canvas Painting
Paint a mini canvas for April’s “What do you love about the library?” Art Show!
Sign up here.

Carlisle Potluck and Contradance
2025-04-11 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.
