December in Lowell: City of Lights Winners and Winter Art

City of Lights Winners

            City of Lights brought joyful and festive celebrations to Lowell last weekend. During the parade, several groups competed for the most creative, festive, and best themed floats. In addition to these awards, two were given out by the Mayor and the City Manager. This year, we congratulate:

Most Creative Float: No Bully Zone Kids

Best Use of Theme Float: Cub Scout Pack 7 & Boy Scout Troop 7

Most Festive Float: Dramatically Incorrect Theater

Mayor’s Award: Greater Lowell Technical High School

City Manager’s Community Award: Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union

Thanks to Judges Mayor William Samaras, City Manager Eileen Donoghue, Vanna Howard, and Christopher Hayes.

Hot Chocolate also had some tasty competition. Congratulations to Sweet Lidia’s for winning the Hot Chocolate Contest.

Stay tuned for the results of the window decorating contest!

Art and Markets

            During the month of December, art organizations continue to provide events, showcasing Lowell’s artistic community and giving citizens opportunities to explore and purchase meaningful gifts. The Whistler House Museum of Art, Bush Art Gallery & Studios, Arts League of Lowell, and others will open their doors for you to experience winter and holiday themed events and shopping opportunities.

Western Avenue Studios (WAS)

Western Avenue Open Studios has holiday studios for artists to share their work, offering seasonal hand-made gifts that include a unique selection of wooden spoons, clay bowls, journals, wallets, and scarves. In addition to the crafts, WAS will host family photo sessions, so come and take a photo for the perfect holiday gift. The Holiday Open Studios runs December 7th & 8th and the 14th & 15th at 5 p.m.

Bethany Peck, “Salt Water, Marsh & Meadow”

            The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) hosts a new exhibit. “Salt Water, Marsh & Meadow” created by New England landscape painter Bethany Peck. Held at the foundation’s offices at 100 Merrimack Street, the exhibit will be open Monday through Friday until January 10th, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Brush Art Gallery & Studios

            Brush Art Gallery will hold a marketplace for more opportunities to find special holiday gifts for family and friends. Open December 13th, the market will sell gifts from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and again from 12 – 5 p.m. on December 14th and 15th.

            Also at the Brush, the annual Member’s Exhibit continues until December 22nd, with a reception on December 7th, 2 – 4 p.m. The exhibit showcases the painting “Field of Dreams,” hosted by the Chez Clair Art School, and provides an array of sculptures, paintings, and small works purchasable as gifts. Join Brush Art for refreshments and chances to meet local artists.

The Whistler House Museum of Art

            Alongside Whistler’s permanent collection, attend their holiday party, Friday December 6, at 6:30 p.m. The Whistler’s largest fundraising event of the year will be hosted at the museum, 243 Worthen Street in Lowell. The event includes a live art auction, silent auction, dinner, and live entertainment. Featuring art by local artists, the auctions include the popular Trinity Triple Treat Raffle where Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics game tickets will be raffled off. For more information, visit the Whistler’s website.

            Running until January 25th, the Fall/Winter Juried Members Exhibit includes works by artists from The Lowell Art Association (LAA). Featuring a range of seasonal subjects and mediums, the art represents both modern and traditional methods, techniques, and aesthetics. Experience their interpretation of the world through paintings, drawings, sculptures, fiber art, and photography.  The exhibit is open during daily hours, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Visit the museums website for more information.

Arts League of Lowell (ALL)

            Currently running at the ALL Gallery, the “100 & Below” Member’s Show provides further opportunities to enjoy the upcoming season and purchase gifts for loved ones. Unique handcrafted art and gifts will be available all for $100 or less. Enjoy food, drink, and holiday shopping on December 7th, 6 – 8 p.m.

The New England Quilt Museum

            The New England Quilt Museum celebrates the lifetime achievements of late quilt maker Sue Garman. A “Tribute to Sue Garman” focuses on a retrospective of 37 of Garman’s original designs. Over her career she created over 300 quilts and shared her techniques with thousands of quilt enthusiasts, and has created a large group of fans here in Lowell. NEQM is excited to host this year’s exhibits for quilt makers and fans alike. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s unique gift shop.

            For more info, visit the NEQM website.

City of Lights: The Parade

The annual City of Lights parade has reached its 31st year of celebrations. Thousands of spectators will gather in downtown Lowell to witness in awe Massachusetts’s largest night time parade. This signature event has created one of the most notable traditions in the city. High-stepping marching bands, fabulous holiday-themed floats, spectacular performance groups, and local personalities will participate in extravaganza! Led by the Lowell Police Department and Fire Department vehicles, and Grand Marshall Jim Cook, this year’s snow globe themed parade consists of over 50 groups including Lowell High School, the Lowell National Historical Park, and Lowla Bear with her friend Canaligator, mascot of the Lowell Spinners.

Music

Several musical groups including marching bands from Lowell, Chelmsford, and Dracut High Schools and UMass Lowell will perform.

Lowell High School’s band has been competitive in the community for several years, providing commendable efforts in the classroom and on the field. Traveling throughout the state, the band has performed at numerous regional competitions and has honed their craft over time. The band has received several high honors including ISSMA Semi-State Finalist performances in 2008, 2010, and 2011.

Chelmsford High School’s band is a Massachusetts state concert festival gold medal winner and performer for New Year celebrations and national anthem performances for the Boston Red Sox. This band has performed in Washington D.C. and London for various celebrations.

Dracut’s band features members who have performed with the group since elementary school. The band plays at Dracut High School football games and marching competitions

UMass Lowell’s band will perform alongside Rowdy the Riverhawk under the direction Dan Lutz and Associate Director Deb Huber and is an integral part of the musical and athletic aspects of campus life. The band is led in performance by field conductors Josh Walsh and Kyle Watson.

Floats

One of the most interesting elements of the parade is its floats. Floats with unique designs and themes will lead up to Mr. and Mrs. Claus’s own float.

Greater Lowell Technical High School is back with their crowd pleasing float. The high school has been a participant for over ten years. Greater Lowell presents a student-designed and constructed float that captures the spirit of the holiday season, using themes of snow globes, lights, and color.

The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race will bring human powered and all-terrain floats to the celebration. The group features a large snow globe sculpture alongside their iconic Lobster that constantly amazes audiences.

Middlesex Community College represents the cultural community with a diverse arrangement of flags while theater students perform popular scenes from recent productions.

Specialty Units

Local organizations and individuals join in the celebration as well, creating a parade of talent, education, awareness and fun! The number of participants gives attendees a lot to look forward to and they can expect to see many new and old faces.

The Lowell Scouts include two Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troop 7 which provide youth with opportunities to learn about the environment, become active in their communities, and try new things while having fun. The Girl Scouts of Lowell will also help usher in the holiday season and show their support.

Dramatically Incorrect Theater includes students of various ages alongside a beautiful snow globe with a Grinch style theme followed by singers from the fictional town of Whoseville.

Led by Mr. Randal Orie and teachers Nick Leonardos and Robert Gignac, Lowell Community Charter Public School’s performing arts department brings their chorus, African percussion group, and Khmer dance group to the parade.

The Lowell National Historical Park is a proud participant again this year. Since 1978, their staff and volunteers have been committed to telling and presenting the diverse history of the city.

The Littleton Hack n Tack 4H Club celebrates its 70th Anniversary during the City of Lights parade. Hack n Tack is the longest running 4H club with a focus on all things horses. There is a lot to look forward to for everyone who loves horses.

Santa

Every year, the holiday’s favorite character, Santa, takes time to attend City of Lights along with Mrs. Claus for greetings, photos, and their very own float for the parade. Mr. and Mrs. Claus bring joy to the City of Lights, and help kick off the holiday celebrations. Following the parade, Santa helps Mayor Bill Samaras light up City Hall and the surrounding area with a count down and a flip of the switch, signaling the official start of Lowell’s holiday season.

City of Lights: Afternoon Activities

            Lowell lights up with a twinkling display of lights and decorations in celebration of the holidays. City of Lights has afternoon and evening activities to delight families and individuals on Saturday November 30th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Picture taken by Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

Wreath Decorating Workshop (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

            Join the Pollard Memorial Library staff for the start of the activities in a fun, wreath-decorating workshop which is open to everyone and materials will be provided, just bring your own artistic creativity. The event takes place in the Pollard Library ground floor meeting room at 401 Merrimack Street. To register for a wreath, visit the Pollard Library website.

Silly Sally’s Elves (12 – 4 p.m.)

            Silly Sally and her group of elves will be around for a variety of performances and activities for children. Silly Sally has been performing since she was a little kid, providing fun for children. This year, she will entertain with face painting, balloon twisting, and a puppet show, all with an elf theme in the JFK Plaza tent.

Holly Jolly Trolley (12 – 3:30 p.m.)

            Jump on the Lowell National Historical Park's "Holly Jolly Trolley," complete with Ranger Elves, music, and holiday decorations. The trolley will run continuously from the Boott Cotton Mills to the Visitor Center at 246 Market Street. This is a free event with no need for reservations.

Photos With Santa (1 – 3 p.m.)

            Get your holiday family photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the lobby of City Hall. They will be available during the afternoon to take pictures and say hello.

Capella Caroling (1 – 3 p.m.)

Hawkapella joins in on the fun with caroling session throughout downtown Lowell. They will be visiting several spots to perform their versions of popular holiday tunes. The UMass Lowell all-male cappella group which prides itself on their pop and rock influences will also perform after the lighting of City hall.

Festival of Wreaths: Contest and Raffle (2 – 6 p.m.)

View beautifully decorated wreaths at St. Anne’s Edison Hall that were donated by local organizations and individuals. During the event, raffle tickets will be available for purchase for your chance to win a wreath for yourself. The raffle will be held at 5 p.m. The event is sponsored by The Brush Art Gallery & Studios and admission is free.

Holiday Craft Market (1 – 7 p.m.)

The holiday craft market on JFK Plaza is a great opportunity to purchase locally made art crafts, holiday foods, and much more

Holiday Movie Screening: The Polar Express (2 p.m.)

            Head over to the Lowell National Park Visitor Center for a free movie screening of The Polar Express. This movie quickly became a holiday classic after its release in 2004, and is sure to delight in 2019.

Holiday Art Exploratory (1 – 3:30 p.m.)

Visit Lowell Makes to decorate and take home your own 3D printed ornaments. This workshop gives participants the opportunity to create a unique and popular holiday craft.

Ice Skating (1 – 5 p.m.)

Also on JFK Plaza, an ice rink will be available for skating for several hours. Rentals are available, but feel free to bring your own skates.

Food Trucks and Vendors (1 – 7 p.m.)

Throughout the event, enjoy a variety of food options from several local food trucks and vendors. Trucks include NE Comfort Foods, Eggroll Café, and Wacky Candy Shack; vendors include Strung Together, InvisaWear, GM Accessories, and more.

Lighting of City Hall

Following the conclusion of the City of Lights parade, Santa Claus and Mayor William Samaras will flip the switch to light City Hall. Thousands of lights will illuminate the building for all attendees to witness. The lighting kicks off the official start of the holiday season by outlining one of Lowell’s most important historical buildings as well as the surrounding area. The switching of the lights will occur around 6:30 p.m. At the same time the Wannalancit Mill smokestack will light up a towering tree with green lights.

From Classic to Rock to Christmas

There are several upcoming musical events that cover different eras and genres. Music is explored in its progression of expression at various Lowell venues for people of all musical tastes.

November

SymphonyNH begins with a concert of Bach & Purcell pieces on Sunday, November 10th, from 3 to 5 p.m. This program of colorful baroque music explores the careers and compositions of Henry Purcell and Johann Sebastian Bach. The performance is hosted by UMass Lowell at Durgin Hall, and conducted by Tiffany Lu, Conducting Associate at Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival in Maine. For tickets, go to SymphonyNH website.

Transitioning to rock, the show “Cambodian Rock Band,” wraps up its string of performances this weekend at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT). The show explores the story of a daughter who tries to piece together her father’s history after he fled Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Celebrating the bond of family during hardships, the show expresses the power of music in the ‘70s. With only a few performances remaining, check the MRT website for remaining show times before the last performance this Sunday November 10th.

Zorba’s Music Hall at 437 Market Street hosts the Pink Floyd tribute band, Space Force from 9 – 11:30 p.m. on November 15th. Space Force specializes in reproducing the band’s iconic songs in full detail by using gear from the band’s active years. Fans can expect accurate covers from the bands discography to re-experience moments of the 70’s and 80’s, the peak period of the band’s activity.

The James Ventola Band performs at Gallery Z on November 16th, 7 – 9 p.m. The jazz pianist from Ipswich has been playing around the greater Boston area for years. He has performed with several jazz musicians, such as Nat Simpkins, Charles Neville, Dave Zox, and Danny Heath. For more information visit the Gallery Z website.

The legendary Bob Dylan returns for his first concert in Lowell since 2013 on November 19th. Known for his work in the rock, blues, folk, and country genres, he has received several Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe. Bob Dylan & His Band takes the stage at the Tsongas Center at 8 p.m. For more information, check out the Tsongas Center website.

December

The 3rd annual Mayor’s Holiday Fest for Youth Homelessness Rock N’ Roll Fundraiser will rock Zorba’s Music Hall on December 12th beginning at 6 p.m. The fundraiser addresses a persistent issue within the city and showcases several local rock bands, including Love Train, Emily Desmond, Mickey Kanan, and many more. For information on the complete lineup and tickets for the event, visit the Community Teamwork website.

The Lowell Memorial Auditorium (LMA) hosts A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage on December 7th. Three showings -1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m- offer flexibility when choosing a show depending on your schedule. This holiday classic comes to the stage to celebrate years of festivities from our favorite selection of childhood characters.

Also at the LMA, the Boston Pops offers their traditional Christmas concert on Sunday December 22nd at 2:30 p.m. The return of this popular holiday show is filled with lively music and traditional sing-alongs. Holiday Pops, started in 1973 by legendary conductor Arthur Fiedler, has taken place at Boston’s world-famous Symphony Hall but is now also touring with a stop here in Lowell.

November in Lowell: Seasonal Shopping and Art

November’s arrival foreshadows the holiday season, bringing new opportunities to explore and shop for arts and crafts that are unique to Lowell. These handmade items serve as gifts for friends and family, others as festive decorations for the upcoming holidays.

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Western Avenue Studios

Western Avenue Studio’s (WAS) November open studios this Saturday, November 2nd, begins the holiday season. Open Studio provides opportunities to examine WAS Artists’ distinctive art styles and gives attendees insight into each artist’s inspiration and creativity. Every Saturday, until the end of November, from noon – 5 p.m. the studio will have art on display for viewing and purchasing, providing locally handmade gifts, alongside gift-able art classes. This Saturday, Wretched Hive Creations will have a few highly detailed projects on display, such as “The Bith Hands,” that show the ability to make art as detailed as possible.

If you need a break from WAS browsing and shopping, checkout Navigation Brewing. The brewery, a part of WAS, provides a taproom for specialty, rotating ales and seasonal brews. Opening at 2 p.m. every day, the taproom is often accompanied by a food truck providing local eats.

Mill No. 5

Coffee and Cotton, Mill No. 5’s café, provides locals with coffee, espresso, lattes, and an open mic for those interested in a warm drink and some live entertainment. Every first Saturday of the month, Santi C performs on stage at the café, providing entertaining covers of hit songs by pop artists. Every second Saturday of the month, the same mic opens for LGBTQ+ talent giving professionals and amateur performers a chance to share their poetry, dancing, and songwriting.

A Little Bazaar continues to open pop-ups of unique hand-crafted goods, clothing, and treats. The Makers Market, opening Saturday November 9th at noon, supports the best local designers who provide high-quality apparel, jewelry, ceramics and more.

            Return to Mill No.5 the following Saturday, November 16th, for the opening of the Hibernate Marketplace & Caturday. With support by the Lowell Humane Society, this marketplace helps celebrate all things cozy and comfy.

Gallery Z

Gallery Z begins their holiday season with a holiday gift market on Saturday November 9th. This marketplace includes handmade crafts, paintings, pottery, jewelry, and floral arrangements. The market supports local businesses while giving locals the chance to stock up on decorations and gifts for friends and family. The artist co-operative sells paintings by New England artists, using different genres and mediums, providing options for unique interests.

Brush Art Gallery and Studios

The Brush Art Gallery continues to provide museum quality exhibits, educational programs, and shopping opportunities for Lowell. With the goal of keeping visual arts alive, the gallery demonstrates the diverse culture and skills of local artists, making it a destination for everyone to enjoy. Open each day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Brush features nine different studios and shops that create and sell paintings, jewelry, quilts, cards, ceramics, and other gifts in time for the holiday spirit.

New England Quilt Museum Shop and ALL Gallery

For more creative shopping, visit the New England Quilt Museum (NEQM) for an array of fabrics transformed into sculptures, quilts, and clothing. The gallery has preserved more than 400 antique and contemporary quilts along with sewing machines, clothing, bags, cards, and other items. The quilts are spread over two floors, varying in size, color, and shape, creating detailed story-telling art rather than bed pieces. The NEQM shop offers a variety of options including jewelry, books, plushies, bags, and much more

The ALL Gallery also has artwork for sale for those looking for special gifts by local artists. Just next door to the gallery, Van Gogh’s Gear provides art and drawing supplies for the artist on your list. Offering quality brushes, paper, paints, and canvases, Van Gogh’s supplies carries essential tools for painters, drawers, and crafters of every skill level.

Expanding Lowell's Public Art collection

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Recent unveilings of public art has peaked interest on the number of new projects being created and raised awareness of existing pieces. Lowell’s public art collection includes several styles that highlight unique city themes. The new pieces create evocative perspectives of the city’s skyline, color palette, and history.

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Lowell in Color, Skyline, and Hydro

“Lowell in Color,” a bright and colorful collage of city landmarks, was recently installed at the Joseph M. Downes Parking Garage on John Street. The piece, by artist Frank Casazza, interprets and represents city images and icons with a bright color palette. Another addition is “Skyline,” a series of 3 panels that represent abstract images of Lowell skylines. Created by artist Andrew Szava-Kovats, “Skyline” combines actual Lowell buildings with imaginary and creative elements to emphasize the dominant brick surfaces of downtown in contrast with the colorful atmosphere. Both projects were initiated and coordinated by the Cultural Affairs and Special Events office (CASE) with the Cultural Organizations of Lowell’s Creative Committee providing review and recommendations of submissions. “Lowell in Color” was supported by Lowell’s Parking Department.

These pieces follow the September unveiling of “Hydro” by artist Nancy Selvage. This Cultural Organization of Lowell (COOL) project was initiated in 2011, and is a major art piece in the Hamilton Canal Innovation District’s Utopian Park. The sculpture, “creates a playful interactive experience for children to explore the journey of water flowing and swirling through a ‘turbine’ gateway that confidently strides forward to greet and embrace the public,” said Selvage.

Lowell Public Art Walk

To quote City Manager Eileen Donoghue, “coming upon an original work of art in unexpected places is a wonderful and surprising way to discover the work of our creative community.”

Artists have long created art that has become familiar sites for Lowellians over the years. Lowell’s public art collection includes 15 plus pieces throughout downtown.

Examples include,The Kerouac Commemorative, within Eastern Canal Park on Bridge Street, honors hometown author Jack Kerouac and his literary accomplishments.

The Dutton Street Mural, created in the 70’s, depicts life for the Irish in Lowell. Decatur Way, a walkway and art space features murals from local artists, poetry installations, and pavement pigment drawings. The collection includes sculptures depicting life in Lowell, its history, and its imagery through various forms. Sculptures include “The Worker,” a depiction of an Irish canal worker in Mack Plaza; “The Lowell Sculptures,” three pieces of industrial symbols at Boarding House Park; “Agapetime,” a piece “that symbolizes a universal tribute to the family [Tsongas] and those families of immigrant heritage” at Lower Locks; “Homage to Women,” celebrates the contributions of women in the 19th century; and a James McNeil Whistler statue next to the Whistler House museum on Worthen Street. These sculptures appear throughout several locations in Lowell and provide milestones and memorials for the history and continued progression of the city.

For more information visit the Public Art page on LikeLowell.

Kiwanis Club, Monster Bash, and the Oddity Marketplace

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Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell has been serving the community since 1917, dedicating thousands of volunteer hours to assist youth in the city and promote growth. To celebrate over 100 years of service, the “100 for 100” scholarship campaign is in place to provide scholarships in the Merrimack Valley in honor of Henry G. Sykes, a Kiwanis volunteer for over 50 years. As a result, several scholarships have been awarded to students to encourage them to further their education. The club has been involved with several events and programs in Lowell such as, Bringing up Grades, Bike Safety Rodeo, and Halloween’s Monster Bash.

The annual Halloween event, Monster Bash, taking place next Saturday October 26th from 12-3 p.m. Monster Bash celebrates Halloween by transforming Lowell High School into a haunted house, with a costume contest, and a variety of family activities and local food. Monster Bash includes a downtown trick-or-treat trail to participating downtown businesses. The stroll is the perfect opportunity to trick-or-treat and experience Lowell in a spooky atmosphere.

If you are looking for more places to trick-or-treat, Mill No. 5 also opens its businesses and marketplace to tick-or-treaters on October 26th, from 12 to 4 p.m. Trick-or-Treat Yo’self will have an arrangement of self-care goods available in the market place on the 5th floor, with the 4th floor being reserved for the trick-or-treating. The Oddity Market opens again on November 2nd at 12 – 4 p.m. to finish the theme of the strange and dark.

The official City of Lowell trick-or-treating hours will be on October 31st from 6 – 8 p.m.

Seasonal Art: Exhibits,Museums, and Galleries

Lowell’s art scene has generated great interest in recent years. Galleries, studios, and museums have grown in numbers, offering interpretations for several genres of visual art. They’re hosting a number of exhibits during the month of October.

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The Loading Dock Gallery (LDG) presents Repetition, Replication, Variation. This exhibit focuses on using repetition of patterns and shapes within imagery to create a unique aesthetic meant to showcase the evolution of art using elements of contrast and other techniques. This show conveys a message of creativity, sparking new ideas and emotions for the viewer. Repetition, Replication, Variation begins October 2nd and runs until the 27th. Following this show, LDG presents Orbs: Spheres of Unity from October 30th through December 1st. This presentation observes the significance of circular shapes that create a unifying principle. These shapes hold complexity, but portray perfection, balance, and unification. Discover how these shapes play a role in the world.

The Ayer Lofts Art Gallery is a high-ceiling gallery designed to present several pieces of artwork within a well-lit room. Their exhibits consist of local artwork that evokes emotion, challenges minds, and creates welcoming atmospheres. The gallery, opened in 2000, invites select groups of Lowell artists for annual shows, and presents live music, dance performances, and student projects. Local artist Steve Clements will have several pieces of his artwork on display from October 4th until October 27th. The exhibit is open 12 to 4 p.m. on each day throughout the month.

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“Benefits of the Lowell’s Urban Environment” is a series of activities raising awareness of Lowell’s urban setting. Arranged by The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, the events run until April of 2020 in partnership with the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, Lowell Cemetery, Lowell National Historical Park, and Lowell High School. The Quiet World of Aging, a collection of observations by Melinda Reyes, shows facial photographs of the elderly, depicting themes of beauty, sorrow, joy, despair, and dignity. The exhibit takes viewers “into direct contact with a diversity of emotions within the aging process.”

Macabre, an art show by local artists’ co-op, Gallery Z, begins on October 3rd and runs until October 31st with a reception on Saturday October 12th. The exhibit introduces grim forms of artwork perfect as Halloween approaches. Several exhibits will open daily until Halloween Night. Following on Saturday the 26th, Gallery Z’s A Hell Raising Fundraiser opens from 7 to 10 p.m. This event celebrates the gallery’s 5th year by presenting visual and performing arts by Lowell artists. The event includes raffles, a costume contest, food, music, and an Edgar Allen Poe reading by Leo Jordan’s Balefire performers.

Tom Gill brings his collection of oil paintings to TreMonte Ice Bar and Pizzeria at the end of October. The collection Impressions: New Work, by the Lowell artist, highlights city life through glimpses of events, street views, landscapes, and gatherings.

The Arts League of Lowell (ALL) wraps up Earth, Wind, & Fiber mid-October; the event examines pottery, artwork, and quilts by Paula Eldridge, Pamela Wamala, and Louise Abbot. Hosted at All Greenwald Gallery, the company encourages and supports the art local creators make. Exposed 2019: Black & White, the succeeding exhibit, showcases black and white photography until November 10th. This juried exhibition emphasizes the effect of this method of photography that has become stylized in recent years.

The New England Quilt Museum (NEQM) hosts artist, Sue Bleiweiss, to demonstrate how fusible web, a man-made fiber, can be used in several applications. She shows how to add color, apply metal and foil to fabric, and how to transfer shape outlines. Learn expert techniques in quilt making on Thursday, November 7th. NEQM is also open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for quilt exhibits.

The Whistler House Museum of Art galleries are open every Wednesday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Whistler’s galleries include a large collection of 19th and 20th century paintings by artists like Marie Danforth Page, Mary Earl Wood, and William S. Elwell. The galleries are on three floors, including a main gallery and “Francis room,” showing artwork inspired by Lowell. The museum also hosts a special exhibit until October 26th, Titled, Fiber Fusions, an exploration of quilted creations by contemporary quilt creators. The focus is on how fiber and related materials are fused together to form creative works of art.

Lowell: Tours, History, and Trolleys

 Food Tours, Lowell Walks, and Bird Watching

October has a wide variety of walks and tours to get us moving as the weather cools down. Opportunities to examine and explore the historical city will give new perspectives of how Lowell’s mill manufacturing city developed over the years. Off the Beaten Path brings their unique food tour to Lowell. The tour explores restaurants and history, to share delicious food and support local businesses. Off the Beaten Path’s Mill No. 5 specialty food tour opens in November with Sunday tours beginning at 3 p.m. The tour of local and independent restaurants allows for a unique opportunity to discuss the history of mills that have now been renovated. Learn about bitters, vinegars, pastries, milk shakes, soda, and a wide variety of cheeses made by local businesses.

            Continuing the movement, two upcoming walks in early October explore Lowell and explore history in a unique way. Beginning with the Lowell Cemetery Mausoleum Walk, tour guides will lead you to seven different mausoleums and other notable monuments within the Lowell cemetery. This self-paced tour begins from Knapp Avenue or Lawrence Street gates where guides will help point you in the right direction and share stories of the monuments and the people interred within them. This tour begins October 5th at 10 a.m. and runs to 1 p.m.

            Following the Mausoleum tour, the Lowell Cemetery hosts a bird watching event presented by The Brush Art Gallery and Studios and is part of a series of activities to bring awareness to urban environments. Funded by the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, this event starts at 8 a.m. on October 6th.

            Finally, another Lowell walk focuses on Ben Butler. A 90 minute walk around downtown visits several places that influenced the life of Benjamin F. Butler, a Civil War general, governor of Massachusetts, and member of Congress. The tour begins at 1 p.m. on October 12th and runs to 2:30.

For more info visit

Lowell Parks

Lowell Walks: Ben Butler

Lowell Walks: Cemetery Walk

Off the Beaten Path

Lowell National Historical Park Tours

If you are looking for more ways to explore Lowell and its sights, the Lowell National Historical Park hosts several tours throughout October. Beginning with the Archaeology of a Textile Mill Walking Tour on October 5th and a second tour on October 19th, the event explores the insides of several prominent mills and highlights past technologies and architecture.

Following on October 11th and October 26th, Decoding Recent LGBTQ+ History in Lowell Walk focuses on important people and places within the mid-nineteen hundreds. Similarly, Wellness on the Walkways, discusses women’s history with a hike through the city that begins at the corner of Thorndike and Summer Streets. The hike visits locations where women’s suffrage activists gave lectures, held meetings, and supported their cause. This is a great opportunity to learn about local activism and follow their footsteps, honoring the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. This walk will be held on October 20th.

Finally, ending October, Wellness on the Walkways holds their downtown photography walk. Join park rangers and explore significant downtown locations for photography and historical discussion. The tour starts at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center on October 27th, at 10 a.m.

For more info visit the National Park Service Calendar

The Trolley

If you prefer to relax with a movie instead of walking around Lowell, you can take in “The Trolley,” a film about the history of electric trolleys throughout several cities in America, once one of Lowell’s most memorable features.  Learn about a most amazing invention as Lowell celebrates with a trolley presentation by operator Ryan Boucher that follows the screening. Presented by the Moses Greeley Parker Lectures and the Lowell National Historical Park, the screening and presentation will be held starting at 2 p.m. on October 6th.

For more info visit Parker Lectures.

Fall Markets – Arts, Crafts, and Food

This Saturday, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the North Common Park & Community Garden will be home to the 8th Annual Harvest Festival to celebrate the year’s most abundant season. This free, family friendly event will celebrate the year’s harvest by showcasing food traditions with hands-on activities. The festival includes a farmer’s market, cooking and gardening demos, garden tours, and food trucks. Hosted by Mill City Grows, this event happens rain or shine.

Another market offering locally grown, healthy, and quality food, is Community Teamwork’s outdoor market which runs Fridays from 12 – 5 p.m. in the Lucy Larcom Park. Since 1979, the Lowell Farmers’ Market has provided access to fresh goods, meats, honey, and crafts right in the heart of Lowell. The urban setting is a unique contrast to the rurally produced goods. With the goal of supporting a healthy community, the market is committed to increasing access of fresh food from nearby farms to urban customers, while offering educational entertainment. Enjoy entertainment, demonstrations, and fun activities every Friday until October 25th.

Mill No. 5’s A Little Bazaar begins the weekend on Saturday, September 28th, with The Itty Bitty. A collection of vendors will display an array of pins, stickers, patches, and jewelry. Various local artists who work with metal, fiber, and wood will offer unique wares. Boston local crafter and artist, Danielle Robichaud, will be there to show off her inspired jewelry, brainstorming process, and physical tinkering. Meet Danielle and other creative minds at A Little Bazaar on Saturday from noon till 4 p.m.

            Sundays there’s The Farm Market from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., featuring produce from local farmers and other locally sourced products that celebrate homegrown talent and experience. The Farm Market takes place year-round at Mill No. 5 strengthening the connection between local farmers and Lowellians and improving access to quality, healthy, and diverse foods. The Farm Market also hosts live music each week--this Sunday’s band is Hashtag Hoedown.       Mill No.5 begins October with Ghastly: The Oddity and Horror Marketplace. Those who are fond of the unusual will love the collections of antiques and trinkets meant to get you in the fall spirit with this market of the strange and scary. Ghastly opens on Saturday, October 5th from noon - 4 p.m.

Early October also brings a unique art style that stands out. On Saturday and Sunday, October 6th, and 7th, Western Ave Studios hosts their monthly open studios with a large display of autumn themed artwork. From noon-5 p.m. this two day event offers shopping opportunities, the ability to meet the artists first hand, learn about the inspiration that drives them to create spookier designs. The repurposed mills will be filled with creative and seasonal themed handmade crafts, photos and art, wood and glass creations, and jewelry. Meet the large artist community while enjoying coffee and brewery pop-ups, as well as a few food trucks.

Local Theater Groups and Upcoming Productions

If you’re in need of an escape from reality, Lowell’s various theater groups have upcoming productions that can do just that.  From plays that embody the relationship between two dissimilar family members, to festivals that celebrate females in film, these productions are ready to let you flee from your daily responsibilities.

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Merrimack Repertory Theater

MRT remains true to their mission statement to “share theatrical stories of human understanding that reflect and engage community” for 40 years. Under the direction of Artistic Director Sean Daniels and Executive Director Bonnie J. Butkas, MRT allows their audience an opportunity to be so much more than a spectator in the crowd. They get their audiences to experience the play so deeply it feels as if they’re on the stage themselves.

With the brand new month comes a brand new play for people to enjoy opens February 13th and runs to March 10th.  The World Premiere of “The Heath” by Lauren Gunderson will bring you into the world of family members with dissenting personalities, yet their differences are what makes their relationship that much more beautiful.

Image Theater

Image Theater was formed in 2005 as a non-profit theater company.  In the nearly 15 years the company has been around, they have made quite a name for themselves as they do so much for local writers, playwrights, novelists, and filmmakers.  Founders Jerry Bisantz and Ann Garvin have worked with gifted producers in order to produce their fan-favorite “Keep Your Kids at Home” naughty readings; “Mill City Minutes” ten minute plays; and the full length play “Kerouac’s Last Call”. 

Garvin had humbly noted that Image Theater is a “little homeless theater company” as the group does not have one set home stage, however numerous Lowell companies have welcomed their productions with open arms.  You can find Image Theater’s productions at popular Lowell destinations such as The Old Court Pub, The Whistler House Museum of Art, and The Lowell Freshman Academy.  The company will take an interesting spin on Garvin’s “Femnoire: The Women’s Playwriting Festival” to create the “Femme Film Fest”, which will feature short films by women filmmakers from all over New England on May 3rd and 4th.  Shortly following “Femme Film Fest”, the company will also produce some “one-acts” between May and November.  Image Theater rarely follows a “set season”, but you can keep updated about exciting upcoming productions at www.imagetheater.com. 

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Studio 506

Only a short 5 years after Studio 506’s founding in 2014, what started with a few friends keeping the love of theater alive turned into a successful theater group in Lowell.  Founder Kaitlyn Crockett hopes that Studio 506 sheds the “stigma” around what it means to be a community theater group.  Instead, the company calls themselves an “Indie Theater Company” as they perform shows in creatively unorthodox ways to get the surrounding community connected to their shows.  The group has had success with past productions. Some were performed in the center of a Lowell garden with the audience just inches away from the actors. 

In March, Studio 506 will bring something new to the table with, “Revolt.  She Said.  Revolt Again”, a production written by Alice Birch and directed by Kaitlyn Crockett.  “Revolt” will be performed at the Humanity Boutique, and it will discuss sex and gender in a way that “does not behave”.  Don’t miss this rendition of a play that doesn’t play by the rules by a Lowell group that throws the concept of “ordinary” to the wind. 

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Balefire Theater Group

Similar to Studio 506, Balefire Theater is a recently created theater group (founded in May 2016), that wants to give their audience members a different theater experience.  Past productions, such as “Sherlock Holmes: ‘A Study in Scarlet’”, involved audience members surrounding the action of the play while they are served dinner and drink.  Balefire Theater recently began to adopt this production method of “Dinner Theater” in August of 2017, that allows audiences to enjoy the theater with their eyes- and their stomachs. 

The next opportunity to please your palate will take place from March 21st-24th for the company’s upcoming production of “Waiting for Godot”.  This play takes place in a post-World War II, and explores the awaiting of the mysterious “Godot” through the eyes of the two main characters.  The play is a wonderful mix of history, humor, and the human experience that will serve warmth to your heart with a fresh side of laughter. 

Photography by: Kate Brindley Photography

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Off-Broadway Players

For locals who are wondering what UMass Lowell students bring to the stage, a Spring production called “Triptych” is currently in the works.  President of the Off-Broadway Players club, Daisy Var, had done a wonderful job of relaying information about all things “OBP” in 2019, but her “lips are sealed” in terms of news for their fall production.  However, there are 6 opportunities for folks to view Triptych from February 27th-March 3rd.  The production will include original pieces that were written by the club’s advisor, Dr. Dale J. Young.  Check out how these UMass Lowell students will bring this new creation to life! 

A Glimpse Ahead to the Fast-Approaching Winterfest

As the New Year is throwing the Northeast with it coldest winter punches, New Englanders could use a reminder of the positives occurring in the cold months.  Luckily for us, Winterfest is just around the corner.  On Friday, February 22nd from 5-10pm and Saturday, February 23rd from 11am-10pm, there will be opportunities for folks of all ages to enjoy the festivities together. 

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Musicians

Winterfest is known for bringing something new to the city every year, and this year will be no exception.  There will be a mix of fresh tunes to hear this February.  The Squires of Soul are a Lowell-based funk and soul band who implement unique instruments into their songs, such as the harp and vox egg.  Lily Black is bringing their talents from Boston to Lowell and introducing the city to their very own genre, punk/pop indie dance. 

There will also be fresh spins on old classic songs performed by cover bands, such as the “call out of work the next day” band, Hal Holiday & The Tones.  To wind down from the excitement of Hal Holiday, the Evan Goodrow Band will be soothing the crowd with their soulful pieces. It’ll be quite the challenge for you to not feel good or sing along with this years musician lineup! 

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Food + Drink

Your taste buds will be as pleased as will your ears at Winterfest.  Food vendors will line the streets with comfort food and other delectable eats.  The soup competition will also be making its annual appearance at the event, with anticipated flavors such as sweet coconut and savory chicken.  Judges, who have a great love for the city, and for great flavor, will be coming together to determine the year’s best soup.  There will also be beverages available for all ages!  

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Family Fun

There are also plenty of activities queued for familial fun and for younger event-goers.  Face painting and games will be readily available, and the fan-favorite carousel will be taking riders for a spin.  In terms of “spinning”, the outdoor ice rink on JFK plaza will also be back to allow people of all ages to show off their skating skills.  After taking a whirl on the ice, families will get to meet with special royalty and character visitors. Families can also hop aboard the hay wagon ride at Larkin Park any time between 12-3pm on the 23rd.

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The Tangible and Intangible Take-Away

With an extensive line-up of jewelry, snacks, and accessories at the winter market, you will definitely want to bring your wallet to grab one of these special products.  Rosie’s Cafe can offer your palate a feel-good, breakfast food experience. For those looking to get their hands on something exceptional, Environerd Studios offers eco-friendly games for everyone to enjoy. While you’re snacking and playing, you mustn’t forget about your furry friends! Your four-legged loved ones can peruse items from Morgan’s Dogdana. 

Amidst the endless shopping available to you, what is priceless and most important are the lasting memories and fun you’ll experience by stopping in at Winterfest.   

Start the Holidays off Right with City of Lights!

The holidays are just around the corner, and there is no better way to kick off the holiday season than by spending the day enjoying Lowell’s City of Lights Parade and Celebration! With a whole afternoon of planned activities and several nighttime happenings to keep the celebration going, City of Lights offers a full day of entertainment for everyone! November 24th marks Lowell’s 30th annual City of Lights celebration, and this year’s festivities are going to be better than ever!

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Things to Do

There will be plenty of fun holiday traditions to enjoy like having your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Clause at City Hall from 1 – 3 PM, watching the classic Christmas movie Elf at the Lowell National Park Visitor Center at 2 PM, and singing along to your favorite holiday songs at JFK Plaza from 3:30 – 5:30 PM.  There will also be ice skating at JFK Plaza from 1 – 5 PM with skates available to rent for $1. The Lowell National Historical Park Holly Jolly Trolley rides will run from 12 - 3:30 and there will be self-guided tours of St Anne’s Church from 2 - 6 PM. Silly Sally will provide children entertainment including facepainting and balloon twisting from 1 - 5 PM, a puppet show at 2 PM and a magic show at 3 PM.

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Shopping

It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping, and City of Lights offers some great opportunities for buying gifts for friends and family—or for treating yourself! Children's Shopping Day at the Pollard Library is an opportunity for children to purchase gifts for their friends and family. From 10 AM – 4 PM the library will serve as a temporary shop where children can choose from hundreds of donated items that are being sold for $1 to $5, and have their presents wrapped and labeled for them by volunteers.

From 12-7 PM, explore the holiday craft market on JFK Plaza and find locally made arts and crafts, holiday foods and more.  

The Brush Art Gallery and Studios is offering a chance to win a wreath from a display of about 40 beautifully decorated wreaths. The wreaths will be displayed in Edson Hall behind St. Anne’s Church on Merrimack Street from 2 – 5 PM, and the winning raffle tickets will be drawn shortly after.

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Food & Drink

Local food trucks will offer their culinary specialties at JFK plaza from 1 – 6 PM, so you can easily grab a delicious bite to eat between festivities without having to travel far. However if you are feeling up to a scenic stroll through downtown, be sure to visit the several cafés and restaurants who are participating in the popular City of Lights hot chocolate competition! From 2 – 4 PM, try free samples from each location listed on the City of Lights guide and vote for your favorite cup. Also, keep an eye out for storefronts that have been adorned for the City of Lights window decorating contest and cast your vote for the store you think looks the best!

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Parade & City Hall Lighting

The festive daytime fun leads right into the exciting main events: the City of Lights Parade and the lighting of City Hall and the Wannalancit Mills smokestack Christmas tree. Thousands of spectators line downtown streets each year in anticipation of the high-energy parade of talented marching bands, elegant holiday-themed floats, and other performance groups and local personalities. The parade will begin at 4:30 PM from Jackson Street to JFK Plaza. Following the parade, City Hall will be lit up to officially start the holiday season!

Halloweekend in Lowell

Halloween weekend is finally here and there is a lot to do in Lowell! Halloween is all about scary movies, trick-or-treating, getting into costume and having a great time with your family and friends. There will be opportunities to do all of these things and more this weekend in the Mill City.

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Mill No. 5 will host the Little Pet Shop of Horrors on Saturday from noon to 5 pm. Bring your pet in costume to participate in a contest, then go trick-or-treating in the awesome shops and fill those bags with delicious pet treats!

For your scary movie fix, The Luna Theater will be showing John Carpenter’s original Halloween on Friday and Saturday night, as well as the animated film Coraline if you’re seeking a more family friendly option. Gather your family and friends for a movie in the cool and comfortable Luna Theater, and maybe arrive early to shop around Mill No. 5 before your show starts.

For show times and other films playing visit : www.lunalowell.com/calendar

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Over the weekend and through November 11th, the Merrimack Repertory Theatre will be showing a light-hearted murder mystery called Murder for Two. In this unique musical comedy, a surprise party has gone wrong and the great American novelist Arthur Whitney has been murdered. Each guest is a possible suspect, and just two talented actors play all thirteen roles in a very entertaining homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. 

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Families are in for a treat Saturday afternoon! Kiwanis of Greater Lowell presents the annual Monster Bash and Halloween Stroll. Children and parents can enjoy trick-or-treating downtown and head to the Lowell High School for costume contests, kids' games and the Monster Bash's all ages haunted house! The bash is free to attend and will run from 12-3 PM.

To see the schedule of events and participating trick-or-treat locations visit www.likelowell.com/halloween-stroll

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Courtesy of Creative Cinderella

From 12-6 PM on Saturday Western Avenue Studios is hosting the Market of Mystery and Madness, a Halloween Oddity Market on their second floor where over 25 artists will be selling their strange and unusual creations. After you’ve made your odd purchases, be sure to head downstairs to Navigation Brewing Company’s Halloween Bash! From 2-8 PM there will be a food truck, craft beer, live music and a Halloween costume contest.

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On Saturday the Pollard Memorial Library is hosting Halloween Crafternoon from 1-2 PM. This event is a great opportunity for children in grades K through 4 to get creative and decorate Halloween masks and trick-or-treat bags!

To register, call the Children’s Desk at 978-674-1529 or go online to www.LowellLibrary.org – visit the Events Calendar, select your desired program and click Register.

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Halloween isn’t just for kids though, right? On Saturday night, adults (21+) can enjoy a high energy concert at Zorba Music Hall’s Monsters of Rock (Halloween Edition). Internationally touring AC/DC tribute band Back in Black will be performing accurate renditions of the band’s classic hits and their B tracks as well. The venue is attached to the Olympia Restaurant where you can enjoy Greek cuisine and wine before the 9 PM show.

To purchase tickets and see other upcoming shows at the Zorba Music Hall visit: zorbamusichall.com/events

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On Sunday, the non-profit Get There, Start Now hosts its Seventh Annual Hallows Eve 5k Fun Run and Walk! Runners, walkers, children and spectators are invited to the Lowell Lodge of Elks to join the races or participate in other festivities such as face painting, trick-or-treating, raffles and costume contests. Participants are also invited to the post-race party and awards ceremony immediately following the race.

For a schedule and more details about the event visit www.HallowsEveFunRun.com

Weekend Picks: What To Do and See in Lowell

There is something for everyone to do this weekend in Lowell! Whether you’re looking to go to a unique event that only comes once a year, listen to some great live music, or maybe explore a part of Lowell you’ve never seen before, we’ve compiled a list of eight exciting things you can check out this weekend.   

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PARK(ing) Day returns to downtown Lowell today! At this special event, artists and other contributors transform selected parking spaces into artistic projects and miniature parks to call attention to the need for more open space in urban environments. This year's theme is "LoWELLness", and local artists Chummeng Soun and Mary Hart will transform their spaces into artistic messages of health, fitness, and mindfulness. The event begins at 9 AM, and the art installations can be seen on Merrimack and Market Streets.

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Tonight, the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) presents a free showing of the Disney Pixar movie Coco for the Lowell community at 6 PM. Gather your family and friends and enjoy a critically acclaimed movie about family, community, and culture. The event will be held in partnership with the Lowell Police Department. Free food and family-friendly entertainment will be provided.

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Many locals probably know that Coffee & Cotton has great coffee and sandwiches, but many might not know that they have live music too! At 8 PM Friday night, you can listen to Lowell singer-songwriters Santi C and Joshua Lin perform live while sipping on a seasonal Latte and catching up with friends. Not feeling coffee? Try a glass of wine or one of the local craft beers they have on tap.

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The city of Lowell welcomes the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race back for its 3rd year! At this event that can’t be missed, contestants create all-terrain, cycle-powered sculptures capable of traveling through streets, water, mud and sand, racing against one another through downtown Lowell and out to the Merrimack river. The race begins Saturday morning at 8:30 AM at the intersection of Market Street and Palmer Street. There will be an after party and award ceremony at Cobblestones Restaurant at 4 PM.

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On Saturday, explore the historically significant Boott Cotton Mills Museum for free between 9:30 AM-5 PM. There is a lot to see at this museum, including a fully functional 1920’s weave room where you see, and hear, first-hand how cloth used to be made in the Lowell mills! There are plenty of hands-on exhibits as well, giving you a true sense for Lowell’s extraordinary industrial legacy. 

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You never know what you might find at the Vintage Marketplace at Mill No. 5, but you can count on finding something cool. In addition to the shops that are permanently fixed in Mill No. 5, vendors also fill up the hallways on Saturday to sell their vintage clothing, jewelry, art, cameras, music players, and more! The vendors will be open for business from 12-4 PM.

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Attached to the Olympia Restaurant is the Zorba Music Hall where you can find live music playing every weekend. This Saturday, enjoy the classics you love from legendary rock bands Foreigner and Journey as the tribute band Foreigners Journey blends sounds from both bands to create one uniquely awesome show. The doors open at 7 PM and the performance begin at 9 PM.

To purchase tickets visit http://zorbamusichall.com/

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On Sunday, enjoy a relaxing day shopping for fresh, local food at The Farm Market at Mill No. 5. Between 11 AM-3 PM, local vendors will be filling the indoor streetscape hallways with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan bread and pastries, locally sourced meat and eggs, and handmade craft goods. When you’ve finished shopping, unwind by listening to some live music played on the Hi-Hat stage, or join the Magical Mystery Movie Club at the Luna Theater for a free showing of a surprise, family-friendly movie at 11:30. The farmers market and free movie are held every Sunday at Mill No. 5, so you can always come back for more.

Explore Lowell Before Summer’s End

Editor’s Note:  With school back in session, September marks the unofficial end of summer and start of the fall season.  With this change comes a change in our intern staff.  We wish Michelle, our summer intern, the best as she moves on to a new position and we welcome Dorian Taylor, a senior majoring in English at UMass Lowell.  Welcome, Dorian!

With summer coming to an end, it’s time to take advantage of the last few weeks of warm weather and check out some of Lowell’s family-friendly outdoor events happening throughout September.

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Image courtesy of NPS_David Byers

On Saturday, September 8, the 38th Annual Banjo and Fiddle Contest takes place at Boarding House Park from 10 AM to 6 PM. There will be music workshops, jam sessions, the contest itself, and a special performance by Sarangi Master Shyam Nepali at 2:30 PM. The contest is free for any local banjo and fiddle players to enter, and folk and bluegrass fans can attend for free as well.

If you’re looking to get out on the water one last time before the chill of fall sets in, the Lowell National Historical Park is offering free 90-minute boat tours of the Merrimack River on September 8th and the 16th. On this ranger-led boat ride, visitors will learn about how the Merrimack became a major power source for Lowell’s booming textile industry in the early 1800’s. The tours begin at 1 PM both days at the UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse.

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If you enjoy walking, exploring and eating, Off the Beaten Path's guided food tours of the Canalway Cultural District may just be perfect for you! Taste and discover the amazing diversity of Lowell's food scene and enjoy the beautiful downtown with it's distinctive canals and historic architecture. The tours begin on Saturday, September 8, and will continue every Saturday through September.

For more information visit: www.offthebeatenpathfoodtours.com 

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On September 14th, Enterprise Bank is sponsoring a free outdoor art exhibit at their Merrimack Street location. The exhibit will include pieces that have been created by local youth, and depict a welcoming community here in Lowell. Take a stroll down Merrimack Street and check out the artwork that some of Lowell’s young creatives have to offer.

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/WelcomingWeekLowell/

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From 1 PM to 2 PM on Sunday September 8th, join UMass Lowell professor Bob Forrant on a scenic walk through downtown Lowell and learn about the city’s labor history. The tour is free and will explore the many fascinating stories of men and women from Lowell who worked valiantly to fight for the rights of workers. From early “mill girls” to 20th century immigrants, the story of labor in Lowell spans almost 200 years. The walk will start at the National Park Visitors’ Center, and there will be free parking available in the National Park lot at 304 Dutton Street.

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Photo courtesy of LNHP

 PARK(ing) Day returns to downtown Lowell on September 21st with this year's theme being "LoWELLness". Local artists Chummeng Soun and Mary Hart will transform selected sidewalk parking spaces into artistic projects and miniature parks with messages of health, fitness, and mindfulness. The event begins at 9 AM Friday, September 21st, and the art installations can be seen on Merrimack Street and Market Street.
 

The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race is back for its 3rd year! Contestants create all-terrain, cycle-powered sculptures capable of traveling through streets, water, mud and sand, and race against one another in a very entertaining race through downtown Lowell and the Merrimack river. The race will take place on September 22nd from 8:30 AM - 5 PM at the intersection of Market Street and Palmer Street and all throughout Lowell. An after party and award ceremony at the Cobblestones Restaurant.

Things to Do in Lowell Before Summer Ends

Back to school specials may be starting up, but we aren’t ready to think about summer ending just yet! There are many August happenings in Lowell that you will not want to miss out on. End your summer with a bang and celebrate, explore and make memories with us!

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On August 5th, immerse yourself in the island's warmth and traditions at the Puerto Rican Festival. From 12 PM- 10 PM, come to JFK plaza to experience more music, craft vendors, and delicious food!

Then on August 11th, The 17th Annual Blues’ N Brews Festival will rock JFK Plaza starting at 1:30 PM. The festival has decided to make Lowell its new home!  This event will feature performances by Matt Schofield, Dana Fuchs, John Nemeth and Erin Harpe. The brews will include ciders, ales, lagers, meads and more. Festival proceeds go to different charities. There will be craft vendors, food trucks, food booths, prizes and giveaways! Get more information and buy tickets here.

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The 22nd Annual Southeast Asian Water Festival takes place on August 18th. The festival runs from 8 AM – 8 PM along Pawtucket Boulevard. There will be no shortage of things to do throughout the day- food, live music and dancers, vendors and the traditional boat races. More than 60,000 people travel to Lowell to experience and preserve the Southeast Asian heritage at this annual festival.

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There’s no better place to make family memories than the ball park. Catch a Spinners game before the summer ends! Not only are the Lowell Spinners fun and exciting to watch, but Lelacheur Park has something for everybody to do! The "Foul Ball Fun Zone” will put smiles on everyone’s faces, adults and kids alike! There are carnival games, rides and bouncy inflatables. Find the Spinners schedule here.

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More music, cuisine and culture are in store at the the Brazilian Food Festival. Come experience Brazilian culture at this free event held at JKF Plaza on August 25 from 11 AM - 9 PM. All proceeds will benefit Life Connection Center, bringing healthy meals to the homeless community.

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If you have not made it on a canal tour yet, we recommended you do so! There are a few different options for tours to take, but all of them are enjoyable and provide a different way to learn Lowell’s history. You can read the first-hand experience our intern, Michelle, had here, or check out their website for more information!

As always, make sure you keep up with our calendar to stay up to date with all events around the city!

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Experience Destination Lowell

Our favorite weekend of summer is finally here! The Lowell Folk Festival begins tonight with the Flag Parade at 6:30 PM and official festival kick-off starting at 6:55 PM! There will not be a shortage of things to do throughout the weekend, but if you are unsure where to start, Destination Lowell is the perfect spot! We will be on Merrimack Street with plenty of information showcasing Lowell's unique and vibrant Arts and Culture scene. Immerse yourself in all things Lowell as Destination Lowell provides the opportunity to experience the many different cultures and lifestyles that we have right here in Lowell.

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Destination Lowell higlights Lowell's rich community resources. There will be many local organizations with information on topics such as Lowell Celebrates Kerouac, a nonprofit organization the mission of which is to promote a better understanding and appreciation of Jack Kerouac's life and literature and the Lowell Cultural Council, whose mission is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity to improve the quality of life for all Lowell residents. Stop by the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust table to meet their environmental educators, check their upcoming programming, or learn about their projects. Make sure you visit these booths and learn what makes Lowell the cool city that it is and how to contribute to making it even better!

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If you haven't experienced the creative, artistic spirit in our great city, Destination Lowell will change that for you. Keep an eye out for the "Lobster Roll", a human powered machine shaped like a giant lobster that will be part of the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race booth. Discover Lowell Makes, a makerspace which offers shared equipment, classes, and opportunities to teach and network. Western Avenue Studios, one of the "must see places" to visit in Lowell, will also be there. Find out what makes this artist community a destination for creatives seeking studio space in the city.

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There will be restaurant and retail booths - Crepes and The City, Fuji Restaurant, Lowell Burger Company, All Star Lounge, Humanity Boutique, Galeria De Los Andes-Boutique - all of which are located on Merrimack Street. There will also be demonstrations from Mill No. 5, stores such as Crose Nest, Dress and Trousers,Dandelion District. Red Antler Apothecary will transform an empty storefront into a pop-up shop for the weekend!

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There are so many ways to represent Lowell's unique, rich and vibrant cultural scene. Some additional booths that will be located within Destination Lowell are the UMass Lowell Kayak Center, International Institute of New England the Merrimack Antique Bottle Club and the Lowell Historical Society. There are many other places to experience, so make sure you come by and see us this weekend! Check out the Destination Lowell section on the Folk Festival website here.

Lowell Summer Music Series Experience

This past Sunday, June 17th, I went to see Mikky Ekko and Fitz and The Tantrums perform at Boarding House Park as part of the Lowell Summer Music Series. The overall experience was a lot of fun and the intimate venue made for a really awesome show.

I went to the concert with my friend Valerie, and we were determined to get the full experience at Boarding House Park. You are allowed to show up in the morning and put your chairs and blankets down to grab your spot. Valerie and I got in line at 6:58 AM and there were about 20 people in line already. The great thing about this venue is they have different sections for guests with bigger chairs and guests with small chairs and/or blankets, so everyone is able to see the artists performing. We had brought a blanket, so were able to get a spot right in front of the stage.

After going about our day, we went back to Boarding House Park at 6:00 PM. We quickly headed towards our spot that we had reserved 11 hours earlier, and we were happy to see that no one had moved the blanket. The people who sat adjacent to us were so friendly and kind. The atmosphere was great; everyone was just there to have a good time.  The show started at 7:30 with a Park Ranger giving a quick introduction making sure all of the sponsors for LSMS did not go unnoticed.

Mikky Ekko was the opening act, and he and his band put on a great show. You could see that he truly loves what he does and the impact that music has on him. During one of their songs Mikky actually came into the audience and interacted with fans while performing.  After their set, we got to meet Mikky himself and his drummer, Gavin. They were so down to earth and kind- I felt like I was just chatting with some friends.

After a brief intermission, it was time for Fitz and The Tantrums. They came onto the stage and made it very clear that we had to be up dancing and singing along with them! The crowd did not hesitate to do just that. There was a middle school aged kid right in front of us who just might be Fitz and The Tantrums biggest fan; he knew every word to every song and was dancing the whole time. It was so fun to watch him enjoying himself so much and even better to be so close to the stage and see how much fun the band was having as well. Fitz and Noelle, the singers, knew how to keep the energy up in the crowd. They are both so vocally talented by themselves, but their voices accent each other so wonderfully when they sing together it really elevates their music to another level.  Ending the night with canons shooting confetti,  Fitz and The Tantrums were a blast to see in concert and I know the people surrounding me felt the same way!

Overall, my night at Boarding House Park at the Lowell Summer Music Series was an awesome experience. Getting up early to reserve my spot and being able to trust that no one will touch it is not something you can do at most places. The venue provides an intimate setting and it really does not have a bad seat. This type of experience is not something you are able to have very often without having to pay hundreds of dollars. LSMS provides this amazing venue and experience for such an affordable price and I look forward to going to more shows!

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Check out the schedule for the rest of the Lowell Summer Music Series here.

A Summer of Celebrations

There is so much to celebrate in Lowell throughout the summer!  There are multiple festivals scheduled for the next few months that you will not want to miss! Join us as we celebrate not only what makes our community so unique, but also what brings us all together!

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On Saturday, June 16th, Merrimack Street will be transformed into a pixie marketplace for the Midsummer Dream Festival. From 12- 10 PM, this festival will celebrate music, art, theater, magic and costume for both kids and adults. The marketplace will include vendors, crafting areas, a cosplay contest, a fairy house promenade and a traveling production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” that will lead you on an exciting journey through downtown from scene to scene.

Also on June 16th, the African Festival runs from 11 AM- 7 PM at the Sampas Pavilion, 500 Pawtucket Boulevard. This year’s theme for the festival is "African Culture: Our Strength, Our Heritage, Our Gift to Mankind." It will feature live music, dancers, crafts, food and more!

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Lowell celebrates Independence Day at LeLacheur Park! Starting at 7 PM on July 4th, there will be tons of activities for families to enjoy, including fireworks starting at 9 PM! Get there first! The first 2,000 attendees get a free American Flag. The Swampland Kids Area will be open and there will be balloon animals and face painting. You can sit in the stands to watch the fireworks or bring your own blanket and sit in the outfield. Click here for more information.

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July 27th-29th it's the Annual Folk Festival! Folk Fest always provides the best in traditional music, ethnic foods and artisan crafts. All weekend there will be an abundance of live music, family activities and more to enjoy. Performing artists range from blues to salsa to beatboxing and everything in between! The craft area will have rug hooking, Norwegian Rosemaling, wooden flute making and more. There is no better way to spend a weekend than enjoying delicious food, live music and great people!

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On August 5th, immerse yourself in culture at the Puerto Rican Festival. From 12 PM- 10 PM, come to JFK plaza to experience more music, craft vendors, and delicious food!

The 17th Annual Blues’ N Brews Festival will rock JFK Plaza on August 11th. This event is rain or shine and will feature performances by Matt Schofield, Dana Fuchs, John Nemeth and Erin Harpe. The brews will include ciders, ales, lagers, meads and more. There will be craft vendors, food trucks, food booths, prizes and giveaways!

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On August 18th, the 22nd Annual Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival will run from 9 AM to 7:30 PM at the Heritage State Park’s Vandenberg Esplanade. Spend the day along the Merrimack River and enjoy South East Asian food, live music, dancers, vendors and traditional boat races.

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There are many other events planned for the coming months in Lowell. Make sure you check out the calendar so you don’t miss out on the fun!