community

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Experience the Year of the Dog in Lowell

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Immigrants, including many refugees, have long been part of the fabric of life in Lowell. Through the years waves of immigrants including Irish, Franco-Americans, Portuguese, Polish, Lithuanians, Greeks, Africans, and Cambodians have settled in our city. The result is a vibrant, rich community tapestry. This week many Khmer communities are getting ready to welcome the Year of the Dog, so here's a look at some of the ways local groups will be celebrating in Lowell and how you can participate in welcoming the lunar new year!

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The Cambodian American Student Association at UMass Lowell is holding its biggest event of the year, its annual Khmer New Year celebration, on Saturday, April 14 from 6-10 pm. Scheduled entertainment includes performances from Rice Paddy Heroes, UMass Lowell ProtoHype, Mill Advised and music from DJ Skyhai. There will also be a number of traditional performances as well as delicious Cambodian food, so drop by for a fun night!

Lakana Lu Photography

Lakana Lu Photography

On April 21st, the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell will host a Cambodian New Year Celebration at the Lowell Senior Center from 8:30 am to 11 am, followed by a parade from the center to Clemente Park at 803 Middlesex St.

The celebration will continue at Clemente Park on Saturday, April 21st, as the community welcomes in the Year of the Dog during the 7th Annual Lowell Khmer New Year Celebration from 12-5 pm. Cambodian New Year (or 'Choul Chnam Thmey'), marks the end of the harvesting season and is a special time when people celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year. This exciting event celebrates Lowell's Cambodian community with delicious ethnic food, colorful traditional outfits, live performances, and traditional folk dances. 

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Another way to experience Cambodian culture around Lowell is to visit Cambodia Town. Officially designated in 2010, Cambodia Town offers an authentic cultural experience to any tourist with its restaurants, jewelry stores, and markets.

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Another culturally rich community is the Laotian community. Laotians will also celebrate the New Year this weekend with a parade event on Sunday, April 15 at the Watlao Mixayaram Temple of New England in South Lowell at 42 Bernier Street. 

Visit our event calendar for all the latest happenings in Lowell!

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Canalway Cultural District Renewal

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Following the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s approval for the renewal of the Canalway Cultural District designation, the city’s district will expand to include the west side of Dutton Street along the Suffolk Canal and the Hamilton Canal District from Thorndike Street to Central Street along the Merrimack, Lower Pawtucket and Hamilton Canals. The district creates a framework to spotlight artists, performing and fine arts organizations, historic preservation groups, creative businesses and events and festivals that are part of the community.

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Encompassing the heart of downtown Lowell and its canalway system, the district consists of preserved historical sites, cultural facilities, museums and galleries, performance venues, events and festivals that happen throughout the year. To facilitate moving through the district, way finder kiosks and brochures will be redesigned to include a map that highlights the district’s assets. The Cultural Affairs and Special Events office will also update the likelowell.com website with new district information.

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District goals are to sustain and support existing artists, cultural institutions and ventures as well as encourage new cultural development, economic activity and new job creation. As a result of the restoration of most of Lowell’s historic mills and buildings, the district’s promotional success can lead to the redevelopment of remaining structures. Continued success can aid in strengthening the identity of the city and celebrating its history, diverse communities, arts and culture.

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The canalway features 5.3 miles of functioning canals and were used to power the city’s mills during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the system creates electrical power as well as provides links for Lowell National Historic Park boat tours, showcases public art and can be used as a palette for special lighting of gatehouses and flowing waters. Along these canals, historic buildings and mills have been restored for commercial, residential, artistic and professional uses. Other businesses —coffee and pizza shops, restaurants, diners and retailers—are also located within the district.

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The district includes the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, New England Quilt Museum, Whistler House Museum of Art, Brush Art Gallery and Studios, the Lowell National Historical Park and more. District events include open studios, gallery shows and festivals such as the Lowell Folk Festival, Summer Music Series, Kerouac Festival, Winterfest and many others. Upcoming events and festivals hosted in the district are sure to continue to celebrate the creative and historic aspects that make the city a diverse hub for arts and culture.

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9 Reasons to visit Lowell this fall

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The leaves are changing and the days are getting shorter. Fall is upon us and so are lots of great things to do in Lowell. Here are our 9 top picks why you should visit Lowell this seasons. There's A Lot To Like in the city!

1. City Of lights

Ring in the holidays in Lowell and join us for this year's City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration, Saturday, November 26, from 12 - 7PM. ! Take the afternoon to stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, AND the crowd favorite, our Annual Hot Chocolate Competition! The daytime fun leads to the nighttime extravaganza -- The City of Lights Parade and City Hall Lighting -- which marks the City's official start to the holiday season! 

2. Dine Out Lowell

There is no question that Lowell is the cultural hub of the Merrimack Valley. This Fall, Dine Out  Lowell is your opportunity to experience Lowell's culinary culture. From November 26 to December 4, 2016 come and experience the vast variety of restaurants and menus. From casual to fine dining, there's something for everyone. Take advantage of "Happy Hour Parking" in the Joseph M. Downes Garage in the Canalway Cultural District.

3. Monster Bash & Halloween Stroll

Celebrate the Halloween season in Lowell at the Annual Monster Bash & Halloween Stroll, Saturday, October 29, from 12 - 3PM. Enjoy downtown trick-or-treating, costume contests, kids games, and get spooked at Monster Bash's all ages annual haunted house!

Image by Tory German

Image by Tory German

4. Mill No. 5

Mill No. 5 is the perfect destination for shopping and entertainment. You can find unique gifts and items in one of the 11 eclectic shops, or shop for locally and artisan food, cheese, wine and more. Different markets happen weekly, and between the café, lounge and movie theater there is always something going on.  Mill No. 5 is located in Lowell's Hamilton Canal District, with conveniently located parking in the Edward J. Early Garage.

5. Western Avenue Studios - Open Studios

So much to see at First Saturday Open Studios at Western Avenue Studios!  - Every month artists open their doors to the public from 12 - 5PM, so that you can come browse their latest works - you'll be amazed at what you find. Talk to artists about their work and what inspires them. It'll take you more than one visit to check out all the art you'll find at Western Avenue.

6. Take a walk along the Greenway

Reserve your spot for this popular Merrimack River Hike & Picnic, Saturday, November 19, from 9AM - 2pm. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this fantastic 8 mile hike along the Merrimack River. More info >>>

7. Angkor Dance Troup Event

Angkor Dance Troupe is collaborating with Merrimack Repertory Theatre to produce an original piece first performed during a Cultural Exchange at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Cambodia called Pin Panhchapor (The Harp and Five Colors of Harmony). The production will take place November 18 and 19, 2016. Tickets are available here.

8. Fall Foliage in Lowell

Fall could easily be renamed to "Instagram Season" here in Lowell. Fall foliage is one of Lowell's many hidden secrets. Lowell's foliage season usually begins mid to late-September and extends into late October. The 'peak' foliage can be found at many different times and places as the season unfolds. The best places to experience fall foliage in Lowell include Lowell Heritage Sate Park, Dracut-Tyngsboro-Lowell State Forest, The Concord Greenway, Fort Hill Park, And the Canalway and Riverwalks. We suggest you book your stay at one of Lowell's Hotels and plan your trip early!

9. The Canalway Cultural District

The Canalway Cultural District is home to many of Lowell's top attractions. With more than a dozen public art installations, public parks, over 14 annual festivals and events, countless concerts along with performances that range from intimate gallery openings to mayor athletic events year-round. There's A Lot To Like for everyone. Did you know that the Canalway Cultural District offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy your personal tastes and budget? The district is home to more than 40 restaurants and coffee shops in walking distance to many attractions. Enjoying a relaxing meal before a show or cap off the evening with cocktails and dessert add to a pleasurable experience in the Canalway Cultural District.