Lowell’s Fall Entertainment: Music, Theater and Film Happenings

With the official arrival of fall, Lowell looks forward to the entertainment-filled events happening throughout September and October. Music, theater and film events will showcase Lowell's creative talent. These opportunities for experiencing music, theater and film are available to all ages, skill levels and those who would like to explore the many entertainment options that Lowell has to offer.

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Photo courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

UML Philosophy & Film

Starting Monday, September 25th, this free monthly film series takes place at the Luna Theater. Films start at 7:35 p.m. and are followed by a discussion with attendees and the lecturer. Explore topics such as political violence, personal identity & agency and philosophy in relation to the movies Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Prestige and Fight Club.

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Photo by The Hearing Room

Mostly Acoustic Jam/Song Party

This Thursday, September 28th and every Thursday thereafter, join fellow musicians at The Hearing Room from 7 to 10 p.m. for the Mostly Acoustic Jam/Song Party. This free event is open to all ages and skill levels. Jam to the genre of your choice, whether rock, blues, bluegrass or more.

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2017 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour

At the Luna Theater starting at 5:05 p.m. on September 30th, viewers will enjoy seven short films selected from this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Films range between 5 and 19 minutes long and include a variety of genres. Discover short films created by international filmmakers that are sure to entertain film buffs and inspire filmmakers.

Ticket pricing available here.

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Photo by The Hearing Room

Tuesday Night Open Mic

On Tuesday, October 3rd, bring your talent to the stage at The Hearing Room from 7 to 10 p.m. for Open Mic Night. Participate in music, poetry, storytelling and comedy performances every Tuesday. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring their own works and refreshments.

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Photo courtesy of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre

Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Silent Sky

From October 18th to November 12th, the Merrimack Repertory Theatre will run the production of Silent Sky. Playwright Lauren Gunderson’s play tells the true story of New England astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. This production’s themes consist of bold love, boundless determination and the vast magnitude of the cosmos. Audiences can expect a thrilling story for the heart, mind and soul, and a fun time for family and friends alike.

Tickets and times available here.

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Looking into October: Creaticity Turnout, Races and Festivals Ahead

The first Creaticity: Lowell Art & Maker Festival event was a success of local art, performance, music and design. The free event featured over 50 local artists showing their work, performances, workshops, readings, writing, public walks and more. Demonstrating Lowell’s art scene, the festival highlighted the creativity of the community and the surrounding areas. To see pictures and videos from the event, visit www.facebook.com/LowellArtMakerFest/

These upcoming fall events promise to bring more fun with races and festivals celebrating art, Jack Kerouac and the Halloween season ideal for people of all ages.

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Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race

On September 23rd, join the community of sculptors, scientists and engineers at the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race (LKSR). This free event will start at Market Street at 11 a.m. with racers peddling through the streets of Lowell, maneuvering a mud pit and navigating the waters of the Merrimack River before returning to Market Street at 4 p.m.

Arrive at 8 a.m. to meet the racers and see the sculptures. Enjoy live music, activities and fun for the whole family. Spectators are encouraged to wear a costume and bring a bike and helmet to follow behind the racers.

Meet Kaia, the official LKSR Mascot, and take a selfie with her for the opportunity to earn free prizes. Join racers and volunteers at Fuse Bistro on Palmer Street after the race for the awards ceremony and after party.

Shuttle service between race sites and parking will be available.

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Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival

Celebrate the 60th anniversary of On the Road and the life of Jack Kerouac at the Kerouac Festival from October 5th to the 9th. This free, five-day event will feature poetry readings, concerts, tours, lectures, art exhibits and more. Join Lowell in appreciating and discussing Kerouac’s works with 22 events happening throughout the city.

Download the full schedule.

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ARToberfest

Join the Western Avenue Studios Artist Association on October 7th and 8th at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts for the 3rd annual ARToberfest. This free event consists of two full days of art-themed activities and demonstrations featuring over 100 artists. From noon to 5 p.m., come see art demonstrations throughout the buildings, including the opening reception for “Unmentionables” hosted by the Loading Dock Gallery. Participate in fun activities for the whole family such as voting for your favorite decorated pumpkin for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Western Avenue Studios. Enjoy local food trucks and Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream along with an on-site Craft Beer Tasting provided by Navigation Brewing Co.

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Friday Nights! – Haunted Edition

On October 13th, the grand finale of this monthly event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Mill Yard. This free event encourages you to wear a costume and enjoy the delicacies of local food trucks. Experience live music and entertainment, local artists and the Mini Beer Garden for one last time. Enjoy a night full of family fun and activities and gather with fellow foodies.

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Monster Bash

With the annual Monster Bash approaching on the 28th, the community rounds out the month of October with this free event fun for all ages. Get into the spirit of Halloween with trick-or-treating, haunted house tours, games, costume contests and more. More information about Monster Bash will be provided soon.

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Fall Harvest: Opportunity for Community Growth in Lowell

By Yanicel Martinez - As the harvest season progresses, take advantage of locally grown foods and access to fresh produce. Help to preserve local farmland and support local vendors by discovering the benefits of encouraging a health community and nurturing the local agricultural economy. Experience these Lowell harvest events with food and fun for all ages.

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Lowell Farmers' Market

Pick up the best of the week's harvest at the Lowell Farmers' Market at Lucy Larcom Park on Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow through October 13th. Find locally grown produce while enjoying live entertainment and fun activities. Also shop for meats, fish, baked goods, prepared meals and more. 

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Friday Nights! - Food Truck Madness

Food trucks, live music, local artists and artisan vendors are just a few of the highlights of Food Truck Madness. Gather with other foodies and discover the mini Craft Beer Garden this Friday, September 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. in Kerouac Park. Experience food truck cuisine and participate in fun activities for all ages. 

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India Heritage Festival

This brand new festival celebrates 40 years of the Gujarati community in New England. Join this free event on September 9 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Lowell Heritage State Park and enjoy Indian cuisine, music, clothing, jewelry, henna and more. The festival also features dance performances such as Dandiya Raas, which will be performed from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit: www.gurjar.org/event/india-heritage-festival

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The Farm Market at Mill No. 5

More local and fresh produce and food is available on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mill No. 5's weekly Farm Market.  Discover 16+ vendors selling fruit, vegetables and artisan foods every Sunday. The event also features a live band from noon to 3 p.m. The Magical Mystery Movie Club offers a free movie at 11:30 a.m. in the Luna Theater for the whole family to enjoy.

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Harvest Festival
 

Celebrate the harvest season at Mill City Grows' 6th annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 16. The free event is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Common Park & Community Garden.  Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables, music, games and much more. Stop by for an afternoon of fun for the whole family with garden tours, face and pumpkin painting, local food trucks and vendors.

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Take a Walk on the Wild Side

As the third largest city in Massachusetts, visitors and residents alike are drawn to Lowell for good food, abundant culture, and year-round festivals and events.  A hive for outdoorsy folk that have a soft spot for the arts and culinary exploits; Lowell is quickly becoming a favorite weekend getaway for everyone.  We invite you to take a walk on the wild side with us and discover all that's to like about Lowell.

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Arts & Culture

Art lovers will find true beauty in the wild side of Lowell's art scene. From ever changing exhibits in art galleries like Uncharted or the Arts League of Lowell, one of the largest artist communities in the country at Western Avenue Studios placed in an old mill, there's a lot to like about art in Lowell. A well curated (and ever growing) Public Art collection that's accessible to everyone and plenty of galleries, make Lowell a perfect weekend [art] exploration.
For more about Art & Culture click here!

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Events & Happenings

What do you [not] do in a city that has over 2,000 events every year? It sure gets wild when artists like Sun Ra Arkestra take the stage at the largest free folk festival in the country every July, or when neighbors unite for their summer neighborhood block parties. There really is an event for everyone in Lowell. Some even refer to us as Festival City #1!
Click here for more info on events in Lowell or here for our event calendar!

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Food & Drink

So you love food? We do too! Lowell is home to over 200 restaurants. From super casual to super fine dining, Lowell has that amazing selection of authentic ethnic foods that will make you want to come back every day to try a different place! 
For a directory of restaurants in Lowell please click here!

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Outdoor Fun

The "dog days of summer" are above us and there are plenty of things to explore that are part of Lowell's wild side. From Kayak and SUP rentals at the Bellegarde Boathouse to over 4 miles of beautiful river and canal walks waiting to be explored! Make it your family challenge to visit and experience one, or all, of the over 80 public parks Lowell has to offer.