If we have missed your event, we’ll add it. Just email News@GardnerMagazine.com.
A Compendium of Upcoming Community Events in the Greater Gardner MA Region
Listen to this podcast about upcoming community events on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner Magazine has a Greater Gardner Events Machine which has automated searches for community events. Go there anytime you wish, CLICK HERE.
We are covering community events, seasonal programming, and local initiatives scheduled across the 19 communities represented by Gardner Magazine for November 2026, December 2026, and early 2027.
The regional landscape demonstrates a robust combination of seasonal artisan gatherings, targeted civic fundraisers, family entertainment, and structured wellness programming.
- Seasonal & Thanksgiving Agricultural Markets: Strong emphasis on local food security, pre-holiday shopping, and farm-to-table artisan markets centered at regional hubs like Lilac Hedge Farm (Rutland), Red Apple Farm (Phillipston/Athol), Hardwick Winery, and dedicated events in Hubbardston and Gardner.
- Charitable Engagement & Fundraisers: Active non-profit drive initiatives, including veterans’ support events (Gardner Elks Turkey Raffle), youth support (SAS Booster Club Comedy Night, Future Heroes Foundation Silent Auction), and community food/toy drives (South Barre Rod & Gun Spaghetti Dinner, Red Apple Farm Iron Farmer Event).
- Outdoor, Ecological & Recreation Offerings: High engagement in structured outdoor offerings, notably guided hikes through Mass Audubon’s Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary (Princeton), local trail initiatives (Warwick), and the 10th Annual Iron Farmer Obstacle Event (Phillipston).
- Recurring Senior, Adult & Youth Social Programs: Comprehensive ongoing wellness, athletic, and educational activities hosted across local libraries, senior centers, and public halls (e.g., Petersham, Hubbardston, Winchendon, Warwick, Athol).
Agricultural, Farm & Seasonal Artisan Markets: Local farms and venues are hosting specialized holiday markets offering local produce, meats, baked goods, and artisan crafts ahead of the winter season:
- Lilac Hedge Farm (Rutland): Hosting three major artisan markets—the November Sip & Shop (Nov 14), Sip & Shop Sunday Edition featuring live music by Greg Schuler (Nov 15), and the Thanksgiving Sip & Shop (Nov 22). Each event features 30+ local vendors, food trucks, and a farm bar.
- Hubbardston Thanksgiving Farmers’ Market & Bake Sale: Scheduled for November 22 at Williamsville Chapel, supplying holiday produce, meats, cheeses, pies, and baked goods (Note: Detour active via Kruse Rd to Thompson Rd to Burnshirt Rd due to Williamsville Rd bridge closure).
- Gardner Farmers Market: Held November 21 at the Waterford St School, presenting produce, meats, eggs, and artisan gifts.
- Barre Winter Farmers Market: Opening November 14 at 2 Exchange Street.
- Princeton Holiday Marketplace: The Princeton Arts Small Works & Holiday Marketplace runs November 13–15.
Craft, DIY & Creative Workshops: A wide selection of structured hands-on crafting classes caters to families, youth, and adults:
- Hardwick Winery & Crossing Country Club (Hardwick): Hosting multiple creative workshops including a Candle + Floral Workshop (Nov 5), Holiday Candle Workshop (Nov 29), Light Up Botanical Tree Class (Dec 3–17), and multiple guided Paint Nites (Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 29).
- Floral & Candle Decorating: Candle Making at Paige Memorial Library (Hardwick, Nov 14) and a Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop at Ruschioni’s Flowers and Gifts (Winchendon, Nov 24).
- Youth & Culinary Arts: A Special Kids Choreography Event featuring Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast themes at Theatre at the Mount (Gardner, Nov 14) and a Teen Cookie Decorating Contest at Levi Heywood Memorial Library (Gardner, Dec 22).
Entertainment, Live Performing Arts & Culture: Live theatrical shows, acoustic performances, comedy nights, and cinema screenings are scheduled across regional venues:
- Theatrical Stage Productions: Cinderella (Nov 8) and A Christmas Story (Dec 11–13) at The Center at Eagle Hill (Hardwick), along with a Living Nativity pageant at Our Savior Lutheran Church (Westminster, Dec 5–6).
- Live Music Venues: Regular acoustic shows, folk-rock, and a cappella concerts at Wachusett Brewing Company (Westminster), New Dawn Arts Center (Ashburnham), Brew Barn Taproom (Phillipston), Cafe on the Common (Barre), Otter River Pub (Templeton), Tavern on Central (Ashburnham), and Mito Japanese Steakhouse (Rutland).
- Comedy & Special Shows: Laugh your SAS off! Comedy Fundraiser at the Polish American Citizens Club (Gardner, Nov 21), Comedy Night with Maxwell Shultz at Ladd’s Restaurant (Rutland, Nov 16), and A Night Of Magic and Comedy at the Revival Wheeler Mansion (Orange, Nov 20).
- Film & Cultural Exhibits: Mountainfilm on Tour (Hardwick, Jan 29, 2027), Michelle Andrews Benefit Exhibition running through Dec 31 at Stage on Main (Orange), and classic film screenings at Wheeler Memorial Library (Orange, Nov 5).
Outdoor Recreation, Wildlife & Fitness Initiatives: Guided nature walks, athletic obstacle runs, and fitness groups utilize regional conservation lands:
- Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary (Princeton): Hosting guided hikes including the Brook Trail Family Hike (Nov 7), Winter Adaptations Family Hike (Nov 15), Full Moon Night Hike (Nov 24), New Moon Night Hike (Dec 8), December School Vacation Days camp (Dec 28), and a Family Owl Prowl (Jan 30, 2027).
- Obstacle & Physical Challenges: The 10th Anniversary Iron Farmer Obstacle Event at Red Apple Farm (Phillipston, Nov 21) combining 2.5 miles of running/walking with farmer-themed tasks and a holiday food drive.
- Community Movement Classes: Gentle Yoga, Zumba, Bones & Balance, and Tai-Chi classes regularly hosted at municipal hubs in Winchendon, Warwick, Royalston, Petersham, and Princeton.
