Jazz Strut by Northampton Jazz Festival
2026-09-25 16:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | MA
We kick off the 2026 Northampton Jazz Festival’s 15th year with the Jazz Strut on Friday Sept. 25. Stop by Pulaski Park at 4:00 PM for two student jazz combo performances, and then stroll, sip and dine your way through downtown Northampton to the sounds of jazz ensembles at eight different establishments across town. The Jazz Strut features free evening jazz performances in breweries, bars and restaurants with a 5:30 PM early set, a 8:00 PM late set, and the 10:00 PM jam session that runs ‘til midnight. Each ensemble plays for two hours, so you can catch a lot of live jazz and good times on Jazz Strut night. Please patronize the host establishment by ordering food and drink while you enjoy the music!

Alianza 5K Cider Donut Dash
2026-09-26 10:00 - 13:00 | MA
Lace up for a fall morning at Ashley Reservoir, where the community comes together with purpose, and for a sweet finish of cider and donuts. The Alianza 5K: Cider Donut Dash brings people together to raise awareness, support survivors, and help build a future free from domestic violence.
Run fast, walk with friends, or bring the whole family to cheer on the community. We promise there’s a place for everyone at the start line (and yes, plenty of donuts waiting at the finish).
Held just ahead of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this event serves as a meaningful kickoff by bringing our community together to show up and stand with survivors. Proceeds support Alianza DV Services, whose programs provide free and confidential advocacy, shelter, prevention, and support services to survivors of domestic violence and their families throughout our region.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 10:00 AM 5K Starts/10:05 AM Walk Starts
Location: Elks Club, Holyoke, MA

Cider Donut Dash
2026-09-26 10:00 - 13:00 | MA

Jazz Fest Day by Northampton Jazz Festival
2026-09-26 11:00 - 18:30 | Downtown Northampton, Downtown, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
Now in its 15th year, Jazz Fest Day 2026 features internationally touring jazz musicians performing in seven downtown Northampton venues throughout the day. From the “Ask Me About Jazz!” interactive jazz concert for elementary aged kids and their grownups to rising jazz star saxophonist Sarah Hanahan, pianist William Hill III and vocalist Champian Fulton, among many others – the Northampton Jazz Fest offers an intimate, up-close and personal experience of live jazz. Staged throughout the eclectic, artistic and walkable city of Northampton, this free jazz festival has become known nationally as a beacon of the spirit and joy that live music in an accessible community can offer.

Northampton Jazz Fest presents saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin WE DREAM
2026-09-26 19:30 - 21:00 | Academy of Music, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
Six-time GRAMMY nominee Lakecia Benjamin is an alto saxophonist, arranger, composer, bandleader and educator.
Known for her captivating live performances, her music offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk.
Her warm, resonant tone – that has been compared to Johnny Hodges – lends itself to any form of music she chooses to play. Her acclaimed albums Phoenix (2023) and Pursuance: The Coltranes (2020) have firmly established her among jazz’s foremost artists, with praise from The New York Times, The Guardian, and DownBeat.
Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association and Jazz Scholar by the Library of Congress, Benjamin’s prominence continues to rise. In 2024, she released Phoenix Reimagined (Live) on Ropeadope, featuring collaborations with John Scofield, Randy Brecker, and JeU “Tain” Watts.
Her newest album, We Dream, released on June 5 on Artwork Records, reflects a powerful response to the moment we’re living in and a commitment to being, in her words, “a bright light in a dark space.”
Featuring Oscar Perez (Piano), Elias Bailey (Bass), Jonathan Barber (drums)

Walk For Every Body
2026-09-27 10:30 - 14:00 | MA
Join us for the second annual Walk For Every Body on September 27 in downtown Northampton!
Bring your friends, family, coworkers, or create a team to support accessible, community-based healthcare across Western Massachusetts. The walk will be followed by a Block Party featuring local organizations, activities, entertainment, and more.
Register today and be part of a community that believes healthcare is for everybody: TapestryHealth.org/tapestrywalk9-27
