Good morning, Springfield.

Rocky's Ace Hardware has raised $224,574 through its Round Up for Pets fundraiser, with nearly $45,650 donated locally to animal shelters like Dakin Humane Society.

The family-owned store (welcoming leashed pets and carrying pet supplies) continues its commitment to animal welfare in local communities.

Since 2020, Springfield spent $60 million on 62 park improvement projects, including renovations at Linda Petrella, Blunt, Magazine, and Adams parks – federal and state funds have helped upgrade amenities that benefit local families.

In July, work on Congressman Richard E. Neal Indian Orchard Community Park will be completed.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra will hold its fourth annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Concert at Center Court in Tower Square on Friday, Jun.

19. The free event is organized with White Lion Brewing & 6 Bricks and will feature community activities at 12:30 p.m. before the concert begins at 3 p.m.

Carolina 'Caro' Muñoz Agudelo, an entomologist with a PhD from UMass Amherst, now directs public programming & research at Norcross Wildlife Foundation in Wales.

She builds nature seminars, bilingual trail programs, and youth initiatives in partnership with Springfield’s Eagle Eye Institute to connect locals with the outdoors.

Dr. Peter Gillen, formerly principal at West Springfield Middle School, has been named the first principal of Longmeadow Middle School, which will merge the Glenbrook and Williams schools.

He will start on July 16 and help build a welcoming educational environment for students + forge local partnerships.

Springfield College’s Department of Education received a $56,225 grant from the Irene E. and George A.

Davis Foundation to bolster early literacy programs by partnering teacher candidates with HILL for Literacy. The project will hold 10 learning sessions and research opportunities in the fall and spring of the 2026-27 year.

Veritas Prep Charter Public School celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony at Symphony Hall on Court St. on June 15, where nearly half the seniors earned both a high school diploma and an associate degree and amassed 3,084 college credits tuition-free + these graduates will enter college as juniors this fall.

Vanished Valley Brewing continues its weekend concerts despite noise complaints from nearby residents; the Ludlow Select Board will research new outdoor licensing for shows Tuesday to address the ongoing issue — the brewery has moved its stage and added sound measures to reduce disruption.

The Springfield Thunderbirds were honored at the 2026 AHL Team Business Meetings in Grand Rapids, where their ticket and corporate sales teams met key milestones for the 2025-26 season.

The team achieved 600 new full-season equivalents and maintained a renewal rate over 90% with top corporate performer Matthew McRobbie recognized.

Downtown Springfield Farmers' Market

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free entry — Explore fresh produce, local crafts, and enjoy live music in a vibrant community setting.

ROAR! Comedy: Don McMillan

8-9:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets available — Enjoy 'the funniest PowerPoint presentation' by a top comedian featured on America's Got Talent.

Stompin’ Boots Dance Night

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Free entry — Kick up your boots with line dancing and electrifying DJ music at MGM Springfield.

Black Music Month Celebration at White Lion Brewing

6-10 p.m. — White Lion Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate Black Music Month with live performances from Braye Nicole, Heshima Moja, and TMC Band in a lively beer garden atmosphere.

La Casita Experience

7-9 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticketed event — Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture with live music, food, and community spirit.

Lawn Party @ The Landing with Carol Devine & The Mighty Fine

4:30-7:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of Classic Soul and Funk with Carol Devine & The Mighty Fine.

Downtown Springfield Farmers Market

11 AM – 3 PM — MassMutual Center — Free entry — Explore fresh local produce and enjoy live music at this vibrant farmers market.

Independence Day Celebration in Springfield

6-10 p.m. — Riverfront Park — Free admission — Celebrate Independence Day with live music and a spectacular fireworks show over the river.

2026 Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival

Friday night and Saturday — Court Square — Free entry — Experience a vibrant blend of jazz, blues, and cultural discussions in the heart of Springfield.

Misha Brown Live Performance

8:30-11:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Experience the captivating influence of social media star Misha Brown with a night of entertainment.