Good morning, Springfield.

Six Hampden County chambers united on March 31 at the new Food Bank headquarters in Chicopee to raise $6,590 and collect 1,881 pounds of food that provided over 1,568 meals for local families.

Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce will host its One Night Stand … Up Comedy Fundraiser at Hardwick Vineyard and Winery on Friday, July 31.

Award-winning Ray Harrington will headline the event — joined by Boston comedians Kinda Lansburg and Sam Ike, with $40 tickets sold online.

Twenty-one Springfield small businesses received certification on Thursday + they are now eligible to bid on government contracts with local, state and federal agencies.

This new local process boosts minority, women and veteran-owned firms + helps spur community growth.

Springfield Cultural Partnership is unveiling Sounds of Springfield, a permanent public art installation with six interactive instruments in Tower Square Park.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Tuesday, June 30 at 10:30 a.m. with city officials + Mayor Domenic Sarno in support.

Baystate Franklin Medical Center cut jobs in 22 support departments this week and ended patient transport after 6 p.m. — the nurses’ union said the reduction will strain staffing and patient care at local Baystate facilities amid anticipated federal health cutbacks.

Springfield’s fourth annual basketball festival, Hooplandia 2026, kicks off today at Eastern States Exposition and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and runs through Sunday; the event features 3x3 tournaments, skill competitions, and basketball clinics with experts including Brian Scalabrine, TaQuan Tootie Zimmerman and Joe the Jet.

Longmeadow high school lacrosse player Max Zichittella was named MassLive’s Athlete of the Week after scoring two goals in the state championship win on June 12 at Worcester State University (helping secure the Lancers' 12th consecutive victory).

Meiah Wise is a Springfield high school athlete who overcame serious health challenges and helped start her school’s first girls flag football team.

She committed to Manhattan University in May and will compete in the NFL FLAG Championships (July 24-26) in Westfield, Indiana.

The MIAA Tournament Management Committee approved a Super 8 football proposal for high school play set to start in 2027 in Massachusetts, featuring a season lasting nine weeks and power rating seeding.

The proposal still awaits MIAA Board approval, with a meeting planned for August.

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.

Springfield Dragon Boat Festival - Individual Registration

6 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club — Free entry — Sign up to paddle in a dragon boat and enjoy a day of community fun and teamwork.