Good morning, Springfield.

Officials, advocates and local riders celebrated the opening of Springfield’s first public skate and bike park on June 26th at Gurdon Bill Park—providing a safe area for skateboarding, biking and other wheeled activities.

The two-million-dollar project was funded by a one-million-dollar National Park Service grant, city contributions and an 80,000-dollar Community Preservation Act grant that supported its design and planning.

Springfield police arrested 30-year-old Jose Rodriguez on Saturday after he reportedly poured gasoline on a Kenyon Street home and set it on fire+the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad is investigating the case.

The 12th annual Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival will take place July 11 and 12 in downtown Springfield with live jazz, blues, Afro-Caribbean, funk and global roots acts at Stearns Square and the Hope Center for the Arts — ticket donations support the event and boost local business connections.

It’s Happening with Snooki & Joey will headline the Aria Ballroom at MGM Springfield on October 3, with tickets available starting Friday, July 11 at 10 a.m. Snooki Polizzi and Joey Camasta from MTV’s Jersey Shore will bring an unfiltered show to the local stage.

Alfred Glickman Elementary School in Springfield received $5M from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Green School Works program to upgrade its HVAC system—city officials said the work is planned for summer vacation after the 2025-26 school year but may be delayed by critical infrastructure changes and long lead items.

Rubicon Holdings LLC, owner of 232 Worthington St.—the former home of Dewey’s Jazz Lounge—plans to create a restaurant incubator that will offer shared kitchen space, mentorship and resources to support new food businesses in Springfield.

Manager Alfredo Orejuela said the interest survey is open until mid-August and the renovated space is expected to open then.

Ed Popielarczyk's Comedy Magic Show for Kids

10–11 a.m. — Stanley Park — Free entry — Enjoy a lively comedy magic show featuring interactive storytelling and balloon sculptures for children.

Mt Carmel Italian Feast

4-6 p.m. — Casa Italiana — $5 entry fee — Celebrate Italian culture with food, music, and community at the Mt Carmel Italian Feast.

Basketball Camp: Point Guard College

July 15th-19th — Springfield College — $1,195 — Elevate basketball skills and IQ at a premier training camp for aspiring players.

Saturday Art Lab for Kids and Families

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Make-It Springfield — Free entry — Explore creativity with painting, drawing, fashion, and more during a fun Saturday art lab for kids and families.

Concerts in the Park Series

6:30-8 p.m. — Forest Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a summer evening of live music amidst the beautiful scenery of Forest Park.

ROAR! Comedy: A Double Headlining Show

8 PM — MGM Springfield — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with headliners Chris Tabb and Janet McNamara.

Basketball Camp: Playmaker College

July 29th - August 2nd — Springfield College — Registration required — Enhance basketball skills and confidence through specialized training and leadership development.

Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival

1-9 p.m. — Mortensen Riverfront Plaza — Free entry — Immerse yourself in island vibes with carnival fun, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and live music for the whole family.

Annie the Musical

1:30-4 p.m. — Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of little Annie as she navigates the challenges of the 1930s in New York City.