Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield is reviving the mini train in Forest Park after Parks Director Tom Ashe launched a fundraising drive; the city has raised $45,000 of the $50,000 goal to purchase a train & schedule tours for 25 riders this fall.

Peter Pan Bus Lines in Springfield has been named the #1 bus service in the nation by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The family-owned company celebrated the win while introducing service innovations like reserved seating and fee-free online booking.

The one-person show Unreconciled by Jay Sefton will play on July 25 at the Academy of Music in Northampton.

The performance tackles clergy abuse survival with humor + hope, and will include a post-show talkback with trauma experts.

Pianist Lara Downes gathered voices from western Mass and transformed them into a Declaration Quilt made from reused local textiles—she will present the quilt and her music at MASS MoCA in North Adams Saturday night.

Nearly 20 youth attended the Summer Leaders Lab at the Indian Orchard Citizen’s Council on July 13 to learn leadership skills from guest speaker Ayanna Crawford and local experts.

The grant-funded program runs for six weeks Monday through Friday and offers a daily stipend ($25) to support youth engagement.

Red Fire Farm in Granby remains open amid summer heat and wildfire smoke that lower air quality, and the farm has adjusted its schedule to protect workers & crops by using masks when needed.

The operation continues at peak season as staff monitor conditions closely.

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Board approved nearly $1 million in upgrades for MassMutual Center on Thursday, replacing its aging public address system for safety during emergencies.

Collins Electric of Chicopee won the bid, and work will extend into next summer after the Thunderbirds show.

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority extended its fare-free bus service for another year (funded by a $63 billion state budget that allocated $40 million to regional transit).

Springfield riders have seen a 21% rise in use since the program launched in Nov. 2024.

Rescuers trained in confined-space rescue techniques in Cobble Mountain Reservoir's hidden tunnels during a June exercise.

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission and Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team worked together (the reservoir is the region’s primary drinking water supply) to improve emergency response times.

District Attorney Anthony Gulluni presented funds from his Drug Diversion and Education Fund at Michael’s House in Springfield today, handing a $10,000 check to the Michael J.

Dias Foundation and additional support to local sober living programs — including plans for a new women’s home and funding to Power Forward.

Boys lacrosse coaches have named unsung-heroes for the 2026 season, praising freshman Will Naef, junior Chase O’Neil, and senior Zach Kozub for their key roles on defense and leadership during practices and games.

Their contributions boost team spirit on local turf.

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.

Yoga on the Landing

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free entry — Engage in gentle yoga sequences and sound healing while connecting with the community in a serene outdoor environment.

Lawn Party @ The Landing Featuring La Era Del Mambo

4:30-7:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free admission — Enjoy a lively evening of Latin sounds with La Era Del Mambo.

Heritage Pops Orchestra Concert

1-2:30 p.m. — Springfield Armory National Historic Site — Free — Enjoy a patriotic-themed concert on the historic grounds with the Heritage Pops Orchestra.

River of Dreams: A Tribute to Billy Joel

5-7 p.m. — Springfield City Library: Mason Square Branch — Get tickets — Experience the nostalgia of Billy Joel's greatest hits performed live.

Marina Franklin Comedy Show

8:30-10:00 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening with veteran comedian Marina Franklin, known for her engaging humor and impressive TV credits.

5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K

8 PM — Old Monkey House — $40 registration — Participate in a run/walk that raises awareness for mentorship in under-resourced communities.