Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield will host seven free concerts in Forest Park every Thursday starting next week at 6:30 p.m. The events are funded by the Everett Barney Estate Fund after federal grants changed, and include swan paddle boats (from 4 to 7 p.m.), food trucks, and golf cart shuttles.

The 14th annual Stuff the Bus campaign is underway as United Way of Pioneer Valley collects backpacks and school supplies for 15 school districts in Springfield, Hampden County, South Hadley, and Granby.

The organization plans to fill about 700 backpacks before classes begin next month.

Country Bank announced it has earned the 2026 Top Workplaces Award for the second year by building a supportive, collaborative culture that benefits families, businesses, and nonprofits across the region.

A new Target location is set to open soon at Springfield Crossing (1655 Boston Road) as Mayor Domenic Sarno and officials preview the store today; it will employ 150 people and feature a food-forward layout with a CVS pharmacy, Starbucks, and EV charging stations.

FuzionCon brings a comic con experience this weekend at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield; it will feature celebrity signings, cosplay contests, panel discussions, and vendor tables — creating a fun pop culture celebration.

Provost Michael Dodge of American International College received the inaugural Commonwealth Pride Award on June 17 at the Massachusetts State House (nominated by state Rep. Patricia Duffy) for his leadership in education and community service in Holyoke.

State guidelines require homeowners to work with licensed wildlife professionals for bat exclusion during approved seasons such as May and Aug.

1 through mid-Oct (excluding June and July). Experts use one-way devices and seal gaps to keep bats out safely.

Outfielder Wilyer Abreu was named American League Player of the Week on Monday after hitting four home runs + six RBIs that helped the Red Sox sweep the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.

He was the first with multiple back-to-back homers since 2016, and the second since 1971.

Team West girls basketball won the gold medal at the Bay State Games on Sunday at Lasell University by overcoming a halftime deficit to beat Team Central 53 to 49—finishing the tournament undefeated at 5 to 0 and earning Samone Young a Sportsmanship Award.

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.