Good morning, Springfield.

The parking lot at 1535 Roosevelt Avenue and the walking track entrance at Blunt Park remain closed for renovations—improvements will be ready by June 1, 2026—while the main park entrance at 1800 Roosevelt Avenue stays open.

Union Station will host the free Local Cybersecurity Excellence event on Oct.

9 from noon to 3:30 p.m.—the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence invites local residents, students and small businesses to learn about current cybersecurity threats. Experts from STCC, the Center for Internet Security and the Mass Cyber Center will offer training and in-person networking opportunities.

Shirley Bryden of Springfield won a $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s $50X instant ticket game after buying her winning ticket at Mobil on 3111 Main Street and chose the cash option, receiving a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes—she said she plans to use the money for fun activities.

FAB Passion Fashion Week NE returns for its third year in Springfield from Oct.

24 to Oct. 26 at Robyn Newhouse Hall at the Community Music School—where it will feature international designers, mature models and masquerade performances that celebrate diversity and creativity.

Eastern States Exposition welcomed 1,538,463 visitors to the Big E fair in West Springfield from Sept.

12 to 28—guests from every state and overseas helped boost the local economy and support over 8,000 jobs while the event generated significant economic activity for the region.

Springfield Public Schools will once again partner with Springfield City Library for Super Saturdays and Sundays.

Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall’s community forum series—beginning with a meeting called 'Early Literacy Read to Believe' scheduled for Saturday, October 4 at 1 p.m. at Springfield Central Library—will let parents, students and educators discuss school improvements.

MCAS test results released Monday showed only slight improvement in English for grades 3-8 while math and 10th grade scores remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Education officials said no statewide student group has recovered and they will review school performance in the coming weeks — plans to boost scores are in progress.

Springfield and West Springfield schools join a statewide pilot program to test a new artificial intelligence course that uses hands-on projects and group work to show how AI is used in science, engineering and medicine — the program will support 45 teachers and reach about 1,600 students.

The 2025 MCAS results showed that only 13 districts reached pre-pandemic levels in both English and math—five of these districts are in western Massachusetts, including Libertas Academy Charter in Springfield.

Statewide, 50 districts met these levels in one subject as English scores improved while math remained unchanged and high school students no longer needed a qualifying score to graduate.

Springfield City Councilor Victor Davila from Ward 6 was honored with the Latino Excellence on the Hill Award on Sept.

25 in Boston—recognizing his journey from Puerto Rico and his rise from hardships to public service.

The Red Cross joined local officials and first responders Monday to raise awareness for blood donations that match patients with sickle cell disease — the project aims to increase Black blood donors.

The initiative will run through December 2027 to help ensure more patients get the transfusions they need.

Hypertufa Pots Workshop

5-7 p.m. — Zenful Spaces — All materials included — Create unique hypertufa containers for your garden with step-by-step guidance in this hands-on workshop.

Sarah Elizabeth Charles Album Release Concert

On October 4th, 2025, Sarah returns to CMSS and Robyn Newhouse Hall to celebrate the release of her fifth album, Dawn, which chronicles her experience becoming a mother. In addition to performing the music from this song cycle (which includes voice, piano, bass, drums, violin and cello), this evening will include the in person premiere of Charles' two mini documentaries and a post concert Reflective Talk Back.

Job Expo

4-7 p.m. — Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Free entry — Explore job opportunities and connect with local employers in a dynamic setting.

Spirit & Grace Tour - Springfield

7:30-9:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — $1.00 service fee — Experience a vibrant evening of entertainment during the Spirit & Grace Tour.

The Mighty Oktoberfest Celebration

5-11 p.m. — Student Prince Cafe and The Fort — Ticket includes one beer — Celebrate with authentic German food, live music, and festive atmosphere.

Girls VolleyHall Classic Elite Tournament

8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. — American International College — $10 for adults, free for students and children — Cheer on the top 36 high school girls' volleyball teams from the Northeast in this exciting tournament.

New England Equitation Championships

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Eastern States Coliseum — Free admission — Experience five days of thrilling equestrian competition featuring top junior and adult riders.

G&LW Gem Show - West Springfield

9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — Wholesale only — Explore stunning gems and jewelry from various exhibitors in a charming New England setting.

ROAR! Comedy Featuring Neema Naz

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Iranian-Canadian stand-up comedian Neema Naz.

Plantella: A Houseplant Expo

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — MassMutual Center — VIP Tickets: $20 | General Admission: $10 — Explore the best of houseplants and related businesses from the Northeast.

MVMA Fall Continuing Education Conference

Earn 12 hours of CE — 2 days — MGM Springfield — Entry Fee Required — Enhance your professional expertise at this informative veterinary conference.