The weather is warm, summer is on the horizon, and it’s time to check out the fun things to do in Merrimack Valley this June! From Pride events to farmer’s markets to book sales, there’s so much to do this month. Check out our calendar for new events you’ll love all summer long and start planning your trip to Merrimack Valley.
Community Events
Chelmsford Market on the Common
Saturdays June 1 – August 10, 11 am – 2 pm
Free
Farmers and artisans market of local vendors offering fresh local food, handmade crafts, and more at the Chelmsford Market on the Common. Each week brings a different assortment of vendors, so you’ll find something new no matter how many times you visit.
Happy Together Tour
June 23, 7 pm
$39 – $199
The Happy Together Tour is a highly successful, hit-filled summer package that’s now been going strong for 15 years. This touring sensation that has criss-crossed the nation delighting audiences returns to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Once again The Happy Together Tour is joined by The Turtles, who will also act as the musical hosts for the evening. Audiences will also be treated to performances by Jay and the Americans, The Association, Badfinger, The Vogues and The Cowsills.
Pride Month Events
Acton Pride Drag Show
June 14, 8-10:30 pm
$10-15
This Pride Month, join Acton Pride for its second annual Drag Show at the NARA Amphitheater. This event will feature a variety of performers doing comedy, singing, dancing, and lip-syncing. The show is geared for mature audiences of high school age and up. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
Acton Pride Festival
June 15, 12-3 pm
Free
Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, come to the Acton Pride Festival for a fun-filled afternoon at NARA’s Beach. Check out family activities, live music, food stands, and arts and crafts vendors. This event is free and open to the general public, but registration is encouraged.
Sporting Events and Marathons
Celebration of Military Service
June 8, 10 am – 2 pm
$25
In partnership with the Hidden Battles Foundation, the City of Lowell is hosting a Celebration of Military Service 5K and Festival.
The event will start off with a 5K cross country run/ruck/walk through the scenic Shedd Park woods. Afterward, check out a festive celebration with free food, live music, and over 25 military support vendors. Participants for the 5K can register online for $25. Veterans can register for free with the code VETERAN.
Massachusetts Pirates vs San Antonio Gunslingers
June 15, 7-9:30 pm
$18-150
Hockey fans can watch the Mass Pirates vs. San Antonio Gunslingers game at the Tsongas Center. Cheer on your favorite local team and enjoy a night out with fellow fans.
Lord Hobo 6.17k Charity Run
June 16, 10 am – 5 pm
$45-50
Join Lord Hobo for their annual 6.17k Charity Run! Run this unique road race that starts and ends at Lord Hobo’s Woburn brewery. Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. After the race, come to the parking lot party and enjoy one of their signature 617 beers, local food vendors, activities and live music in celebration, all while helping three great local charities!
For the Kids
Solar ‘Scopes with Brian Mernoff
June 22, 10-11 am
Free with museum admission
Join local astrophotographer Brian Mernoff at the Discovery Museum and try looking through some solar telescopes. Weather permitting, you’ll safely see the sun in ways you haven’t before! Test out some other tools that let scientists explore light and go on a scavenger hunt for extra learning and fun.
Dirtopia
June 26, 10 am – 2 pm
Free with museum admission
Kids can learn and get their hands dirty with Dirtopia at the Discovery Museum! Discover the infinite potential of dirt as children scoop, dig, sculpt, and make mud pies and mud paintings. Bring your boots and prepare to get messy.
Events for Book Lovers
Book Chat on American Midnight with Adam Hochschild
June 4, 7-8 pm
Free
America in the World War I era is seldom talked about. It was a tinderbox, with fierce debates over labor rights, free speech, and racial equality. In an era marked by vigilantism spurred on by the government, citizen turned against citizen in the war over what it means to be American. Lynchings, suppression of the press, and violence against conscientious objectors marred our ideals of democracy. A colorful cast of characters, from Woodrow Wilson to Emma Goldman and J. Edgar Hoover joined in the fray.
Join author Adam Hochschild for a conversation on this little-known era of American history whose legacy is still felt with us today. You’ll meet other book and history lovers in-person and be joined by the author virtually.
Summer Garage Sale & Book Sale
June 8, 10 am – 4 pm
Free with museum admission
Hosted by the Museum of Printing, the Summer Garage Sale & Book Sale is full of treasures for the admirer, amateur, enthusiast, and professional alike. Come see printing presses of all sizes, ancillary equipment, cabinets, ink, paper, and, of course, type cases (with type) along with books on typography, graphic arts, and printing.
Gold For Ghosts: Rick Beyer’s Amazing Campaign for History’s Hidden Heroes
June 13, 7-8 pm
$5-15
Come to Gold for Ghosts to hear how author and filmmaker Rick Beyer learned the incredible story of the WWII deception units known as The Ghost Army. He launched a quest to tell the world about their exploits, and to make sure what they did would never be forgotten. This quest led to the Ghost Army documentary (2013), the book (2015), and finally, the Congressional Gold Medal (2024) – the highest honor Congress can bestow. Come to the Lexington Historical Society to listen to Rick Beyer share both those stories. Doors will open at 6:30 for refreshments.
The next time you’re planning to visit the Merrimack Valley, check the calendar to see what amazing things are going on throughout the year to make your getaway extra memorable.
