HOLYOKE, MA — Holyoke Pride organizers have unveiled the entertainment lineup for the fifth annual Holyoke PrideFest, taking place Saturday, June 27, from 12 to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park downtown.

Featuring nationally-recognized drag artists, local musicians, community performers, youth talent, and LGBTQIA+ artists from across New England, organizers say this year’s festival promises to be the most diverse and dynamic PrideFest lineup in the event’s history.

Headlining the festival is Worcester’s Joslyn Fox, a drag entertainer and season 6 contestant from RuPaul’s “Drag Race.” She will be joined by returning PrideFest hosts Tito Midnight and Locke Hart, two western Massachusetts performers whose unique blend of drag, cosplay, and community leadership have helped shape Holyoke Pride since its beginning.

The lineup spans multiple artistic disciplines, showcasing everything from drag and dance to indie folk, EDM, rock music, spoken word, activism, and choral performance.

Festivalgoers can expect everything from camp comedy and high-energy drag performances to powerful original music and community-centered storytelling. The lineup includes emerging young musicians such as Belchertown-based rock band Ultra Violet, local singer-songwriter Deanna Bach, community advocate and recording artist Musikk4Life, and interdisciplinary artist Indë, whose work explores identity, history, and social justice.

The festival will also welcome the more than 100-member Queer Joy Chorus, whose mission centers belonging, healing, and community through music.

In addition to live entertainment, Holyoke PrideFest will feature dozens of arts and craft vendors, community organizations, advocacy groups, and local businesses. Attendees can enjoy food and beverages from popular local favorites including White Lion Brewing Company, Crave Food Truck, and other regional vendors throughout the day.

Now entering its fifth year, Holyoke PrideFest has grown from a grassroots gathering into one of western Massachusetts’ largest Pride celebrations, drawing thousands of attendees from throughout the region. Admission is free and open to all.

For a full schedule of events, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, and updates, visit: www.holyokepride.org. support local artists and organizers, and celebrate the diverse cultural identity of the city.Holyoke Art proudly serves as the fiscal sponsor for Holyoke Pride and other grassrootscommunity initiatives throughout the year.

NORTHAMPTON — The city of Northampton is convening an advisory Fiscal Assessment Community Task Force to analyze revenues, currently budgeted city and school expenditures, and economic trends and constraints as preparations are made for a possible override request in fiscal year 2028.

The task force will work to sustainably align community priorities within the city’s financial capacity. They will review the current five-year Fiscal Stability Plan and future options through detailed budget analysis, financial forecasting, and public engagement. They will hold at least two public forums to gather community feedback. Their work will finish with a presentation advising the mayor and City Council on how to address the structural deficit in the budget and present the options so that when Northampton voters are asked to make a decision, they can do so with a clear understanding of the impacts.

The Task Force will follow Open Meeting Law with public meetings and consist of nine voting members. The city’s finance director will serve as a nonvoting facilitator and subject matter expert. The Northampton Public Schools business manager will also be invited to serve as a nonvoting member. The mayor, as an ex officio member of all appointed multiple-member bodies of the city, may attend some meetings.

The Task Force will be supported by four representatives from city and school government: two city councilors, one Northampton Public Schools School Committee member, and one trustee of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. In addition, the mayor will appoint five community members to include resident perspectives.

The Task Force will meet two to three times per month, beginning with an organizational meeting on Monday, July 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. The group is expected to complete its work in late November or early December 2026.

Community members must be Northampton residents and should ideally bring experience in financial and budgetary analysis, civic and community engagement, or related fields or expertise. To apply to serve as a community member of the Fiscal Assessment Community Task Force, complete the application linked here by Wednesday, July 8, at 4:30 p.m.

AMHERST — Senior citizens are being invited to two upcoming events in Amherst.

First up is a meet-and-greet set for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Atkins Farms Country Market, 1150 North Pleasant St.

Then, Summertime Senior Sips will take place at The Commonwealth Restaurant at the Worcester Dining Commons, 667 North Pleasant St., June 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Parking is in Lot 63 behind the building, located on the University of Massachusetts campus.

AMHERST — The Garden Club of Amherst is holding a fundraising event for a University of Massachusetts scholarship going to a student studying botany, plant ecology or another similar topic.

Tovah Marting, gardener and horticulturist, will be giving a talk titled “In Unison: Creating Harmonious Combinations for Pollinators and You” at the Munson Memorial Library, 1046 South East St., June 24 at 12:30 p.m.

A $5 entry fee is requested.