SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are on sale for the 10th annual Barks & Brews event, presented by Dakin Humane Society, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton.
The event will begin with a VIP preview hour from 12 to 1 p.m., with general admission taking place from 1 to 3 p.m.
Ticket options are: VIP admission tickets, priced at $65, which entitle holders to on-site parking, hors d’oeuvres served during the preview hour, a complimentary beer, and an event T-shirt. (ticket price becomes $75 after Aug. 31); and general admission tickets, priced at $25, include a complimentary beer. Parking is located on-street and at the local school lot (ticket price becomes $35 after Aug. 31).
Tickets may be purchased online at dakinhumane.org/barksandbrews. All attendees of the event must be at least 21 years old.
Guests are invited to bring crowd-friendly dogs on a non-retractable leash, and are asked not to bring strollers. Other event features will include a Halloween costume contest (for dogs); hot dog eating contest (for dogs); 50/50 raffle (ticket holders need not be present to win); photo booth; nail-trimming; dog baths; vendor booth shopping and food trucks.
Barks & Brews is an annual fundraiser for Dakin that in past years has generated about $30,000 for services and programs that help animals in need.
Try Transit extended through June 2026
SPRINGFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) announces that the Try Transit program will be extended. The Massachusetts Legislature has continued funding for the 15 regional transit authorities to remain fare-free through June 30, 2026. No fares or passes will be needed for PVTA fixed-route bus and paratransit services.
“PVTA provides vital transportation services in our community offering equitable mobility options that help people get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping centers, events, social outings and more,” said Brandy Pelletier, PVTA spokesperson. “Extending the Try Transit program is beneficial to our riders, our region, and a great time for people to experience the benefits of taking public transportation.”
Try Transit does not apply to PVTA’s premium service, Route B79.
Northampton Arts Council opens new round of grants
NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Arts Council will open applications for the fiscal year 2026 Local Cultural Council (LCC) Grant Round on Tuesday. The program funds arts projects in Northampton, Florence, and Leeds.
Grants typically range from $250 to $2,000 and support projects such as performances, exhibits, festivals, readings, workshops, and school programs. Applications are judged on artistic merit, community benefit, and financial feasibility.
The application deadline is Oct. 16 for projects that must run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026. Applicants will be notified by Jan. 16, 2026.
Applications must be submitted online through the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s LCC portal. For details, visit northamptonartscouncil.org or email arts@northamptonma.gov.
Actors sought for 10-minute plays
AMHERST — Valley Players will hold auditions on Sept. 9, from 6-9 p.m. at the Bangs Community Center, for its October event, “Take Ten.”
“Take Ten” is a staged reading showcase of five new 10-minute plays by Valley playwrights, being held as a benefit for The Literacy Project. Valley Players seeks 11 actors, across ages and genders, for the plays. Because this is a staged reading, actors will not be required to be off-book.
Auditioners will read excerpts from one or more of the scripts alongside other auditioners. No experience or preparation is necessary, but an appointment is required and may be booked at koalendar.com/e/taketen.
“Take Ten” will be held on Oct. 25 at Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield, with wine and food available, and tickets on a pay-what-you-can scale. Half of net ticket revenue will be donated to support the educational programming and mission of The Literacy Project.
Valley Players is an all-volunteer nonprofit group with a mission to enrich the quality of life in the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts by producing nimble, meaningful, and accessible theater. Valley Players uses community theater to help build community, donating half of net ticket proceeds to other Valley nonprofits. More information, including how to donate or become a business sponsor, is at valleyplayers.org.