2026 Upcoming Events
Scott Matsumoto – Sunday, May 10th, 3:00 pm
Scott Matsumoto is an acoustic fingerstyle guitar player who combines the styles of Andy McKee and Tommy Emmanuel. The result is a broad range of guitar songs that are both percussive and melodic; everything from two-hand tapping guitar pieces to covers of pop songs. Scott started as a folk singer/songwriter, but decided to go “all in” on the guitar: making all the music come through the guitar. The guitar is his band-in-a-box, Every sound in the band gets created out of the different parts of the guitar.
Follow Scott through his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ScottMGuitar/
Admission: A donation to The Shirley Meeting House is welcome and appreciated.
A Story of America’s Song – Saturday, May 16th, 7:00 pm
Join us for a musical journey through the sounds that shaped America. From early folk traditions brought by immigrants to the rhythms of blues and jazz, from the beloved melodies of the Great American Songbook to the energy of rock ’n’ roll and the storytelling of folk, country, and bluegrass, this concert explores the rich and diverse roots of American music.
Along the way, you will hear music connected to legendary songwriters and performers including Scott Joplin, Dave Brubeck, Hoagy Carmichael, Patsy Montana, Lennon-McCartney, and Paul Simon.
Featuring soloists, ensembles, and instrumentalists, the program traces how different cultures, traditions, and voices came together to create the uniquely American sound we know today.
After the program you are invited to the Center Town Hall for refreshments and to view the Scenes of America art display.
Scenes of America, Saturday, May 16th
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm and following A Story of America’s Song
America’s story is written not only in history books, but in the landscapes we cross and the everyday moments we live. Scenes of America bring together local artists and photographers who capture the beauty, character, and spirit our country through their own eyes.
From sweeping mountains and quiet coastlines to small-town streets and familiar daily rituals, this collection reflects the many faces of American life. Each piece tells a story—of place, of people, and of the moments that often pass by unnoticed but shape the rhythm of our communities.
Admission to these programs is free of charge, but donations are welcome and appreciated.
Shirley’s Vote for Independence – Saturday, June 27th, 7:00 pm
The Shirley Historical Society will present a reenactment of Shirley’s Vote for Independence in the Shirley Meeting House – the building where our ancestors met on June 27, 1776
Music on the Porch – 1:00 pm on Sundays in June, July, August & September.
- Nancy Beaudette – June 21st
- Ellsworth & Hicks – July 19th
- Pat Kenneally – August 9th
- Bob Morse – September 20th
Click here to learn more about Music on the Porch and our 2026 musicians.
Shirley Pumpkin Fest – Sunday, October 11th
The Shirley Meeting House, The Center Town Hall Committee and The Shirley Playboard invite you to join us on the Common for an afternoon and evening of community fun. Live music, food trucks, face painting, pumpkin painting, bounce house, 50/50 raffle. Plus scarecrow building and pumpkin carving contests.
Shirley Film Fest – Saturday, November 7th
This community film festival at the Shirley Meeting House in central Massachusetts is a celebration of creativity, storytelling, art and music. We are delighted that this unique venue now offers an opportunity to enjoy and support both local and international film making.
Admission: A donation to The Shirley Meeting House is welcome and appreciated.
A Candlelight Noel – Sunday, December 6th, 6:30 pm
As we come upon the holiday season, we often find ourselves making lists of “presents to buy, things to be done and places to go.” The hustle and bustle of the season can be both daunting and overwhelming. To take you away from all of this we invite you to the peace and tranquility of The Shirley Meeting House on Sunday, December 6th for our Annual Candlelight Noel Concert. Our program will feature music, stories and poems that will allow you to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the season and the peace it offers to each of us.
Admission: A donation to The Shirley Meeting House is welcome and appreciated.
The Shirley Meeting House programs are sponsored in part by a grant from the Shirley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
The Shirley Meeting House continues to be committed to the health and safety of our audience and artists. Therefore, we will be following all guidelines put forth by the health department and the CDC. At this time we recommend the wearing of masks for events inside the Meeting House. This may change from program to program so please check back. Thank you for your cooperation!