Butterflies get the coffee table books, dedicated gardens and admiration.
Moths, despite making up the overwhelming majority of the world’s lepidopteran species, are often dismissed as little more than closet pests. That perception is what one local conservation group hopes to change.
This Friday from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., the Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Alliance will once again host its Moth Ball at Center Hill Conservation Center, 158 Center Hill Road. This evening will be devoted to celebrating the remarkable nocturnal insects quietly pollinating flowers, support ecosystems and revealing the extraordinary biodiversity found in our backyards.
The event also shines a light on one of Plymouth’s natural treasures: the Massachusetts Coastal Pine Barrens, a globally rare ecosystem stretching from Plymouth to Cape Cod. Home to hundreds of protected plants and animals, the Pine Barrens harbor a wide variety of moths, including the striking Pine Barrens Buck Moth, alongside countless other species many residents never realize live so close.
This event is a reminder how some of the region’s most fascinating wildlife doesn’t soar overhead in daylight but flutters silently through warm summer nights.
Held during National Moth Week, the Moth Ball combines science, conservation and a healthy dose of fun, with family-friendly activities, themed treats and an opportunity to observe hundreds of moth species attracted to special light stations after dark.
Whether you’re a lifelong naturalist or simply curious about the creatures that emerge after sunset, the evening offers a chance to see Plymouth’s landscape through an entirely different lens—and perhaps give one of nature’s most overlooked insects a little more respect. For information go here. Participants under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
For those looking to spend even more time outdoors, Wildlands Trust has three opportunities to explore nature at its Davis-Douglas Farm, 675 Long Pond Road. On Saturday, July 25, a Mindfulness Hike from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. invites participants to reconnect with nature during a guided two-mile walk through Emery Preserve. Later in the morning, Open Barn Saturday from10 a.m. to noon welcomes families and hikers to the Community Conservation Barn with gardens, nature activities, trail information, and exploration kits for all ages. Then, on Wednesday, July 29, the Full Moon Yoga & Hike from 6 to 9 p.m. combines an outdoor yoga session with a guided two-mile headlamp hike beneath the summer moon. All programs begin at 675 Long Pond Road. For registration and complete details, visit Wildlands Trust.
Monday, July 20
The psychological thriller “The Invite” continues its run at Plimoth Cinema.
Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., continues to show “The Invite,” a psychological thriller in which a dinner party between a troubled couple and their mysterious neighbors takes an increasingly dangerous turn. The English-language film’s running time and rating had not been announced at press time. The film runs through July 23 at Plimoth Cinema. For tickets and information, visit plimoth.org.
Tuesday, July 21
David J. Farrell Jr. will be at Book Love to discuss his new book, “Dead in the Water: The Real Story of Nathan Carman.
Attorney David J. Farrell Jr. will discuss his new nonfiction book, “Dead in the Water: The Real Story of Nathan Carman,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Book Love, 7 Village Green South. Drawing on his four decades as a maritime casualty trial lawyer, Farrell offers an evidence-based look at one of New England’s most notorious criminal cases, revealing new details uncovered while litigating the insurance claim surrounding Nathan Carman’s sunken boat. The talk explores the disappearance of Carman’s mother, the investigation into his grandfather’s murder, and the maritime evidence at the center of the case. Farrell is a nationally recognized maritime law expert, has advised the U.S. Coast Guard and State Department and is making his first nonfiction book appearance. For details go here.
Christoner Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is playing at Plimoth Cinema.
Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., presents “The Odyssey,” director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron. The English-language film is rated R and runs 2 hours, 52 minutes. The film runs through July 23 at Plimoth Cinema showing at 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. For tickets and information, visit plimoth.org.
Wednesday, July 22
Mass Audobon’s free reptile program gives kids a chance to learn how reptiles live.
Families can get up close with one of Mass Audubon’s reptile animal ambassadors from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Manomet Branch of the Plymouth Public Library, 12 Strand Ave. Children will learn how reptiles live, what they eat, and how they survive in the wild through hands-on activities, games, art projects, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The free program is designed for young nature lovers and is presented by Mass Audubon through the America the Beautiful Initiative. For more information go here.
Tommy Lee Jones leads a cast of many in “April Morning” at Plymouth Public Library.
Celebrate America’s 250th with the Plymouth Public Library’s Rev250 movie series at 6 p.m., featuring “April Morning” (1988). Based on Howard Fast’s acclaimed novel, the film follows a teenage boy’s coming of age as the opening shots of the American Revolution are fired on Lexington Green. Starring Tommy Lee Jones and Chad Lowe, the 1-hour, 40-minute historical drama is not rated. Registration is not required. The screening takes place at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. For information go here.
Another Tequila Sunrise will perform as part of a free concert series at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
Project Arts Plymouth continues its free Summer Concert Series with Another Tequila Sunrise, bringing the music of the Eagles and other classic rock favorites to the waterfront. The concert runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St., as part of Project Arts’ 30th anniversary season of free outdoor performances. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live music overlooking Plymouth Harbor. Admission is free. For information, go here.
Thursday, July 23
“The Addams Family” is playing at the Spire.
Americana Theatre Company brings Broadway’s macabre musical “The Addams Family” to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25½ Court St. Based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, the show follows Wednesday Addams as she falls for a charming young man from a very ordinary family, setting the stage for an unforgettable dinner where secrets, surprises, and plenty of spooky humor unfold. Performances are Thursday through Sunday, through July 26th. Show starts at 7 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For information, visit americanatheatre.org.
Plymouth’s history isn’t preserved by accident. Discover how it happens behind the scenes during an illustrated Carriage Barn Talk with Town Archivist Connor Anderson, who will share historic photographs, rare documents, and stories from the archives while exploring the work involved in protecting Plymouth’s historic buildings, districts, records, and public memory for future generations. The lecture takes place at 4 p.m.at the Hedge House Museum,126 Water St. Learn more at www.plymouthantiquarian.org.
Friday, July 24
Fridays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music by Dan Byrnes from 6 to 9 p.m. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
Saturday, July 25
Mindfulness Hike set for Emery Preserve.
Wildlands Trust invites nature lovers to reconnect during a Mindfulness Hike from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Davis-Douglas Farm Conservation Barn, 675 Long Pond Road. Guided by meditation teacher Betsy Hall and Wildlands Trust Programming Coordinator Amy Burt, the two-mile walk through the Emery Preserve includes gentle mindfulness practices and a visit to the preserve’s grand beech tree. Designed for ages 15 and older, the program offers a welcoming introduction to meditation in a forest setting. Registration is required by 3 p.m. on July 24. For details go here.
Open Barn Saturdays will be hosted by Wildlands Trust.
Wildlands Trust’s Open Barn Saturdays return from 10 a.m. to noon at the Community Conservation Barn, 675 Long Pond Road, Plymouth. Families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to stop in before or after exploring nearby Emery Preserve or Halfway Pond Conservation Area. Visitors can meet Wildlands ambassadors, borrow nature-themed “Barn Bags” filled with field guides and scavenger hunts, enjoy the gardens in bloom, and pick up trail information while relaxing in the shaded barn. Free and open to all ages, the program offers a welcoming way to connect with nature and the local conservation community. To learn more, go here.
Dramatic readings from the revolution will be performed at the 1820 Court House.
The Plymouth Antiquarian Society will present “Revolutionary Voices: Independency,” an original staged dramatic reading by Executive Director Dr. Patrick Browne, at the historic 1820 Court House (Plymouth Town Hall), 26 Court St. Performances are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Set in Plymouth during 1776 and 1777, the production explores the personal struggles, divided loyalties, and difficult choices facing Patriots and Loyalists as the American Revolution unfolded on the homefront. Performed in period costume by an experienced cast, the two-act play offers a compelling look at how the fight for independence reshaped one community. Tickets are $20, with proceeds supporting the Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s preservation work. For tickets and information, visit https://plymouthantiquarian.org/events
Saturdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North continues weekly, from 2 to 8 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music by Seamus Galligan from 3 to 6 p.m. For information go here.
Sunday July 26
Live music from Kyle Morrison will be featured at The Mayflower Beer Garden.
Sundays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North will continue from 12 to 6 p.m. Sundays into October. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music by Kyle Morrison, noon to 3 p.m. For information go here.
Shop N’ Sip features an outdoor market of vendors, artists and crafts.
ThreeV Sand Bar, 198 Loring Blvd., will host Shop N’ Sip from noon to 5 p.m., featuring a curated outdoor market of local artisans, makers and specialty vendors overlooking the waterfront. Visitors can browse handmade goods and unique gifts while enjoying food, drinks and ocean views. Live music follows from 1 to 8 p.m. with Mehgan Donofrio from 1 to 4 p.m., and Zero Proof from 5 to 8 p.m. For information go here.
Monday, July 27
Learn to grow a more nature-friendly garden at the Plymouth Public Library.
Plymouth homeowners looking to create healthier, more sustainable landscapes can learn practical tips at “Ecological Gardening, Native Plants & Rain Harvesting” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Ecological landscape designer Marie Chieppo, MPH, APLD, co-author of “Guidelines for Cape-friendly Landscapes” and co-owner of CFS Regenerative Design Studios, will discuss how native plants, rain harvesting, and pollinator-friendly gardening can help support birds and beneficial insects while creating more resilient yards. The program also highlights local efforts, including the Crawley Preserve pollinator garden, the Plymouth Pollinator Pathway, and free backyard pollinator assessments for homeowners. For more information go here.
Check out the winning entries at Ebb & Flow at the Plymouth Center for the Arts.
Ebb & Flow, on view through Aug. 9 at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., explores the gentle, powerful and unpredictable rhythms of nature, emotion and everyday life through the work of local and regional artists. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on change, movement and transformation while enjoying a diverse collection of original artwork. Gallery hours and information are available at https://plymoutharts.org.
iPhonography is on view at Plymouth Center for the Arts.
iPhonography, on view through Aug. 9 at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., showcases the creativity of photographers using mobile devices to capture compelling images. The exhibit features award-winning photographs displayed in the gallery, while the complete exhibition is available online. For gallery hours and more information, visit https://plymoutharts.org.
Check out the Inaugural Sculpture Exhibit at Plymouth Center for the Arts.
The Inaugural Sculpture Exhibit continues through Nov. 29 at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., transforming the center’s peaceful sculpture garden into an outdoor gallery of original works by regional artists. Visitors are invited to stroll the grounds, enjoy the artwork in a natural setting, and, as organizers note, “bring your own sunblock.” For gallery hours and more information, visit https://plymoutharts.org.
Wednesday July 29
Yoga Instructor Grace Junek leads a Full Moon Yoga & Hike at Davis-Douglas Farm.
Celebrate the full moon with an evening of movement and nature during Full Moon Yoga & Hike on Wednesday, July 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wildlands Trust’s Davis-Douglas Farm, 675 Long Pond Road. Yoga instructor Grace Junek will lead a one-hour outdoor yoga session at sunset before participants set out on a guided two-mile night hike by headlamp through the Emery Preserve to the preserve’s majestic beech tree. The hike traverses steep, rocky terrain and is intended for experienced hikers ages 18 and older. Advance registration is required by July 28. For details go here.
Pilates for a Purpose pop-up market is coming to Studio Uplift.
Pilates for a Purpose combines fitness, shopping, and philanthropy on Wednesday, July 29, beginning at 4 p.m. at Studio Uplift, 3 Village Green North. Presented by the Wildlife Restoration Foundation, the event features a Pilates class followed by a “stretch, sip, and shop” pop-up market showcasing local vendors, with proceeds supporting ocean conservation efforts. Participants are invited to enjoy an afternoon of movement, community, and shopping for a good cause. For more information, go here.