The Carle After Dark: Discover The Carle in a Whole New Light!

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art presents The Carle After Dark, a programming series for all ages to take place on the first Thursday of each month from 4 – 8 pm, November 2025 – June 2026. Each monthly event features themed programming, including live music and performances; art making, games, and activities; and specialty drinks.  

“Building on the great success of our Summer at The Carle season, we invite one and all to gather with us for The Carle After Dark, where community, imagination, and stories will come alive under the spell of night,” said The Carle’s Executive Director Jennifer Schantz. “The Museum will transform into a playground of wonder, celebrating the mysteries of night, the sparkle of dreams, and the magic of timeless tales.” 

The Carle After Dark features a new theme each month inspired by the Museum’s exhibitions and the seasons, including cooking up stories and flavors, peering into the cosmos, gathering by candlelight, singing into the stars, conjuring potions and fairies, and honoring the rich history of picture books. Upcoming events include: 

• November 6 – A Feast for the Senses: Kick Up Your Heels at Our Hoedown! 

  Cooking, food-inspired art, and story-themed drinks.  

• December 4 – Solstice Spells: Game Night with Dungeon Delvers and Tarot Card Readings 

  Tarot, astrology, and magical games for the longest nights.  

• January 8* – Winter Warmer: Slumber Party! 

  Cozy pajamas, candlelight, cider, hot chocolate, and puppetry.  

  [*Note: the January event will be held on the second Thursday of the month.] 

• February 5 – Through the Lens   

  Photo ops, playful snapshots, and karaoke moments to capture.   

• March 5 – Splashes & Spells   

  Color mixing, potions, and alchemy-inspired creations.   

• April 2 – A Night of Fairies  

  Fairy headpieces, face painting, miniature houses, and woodland magic.   

• May 7 – Once Upon a Picture Book

  Trivia, animated shorts, and a celebration of picture book history.   

• June 4 – Viva Ferdinand!

  Spanish music and festivities inspired by the beloved tales 

See November 6, December 4, and January 8 program details below. More information about February – June events will be available at https://carlemuseum.org/visit/events/carle-after-dark.   

A Feast for the Senses: Kick Up Your Heels at Our Hoedown! 

November 6, 2025 at 4 – 8 pm 

Join us for a lively evening filled with music, laughter, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, caller Gloria Vivier and the Quabbin Valley Twirlers will guide you through the steps and keep everyone moving to the rhythm. Between dances, enjoy flights of homemade pie from The Florence Pie Bar, wine from Mineral Hills Winery, and plenty of fun in a welcoming atmosphere. 

Solstice Spells: Game Night with Dungeon Delvers and Tarot Card Readings 

December 4, 2025 at 4 – 8 pm 

Join us for a magical evening of table-top games, beginner-friendly role-playing games facilitated by a professional Dungeon Master from Dungeon Delvers. At The Tarot Pixie’s table, everyday questions turn into magical opportunities. Guests are invited to choose a question (or ask their own) and receive a mini three-card reading, where each card flips like a page in a spellbound storybook, revealing a glimpse of wonder and the future ahead. Musicians curated by the Northampton Jazz Festival will perform throughout the evening. 

Winter Warmer: Slumber Party! 

January 8, 2026 at 4 – 8 pm 

[Note: the January event will be held on the second Thursday of the month.] 

Bring your pajamas to the Museum for a cozy Slumber Party from 4–5:30 pm! Families can gather around our glowing “fire,” snuggle up with blankets and friends, and enjoy magical storytimes perfect for winding down the day. The evening will continue with a shadow puppet show by CactusHead Puppets, an opportunity to create your own shadow puppets, and special offerings designed to enchant the young and the young at heart.    

Sponsors 

Some events co-presented by Northampton Jazz Festival. 

About The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art 

Founded by Eric and Barbara Carle in 2002, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion of picture book art. Situated on 7.5 acres in Amherst, Massachusetts, The Carle houses a rich and deep collection of art of more than 20,000 works of art from nearly 400 picture book artists, including Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar), and illuminates its collection through exhibitions, education, programming, and art-making—making it a critical resource for picture book artists and authors, and art-loving communities locally, nationally, and abroad. The Carle’s mission is to elevate picture book art and inspire a love of art and art creation. Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago, The Carle has welcomed more than one million visitors—plus more than four million additional museumgoers who have enjoyed its touring exhibitions around the world.