Illustration of person and child below blue sky.
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Winona Nelson (Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Ojibwe), Illustration for All The Stars In the Sky by Art Coulson (Cherokee). Courtesy of Winona Nelson. © 2025 Winona Nelson.
 

The Carle After Dark

First Thursdays 4–7 pm
October 2026–June 2027
Pay as You Wish!

Discover The Carle in a whole new light! Join us on the first Thursday of each month, when the Museum transforms into a playground of wonder—celebrating storytelling, color, and art.

Join us after hours and bring your friends. Each month unveils a new adventure: peering into the cosmos, gathering for storytelling, singing into the stars, and celebrating picture books.

Enjoy art making, lively performances and activities, and whimsical themed drinks as we gather at a place where community, imagination, and story come alive.

We can’t wait to see you!

All Museum spaces are open during this time. See a list of events and activities below.

Become a member to enjoy free admission and year-round discounts in The Carle Bookshop.

Learn more about Group Tours
Illustration of weaving beads at table.

October 1—Color Quest 1: The Power of Color

Experiment with color through playful activities, collaborative artmaking, and creative exploration inspired by the artists who influenced Eric Carle.

November 5—“Moo” ment

Experience the art of movement through games, creative challenges, and hands-on art-making inspired by The Story of Ferdinand. Plus, enjoy live music!

December 3—Spinning Stories

Watch stories take unexpected turns as families build imaginative tales through prompts, collaborative storytelling, and creative illustration.

January 7—Color Quest 2: The Shape of Things

Through playful design challenges and open-ended artmaking, transform simple shapes into imaginative creations.

February 4—Stories We Carry

Bring a meaningful object—or discover one through a creative prompt—and reflect on the moments that make everyday things extraordinary.

March 4—Story Slam

Gather for an evening of shared experiences, creative prompts, and joyful conversation that celebrates the ways stories connect us.

Apr 1—Color Quest 3: Inspired

Create your own artistic response as you explore the connections between Eric Carle and the modern artists who inspired his work. 

May 6—Gifts We Share

Celebrate the traditions and memories we pass along through collaborative artmaking and storytelling inspired by the gifts that shape our lives.

June 3—If I Were the Curator

Step into the role of a museum curator as you design your own exhibition inspired by The Carle’s permanent collection.

Live music is sponsored by Northampton Jazz Fest and produced by Nate Gowen.

Exhibitions on View

Sculpture of owl

Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand

Soul, Sound & Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney

Eric Carle’s Modernist Inspirations

Weaving Words: Fiber Arts and Picture Books

The Precious Things We Share: The Past, Present, and Future of Indigenous Picture Book Art

Entwined Memory: Indigenous Stories of Creation, Place, and Continuity

Support for Entwined Memory is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (Federal grant award ID: MA-256047-OMS-24) and Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

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Visit The Carle Bookshop

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Enjoy a diverse selection of picture books, middle grade, young adult and graphic novels, as well as gifts for book lovers of all ages. Members save 15%.

Visit our store during our open hours and get personalized recommendations, shop online.

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