We have a new calendar! We’re experimenting with including free cultural and educational events at other local and regional libraries, museums, and non-profits. We hope a compilation of these great events will be a valuable resource for our community. Click on the categories above the calendar to limit the results by drive time from the Bolton Free Library. Be sure to check the hosting organization’s website for schedule changes and cancellations. Note that some of the events at and within 10 minutes of our library are not free; these are denoted with a “($)” and costs are included in those descriptions.

Check back often for updates and let us know what you think!

Events in January 2026

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
December 28, 2025(1 event)


December 28, 2025

New York State Museum

Bundle up and explore the wild side of winter with the Utica Zoo at the New York State Museum! During this fun and interactive presentation, a zoo educator will bring amazing live animals and cool biofacts to the museum. Discover how animals survive and thrive in the cold—from furry coats to fantastic freeze-fighting adaptations. Perfect for kids and families looking for a wild winter break adventure!

December 29, 2025
December 30, 2025(1 event)


December 30, 2025

New York State Museum

Step back in time and discover the festive traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries! Join Schuyler Mansion and Crailo State Historic Sites at the New York State Museum for a special daytime program exploring Twelfth Night—the lively holiday that marked the close of the Christmas season in early New York. Through stories, music, and hands-on activities, families can learn how Dutch and English communities celebrated with feasting, music, games, and merriment.

This free program offers a family-friendly introduction to the history behind Schuyler Mansion and Crailo’s annual evening Twelfth Night celebrations. Come enjoy holiday fun at the Museum, then plan to continue the festivities at the two state historic sites this January!

December 31, 2025(1 event)


December 31, 2025

New York State Museum

Join us at the New York State Museum for a festive midday countdown on New Year’s Eve! Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with friends and family as we enjoy crafts and activities for all ages. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

January 1, 2026
January 2, 2026
January 3, 2026
January 4, 2026
January 5, 2026
January 6, 2026(1 event)
January 7, 2026
January 8, 2026
January 9, 2026
January 10, 2026
January 11, 2026
January 12, 2026
January 13, 2026(1 event)
January 14, 2026
January 15, 2026
January 16, 2026
January 17, 2026
January 18, 2026
January 19, 2026
January 20, 2026(1 event)
January 21, 2026
January 22, 2026
January 23, 2026
January 24, 2026(1 event)


January 24, 2026

Registration required: New York State Museum

The New York State Museum will host our Anthropology and Archeology, Evolution and Ecology, and DH Cadwell teacher workshops on January 24, 2026. Our one-day event is formatted in a flipped-classroom style, where participants will watch recoded lectures related to this year’s themes. The first 15 participants who are fully registered for each workshop can participate in hands-on experiences related to the workshop's theme, led by Museum Scientists.
Teachers will earn four hours of Continued Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) for the recorded lectures and four hours of CTLE credit for the hands-on elements. They will gain valuable insight into the forefront of scientific research, highlighting hidden stories from within the museum collections. These workshops are aligned with specific New York State Learning Standards.

2026 Themes: 

  • Anthropology and Archeology: Underwater Archeology and the Mystery of the World Trade Center Ship
  • Evolution and Ecology: Understanding Aquatic Ecosystems
  • DH Cadwell Earth and Space: Water’s Effects on the Landscape

Cost: $25 for in-person participants; lectures are free.

January 25, 2026
January 26, 2026
January 27, 2026(1 event)
January 28, 2026
January 29, 2026
January 30, 2026
January 31, 2026