Billerica offers access to a variety of venues, from the arts, to history, to food tasting, to homecoming events, as well as holiday celebrations. Because of its proximity to several major highways, one can also head south to Boston, west to Concord and Lexington, or north to Lowell for sporting events, theatre, and more fine dining.

Examples of local offerings include:

Atlantis Playmakers, a family owned summer theater production and arts education company (based in Billerica), bringing the excitement of live performance via workshops, productions, touring shows, a Short Attention Span PlayFest, and world premieres! Call 978-667-0550 or visit their website at www.AtlantisPlaymakers.com.

Bennett Library & Cultural Center, built in 1880, was offered as a library to the town by Mrs. Eleanor Bennett. When the town declined, the Bennett Public Library Association was formed and ran it until a newer building, paid for by the town, was opened in 1980. Then Bennett became home to classes for art, music, language, photography, etcetera. Its rooms are now shared by the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center and Atlantis Playmakers. Contact the Association at 978-667-8830.

BATV, Billerica's non-profit, non-commercial public, educational, and governmental access television facility, acts as a first amendment forum and offers video training, equipment, and channel time to Billerica residents. Its volunteer- produced programming airs on cable channels 8 (Public), 10 (Educational), and 22 (Governmental). In addition, BATV halls and meeting rooms serve as display areas for local artists to show their creativity and sell their work. Visit their website at www.batvinc.org or call 978-663-2284.

Billerica Historical Society, incorporated in 1896, acquires and preserves items of local interest, as well as educates and informs the public about Billerica’s rich, cultural, and architectural heritage. It periodically conducts tours of the Clara E. Sexton Memorial House. Visit their website at www.billericahistorical.org.

"Home for the Holidays," sponsored by local organizations and businesses, raises funds for the annual tree lighting and related events. Held from the Saturday before Thanksgiving until the second weekend in December, people flock to the Library to view the numerous donated holiday items and to watch the arrival of Santa Claus and the festivities leading to the lighting of the Common and surrounding areas.

"Family First Night," an event that had its beginnings with the Millennium celebration, has grown into an annual New Year's Eve party with something for all ages. Held in the center of town from 4pm to 8pm, children and adults alike take part in music, games, face painting, pictures with Father Time and ice sculptures on the town's Common and much, much more. For more information contact Judi 978-667-6345 or Julie 978-663-2458

Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitor Center, located in the Faulkner Mills building in North Billerica, a building of historic significance, has rooms filled with maps, drawings, and artifacts that recall an era and a technology that helped to shape the world we live in today . Visit their website at www.middlesexcanal.org.

Taste of Billerica, an annual event held the first Monday in October at the Wyndham Billerica on Concord Road, provides an opportunity to taste test a variety of foods and desserts prepared by participating restaurants from Billerica and surrounding towns.

Yankee Doodle Weekend, started over a decade ago, derived its name from Thomas Ditson ("Yankee Doodle"), who was tarred and feathered during the Revolutionary War. It is a town-wide event with a parade, open houses, Minuteman encampment, entertainment, and church suppers. Visit their website at www.yankeedoodle.billerica.towns.org.

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