The Great Brick Race and Doors Open Holyoke return to the city

HOLYOKE — The third Saturday in October will be a busy one for the Paper City as it marks the return of Doors Open Holyoke and The Great Holyoke Brick Race.

The Planning and Economic Development Office released a schedule of events showing the Oct. 15 Doors Open Holyoke will feature self-guided and self-paced tours of Holyoke’s cultural, historical and architectural landmarks.

While organizations and volunteers can still register for Doors Open, a collaboration between the Greater Holyoke Chamber and Planning Office, currently scheduled tours will explore more than a dozen organizations.

The Children’s Museum, the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet, local church tours, Open Square, Holyoke Community College’s MGM Culinary Arts Institute, Holyoke Media, Beyond Walls public artworks, OneHolyoke CDC’s tiny house, International Volleyball Hall of Fame, and Holyoke Masonic Temple.

While speed wins the race, creativity wins the day at The Great Holyoke Brick Race scheduled for Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The race rules require a brick, a set of wheels and an imagination.

“The Great Holyoke Brick Race emphasizes creativity and the sculptural quality of race cars,” a statement noted. The event takes place appropriately on Race Street between Dwight and Appleton Streets.

The brick roadsters fly down an inclined, slotted track, whizzing past fans who fill the stands. The race was founded by Bruce Fowler, Dean Nimmer and the city’s creative community. Past cars included the much-feared Baby on Board, dinosaurs and a hollowed-out baguette.

Though trophies and reputations are on the line, spectacular crashes are an encouraged and welcomed sight. While on Race Street, visit the weekly farmers market for the freshest produce, baked goods and handmade crafts.

Later that day, the Wistariahurst Museum’s The Spirits and Souls Cemetery Tour will be offered. Small groups will venture along the cemetery’s path, greeted by costumed actors portraying Holyoke’s notable dearly departed.

After The Brick Race, historian Robert Comeau will lead a 4 p.m. tour of Gateway City Arts on Race Street, the former home of the Judd Paper Company. The complex has been transformed into one of the region’s premiere music and entertainment venues, along with several restaurants and a lounge.

Visit the Explore Holyoke webpage at exploreholyoke.com for a list of festivals, tours, nature walks and gallery openings happening in October, including The Paper City Food Festival on High Street.