Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Cultural Council opens grant applications for arts, culture programs

Grants from the Hopkinton Cultural Council help fund events such as the Hopkinton Chinese American Association’s Lunar New Year celebration. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Applications are open for the Hopkinton Cultural Council’s grant cycle for fiscal year 2026.

The HCC receives funds annually from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to fund “a variety of programs each year or diverse age and interest groups,” according to the grant application page.

“We have a focus on art, public art, performances, festivals and fairs,” said Mari Jae Benning, chair of the HCC. “We’re pretty much open to anything that falls into the guidelines and that will benefit Hopkinton.”

She added that the HCC gives preference to art and cultural experiences that take place in town or are put on by Hopkinton residents.

Benning said the council received $8,600 from the MCC this year and is working on putting together its budget. The deadline for grant submissions is Oct. 16, and funds will be distributed at the HCC’s November meeting.

Programs that have received grant funding in the past include Ashland-Hopkinton Porchfest, the annual PolyArts Festival, the Hopkinton Chinese American Association’s Lunar New Year celebration and more. Benning noted an upcoming quilt show was awarded a grant through the HCC as well.

Benning said the HCC is eager to see applications for this year’s grant cycle. “We really just get very, very excited with any and all arts and culture and festivities — just the really cool stuff that happens in Hopkinton,” she said.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Hopkinton High School football played its first home game of the season against Wayland on Friday night, and we have photos.

The latest Real Estate Transactions list shows seven homes sold in the past week, including three for over $1 million.

This week’s Library Corner features information on the history of the English language, an author talk with Hopkinton native Mike Leary and a travel presentation from Ted Reinstein.

Alexandra Ross, 89, passed away Sept. 11. She was a former resident of Hopkinton.

Town meetings tonight include the Elementary School Building Committee (6), PFAS community forum (6:30), Economic Development Advisory Board (7) and Board of Library Trustees (7).

Photo of the Day

Frederick and Chamberlain hold court at 200 Hayden Rowe Street during the Ashland-Hopkinton Porchfest on Saturday. Click here for more photos.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO