Northampton Daily Briefing

Here is a quick look at what’s happening in Northampton as of early Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Snow emergency and overnight parking ban

A citywide snow emergency and parking ban is in effect starting 12:01 a.m. Saturday and will remain in place until the city formally cancels it. During the emergency, on-street parking is prohibited overnight on all city streets and in most municipal lots, with slightly different hours on Main Street.

The city is steering drivers to the Armory Street lot for overnight parking during the storm cleanup, while reminding property owners they must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall or face potential fines. Residents can also use the city’s snow hotline for the latest updates.

Youth Cinema Festival opens call for young filmmakers

The Northampton Youth Cinema Festival has opened submissions for its 2026 showcase, inviting filmmakers age 21 and under from across the region to send in short films in any genre. The event continues a long-running local tradition that was revived by Northampton High School students after a pandemic hiatus.

This year’s festival is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, in the Flex Room at 33 Hawley Street. Organizers are encouraging early submissions, with an early-bird deadline of March 1 and a final deadline of April 21. The goal is to give young creators a chance to see their work on a big screen and to keep Northampton’s independent film culture thriving.

City reiterates sanctuary and inclusion commitments

Earlier this week, city leaders issued a detailed statement reaffirming Northampton’s commitment to inclusion, public safety, and the rule of law in response to escalating federal immigration enforcement in other states.

The statement clarifies that local departments, including police and health and human services, will continue long-standing policies that separate local public safety work from federal civil immigration enforcement, while still cooperating with lawful court orders. City officials say the goal is to maintain trust so residents feel safe seeking services, reporting concerns, and participating in community life regardless of immigration status.

Weekend arts note

For those looking to get out between snow bursts, youth artists from around the Valley are performing original work this weekend at the Youth Performance Festival at the Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley, with shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Sources

• https://www.northamptonma.gov/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/2120
• https://www.northamptonma.gov/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/2119
• https://www.northamptonma.gov/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/2118
• https://www.northamptonartscouncil.org/news/2026-youth-performance-festival-at-the-northampton-center-for-the-arts-at-33-hawley
• https://www.westernmasstheatre.com/2026/01/