See our Calendar for more!

We post upcoming Branches sponsored and partner events here. Please visit our CALENDAR page for other events and space availability at the Carnegie.

Three repertory touring shows that explore “Corruption & Obsession”…

  • Oct -  DRACULA: an interactive melodrama – a brand new play based upon the novel. Deliciously tongue-in-cheek.

  • Feb -  HAMLET: an abridged version adapted for a small cast

  • April -  SHERLOCK HOLMES: an adaptation of The Strange Case of Miss Faulkner

… And featuring a repertory cast of early-career to seasoned professional actors from throughout the region.

FEB - HAMLET

Fri Feb 20 evening - Auburn

Sat Feb 21 all day - Auburn

APRIL - SHERLOCK

Fri April 24 evening - Auburn

Sat April 25 all day - Auburn

You are invited to attend The Golden Thread: Stories That Shine 

The Golden Thread: Stories That Shine, a live storytelling series where true stories take center stage, will debut on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Branches at the Carnegie in Auburn.

 The event is free, though seating is limited. Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat in advance at the event page. Go to the website and Reserve your Seats at Ticket Tailor.

 This unique event celebrates the art of live narrative with a mix of open-mic storytelling and curated featured performances. The evening begins at 6:30 PM with an open-mic session where anyone can step up to share their story, followed by featured storytellers presenting personal tales that surprise, move, and inspire.

Featured storytellers for the evening include:

Norm Brecke
Linda Kennedy
John & Rebecca Petrik
Joyce Ormand
Mike Thomson
Anne Rutherford
 

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/speechcraft/1964702

The Heart of Zen - Meditation instruction and Buddhist teachings

  • Meets every Monday

  • Cost is free*. All are welcome!

  • Doors open at 6:00pm, session starts promptly at 6:15pm, ends at 7:45pm

  • Bring meditation cushions if you have them. Chairs provided.

About the instructor:

Frederick Marx is an ordained Rinzai Zen priest in the Hollow Bones Order. His teacher was Junpo Denis Kelly, whose teacher was Eido Shimano. Frederick has been a student and practitioner of Buddhism for 37 years. Having studied different traditions, including with Soka Gakkai International, Vippassana, and Tibetan teachers, he brings an undogmatic, non-sectarian approach – whatever works to bring relief, healing, and awakening is good. And so is humor!

*Donations welcome.

The Smith Circle: A Clark Ashton Smith Conference - January 10, 2026

Auburn is Smith's hometown and the conference will be held at the historic Auburn Carnegie Library (175 Almond St.) that Smith used himself, and was the setting for a scene in his The Devotee of Evil story.

Tentatively, there will be 5 discussion panels including a lunch break, with a variety of authors, artists and scholars as guests. Please see the Event Schedule for more information.

The conference is a one-day, ticketed event and will start at 10am. Tickets are on sale now.

Please contact TheCASmithCircle@Gmail.Com with any questions.

Watercolor Class with Mary T. Pivetti

Sunday, January 11 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Celebrate the subtle beauty of the season in this focused watercolor class. Together, we’ll explore how to capture pinecones in all their rich textures and natural hues. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll practice layering washes, blending warm earthy palettes, and adding fine brushwork to bring out the intricate details of each scale.

Perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike, this workshop offers a calm, supportive space to grow your watercolor skills while creating a piece inspired by nature. By the end, you’ll leave with your own finished pinecone painting — ideal for framing, gifting, or adding seasonal charm to your home.

For more information and to sign up, visit Mary T. Pievetti’s website.