Downtown networking event benefits Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts and the Downtown Springfield YMCA, two Tower Square neighbors

Oct 16, 2026

Metro Center's business community has a standing invitation this holiday season: an evening of good company, fine wine and a view high above Main Street, in the heart of downtown Springfield – all in support of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts and the Downtown Springfield YMCA, two nonprofits that call Tower Square home.

Tastes of the Season at Tower Square takes place Thursday, November 19, from 5 to 8 pm at Penthouse 650 on the sixth floor of Tower Square. Billed as downtown's business networking event of the season, the evening brings together the colleagues, clients and neighbors who make Metro Center work.

“Tower Square sits at the center of downtown, and we want it to be the place where downtown comes together,” said Sara Smith, General Manager at Tower Square. “Metro Center has real momentum right now – new tenants, new energy, and a business community that shows up for each other. This event is a chance to celebrate that, support two organizations that matter to this neighborhood, and see downtown from one of the best vantage points in the city.”

The timing is deliberate. Mid-November is when calendars fill and plans for the new year take shape. Tastes of the Season offers a relaxed setting to reconnect with downtown neighbors before the holiday rush, and to meet a few new ones along the way.

Guests can sample more than 60 fine wines, seasonal craft beers and spirits from The Springfield Wine & Spirits Exchange, Tower Square's own wine shop – useful whether you're planning a client gift, an office party or a family table. Wine, beer and spirits ordered at the event are available at discount pricing. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts and the Downtown Springfield YMCA, two Tower Square organizations that are part of the fabric of downtown and rely on the businesses and neighbors around them. Junior Achievement prepares young people for success through financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs for elementary, middle and high school students across the region. The Downtown Springfield YMCA supports youth development and healthy living through child care, after-school, fitness and wellness programs, and turns no one away for inability to pay. A night at Penthouse 650 is a direct investment in the community just outside its windows.

The guest list reads like a directory of downtown Springfield. Attending businesses include Alexander's Jewelry Shop, AP Wines, Brunner Gelinas Siddall Megliola, Bulkley Richardson, Classic Wines, Craft Brewers, Downtown Springfield YMCA, Garvey Communication Associates, Inc., Hot Table, Ideal Wines, Lorilil Jewelers, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, MacMillan Group, Attorney Mary Saldarelli, MS Walker, New Valley Bank, Penthouse 650, Ruby Wines, Rush Insurance Group, Springfield BID, St. Germain Investments, The Pappas Group, Tower Square, TR Distillers and UBS Wealth Management.

Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door. Advance tickets are available at The Springfield Wine & Spirits Exchange in Tower Square. Free parking is available in the Tower Square Garage with validation.

For more information, contact springfieldwineex@gmail.com.

Mark your calendar, bring a colleague and come raise a glass to the season – and to downtown Springfield.