iBerkshires.com - The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.

BERKSHIRE OPERA FESTIVAL PRESENTS: 'FLOWER AND HAWK'
Lenox, 2 p.m.

Berkshire Opera presents the one-act "Flower and Hawk," a portrayal of Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of two nations, mother of kings, and one of the Middle Ages' most powerful women. Starring soprano Ashley Marie Robillard, accompanied by pianist Grant Loehnig, this presentation also marks the centennial of its composer Carlisle Floyd. Post-show Q&A and refreshments.

Held at Ventfort Hall Mansion & Gilded Age Museum; tickets $15 to $30 are available here.

ART IN THE BERKSHIRES OPENS GALLERY, STUDIO SPACE
Great Barrington, 3:45 to 6 p.m.

Art in the Berkshires holds its grand opening at 8 Castle St. with "The Berkshires Now," an inaugural exhibition showcasing more than 25 regional artists working across diverse styles, media, and perspectives.

For more information, email Info@ArtintheBerkshires.com.

ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA SCHOOL BINGO FUNDRAISER
North Adams, 4:30 to 8 p.m.

This fundraiser will include a bake sale and a scratch ticket raffle. Tickets are $25 at the door and includes six cards, dobber and door prize. Extra sheets available for $5.

Held at the Elks Lodge, 100 Eagle St., North Adams: open to ages 18 and older.

A HORSE OBSERVED: AN EQUESTRIAN EXHIBITION
Vermont, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

This equestrian-themed exhibition is presented in conjunction with a retrospective of Sam Savitt, honoring his influence on the art of the horse. On display through June 21 at the Monument Arts & Cultural Center, 44 Gyspy Lane, Bennington. Galleries are open Friday through Sunday fom 11 to 4.

9TH ANNUAL FAMILY CABARET AT SANDISFIELD ARTS CENTER
Sheffield, 7 pm

The 9th annual Sandisfield Family Cabaret will bring over 30 actors, singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, and storytellers to the stage at the Sandisfield Arts Center. Purchase online at sandisfieldartscenter.org or call (413) 258-4100.

THESE MYSTERIOUS HILLS PRESENTS 'MACABRE PITTSFIELD' WALKING TOURS: CITY OF THE DEAD
Pittsfield, 7 pm

“City of the Dead” will explore fascinating and tragic stories from some of the more obscure lives of those buried here. It will also lay bare the darker history of the place itself: the vandalism, assaults, exhumations, reinterments, and tragic deaths that have taken place within the cemetery itself. Pre-registration is required, by email to info@berkshirehomehistory.com or by calling 413-347-9877. Cost: $10

THE HOTCHKISS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Connecticut, 7:30 p.m.

The Hotchkiss Philharmonic Orchestra concludes its 2025–2026 season on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at The Hotchkiss School, Katherine M. Elfers Hall. Conducted by Neil Thomson and featuring clarinetist Matthew Yao and the Hotchkiss Chorus, the program includes works by Gabriel Fauré, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven, celebrating Head of School Craig W. Bradley's retirement.

Admission is free and open to the public.

The Hotchkiss School
Katherine M. Elfers Hall
Esther Eastman Music Center
11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, CT

GET FIT WITH TODD
Great Barrington, 7:30 to 9 am

Six week fitness class at Berkshire South Regional Community Center led by personal fitness trainer Todd DiMario. Participants will meet twice a week for a 1-hr fitness class on Tuesdays, with an added 30 minutes of open gym time or specialized clinic on Saturday mornings. Berkshire South Members: $120 Guests: $150

BERKSHIRE MUSIC SCHOOL PRESENTS WHISKEY CITY
Dalton, 8 p.m.

Whiskey City is coming to The Stationery Factory for a performance to benefit Berkshire Music School. Tickets and more information can be found here.

BIRDING WORKSHOP: WARBLERS BY SIGHT AND HABITAT
Pittsfield, 9:00 a.m. - Noon

Learn how to identify the migrating and resident warblers of the Berkshires. The first half of the program is an indoor introduction and then we will go outside and practice our skills on a bird walk. ADULTS Where: Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd. Lenox, MA 01240 Cost: Members $35, Non-members $40 For more info: berkshires@massaudubon.org /413-637-0320 Link to register: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/101670-birding-workshop-warblers-by-sight-and-habitat

HOFFMANN BIRD CLUB: BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS IN ADAMS
Adams, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Designed for those new to the world of birds, this workshop covers essential identification tools and strategies before heading out for a guided 1.7-mile loop on the Greylock Glen gravel paths. Participants should bring sturdy shoes and water, though loaner binoculars are available for those who need them. Space is strictly limited to five participants and requires an advance RSVP via the Hoffmann Bird Club website.

SUNDAY - MAY 03, 2026

THESE MYSTERIOUS HILLS PRESENTS 'MACABRE PITTSFIELD' WALKING TOURS: CITY OF THE DEAD
Pittsfield, 1 pm

CLARK ART - MUSIC IN THE MANTON: MISTY BLUES
Williamstown, 4 pm

Local favorites Misty Blues perform a mix of original blues, jazz, soul, and funk during the final First Sunday Free event of the season. Fronted by Gina Coleman, the ensemble is a former International Blues Challenge finalist. Admission is free to the public through the support of Allen & Company.

WETLAND AND MEADOW BIRDING
Pittsfield, 7 - 8:30 a.m.

Look for migrating birds at Canoe Meadows during this beginner-friendly walk. The mix of habitats make it ideal for spotting species that are arriving, passing through, or are year-round residents. ADULTS Where: Mass Audubon's Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, 309 Holmes Rd. Pittsfield, MA 01201 Cost: Members $10, Non-members $15 For more info: berkshires@massaudubon.org /413-637-0320 Link to register: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/101671-wetland-and-meadow-birding

PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER HOSTED BY THE ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB
Pittsfield, 9:00 AM to Noon
Sunday, May 3, 2026 9:00 AM to Noon $12.00 for Adults $6.00 for Children 12 & under No Reservations Required Proceeds to Benefit Ongoing Projects at the Club Italian American Club, 203 Newell Street, Pittsfield, MA

TUESDAY - MAY 05, 2026

BABY & TODDLER PLAYGROUP AND CAREGIVER CONNECTION
Becket, 10-11 a.m.

A casual drop-in group at the Becket Athenaeum where parents/caregivers can connect, share, and feel supported, alongside movement, stories, and play for babies and toddlers. Coffee and tea for adults, snacks for kids provided. RSVP Appreciated. In collaboration with the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement program, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

CLARK ART - GLOBAL SLAVERY: A VISUAL HISTORY
Williamstown, 5:30 pm (5:00 pm reception)

Ana Lucia Araujo presents a visual history of global slavery and human trafficking across several centuries and continents. The lecture identifies common visual elements in artworks depicting these atrocities from antiquity to the plantation era. Accessible seating is available in the Manton Research Center auditorium.

SINGER/SONGWRITER, BRUCE MANDEL
Pittsfield, 6:30 p.m.

Singer/songwriter, Bruce Mandel performs at the Berkshire Athenaeum. "A View from Behind This Guitar" is a free event brought to you by a Grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council which is supported by the MA Cultural Council. Held at Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield

LEARN TO MEDITATE: TAME THE WILD HORSE OF YOUR MIND
Becket, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Meditation has multiple purposes and effects. By quieting the mind and relaxing through breath awareness, the heart rate slows, allowing you to let go of thoughts that arise. With practice, you can experience lessened anxiety and emotional reactivity.

This eight-session course at Becket Arts Center is led by Rosie Bleyer is designed to help you shift into "being" mode. Suggested donation is $15, member $10. More information here.

WEDNESDAY - MAY 06, 2026

BABY & TODDLER PLAYGROUP AND CAREGIVER CONNECTION
Becket, 10-11 a.m.

LEE LIBRARY: STORYTIME
Lee, 10:30 a.m.

Storytime at the Lee Library is held each Wednesday. For questions, contact the library at 413-243-0385 or sign up at the Circulation Desk.

NAMI FAMILY VOICES - HOSTED BY UCS
Vermont, 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Join UCS and NAMI VT for Family Voices, an event featuring stories about supporting family members living with mental health conditions. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, you are invited to join UCS on May 6 from 3:30-5pm (Community Conference Room, 100 Ledge Hill Drive, Bennington, VT) for an event featuring stories told in-person by Chip and Judy Siler (President and Vice President of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) VT) about supporting family members living with mental health conditions. Please RSVP at ucsvt.org/events. Family Voices is an interactive presentation that challenges stereotypes and builds empathy by considering the impact mental health conditions have not just on the individual living with the illness, but also on their loved ones. Trained presenters with lived experience as family members of individuals living with a mental health condition talk openly about their experiences. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about how the presenters and their loved ones have coped with the conditions affecting their families and how to live well in spite of them. Please RSVP at ucsvt.org/events.

NAPL: WILMA RIFKIN: LOOKING BACK AND FEELING NOW
North Adams, 5pm

Visit the North Adams Public Library to celebrate the unveiling of a retrospective exhibition of watercolors, drawings, and pastels by North Adams artist Wilma Rifkin.

NAPL: TUNNELING THROUGH THE HOOSAC MOUNTAIN
North Adams, 6 pm

Visit the North Adams Public Library and hear a lecture by Gary Brierley. Located in the 3rd floor community room. All are welcome. This event is co-hosted with the North Adams Historical Society.

LIVING AFTER LOSS: GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Great Barrington, 6 to 7 pm

Join a walk-in grief support group held at Berkshire South. This is open to anyone who has experienced a loss. No registration required. Drop in sessions.

THURSDAY - MAY 07, 2026

LEE LIBRARY: ARTS & CRAFTS
Lee, 3:30 pm

The library hosts an arts and crafts activity for children each Thursday with a different theme each week. For questions, contact the library at 413-243-0385 or sign up at the Circulation Desk.

DINE OUT FOR A CAUSE WITH HVA AT PRAIRIE WHALE
Great Barrington, 5 p.m.

The Prairie Whale is hosting a Dine Out for a Cause fundraiser for the Housatonic Valley Association. If you eat at the restaurant that night, a portion of the proceeds will support HVA's conservation work in the Housatonic Valley and beyond. It is the only conservation organization dedicated to the entire tri-state Housatonic Watershed.

COMMUNITY, ECONOMY, AND CLIMATE PANEL WITH LOCAL LEADERS
Great Barrington, 6 to 8 pm

Moderator Katy Sparks will lead a panel of diverse non-profit experts in the fields of farming and food production, food access, housing, local business support, and environmental advocacy in a discussion about how to make life in the Berkshires sustainable for everyone. Held at the Guthrie Center. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Register here.