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Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Feb. 28-March 5
During the 2020 Downtown Pittsfield Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will serve a lunch or dinner pre-fixe for $20.20 or another amount ending with $.20 (tax and gratuity not included). Complete a Restaurant Passport during March 1-March 7 to be entered into a raffle! Diners will receive a card punch each time they buy a Restaurant Week special. Each punch equals one entry. A grand prize winner will receive a basket of gift certificates for $20.20 from each participating restaurant!
Berkshires Beat: 'Mom's Day Off' Cancer Fundraiser Re-do Set for March 6
Once again, this year's event will benefit women's breast cancer care at the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center in Bennington, part of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. The Cancer Center will receive the entire $25 lift ticket cost as a donation.
Eversource Hosts Seventh Annual Student Challenge
The energy company is reminding students that submissions are still being accepted for its seventh annual Student Challenge. The contest promotes energy conservation, energy efficiency and sustainability and is open to kindergarten to high school students in its Massachusetts electric communities. The deadline for registration is March 17. All entries must be received or postmarked by March 27.
Great Barrington Celebrates Annual Du Bois Legacy Festival
The Town of Great Barrington, together with community partners, welcomes nationally renowned artists and scholars to the Berkshires for the 3rd Annual W.E.B. Du Bois Legacy Festival on the weekend of Du Bois' 152nd birthday, Feb. 22-23.
Biz Briefs: Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Hosts Downtown Pittsfield Restaurant Week
The goal of Downtown Pittsfield Restaurant Week is to highlight the numerous and diverse dining options of downtown Pittsfield and to help boost business during what is typically a slower time of the year for restaurants
North Adams Happenings: Feb. 19-25
This month at the market: Square Roots Farm, Mountain Girl Farm, MonArtistic Pet Products, Cricket Creek Farm, Jaeschke Fruit & Flowers Center, Many Forks Farm, Cookies & More, Polish Roadside Grill, Fahey Family Honey Farm, Natalya's Ethnic Cuisine, Bees n' Blossoms, Red Shirt Farm, Highland Ledge Farm, Peach Tree Jewelry, Ashford Heights Farm, Twin Pines Jewelry, bread from A-oK Berkshire Barbeque and music! Please join us at the Market on Saturday, March 7 from 9am to 1pm.
Veteran Spotlight: Williamstown Couple Find Career, Each Other, in Army
Mary Angelo-Roberts served her country from 1973 to 1995, retiring as a sergeant major while Charles "Chuck" Roberts served from 1975 to 1995 and retired as a first sergeant.
North Adams Happenings: Feb. 12-18
9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (FREE), FESTIVAL, WinterFest 2020 Downtown, multiple locations, 413-664-6180 More Information.
Holiday Hours: Presidents Day
Washington's Birthday will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 17.
Preschool, Kindergarten Registrations Scheduled Around County
All students, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness, have equal access to the general education program and the full range of any occupational, vocational programs offered by public school districts.
Berkshires Beat: Schools Sought for Humane Society PAWS Read-A-Thon
For the first time in the program's five-year history, Berkshire Humane Society will open its annual PAWS Read-A-Thon to all pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students in Berkshire County.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Feb. 7-13
Enjoy a dozen different art shows featuring work by more than two dozen accomplished regional and student artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Friday Artswalk and all month long!
Veteran Spotlight: Cpl. Massaconi and Terror of Iwo Jima
Drafted right after Christmas in 1942, the 18-year-old Massaconi was sent to Fort Eustis in Richmond, Va., then to the Pacific Theater. His assignments would include Pearl Harbor, and the Battles of Saipan and Iwo Jima, which he described as "Hell on Earth."
North Adams Happenings: Feb. 5-11
February 15 - Annual WinterFest! All events are FREE to the public. Join us downtown for some winter fun!
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 31-Feb. 6
On Thursday, Feb. 6, bakeries throughout Berkshire County will compete in the 6th Annual Cupcake Wars in the categories of Best Tasting, Best Presentation, Most Creative, and People's Choice at the Berkshire Hills Country Club from 5:30-8 p.m.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 29-Feb. 4
February 15 - Annual WinterFest! All events are FREE to the public. Vendor fees apply for Winterfest Farmer & Artisan Market. (Location TBD.) Events will include farmers market, annual chowder cook-off, ice sculpting, horse-drawn wagon rides, s'mores, and more. Stay tuned for details!
Biz Briefs: Price Rite Marketpace to Hold Grand Re-Opening of Pittsfield Store
The supermarket is continuing to roll out its award-winning redesigned store concept focused on deep discounts and fresh foods after successful store rebrands in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Pennsylvania locations.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 24-30
Meet professional fitness trainers and local health experts, learn about local health and sports clubs, get your blood pressure tested, participate in various workshops, and sample healthy food and drink. Holiday Inn & Suites, 2-5 p.m.
Veteran Spotlight: Marine Cpl. Keil Did Tour in Afghanistan
Mitchell Keil served his country from 2006 to 2010 in the Marine Corps. A graduate of Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton, he was sent to basic training at the famed Parris Island in North Carolina.
North Adams WinterFest Celebration Seeks Participants
The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 people - locals and visitors alike - to downtown North Adams.
Berkshires Beat: Contest Invites Youths to Celebrate Abraham Lincoln
The contest will be open to all children attending public, private or parochial school as well as those who are home-schooled.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 22-28
February 1 - North Adams Farmers Market Indoor Monthly Market 9AM - 1PM at the Green, 85 Main Street, Suite 105. Baked goods, preserves, jams, honey, syrup, eggs, cheeses, and meats! We accept SNAP and double benefits up to $15 per market!We also accept, HIP, credit, debit, and cash. More information.
Holiday Hours: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is being celebrated Monday, Jan. 20.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 17-23
Berkshire Community College honors one of America's greatest heroes by giving back to the community at its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event, taking place in the Connector building at BCC's main campus on Monday, Jan. 20 and co-sponsored by the NAACP-Berkshire County Branch.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 15-21
January 25 - MASS MoCA Community Day FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION ALL DAY Free for all who walk through the doors, our annual community celebration is brimming with art-making, gallery tours, live music, pop-up performances, fun photos, and tons more to inspire and explore. Kidspace turns 20 this year — join the festivities as we celebrate two decades of bringing engaging exhibitions and a vibrant art studio to both children and adults.Check "More information." for a full schedule of events.More info
Veteran Spotlight: Giardina Rolled Across Europe
Enrico Giardina served his country in the European Theater in Army from 1944 to 1946. Drafted right out of Pittsfield High School at the age of 18, he was sent to boot camp at Fort McClellan in Alabama for infantry training.
Berkshires Beat: Community Members Donate Guided Technology for PICC Line Placement
The Interventional and Perioperative Services Departments at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center received a special gift from donors Bob and Anne Farrara of Eagle Bridge, N.Y.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 10-16
All visitors under 18 years of age will enjoy FREE admission to Berkshire Museum in 2020 through a new initiative honoring Museum trustee and former board president Elizabeth "Buzz" McGraw.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 8-14
January 20 - MCLA's Day of Service in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday January 20th at MCLA's Venable gym. Beginning at 8:30 with registration and light refreshments. We kick off the day around 9:30 and send people off to their choice of about 20 projects that they will be doing either on campus or around the community. at 12:30 all will return to MCLA's Venable gym for free community lunch and celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr with the highlight being the presentation to o
Biz Briefs: Gordmans Hiring for Upcoming North Adams Location
Gordmans offers a variety of positions in an energetic and engaging work environment.
Veteran Spotlight: Pvt. Zanna Fought Through the Ardennes
Zanna and his division were involved in extremely serious combat in the Ardennes Forest. The German Panzer tanks would shoot over their heads in the forest so the trees would topple on them.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Jan. 3-9
Join the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission at Hotel on North for a Berkshire County Outdoor Recreation Forum from 5-7 p.m. There will be an interactive discussion of opportunities and concerns related to outdoor recreation in the county. All are welcome and pre-registration is greatly appreciated for this free event.
North Adams Happenings: Jan. 1-7
January 11 - Northern Berkshire Youth Hockey League Celebrates 50 Years Highlighted by Boston Bruins Alumni Game!
Berkshires Beat: SVMC Women's and Children's Department Receives Donation of Art
She believes in helping others and dedicates a portion of her work and time to help charitable organizations dedicated to the service of those in need
Holiday Hours: Christmas & New Year's
Businesses, schools and government offices will be taking breaks over the next week as the nation celebrates Christmas and New Year's.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Dec. 20-26
Mark "Monk" Schane-Lydon inhabits every role in this hilariously touching stage adaptation of the iconic holiday film It's a Wonderful Life at the Whitney Center for the Arts. George Bailey, Clarence, Mr. Potter and the gang come to life as a single actor creates a heartwarming story about the effect one hardworking man's life has on the people around him.
Holiday Events and Tree Lightings 2019
'Tis the season to be merry and bright. Planning a holiday event? Let us know at iberkshires.com. Visit our Holiday Bazaars and Craft Fairs list for holiday craft fairs.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Dec. 13-19
The annual Holiday Shindy returns to the former Shire City Sanctuary, now the Al-Khalil Cultural Center. Forty accomplished artisan vendors will sell their unique and distinctive offerings. Enjoy hot drinks from Dottie's Coffee Lounge and lunch from Braise Worthy while you shop. Shindy hours are Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 and children under the age of 12 are free.
Veteran Spotlight: PFC Giardina Runs Out of Luck on Day 13
On his 13th day in the Chorwon Valley, Giardina wasn't so lucky when a bomb exploded several yards from him while on patrol. The explosion was so powerful that it lifted him 3 feet off the ground. He took shrapnel in his shoulder and leg.
North Adams Happenings: Dec. 11-17
MASS MoCA celebrates the Berkshires this holiday season offering FREE admission to all Berkshire County residents from Friday, December 6, through Monday, December 23.
North Adams Happenings: Dec. 4-10
DECEMBER 14th - Wreaths Across America Ceremony and Wreath Laying - North Adams Cemeteries Join us as we remember our veterans in North Adams. We will first have a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, followed by wreath laying at Southview Cemetery. If you have not already signed up with us to lay wreaths, please message us via this event.
Veteran Spotlight: Airman Woolfe Flew Bombing Missions in South Pacific
Woolfe enlisted in the Army Air Forces at 18 1/2 and served his country in World War II from 1942-1945 and is credited with an amazing 47 missions flown (his bomber group miraculously lost only one plane and that because of inclement weather).
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 29-Dec. 5
Get a jump on your holiday shopping in Pittsfield on Small Business Saturday, and be part of a national effort to highlight locally owned small businesses each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
North Adams Happenings: Nov. 27-Dec. 3
DECEMBER 7th - December Indoor Farmers Market Join us for the December indoor market. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Over a dozen vendors. HIP/SNAP/EBT/CC/Debit/Cash accepted. We double SNAP/EBT up to $15. For more updates on this market follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NorthAdamsFarmersMarket/
Red Cross Offers 10 Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips
Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires in the United States, and the American Red Cross of Massachusetts urges everyone to never leave cooking food unattended — which is the most common cause of kitchen fires.
Berkshires Beat: Berkshire Humance Society Hosts 100 Cats for Christmas
The program is the shelter’s largest and most successful low-cost spay/neuter effort for kittens and cats in the Berkshires and surrounding areas. Without the support of the license plate program, this invaluable service would not be possible.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 22-28
The Colonial presents Tramps Like Us, a high-energy band that delivers Bruce Springsteen's iconic rockers and ballads including "Dancing In the Dark," "Born in the U.S.A.," "Thunder Road," "Badlands" and more. Tramps Like Us is the only tribute band to be endorsed by members
Biz Briefs: Wild Oats Donates to Habitat for Humanity
The member-owners of Wild Oats Market have selected Northern Berkshire Habitat For Humanity as the recipient of this quarter's donation from its Pass It On Program.
North Adams Happenings:Nov. 20-26
NOVEMBER 27th - North Adams Annual Tree Lighting Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown North Adams on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 6:00PM! The rain date will be Friday, December 6, 2019. https://www.facebook.com/events/942141622814491/
Veteran Spotlight: Seaman Nichols Witness to History
Nichols was on duty on Sept. 2, 1945, and about 100 feet from the signing of the Japanese surrender document on the Missouri.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Nov. 15-21
Berkshire Museum will hold its annual Festival of Trees Preview Party on Friday, Nov. 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy delicious appetizers and beverages, including a signature cocktail, as you explore more than 100 dazzling holiday displays. This year's Festival of Trees theme, "Heroes," is sure to inspire. Party guests are invited to incorporate their own hero(es) into their evening's attire!
North Adams Happenings: Nov. 13-19
NOVEMBER 20th - The Neighborlie Awards! Celebrate someone who has made a positive impact in your life or community. Nominate someone now here. Nomination deadline is November 4. For more information, call Glenda at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at (413) 663-7588. http://www.nbccoalition.org/the-neighborlies.html
North Adams Happenings: Nov. 6-12
NOVEMBER 20th - The Neighborlie Awards! Celebrate someone who has made a positive impact in your life or community. Nominate someone now here. Nomination deadline is November 4.
Trick-or-Treat, Halloween Events 2019
Below is a list of towns holding trick-or-treat hours and/or events on Halloween.
Berkshires Beat: Pine Cobble Ski and Skate Sale Set for Nov. 1
The sale offers a vast array of the finest in new and gently used winter sports equipment, including both adult and kids sizes.
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 30-Nov. 5
NOVEMBER 11th - Annual Veterans Day Parade More details TBA!
Biz Briefs: 'Binka Bear' Wins All-Ideas Pitch Contest
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Berkshire County ran their first All-Ideas Pitch Contest at the Berkshire Museum, awarding a first prize of $1,000 to Kaitlyn Pierce of Binka Bear, a product that helps wean children off pacifiers. She also won the "Fan Favorite" award of $500.
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 23-29
NOVEMBER 2nd - Masquerade at Greylock WORKS On November 2nd, three weeks before FESTIVE, come to gWorks to dance in disguise at our MASQUERADE Halloween costume party! Doors open at 8pm !
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Oct. 18-24
The 15th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival continues through Sunday, Oct. 20. The Dayramir Gonzalez Quartet will perform at Berkshire Museum on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be preceded by a wine bar that opens at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m., The Colonial Theatre will host legendary vocalist Stephanie Nakasian and her daughter, Veronica Swift, in a rare pairing. The Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble will open.
Biz Briefs: North Adams Verizon Wireless Zone Gives $1,000 to Food Pantry
The donation came from the Wireless Zone Foundation of Giving, which is made up of Verizon Wireless Zone stores across the country who take small donations then sponsoring local charities.
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 16-22
On November 2nd, three weeks before FESTIVE, come to gWorks to dance in disguise at our MASQUERADE Halloween costume party! Doors open at 8pm !
Berkshires Beat: Tanglewood to Offer Year-Round Programming
This change is enabled by the the development of Tanglewood's new Linde Center for Music and Learning, which was launched in the summer of 2019.
North Adams Happenings: Oct. 9-15
OCTOBER 19th & 20th - 14th Annual North Adams Open Studios The Eclipse Mill will be opening its doors October 19-20 11-5 PM for its 14th Annual open studios. Come and see work created by the residents living in the Mill at 243 Union St. North Adams MA https://www.facebook.com/events/617942645397794/
Berkshires Beat: CATA, Mass Audubon Collaborate on Art Exhibit at Wildlife Sanctuary
The exhibit is the culmination of a year-long collaboration between CATA and Mass Audubon, where CATA artists worked with educators and naturalists from Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries to explore connections between art and nature.
North Adams Happenings: Sept. 25-Oct. 1
OCTOBER 4th - Fall Foliage Children's Parade: There's No Place Like Home! Join us for the Annual Fall Foliage Children's Parade!
Biz Briefs: Berkshire Food Co-op One of Three Finalists for MassEcon Award
Finalists compete on a regional basis in the West, Central, Southeast, Northeast and Great Boston areas. The winners from each of the five regions will be announced in October.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Sept. 20-26
The final 3rd Thursday of 2019 is 3rd Thursday: Walk a Mile, a fun annual fundraiser which raises money for the Elizabeth Freeman Center. Plus enjoy a live performance from Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, Barkha Dance Company in the Jacob's Pillow Dance Zone, food, vendors and other entertainment for the entire family. 5-8 p.m.
Hinds Seeks Designs for Annual Holiday Card Contest
Each December, Hinds sends almost 1,000 greeting cards by mail to friends, family, colleagues and constituents. The winning design will be used as the cover art for his 2019 holiday greeting card. The student artist will be identified on the card, featured in the senator's media and social media outreach, and win a pizza party for their classroom with Hinds.
Berkshires Beat: Final 3rd Thursday of Season Features Walk a Mile Event
The annual "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" will be the main attraction at September's Third Thursday festivities.
North Adams Happenings: Sept. 18-24
SEPTEMBER 27th - Movies Under the Stars at Colegrove Park Join us in the park for our 3RD Annual Movies Under the Stars summer series in Colegrove Park, North Adams. This monthly free family movie night is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Adams Community Bank.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Sept. 13-19
The final 3rd Thursday of 2019 is 3rd Thursday: Walk a Mile, a fun annual fundraiser which raises money for the Elizabeth Freeman Center. Plus enjoy a live performance from Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, Barkha Dance Company in the Jacob's Pillow Dance Zone, food, vendors and other entertainment for the entire family. 5-8 p.m.
Biz Briefs: Shakespeare & Company Seeks Property Proposals for Lenox Campus
Qualified entities are asked to provide an initial statement of interest to demonstrate how the campus, located within walking distance of the town of Lenox’s historic center, can be activated as a shared-use property.
North Adams Happenings: Sept. 11-17
SEPTEMBER 20th - 22nd - FreshGrass Festival 2019 An opportunity for enthusiasts to both appreciate and participate, FreshGrass is a family-friendly festival, brimming with bright talent on four stages, and also in our galleries, brick-lined courtyards, and grassy field, produced in partnership by MASS MoCA, the FreshGrass Foundation, and No Depression.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Sept. 6-12
Enjoy 18 different art shows featuring work by more than two dozen accomplished regional and student artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Friday Artswalk and all month long!
Berkshires Beat: Woofstock 2019 to be Held at The Common in Pittsfield
All participants are encouraged to collect pledges to benefit homeless animals, and registration includes a free online crowdfunding tool.
North Adams Happenings: Sept. 4-10
SEPTEMBER 20th - 22nd - FreshGrass Festival 2019 An opportunity for enthusiasts to both appreciate and participate, FreshGrass is a family-friendly festival, brimming with bright talent on four stages, and also in our galleries, brick-lined courtyards, and grassy field, produced in partnership by MASS MoCA, the FreshGrass Foundation, and No Depression.
Berkshires Beat: Berkshire County Youths Joined Amplify 2019 Program
Amplify is a two-week residential program in which musicians perform songs written by Music In Common youth from around the world.
North Adams Happenings: Aug. 21-27
AUGUST 29th - DownStreet Art DownStreet Art, the last-Thursday-of-the-month popup program of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (MCLA BCRC), returns to downtown North Adams from 5-8 p.m. on August 29, 2019. As always, DownStreet Art is free and open to the public.
Berkshires Beat: Horse Show Benefits Berkshire Humane Society
Through the support of the Hart Family and Overmeade Farm, the horse show has raised more than $250,000 during the lifetime of the event. Berkshire Humane Society is excited to begin a new partnership with Berkshire Equestrian Center.
Biz Briefs: Jacob's Pillow Founder’s Property on the Market
The property, nestled on a hilltop overlooking 73 acres, provides opportunity for swimming, tennis and hiking.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Aug. 16-22
The next Food for Thought Dinner at Hancock Shaker Village will feature local author Jim Shepard. The critically acclaimed fiction writer will discuss his first work of non-fiction, The Tunnel at the End of the Light, which explores the way the movies have shaped our understanding of ourselves as Americans, for better or for worse. 6 p.m.
Berkshires Beat: The Clark, Jacob's Pillow Team Up for Special Dance Performance
Dancers from the company will perform in dialogue with the Clark's landscape and galleries in various locations in and around the Clark’s reflecting pool. Three works choreographed by company founder Martha Graham highlight the afternoon:
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Aug. 9-15
Beep beep! Honk honk! Join us for a fun 3rd Thursday celebration and touch a truck! Kids (and adults) will be able to see, touch, interact with and learn about dozens of cool vehicles, including fire trucks and police cars, construction vehicles, airport vehicles and more.
Biz Briefs: Catherine's Chocolates Changes Name to Mielke Confections
The Kinneys are continuing the tradition of a family-owned local business, creating handmade quality chocolates in the same location, as well as their choice of the new name, which is Trent Kinney’s family name.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: Aug. 2-8
Enjoy 18 different art shows featuring work by more than two dozen accomplished regional and student artists in Pittsfield's bustling Upstreet Cultural District during the First Friday Artswalk and all month long!
Berkshires Beat: Pittsfield Library Given 'Literary Landmark' Status in Honor of Melville
The dedication ceremony will take place as part of The Berkshire County Historical Society's third annual Moby-Dick Marathon, a four-day event at Herman Melville's Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield, in the historic red barn where he often met with Nathanial Hawthorne.
North Adams Happenings July 31-Aug. 6
AUGUST 14th - 23rd Annual Downtown Celebration JOIN US! The 23rd Annual Downtown Celebration will take over downtown North Adams on Wednesday, August 14 from 5:30 – 9 PM.
Berkshires Beat: National Night Out to be Celebrated in North Adams, Williamstown
On Tuesday, August 6, North Adams and Williamstown residents are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for National Night Out (NNO), an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
Cultural Pittsfield This Week: July 26-Aug. 1
The Berkshires branch of the NAACP invites everyone to the 46th Annual Gather-In Festival at Durant Park (formerly Pitt Park) for a FREE, family friendly, fun, jam-packed day! Enjoy food, community vendors, kids' activities, music and more! 1-7 p.m.
