Berkshire County is hosting a variety of events this warm, sunny weekend featuring concerts, fairs, festivals, and more.
Hawk Henries
Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield
Start your weekend off early this Thursday by listening to original flute music by Hawk Henries, a member of Nipmuc's Chaubunagungamaug band, in Zion Lutheran Church's Common Room starting at 7 p.m.
His music has been described as being able to carry listeners across musical and cultural boundaries. His artist statement says he is committed to music "as a traditional art form and as a vehicle for building bridges of communication and mutual respect."
Tickets cost $5 each and can be purchased here or by calling 413-236-2190.
The Sheffield Town Fair
Sheffield Town Park
The Sheffield Town Fair will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town Park, off Miller Avenue.
This family-friendly event will feature entertainment under the big tent, hayrides, animals, games, arts and crafts and more. Everything is free except for food and vendor items.
More information can be found on their Facebook Page.
Harvest of Hope/Cosecha de Esperanza Festival
The Common, Pittsfield
The Harvest of Hope/Cosecha de Esperanza Festival will be taking place this Sunday, Sept. 11, in the Common from 1 to 6 p.m.
The event will feature multicultural performances, education workshops, multicultural food trucks, art and more.
The art walk takes place over Saturday and Sunday with more than 50 artists, gallery openings, music and food. Art lovers will find a selection of paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, textiles, jewelry and more.
Plus, a model will stroll through town wearing several different art-dress creations by Deb Carter. Berkshire Busk will provide music acts downtown on both days and Lenox Loves Music welcomes Sherri Buxton & Friends on Sunday to Lilac Park at 3:30 p.m.
Polish Picnic
Polanka Grounds, Adams
The Parish Family of Saint John Paul II continues the Polish picnic tradition on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the picnic grounds on Mill Street. Gates open at noon with the Eddie Foreman Orchestra performing from 1-5.
Traditional Polish foods, cookout fare, and beverages will be available for purchase. The Shire Cottage Bakery will also be selling homemade treats.
Free games will be provided for children. Admission is $5; free for children 12 and younger. On-street and limited grounds parking will be available.
Berkshire International Film Festival and Bousquet Outdoor Film Nights
Bousquet, Pittsfield
Families are encouraged to bring their blankets and chairs to Bousquet to enjoy the film "Meru."
The 2015 award-winning documentary chronicles two ascents of Meru Peak in the Indian Himalayas -- a failed attempt in 2008 and then the successful one in 2011.
Food will be available at the Lift Bistro pub, which will be open normal operating hours. The Kitchen downstairs will also be serving popcorn, hot chocolate, s'mores, and more.
Tickets are $10 per person or $25 for a group of four.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at 8. Tickets also can be purchased advance here.
Have a cup of coffee during Dottie's Sunday Brunch and listen to the music by Troy, N.Y., based musician Ryan Leddick starting at 10 a.m. this Sunday, Sept. 11.
"Ryan Leddick weaves his soulful and haunting voice alongside rhythmic guitar lines to create an enticing folk-rock fusion," Dotties website said.
Dottie's Coffee Lounge is located at 444 North St. More information on the artist can be found here.
Dancers of the Berkshires: 'The Moment'
Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Berkshire Theater Group is hosting local dance collective Dancers of the Berkshires this Sunday starting at 2 p.m.
The interactive experience, "The Moment," gives dancers and audience members a chance to share the stage in an effort to provide a glimpse into a dancer’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Dancers of The Berkshires is a local dance collective of emerging choreographers and dancers who strive to connect the community with dance through interactive and engaging work.
Open Friday from 3 until 6 p.m. at First Congregational Church located at 125 Main St.
The market will feature healthy food and products from a variety of local vendors in an attempt to nourish the community by protecting "local small farms, land, bees, and economy."
Powered by Roots Rising, the market is open every Saturday rain or shine from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. through Oct. 8.
Each week the market will have fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with meat, eggs, cheese, baked goods by local vendors. Participants can shop for flowers, and artisan goods while listening to music and participate in family activities.
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Pittsfield Reviews Financial Condition Before FY27 Budget
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The average single-family home in Pittsfield has increased by more than 40 percent since 2022.
This was reported during a joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee on March 19, when the city's financial condition was reviewed ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget process.
Mayor Peter Marchetti said the administration is getting "granular" with line items to find cost savings in the budget. At the time, they had spoken to a handful of departments, asking tough questions and identifying vacancies and retirements.
In the last five years, the average single-family home in Pittsfield has increased 42 percent, from $222,073 in 2022 to $315,335 in 2026.
"Your tax bill is your property value times the tax rate," the mayor explained.
"When the tax rate goes up, it's usually because property values have gone down. When the property values go up, the tax rate comes down."
Tax bills have increased on average by $280 per year over the last five years; the average home costs $5,518 annually in 2026. In 2022, the residential tax rate was $18.56 per thousand dollars of valuation, and the tax rate is $17.50 in 2026.
The Bel Air Dam project team toured the site on Monday with the Conservation Commission to review conditions following a flooding incident. click for more
