Weekend Outlook: Festivals, Caberets and Toy Shows
There are a variety of events this weekend in or near the Berkshires including an old toy show, a Queering Perspective Festival, Valentine's Day themed events, and more.
Editor's Pick
'62 Center for Theatre and Dance, Williamstown
Dates: Feb. 9, 10, 22-24
Williams College's theater and dance center is hosting the festival to promote dialogue on sexualities, genders, bodies, races, ethnicities, abilities, and desires. It will interrogate conventional, culturally normative performance.
The goal is to establish a platform dedicated to supporting individuals who are often marginalized or "othered," providing a space for experimental and subversive content. This platform intends to challenge conventional forms in order to foster innovative research and artistic production.
More information here.
Friday
Healing Dirt Activations
Mass MoCA, North Adams
Time: During Gallery Hours
The new moon is believed by many to be a time of rebirth. On each day of the new moon the museum invites visitors to use the "In a new light (Healing Dirt)" as part of the "Like Magic" exhibit.
With the new moon upon us this Friday, visitors have access to the chapel-like space to utilize charcoal earth on parts of their body that need healing. More information and all the activation dates here.
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
Hot Plate Brewing Co., Pittsfield
Time: 7 p.m.
DJ Pup Daddy will be performing some of his favorite albums and encourages the community to bring their own.
More information here.
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Indulge in a combination of gooey marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate as you and your family hike and watch the local wildlife. Participants will learn about animal tracks
Tickets range from $10 to $18. Registration is required. Information here.
Four Sticks Performance
The Egremont Barn, Great Barrington
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Led Zeppelin Tribute band Four Sticks will be performing some of the rock and roll band's hits. Information here.
Saturday
AJY Fund 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
3 West Events at Norad Mill, North Adams
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
The non-profit, AYJ Fund, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of helping children with cancer. The free celebration features appetizers, desserts, wine pull, and a silent auction. Space is limited; registration is required. Information here.
Spaghetti Dinner
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, North Adams
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
The community is welcome to join St. Stanislaus Kostka School's eighth grade families for a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the students' trip to Washington, D.C.
Dinner will also includes meatballs, salad and a garlic knot. Takeout is available. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under.
The event features raffles, 50/50 raffle and a bake sale. Drinks are available by donation. Information here.
Old Toy Show
238 West Main St., Bennington, Vt.
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Vendors across six states will be selling collectable toys including trains, matchbox, hot wheels, model kits, action figures, Barbies, and more filling more than 70 tables at Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Church.
Admission is $4. There will be a 50/50 raffle and food available. Information here.
Ghost Tours with Robert Oakes
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, Lenox
Time: 8 to 10 p.m.
Author of "Ghosts of the Berkshires" Robert Oakes is leading a tour through the historic estate while sharing stories of the hauntings. Participants must be 12 years or older.
Reservations are strongly suggested; walk-ins accommodated if space allows. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 413-637-3206. More information here.
Public Ice Skating
Boys and Girls Club, Pittsfield
Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
The first 100 people through the door during the public skate at the Boys & Girls Club will receive free admission for skating as well as free skate rentals. More information here.
February Contra Dance
First Congregational Church, Williamstown
Time: 7:30 p.m.
North Berkshire Community Dance is hosting a dance in the church's community hall on Main Street with caller Liz Nelson. No experience necessary but arrive by 7:30 for an introductory lesson. Live music by Cider Mountain.
Admission is pay-what-you-can, $12-$20 suggested. More information here.
Sunday
Cabin Fever Stories
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Lanesborough,
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Sit by a cozy hearth fire at the Visitors Center for 90 minutes of Mount Greylock tales like "The Wild Man of the Hills," "The Mysterious Spirit Woman of Pratt Hill," "The Wayard Moose Named Bill," and the legendary ghost of Old Coot. The free event includes complementary hot cocoa. More information here.
Valentine's Day At The Clark
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
During this free event, craft a Valentine's Day card for a loved one while incorporating captivating visuals from the Clark's collection. The crafting station is on the lower level of the Clark Center. Information here.
Animal Support Projects: Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras
Benson's Pet Center, Pittsfield
Time: noon to 3 p.m.
Benson's Pet Center will be providing people a photo op with their furry babies this Sunday from noon until 3 p.m.
For a $10 donation, pet parents can bring home a 4-by-6 inch framed keepsake. This month's participants can choose between a Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras theme. More information here.
Valentine Concert & Tea
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, Lenox
Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Visit the museum for an afternoon of music and tea. Singer Sherri James Buxton and pianist Bob Shepherd will perform American songbook, Broadway and cabaret hits. Tea will follow. Tickets range from $35 to $45. More information here.
Big Game Sunday Pancake Breakfast
Lanesborough Fire Department
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.
The Lanesborough Firemens Association will be having a pancake breakfast including sausage, juice, coffee, and tea.
Tickets cost $12 for ages 12 and older, children between the age of 6 and 11 are $8, ages 5 and under eat free. Information here.
Multiple Days
Mill City Productions 'Fight or Flight'
Studio 9, the Porches, North Adams
Time: Friday, Saturday, 7 to 9; Sunday, 2 p.m.
MCP's cabaret returns for a new season at Studio 9 with pop, rock, folk, country, showtunes and more with 16 performers from around the Northeast. The theme of the songs are about standing our ground and fighting, or flying off to something better.
Tickets are $15 for adults & $10 for students/seniors, and are available for purchase at the door. More information here.
Ej Hill's Brake Run Helix Concludes
Mass MoCA, North Adams
The contemporary museum's "Brake Run Helix" exhibit concludes on Feb. 11. The installation is a rideable sculpture in the museum's 100-yard-long Building 5 gallery which examines "how those from marginalized backgrounds explore joy and play."
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