All year long Halloween enthusiasts hide away their pointed hats and pause their D Minor music awaiting their beloved holiday's return. What better way to celebrate its return than by visiting a few of Berkshire County's Halloween activities; here are our must-do Halloween activities in Berkshire County.
13 Nights at Jiminy
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock
Terror begins Friday, Sept. 27, and runs through Oct. 31
The mountain resort known for its snowy hills and winter recreation is transformed into a fright destination.
Many locals fly to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort for its "13 Nights Haunted House" to be scared out of their wits.
The resort's grounds and buildings are decorated to instill terror as hidden actors give the willing participants a fright every Friday through Sunday from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. throughout October.
The age recommendation is age 10 and older. Haunted House admission costs $29.
Participants are also welcome to ride through the darkness with the resort's Mountain Coaster for $15 a ride.
The Scream and Scare Package includes one trip through "13 Nights" and two rides on the coaster for $49.
The Christiansen's Tavern will be open to purchase drinks, dinner, or a snack Friday through Sunday from 5 until 10:30 throughout "13 Nights."
Take a breath from fright and relax at Naumkeag for its pumpkin show.
The museum decorates the gardens with more than 1,500 jack-o'-lanterns, hundreds of mums, pumpkins, and countless gourds – most of which were grown at Naumkeag.
Hot cider and fall treats will be available for sale on-site.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Ticket time represents your arrival window.
No parking is available onsite with this general admission ticket but designated parking spaces are available on both sides of Town Hall located at 50 Main St., along Main Street, or Elm Street.
The first shuttle will leave downtown Stockbridge at 5 p.m. and run every 5 to 10 minutes through the run of the show, the last shuttle will depart no later than 8 p.m.
Throughout October, Hancock Shaker Village opens its doors at night for a "spine-chilling evening of Shaker ghosts and mystery."
Participants will walk the dark paths of the village and venture into the dimly-lit halls of the Brick Dwelling to hear stories of ghost sightings, and learn about the Shakers' role in the spiritualist movement.
The recommended age for this spooky experience is age 12 and older. Tickets for this 75-minute adventure are limited and can be purchased here.
Ghost Tours with Robert Oakes
Ventfort Hall, Lenox
Select Dates
Ventfort Hall hosts ghost tours with "Ghosts of the Berkshires" author Robert Oakes during which he will lead guests through the rooms and halls of the estate sharing tales of its hauntings.
"Stand in the places where the encounters occurred, listen to the firsthand accounts of those who experienced them, and maybe even experience something unusual yourself. This is not an active investigation," the Ventfort Hall website said.
Admission is $30 and the minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are required. To purchase tickets call 413-637-3206.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event. More information here.
Ghost Tours
The Mount, Lenox
Select Dates
The Mount holds untold stories of its former dwellers that will be revealed during tours of Edith Wharton's home.
During the two-hour long ghost tour, participants will be guided by veteran tour guides through the darkened halls of the turn-of-the-century home.
The tour contains adult content that is not appropriate for children under 12. Children under age 12 will not be admitted.
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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid.
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid.
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million.
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters.
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor.
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The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
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