The city's combined Third Thursdays and First Fridays Artswalks event is back this Friday. Downtown Pittsfield will be alive with activities, including live music at Persip Park, a family fun zone and makers market on North Street, a dance zone at Dunham Mall, and more.
It's the beginning of the month, and North Adams community members know that means–First Friday is here.
The event is kicking off the nine illuminated light pavilions called Hatchlings, designed by Vanessa Till Hooper, which will be on display throughout downtown North Adams from May 2 to Oct. 3.
There will also be an opening reception from 6 to 7 p.m. on Eagle Street, featuring a performance by Ciarra Fragale and Molly Hess, hosted by Assets for Artists.
Participating local businesses will also have extended hours with various events planned.
The Colonial Theater is a stop on comedian Henry Cho's The Empty Nest Tour 2025. Cho is known for his clean and clever humor. The event is recommended for ages 14 and up.
UCP of Western Massachusetts is hosting a fundraiser featuring HOWL 2GO Dueling Pianos, presented by Bishop West Real Estate.
The event aims to raise money for UCP's Assistive Technology department. The Dueling Pianos format allows audience members to request songs, creating a fun and interactive atmosphere as they bid to have their favorites played live.
General admission costs $35 and includes appetizers and a cash bar; a table of ten costs $400. More information here.
Will Evans with Layton Meacham
The Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Will Evans, a Rhode Island-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, will be performing. Evans rotates between acoustic guitar, didgeridoo, handpan, percussive beatboxing, and more.
Musician Layton Meacham will also be performing sound that shows his love for reggae, roots, R&B, soul, and much more.
Tickets range from $27.38 to $79.91. More information here.
Discover Greylock Hike
Mount Greylock Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Spring is here, making it a perfect opportunity to discover the amazing seasonal changes in the natural world.
During this free hike of the easy-moderate trails, participants will observe wildlife and identify ephemerals, with potential talks on trail stewardship, bear awareness, and cultural history.
The hike lasts 2 to 3 hours and is open to ages eight and older. Registration is required as space is limited to 12 participants.
For more information and to register: Call 413-499-4262. More information here.
Saturday
Work-in-Progress Showing of Daddy AF
Mass MoCA, North Adams
Time: 8 p.m.
There will be a sneak peek showing of the dance performance Daddy AF by dance-theater artist David Roussève, which is set to premiere in the fall of 2025.
The dance-theater piece reflects on life's purpose through the lens of a queer African American artist facing limited time.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 for preferred seating. More information here.
Heirloom by Design Spring Market
Greylock WORKS, North Adams
Time: 10 a.m.
The market celebrating handcrafted goods from the Berkshires and beyond is back. There will be a variety of vendors, including ceramics, jewelry, fine art, and food producers in the large, light-filled former mill.
The event also features fresh food, farmers, fermenters, and local artisan makers. The event is free and open to all.
ROOTS Teen Center holds its 9th annual Show Your Teen Spirit Fundraiser. This event invites adults 21-plus to wear throwback fashion from their teen years and enjoy classic music for a night of nostalgia.
Join the city's Parks Department in cleaning up the dog park. More information here.
Dorothy's Preview Party with Fanny Pack
Dorothy's Estaminet, Pittsfield
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Dorothy's preview party with Fannie Pack will be held at the new Dorothy's Estaminet.
Guests can get a sneak peek at ongoing renovations, including new lounge areas and outdoor space.
Attendees can provide feedback while enjoying dinner from a new menu by Jose Hernandez for $25 per person.
A new cocktail list, beers, and wines will also be available, with discounted prices for the event. The event features live music from 6 to 9 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
During this free festival, visitors can explore the 24-acre grounds while enjoying spring in bloom.
Family-friendly activities include horseback rides, a petting zoo, and face painting. There will be a ticketed performance of "DIRT: The Secret Life of Soil" by The Arm-of-the-Sea Theater.
Additionally, there will be a celebration of the graduation of the Horticulture Certificate Program, with a reception featuring herb-infused treats from the Herb Associates.
Time: VIP admission 8:30 a.m.; general admission 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Central Berkshire Record Show is returning for its fourth consecutive year.
This popular event has attracted music and vinyl record enthusiasts from all over the Northeast, with previous shows drawing in large crowds of music lovers looking for records, CDs, and more.
Food and drink, including craft beverages, will be available on site from Shire Tavern.
VIP tickets are $10 and general admission is $4. More information here.
First Sunday Free: Art & Wellness
The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum is offering free admission all day and will have events at select times including forest bathing, yoga for all, sketching self-care, and yoga for balance.
Events have limited capacity. Participants can sign up on a first-come, first-served basis in the Clark Center admissions lobby on the day of the event.
The birds are chirping. The grass is getting greener, and signs of spring are showing — what better way to celebrate that than visiting the baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village.
The village's baby animal festival begins this weekend from 11 until 4. Meet the farm's newest editions including lambs, kids, piglets, calves, and chicks.
Festivalgoers can partake in daily events and activities including daily talks about the farm and the Shakers, craft demonstrations, and more.
Naumkeag is kicking off its 6th annual Daffodil and Tulip Festival this weekend.
The event will showcase more than 130,000 daffodils, tulips, and minor bulbs across their 8 acres of land.
The 48-acre estate will be decorated with "a variety of blooms, containers, displays and decorations against the backdrop of stunning views of Monument Mountain and the Berkshire Hills," according to the Trustees of Reservations.
Mixed bouquets, container plants, and a pre-sale of spring bulbs will be sold at a pop-up shop outside the greenhouse. Food and refreshments will be for sale at the outdoor snack shack.
Admittance to the inside of the house will be permitted for self-guided tours of the first floor and to provide access to the museum's gift shop.
For more information on the festival or to purchase tickets visit here.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A North Adams Turnkey Home
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a three-story home that's newly renovated? Then this is the home for you.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 74 Washington Ave.
This home was originally built in 1880 and has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is 2,320 square feet on less than an acre.
The first floor includes the kitchen, a full bathroom, an office, a large open living room and dining area, and an entry with a staircase to the second floor, which has three bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and a laundry closet. The third floor was turned into a spacious primary suite with a full bathroom.
The house comes with major kitchen and laundry appliances.
It's on the market for $349,900.
We spoke to Allison Pacelli with Pacelli Zepka Corp., which has the listing.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
A house at this price point with so much space for several people is not easy to find. There are four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, large living room, kitchen, and a bonus room off the kitchen that could be an office or dining room or possibly even an extra guest room.
What was your first impression when you walked into this home?
I love some of the character of the house. For example, the banister and railing on the stairs is ornate and beautiful.
How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?
The house is light and bright. It's a great mix of some class features like the stairway and updates like the kitchen and bathrooms.
What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?
I can see all sorts of people in this house.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
North Adams is such a vibrant and welcoming community. You can walk to MCLA or downtown. Williams College and Mass MoCA are close. The hospital is nearby, and the house would be great for doctors or nurses. There are a lot of opportunities in the area.
Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?
The entire house was renovated about two years ago. The owners removed all knob & tube wiring, installed a new boiler, added a new laundry setup on the second floor, and redid the third floor into a great primary suite, with private bathroom. The kitchen and all three bathrooms are also new.
You can find out more about this home on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 74 Washington Ave.
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On Monday, developer Benjamin Crespi of 196 Marine LLC, was back before the Planning Board with a dramatically different proposal: 49 two-bedroom tourists cabins with a restaurant and recreational amenities.
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The City Council on Tuesday approved an appropriation of $256,635 from the Land Sales Account for easements and takings related to the Ashland Street project. click for more