Events in the Berkshires this weekend include a carnival, a spring festival, a comedy show, and more. 

 

Editor's Pick 

Gillette Carnival

(Former) Berkshire Mall, Lanesborough

May 1 through 11 

 

The Gillette Shows Carnival is back this Thursday and will run through May 11. 

 

Wristbands for unlimited access to rides are available daily for $30 with a card or $25 with cash. Tickets are also available for purchase. 

 

The carnival is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. 

 

More information here. 

 

Friday 

 

Pittsfield's First Friday at Five

Downtown Pittsfield

Time: 5 p.m. 

 

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. 

 

More information here. 

 

North Adams First Friday 

Downtown North Adams 

Time: 5 to 9 p.m. 

 

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. 

 

More information here.

 

Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour 2025

The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield

 

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.

 

Tickets are $50. More information here. 

 

2025 Howl at the Moon

Country Club of Pittsfield

Time: 7 p.m.

 

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. 

 

Pittsfield Dog Park Clean Up

Burbank Park, Pittsfield 

Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m. 

 

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.

 

More information here. 

 

Throwback Party 

Methuselah Bar and Lounge, Pittsfield 

Time: 9 p.m. 

 

There will be a 90s-themed throwback party. Dress in 90s fashion, like cargo pants and Doc Martens, and enjoy classic hits from that era.

 

More information here. 

 

Sunday

 

Spring Festival 

Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge

Time: 10 a.m. to 5 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. 

 

More information here. 

 

Central Berkshire Record Show

The Stationery Factory, Dalton 

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.

 

More information and the event schedule here. 

 

Multiple Days

 

Pittsfield Jazz Festival

Various Venues and times 

 

The jazz festival concludes this weekend with three performances. 

 

Friday, 7:30 p.m.: performance at Barrington Stage Company by vocalist Dawning Holmes. Tickets range from $28 to $40. 

 

Saturday at 7:30 p.m.: performance by The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra at the Colonial Theatre. Tickets are $35 and up. 

 

Sunday between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: free jazz at Dottie's Coffee Lounge. 

 

More information on the festival here. 

 

Baby Animals 

Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield 

Saturday, April 12, through Sunday, May 4.

 

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. 

 

More information here. 

 

Daffodil and Tulip Festival

Naumkeag, Stockbridge

April 18 thru May 11 

 

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.