Weekend Outlook: Spooky Season Has Begun
Halloween is still a week away, but plenty of activities this weekend will get you into the spirit. Find a list of times and town events here.
Editor's Pick
Haunted Hancock
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.
Come to the Village for an after-hours, spine-chilling evening of ghosts and mystery. Walk the dark paths of the village with an expert guide, hear tales of ghostly sightings, and discover the Shakers' role in the spiritualist movement. Tours are 90 minutes and are recommended for anyone over the age of 12. The tour covers about a quarter mile of property and includes walking on uneven terrain and climbing several flights of stairs. Tickets are $30 and registration is required.
Tickets and information here.
Multiple Days
'Flight'
MCLA's Venable Theatre, North Adams
Friday through Sunday
MCLA Theatre, Mosaic, and Cape Cod-based theater company P3/East come together for a highly physical theatrical exploration of the women who challenged convention and took to the skies at the dawn of aviation. Long before Amelia Earhart, pioneering aviators such as Harriet Quimby, Raymonde de Laroche, Bessie Coleman, Katherine Stinson, Blanche Stuart Scott, and Matilde Moisant pursued the exhilarating and dangerous possibilities of flight, often in the face of tremendous social and technological obstacles. Part of a trilogy that also includes "Gravity" and "Balance," "Flight," conceived by Steve Pearson, written by Robyn Hunt, honors these remarkable women and the many others whose contributions to aviation history have been overlooked. Performances are at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday and 2 on Sunday. All are free and open to the public.
Information here. Read our preview here.
Thursday
CATA Opening Reception
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
3-5 p.m.
Community Access to the Arts and Mass Audubon present a free meet the artists reception for "Roots, Stems, Leaves, Sky," an exhibit of work by artists with disabilities inspired by the natural landscape of the Berkshires, in the historic barn at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary through Nov. 18. Many of the works were created on-site at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary as part of an ongoing partnership between CATA and Mass Audubon. CATA artists explored Pleasant Valley's "All Persons Trail," with Mass Audubon naturalists and educators, drawing inspiration from the sanctuary's plants, animals, textures, and landscapes as they created artwork on site. The exhibit also includes nature-inspired artwork created by CATA artists at day programs and residences serving people with disabilities across the Berkshires. All works are professionally matted, framed, and available for sale, and CATA artists earn a paid commission for each work sold.
Information here.
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Mural Unveiling
Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Intermodal Center,
Columbus Avenue, Pittsfield
4 p.m.
The Let It Shine Public Art Partnership will unveil a new mural by Laura Barrios on the train platform at the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Intermodal Center. This project is part of the "Emerging Artist Program" which is now in its third year. Barrios worked alongside mentor artist, Jesse Tobin McCauley, to develop and execute a 20-foot-wide x 6-foor-high mural on the train platform alongside three other existing murals. Barrios is a Colombian visual artist who has built her career through drawing, painting, tattooing, and muralism. Her artistic training and experiences in different cities and countries have enriched her visual language, characterized by realism, attention to detail, and a deep connection with nature.
Information here.
Melville, Haunted
Berkshire Country Historical Society at Arrowhead, Pittsfield
6:30 p.m.
"Melville, Haunted," a performance presented by Berkshire History Theatre, runs Oct. 22-25 and then again Oct. 29-30 to benefit Berkshire County Historical Society educational programs and restoration projects. The play explores Melville's complex, tormented genius from the perspective of those who best knew, loved, venerated and feared him. The performance moves through rooms in the house, including the study where Melville penned "Moby-Dick," with various characters appearing in each. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception; a discussion with playwright Sally Filkins and the cast follows the performance. Audience members must be able to climb one flight of stairs. Tickets are $55.
Tickets and information here.
Friday
Downtown Trick-or-Treat
North Adams
4:30 to 6 p.m.
Local businesses on and around Main Street will be giving out candy or have a fun activity! Look for the ghost in storefronts for participating businesses.
Information here.
Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
6 p.m.
Information here.
Saturday
Pumpkin Carving Spooktacular
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Families are invited to the library to select a free pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and bring it to a carving station in the auditorium. Carving stations will be set up with all the tools and supplies needed to create a spooktacular jack-o'-lantern. In addition, there will be craft stations, snacks, and a scavenger hunt. Youth and families are encouraged to wear costumes. The very last pumpkin carving session will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Information here.
Fall Farm Picnic
Cricket Creek Farm, Williamstown
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Now in its third year, the picnic is a community gathering celebrating fall in the Berkshires, with local food and drink, live music, art, and beautiful views from the farm. It's also an opportunity to bring the community together in support of our local dairy farms and the agricultural landscape that makes this region so special. All ticket proceeds from the donation-based event go directly to Cricket Creek Farm, and everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to contribute.
Information and registration here.
Poetry Reading
Mason Library, Great Barrington
4 to 6 p.m.
Friends of Great Barrington Libraries and the Board of Library Trustees will host a free poetry reading at the Mason Library, featuring poets Larry Price and Michael Ruby reading from their works. Wine, cider and food will be provided.
Information here.
Haunted Hayride
Chilson's Pond, 80 Tilda Hill Road, Florida
6:30 p.m.
The Florida Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its annual Haunted Hayride. There will be free hot chocolate, hot cider, and popcorn. There will also be baked goods for sale, plus raffle prizes. Rides start at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person; children 5 and under are free. All proceeds benefit the fire department.
Spooky Soirée
The Stationery Factory, Flansburg Avenue, Dalton
7 to 10 p.m.
The Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention will host its first-ever Spooky Soirée, a free Halloween party for Berkshire County high school students in grades nine through 12. The evening will feature a DJ, photo booth, fortune tellers, free food, and a costume contest with a $100 prize. The event is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The soirée is being created and coordinated by a group of local high school volunteers working alongside coalition members.
Tickets and information here.
Zambezi Marimba Band
Chapin Hall, Williams College, Williamstown
7:30 p.m.
The Zambezi Marimba Band features danceable and melodious marimba music from Zambia and Zimbabwe. Zambezi is a diverse group and employs singers, a horn section, and other instruments to its solid marimba fundament. More a joyous celebration than just a concert, the band wins over every audience with its flair and irresistibly kinetic energy. This is a free event for the whole family.
Information here.
Sunday
Puppetry Series
Adams Theater, Adams
11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Over the next three months, the theater will present performances, run workshops, and host a residency to celebrate the diverse puppet theater being birthed in the Berkshires and beyond. The series will launch at 11 a.m. with Great Small Works presenting a residency showing of "The Myceliad," a visionary puppet epic tracking an artist crew thrust out to sea by crises roiling the country. Using overhead projections, digital imagery, over-life-sized brown paper puppets, and an original sound score, they uncover the connective survival strategies of fungi to navigate a diverse, rapidly changing world. Then at 3 p.m., Nutshell Playhouse will present "Saving Jazzy," a show for children of all ages and their grown-ups. Kids ages 2-10 will especially enjoy following Mambo and Nemonee on their hilarious adventures around the globe as they look for the special ingredients to save the beautiful but endangered Floratius Serendipitus.
Tickets and information here.
Children's Reading Group
DFC Visitor Center,
309 Main St., Great Barrington
1 p.m.
The Du Bois Freedom Center will launch the Mite Society Children's Reading Group. Inspired by a 140-year legacy, the new Mite Society is a welcoming, intergenerational space where children and families can come together to explore African American history, culture, and storytelling. The inaugural gathering will celebrate the life and legacy of Elizabeth Freeman, the first enslaved woman to win her freedom in a court of law under the new Massachusetts Constitution in 1781. Award-winning local author Jana Laiz will read from her youth biography "A Free Woman on God's Earth: The True Story of Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman." The afternoon also will include creative activities and conversation with Jana Laiz and Marcus Smith, DFC Deputy Director and 2026 Mars History Tellers Award winner.
Information here.
Children's Halloween Parade
Downtown Adams
3 p.m.
The Adams Lions Club's 81st annual free children's Halloween Parade steps off at 3 p.m. Participants are asked to arrive around 2:45 in the parking lot of Greylock Federal Credit Union (2 Park St). Escorting the Adams Lions Club parade will be the Hoosac Valley High School band, the Adams Police Department, Alert Hose Company, and Adams Forest Wardens. The parade will proceed north onto Park Street, then turn right onto East Maple Street to the Adams Visitors Center parking lot, where the club will provide some refreshments. Trick-or-treat candy also will be distributed to children at the Visitors Center.
Monday
Musical Bingo Holiday Walk Fundraiser
Williams Inn, Williamstown
6:30 p.m.
Test your music knowledge, sing along to your favorite tunes, and compete for prizes at this fun-filled fundraiser to benefit the Williamstown Holiday Walk celebration. Tickets are $30.
Information and tickets here.
Farmers Markets
Great Barrington Farmers Market
18 Church St.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The market is open every Saturday through Nov. 14. Every week, locally grown food, flowers, and plants will be available, along with other local vendors. The market accepts and offers double SNAP, HIP, WIC, and Senior market coupons.
Information here.
New Marlborough Farmers Market
Village Green
Sundays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The market has local vendors that offer a variety of goods, including produce, eggs, baked goods, jams, hand-knit items, maple syrup, and more through October.
Information here.
North Adams Farmers Market
Main Street
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The south side of Main Street from American Legion Drive will be closed to make room for the city's weekly farmers market through Oct. 31. Explore downtown North Adams and discover local businesses and fresh produce from local farms.
Information here.
Williamstown Farmers Market
Spring Street
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The market focuses on a wide range of local food and artisan vendors, as well as local services and music through Nov. 7.
Information here.
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