Upcoming events and things to do in Pittsfield, MA.
Looking to plan your next “staycation”? Pittsfield, MA offers plenty to do from theatre to recreation to dining out, while keeping in mind important safety measures at this very critical time.
Our downtown theatres have made history with the Actors Equity union approving IN PITTSFIELD the first two productions in the country in which union actors will perform in person before paying audiences since the threat of Coronavirus shut down the nation’s theatres.
In preparation for an indoor performance on their mainstage, Barrington Stage Company (BSC) has removed every other row of seats and will leave 2 vacant seats between each party. BSC will present Harry Clarke by David Cale, directed by Julianne Boyd, August 5 – 16 at the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. (Click here to purchase tickets.) To view BSC’s full safety plan, click here. (**UPDATE** as of 7/30, Harry Clark is now being presented in a tent outdoors at the parking lot of the Polish Community Club, at the intersection of Linden and Center streets in downtown Pittsfield — opposite BSC’s Blatt Center.)
“A sexually charged and wickedly funny one-man thriller, Harry Clarke, by acclaimed playwright and solo artist David Cale (Lillian, A Likely Story) starring BSC Associate Artist Mark H. Dold (BSC’s Breaking the Code, Freud’s Last Session) is the story of a shy midwestern man leading an outrageous double life as the cocky Londoner Harry Clarke. Moving to New York City and presenting himself as an Englishman, he charms his way into a wealthy family’s life as the seductive and precocious Harry, whose increasingly risky and dangerous behavior threatens to undo more than his persona.”
BSC has other concerts and performances (such as The Hills Are Alive with Rodgers & Hammerstein) planned throughout late summer and into fall which can be viewed by visiting their website, barringtonstageco.org.
Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) will present the Stephen Schwartz musical Godspell outside under a tent in the Colonial Theatre parking lot, August 6–September 4. (Click here to purchase tickets.)
“In this timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love, a group of eccentric disciples help Jesus teach a variety of parables through interactive games and a heaping dose of humor. Led by the international hit, “Day by Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs by Tony, Academy and Grammy Award-Winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), including: “By My Side” “Save The People” and “All for the Best.”
Brought to life by the dynamic team of director Alan Filderman (Runaways for New Studio at NYU; BTG: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown) and choreographer Gerry McIntyre (Broadway: Spamilton, Once On This Island, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; BTG: A Chorus Line, Oklahoma!), this theatrical sensation is a powerful reminder that through the power of community, love and kindness will live on.”
First Fridays Artswalk is also returning in August and has been re-imagined, encompassing outdoor locations perfect for a social distanced walk around the downtown, as well as 3 indoor locations. “Artswalkers” can enjoy 4 new art shows, PHS student art, and 16 of Artscape’s Pittsfield Paintboxes featuring work by over a dozen accomplished regional artists. The art will be on view during the First Fridays Artswalk on Friday, August 7, from 5 to 8 pm, AND all month long. A map of all locations, including hours for the indoor shows, can be viewed by clicking here.
The Berkshire Museum will begin a phased reopening in August. During Phase 1 (August 1-15), Berkshire Museum members are invited to enjoy private, 45-minute, self-led explorations of the Aquarium. Timed tickets are required. You can reserve your spot online or over the phone at 413-443-7171 ext. 360. To become a member or renew your existing membership, click here.
During Phase 2 (August 17-31), the Berkshire Museum will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm (closed from 1 to 2 pm daily for cleaning). All visitors are invited to enjoy private experiences in the Aquarium and a last chance to see the Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons. Timed tickets are required, and you can reserve your spot online or over the phone at 413-443-7171 ext. 360. Tickets will be $5 for adults, and free for Berkshire Museum members, EBT cardholders, and children under 18.
Hop in your car and just a few minutes from downtown, two of our other Pittsfield Cultural Institutions are ready to welcome you. Hancock Shaker Village, “a living history museum devoted to the legacy of the Shakers, with 20 authentic buildings, a working farm and gardens, and a collection of 20,000+ artifacts”, is now open 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Sunday with no advance tickets required. Hancock Shaker Village also offers outdoor concerts and Sunday morning Barnyard Yoga. For more information, visit hancockshakervillage.org/calendar.
Herman Melville’s Arrowhead is also open for house tours by reservation, Thursday through Monday. Please call 413-443-1449 to schedule a tour, which will be limited to four visitors. Visit www.mobydick.org for more information. Arrowhead also features nature trails behind the barn which are open sunrise to sunset for public use and will remain open throughout the summer.
If you are looking for outdoor recreation, all city parks and playgrounds are open including Burbank Park at Onota Lake. For information regarding use of the parks, click here. There are also several hiking trails in Pittsfield which remain open. For a list of trails in Pittsfield, visit www.alltrails.com/us/massachusetts/pittsfield.
The City of Pittsfield has also organized a recreation program called “Make Your Own Summer of Fun” which includes free drop-in activities for children at city parks. For a schedule of events, click here or follow Pittsfield Parks Recreation on Facebook.
After all of that summer fun, you likely are not going to want to go home and cook, so why not come back downtown and enjoy our local restaurants – many of which are open for both indoor and outdoor dining! And P.S., if you need help with parking, directions, or suggestions on things to do, be on the lookout for our Downtown Pittsfield Ambassadors in their bright orange shirts. Our Ambassadors walk throughout the downtown at peak times and are available to answer your questions!
Enjoy outdoor dining at the following locations: Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, the “backlot” at Hotel on North, Hot Harry’s, The Marketplace Café, Mission Restaurant, Panchos Mexican Restaurant, Patrick’s Pub, and Tito’s Mexican Grill.
All of the above also feature indoor dining with the exception of Hotel on North.
Enjoy indoor dining at Flavours Of Malaysia, House of India, Methuselah Bar & Lounge, That’s a Wrap Café, and Thrive Diner.
Don’t forget, downtown Pittsfield also boasts a unique shopping experience. Shop home-furnishings, clothing, jewelry, floral and home, vintage furniture and accessories, gifts, up-cycled home décor, and much more! Visit downtownpittsfield.com/shop for more information.
We can’t wait to see you downtown! Don’t forget your mask! 😊
By Kimberly Gritman, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. Marketing Coordinator
Image credits in header (left to right): Socially Distanced Seating at Barrington Stage Company (BSC photo) and Downtown Pittsfield Ambassadors Amarie and Melvin downtown (Funky Phoenix photo)