Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is pleased to present our first annual Downtown Celebrates Spring Week, offering free and low-cost programming to individuals and families with children of all ages. Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. sponsored events are at the top of this page, followed by Pittsfield event highlights from April 15-23. Ver esta información en español.
Free Fairy Tea Party and StoryWalk® “Fairy Slippers: Molly Saves the Bees”
Join Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. on Saturday, April 15 as we read Cara Peckham-Krol’s book, “Fairy Slippers: Molly Saves the Bees,” aloud in English and Spanish for a downtown StoryWalk® starting outside of Dottie’s Coffee Lounge at 444 North Street at 10 am. We will stop at about a dozen downtown locations to follow the story, and we will end at the South Congregational Church, 110 South Street, for a Fairy Tea Party (starting around 11 am – when the StoryWalk® concludes). Cara will read her first book, “Fairy Slippers,” as children enjoy a free Fairy Tea Party. Refreshments and snacks provided. There will be an opportunity to meet Cara as well! All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event. Families are welcome to drop into the Tea Party only.
This event is held as part of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s Downtown Celebrates Spring, sponsored in part by The Feigenbaum Foundation.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Free Kids’ Paint & Sip as part of Downtown Celebrates Spring
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip sponsored by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., First Fridays Artswalk, and the Mass Cultural Council on Saturday, April 22, from 11 am to 2 pm in the auditorium at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 East Street. This free Spring-themed Paint & Sip is best suited for ages 5 to 12, although younger and older children are welcome. All materials, instruction, snacks, and juice will be provided. Children are welcome to drop in anytime over the course of the event, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The auditorium is on the second floor of the parish house, and the entrance is on Allen Street.
This event is held as part of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s Downtown Celebrates Spring, sponsored in part by The Feigenbaum Foundation.
Downtown StoryWalk® “Fairy Slippers: Molly Saves the Bees”
The StoryWalk® of Cara Peckham-Krol’s “Fairy Slippers: Molly Saves the Bees” will be posted in a dozen downtown locations for all to enjoy, April 19 through May 31. The original version in English will be accompanied by a Spanish translation by Fernando León. “Fairy Slippers: Molly Saves the Bees” features illustrations by Robert Meulemans.
| 1. Dottie’s Coffee Lounge | 444 North Street |
| 2. MRBarbers | 317 North Street |
| 3. Berkshire Palate (Hotel on North) | 297 North Street |
| 4. Steven Valenti’s Clothing | 157 North Street |
| 5. Franklin Barbershop |
137 North Street – inside the front door to the left (Crawford Square)
|
| 6. Wolfson Center (BSC) | 122 North Street |
| 7. Witch Slapped | 78 North Street |
| 8. Hot Plate Brewing, Co. | 1 School Street |
| 9. Marketplace Cafe | 53 North Street |
| 10. Deidre’s | 2 South Street |
| 11. The Recovery Room | 32 Bank Row |
| 12. Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Ave (last page will be in the Children’s Library window at Bartlett Ave.) |
This event is held as part of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s Downtown Celebrates Spring, sponsored in part by The Feigenbaum Foundation.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Baby Animals Festival at Hancock Shaker Village!
Meet the newest farm babies – lambs, piglets, calves, chicks, and kids (goats, that is) and partake in daily events and village-wide activities, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers – to craft demonstrations – to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail – to fun in the Discovery Barn.
The Village will be open 11-4 daily; purchase tickets when you arrive at the ticket desk or pre-purchase your tickets by clicking here. Pre-purchased tickets are non-refundable, but you are able to change the date of your tickets by calling 413-443-0188. Tickets for NARM, Library Pass, AAA, and Massachusetts EBT need to be purchased in person. Please allow 2 hours for your visit.
Hancock Shaker Village
1843 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield
413.443.0188
hancockshakervillage.org
Hours Outside Challenge
April 15-23
Free and open to all adults and children
The Y challenges you to get outside! Starting on April 15, stop by the Y (292 North Street) and pick up a coloring page tracker. Whether you take a hike with your family, practice a spring sport with your friends, or meditate in the sun by yourself; spend time outside each day and color in your tracker each night. Return your tracker on Sunday, April 23 and the person with the most time spent outside will win Y swag!
Berkshire Family YMCA
292 North St., Pittsfield
413.499.7650
bfymca.org
Visit the Berkshire Museum on FREE Admission Day!
Tuesday, April 18
Berkshire Museum
39 South St., Pittsfield
413.443.7171
berkshiremuseum.org
Pop-Up Play Day at the Berkshire Museum
Tuesday, April 18, 1 to 3 pm & Saturday, April 22, 10 am to 12 pm
Children explore, play, collaborate, and build with the big blue blocks of the Imagination Playground in this time for unstructured play.
Included with regular museum admission
Best enjoyed by ages 4 to 12
Berkshire Museum
39 South St., Pittsfield
413.443.7171
berkshiremuseum.org
Free April Vacation Programs at the Berkshire Athenaeum!
Tinker Tots
Tuesday, April 18, 10 to 11 am
Come tinker and explore with the library and Pittsfield’s CFCE! Each week children ages 0-2 (siblings welcome) and their caregivers engage in child-centered play, art, music, Storytime, and sensory activities to encourage social, fine and gross motor, and pre-literacy skills.
Lego Club
Tuesday, April 18, 3 to 4:30 pm
Join us for LEGO building fun with the library’s huge collection of LEGO Bricks! Youth will have opportunities for free play, cooperative building, a LEGO challenge, and a time for sharing. Best for ages 6-10. Siblings welcome.
Drop-In Crafts
Wednesday, April 19, 10 am – until supplies run out
Families are invited to drop in to the Children’s Library for some relaxed crafting and activities!
Boredom Busters
Wednesday, April 19, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Are you looking for something fun to do on Wednesday nights? Come down to the Children’s Library, and join us for an evening of activities for the whole family!
Teen Cereal & Cartoons
Thursday, April 20, 1 to 2:30 pm
School’s out so wake up late and join us for a gourmet breakfast buffet of cereal while we watch some cartoons in the auditorium.
Tween Video Game Tournament
Thursday, April 20, 3 to 4 pm
Tweens ages 8-13 are invited to join us for a Nintendo Switch video game tournament on the big screen in the Auditorium! Gaming controllers are provided.
Family Wellness Workshop
Friday, April 21, 10:30 to 11:30 am
In this workshop for families, we’ll read together, explore mindful listening, movement, and tune into our emotions and creativity, while becoming confident in the importance of kindness for ourselves and each other. Leslie, our instructor, is a certified SEL*F Wellness Coach and RYT-200 yoga instructor. Participants are encouraged to dress in clothes that allow them to feel comfortable during movement, including sitting, standing, reaching, and laying down.
Please note: Our mindful movement practice may include yoga. Any new exercise routine, like yoga, carries inherent risks such as injury, and you should always consult with a medical professional before undertaking any new form of exercise. Participants and/or their parents/guardians are responsible for their own health and wellbeing when attending class.
Interactive Movie: Detective Pikachu
Friday, April 21, 1:30 to 4 pm
Join us for an interactive showing of Detective Pikachu! Each participant will get an activity bag and a script. During the movie, use the supplies in your bag to catch your favorite Pokémon, investigate with Pikachu, and more! Best suited for ages 8-15. Parents and siblings welcome.
Stop-In Saturday – Earth Day Extravaganza
Saturday, April 22, 10 am to 5 pm
Stop in the Children’s Library for this month’s drop-in program. Celebrate Earth Day by making Earth-themed crafts! Suited for families with kids of all ages.
Children under the age of 10 at Library programs must be accompanied by an adult 18+ at all times.
Berkshire Athenaeum – Public Library
1 Wendell Ave. Pittsfield
413.499.9480
www.pittsfieldlibrary.org
Teen Creative Writing Hour
Tuesday, April 18, 2:45 to 4:45 pm, FREE!
Want to start writing but don’t know where to start? Or do you have a work-in-progress you’d like some one-on-one feedback on? All teens ages 12-18 are welcome at Creative Writing Hour!
Berkshire Athenaeum – Public Library
1 Wendell Ave. Pittsfield
413.499.9480
www.pittsfieldlibrary.org
Free Kids Events at Witch Slapped!
Local Plants & Magical Properties
Wednesday, April 19, 1 pm
Felicia will be offering a class to all kids (under 18) which will help them identify local plants and learn what magical properties they have.
Candle Magic Workshops
Thursday, April 20, 12 pm, 2:30 pm, and 5 pm
Soma’s Aromas has donated another batch of mystery candles to our witchlings! We are offering 3 workshops for kids to come in and decorate a candle with their own magic!
Rock Painting Workshop
Saturday, April 22, 1 pm and 3 pm
We will be offering 2 workshops for kids (under 18) to paint rocks in celebration of Spring!
RESERVATIONS are REQUIRED for these events and will open by April 15 at witch-slapped.com.
Witch Slapped
78 North St., Pittsfield
413.464.9597
witch-slapped.com
Upcycle and Create at the Berkshire Museum
Wednesday, April 19, 1 to 3 pm
Is one person’s trash really another person’s treasure?
Celebrate Earth Day with Berkshire Museum educators and create something new from discarded materials! A sculpture made of old computer parts? A planter made of take-out containers? Learn how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and, most of all, be kind to our planet while having a blast! We supply the trash; you bring the imagination!
Included with regular museum admission
Best enjoyed by ages 4 to 12
Berkshire Museum
39 South St., Pittsfield
413.443.7171
berkshiremuseum.org
Celebrate Urban Birds with BNRC
Thursday, April 20, 10 to 11 am, FREE!
With Springtime comes the arrival of many bird species! Urban birds are important for many reasons including connecting us to nature and indicating the health of the city landscape. During this event kids (ages 3 – 6) will learn about birds that they can see in Pittsfield, listen to a story about birds, and make a bird collage of a local bird!
This event is hosted by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council and the Berkshire Athenaeum and is part of the larger Celebrate Urban Birds initiative led by Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology.
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult 18+ at all times.
Berkshire Athenaeum – Public Library
1 Wendell Ave. Pittsfield
413.499.9480
www.pittsfieldlibrary.org
Earthy Read Aloud at the Y!
Thursday, April 20, 10 am, FREE!
Join the Y for a lobby read aloud, as we learn about planting seeds and growing kindness!
Best suited for pre-school aged children 1-5 years old
Berkshire Family YMCA
292 North St., Pittsfield
413.499.7650
bfymca.org
Sidewalk Chalk at the Y
Friday, April 21, 10 am to 2 pm, FREE!
Spend time outside! Make art! Hop Scotch and Be Active! Beautify our Downtown YMCA!
Let’s create together!
All ages welcomed!
Berkshire Family YMCA
292 North St., Pittsfield
413.499.7650
bfymca.org
Drag Storytime
Friday, April 21, 2 to 4 pm, FREE!
A special Drag Story Time featuring local drag artist ” Miz Rebel,” her young daughter “Miz Sparkle,” and the one and only iconic “Mi2le2nial.”
These amazing queens will be set up in 3 different rooms reading books and answering questions. This will allow kids to rotate and enjoy several stories!
RESERVATIONS are REQUIRED and will open by April 15 at witch-slapped.com.
Witch Slapped
78 North St., Pittsfield
413.464.9597
witch-slapped.com
Disney’s Moana JR. at The Colonial Theatre
Friday, April 21 at 7 pm; Saturday, April 22 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday April 23 at 2 pm
This thrilling and heart-warming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Featuring all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.”
Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Disney’s Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
A portion of the proceeds from this production will be donated to Oceana.
Direction by Kathy Jo Grover
Choreography by Joseph Poulson
Featuring 40 Berkshire elementary, middle, and high school students
Tickets $10 and up.
Click here to purchase tickets!
Berkshire Theatre Group – The Colonial Theatre
111 South St., Pittsfield
Ticket Office: 413.997.4444
berkshiretheatregroup.org
Fresh Start / Stories, WordxWord Story Slam
Friday, April 21, 6 to 8 pm, FREE!
Fresh Start / Stories is the theme of April’s WordxWord Story Slam. The stories are yours. Admission is free.
Dottie’s will open at 6 pm selling beer, wine, and food.
STORIES AT 7 PM.
WXW Stories is a spirited sharing of true, first-person stories told, not read, circling loosely around a theme. April’s theme is Fresh Start. You’ll have to be there to know where the stories take us. Register to tell your story here: WordXWordFestival.com
Dottie’s Coffee Lounge
444 North St., Pittsfield
413.443.1792
www.dottiescoffeelounge.com
Bird Walk with Ben Nickley
Saturday, April 22, 8 to 9 am
Birds are miraculous! Especially in Spring when they dazzle us with bright, nuptial colors and serenade us with a profusion of happy song. This Earth Day the Berkshire County Historical Society will host a bird walk at Herman Melville’s historic home, Arrowhead. Ben Nickley, Director of Berkshire Bird Observatory, will lead the walk, helping participants find and identify many newly arrived migratory birds. This walk will be a celebration of nature, renewal, and all that birds do to inspire and uplift us.
Registration is required and limited; participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. $10 for BCHS members and $15 for non-members. Click here to purchase tickets!
Berkshire County Historical Society at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead
780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield
413.442.1793
www.mobydick.org
Scotts Planting Craft at Carr Hardware in Pittsfield
Saturday, April 22, 10 am to 1 pm, FREE!
Take part in a fun planting craft with Carr Hardware and Scotts in North Adams, Pittsfield, and Lenox!
Each child will get an egg carton and all the tools to plant their own mini garden!
Hold your spot now at: carrhardware.com/events-for-kids
Plus… Stop and see Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck who will be outside the Pittsfield store. YUM!
Carr Hardware
547 North St., Pittsfield
413.443.5611
www.carrhardware.com
Sustainable Gardening Program at the Berkshire Museum
Saturday, April 22, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Grow your own vegetable garden with Berkshire Museum educators! Have you ever wondered where your food comes from? Or how a seed becomes a sprout, or a sprout becomes food? Grow your own food and get your sustainable garden started in this special Earth Day educational program!
Young visitors can also get inspired to grow vegetables in the Peter Rabbit interactive in the current Storyland exhibition!
Included with regular museum admission
Best enjoyed by ages 4 to 12
Berkshire Museum
39 South St., Pittsfield
413.443.7171
berkshiremuseum.org
Teen Retro Play
Saturday, April 22, 2 to 4 pm, FREE!
A day to celebrate all things retro. We’ll have Lite Brites, record players, typewriters, Polaroids, and our Nintendo or Super Nintendo consoles!
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult 18+ at all times.
Berkshire Athenaeum – Public Library
1 Wendell Ave. Pittsfield
413.499.9480
www.pittsfieldlibrary.org
Wellness Day 2023!
Saturday, April 22, 10 am to 2 pm
Paterson Field House Gym, BCC Main Campus
Wellness Day will be filled with activities such as a 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, Kids’ Race, chair massages, and educational booths on how to care for yourself and loved ones. The event is free and open to the public, with nominal fees for massages.
There is a fee to participate in 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, and Kids’ Race. All proceeds of the event will go to Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), whose mission is to protect the environment for wildlife in support of the natural world that sustains us all.
5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, and Kids’ Race
Individual 5K Run: $25 by April 20, $30 on Race Day
1 Mile Fitness Walk and Kids’ Run: $10 by April 20, $15 on Race Day
Race Day Registration and packet pick up will be from 8:45 to 9:45 am at BCC’s Paterson Field House
Race begins on campus at 10 am
Gift certificates for first male and female finishers
Free long sleeve T-shirt for 5K participants (first 100 5K registered runners)
Prizes for all finishers of 1 Mile Walk/Kids’ Race
Click here to register!