Blog ArchiveDowntown Pittsfield, Inc. hosts Local Love Arts Festival on Sunday, September 27

Although we had planned for the Local Love Arts Festival to be rain or shine, we did not anticipate a Nor’easter with temperatures in the mid-50’s, copious amounts of rain, and high wind warnings. Therefore, we are canceling the event on Sunday. Our plan will be to host something during the holiday season as part of our Festive Frolic events.

Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. hosts Local Love Arts Festival on Sunday, September 27

The inaugural Local Love Arts Festival will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at The Common in Downtown Pittsfield. Local artists will take center stage — showcasing their work, connecting with new audiences, and reminding our community that some of the region’s most talented creators are right here in our own backyard.

The event will celebrate the incredible talent of Berkshire County’s artists while creating a vibrant Downtown experience filled with art, music, food, family activities, and community. Visitors will enjoy 20+ artisanal vendor booths, the Berkshires Jazz Summer Showcase, food and beverages, a children’s activity area with free face painting and balloon twisting, sidewalk chalk art with Pittsfield Parks and Rec, and interactive arts experiences throughout the day. Hot Plate Brewing Co. will host an exclusive beer and wine garden with a view of the Main Stage.

Bruce Bowey of BTC Family Entertainment will host a free, family-friendly magic show at 11 AM and 1:30 PM that contains some puppet routines and some ventriloquism.
Live jazz entertainment will be provided by Berkshires Jazz. Performers include Junk, featuring Will Hudgins on vibraphone; Joe Finn with Jack Dinicola and Friends; and The Wanda Houston Band.
Schedule:
12 PM: Junk, featuring Will Hudgins on vibraphone
1 PM: Joe Finn with Jack Dinicola and Friends
2 PM: The Wanda Houston Band
The Berkshires Jazz Summer Showcase is sponsored by the Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield Cultural Council, and Mill Town Foundation.
JUNK, featuring Will Hudgins on vibraphone, is the creation of Michael Junkins, a standout guitarist and leader. He performs throughout the Berkshires in several configurations. He is the curator of the jazz series in the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. His quintet features Will Hudgins, who has stood out as a jazz vibist as well as performing classical repertoire with the BSO.
Joe Finn with Jack Dinicola and friends. Drummer and leader Jack Dinicola is a Berkshire Music School faculty member, who educates and performs in Berkshire County and Albany, N.Y. Guitarist Joe Finn has been established as one of the top guitarists in the area. In addition to local performances and teaching, his album “Straight Ahead” received critical acclaim as well as extensive national airplay.
The Wanda Houston Band features the accomplished singer, actress, and music coach. A fixture in clubs and main-stage events throughout the area, The Wanda Houston Band, features Wanda’s powerful voice and characteristic charisma, and plays a mix of mid-20th century jazz and rhythm-and-blues.
Artists Mike Carty and Diane Firtell will be painting live during the event. Diane will paint from 10 am to 1 pm, and Mike will paint from 11:45 am to 2:45 pm.
Berkshire Art Center will be providing an interactive art activity, and Katunemo Art & Healing will host a Faces of Pittsfield community art project.

Pittsfield Parks & Recreation will host chalk art drawing for the duration of the event. People of all ages and abilities are invited to transform the paved walking paths of The Common into a vibrant outdoor gallery using sidewalk chalk. There is no competitiveness to this activity; it’s just an opportunity to create, connect, and enjoy art in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply looking to draw for fun with friends or family, everyone is invited to participate. There will be some pre-taped squares along the pavement at the front of the park which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis as well as a dedicated kids’ drawing area.

Vendors:

Auntie Kat’s Handmade Gift Shoppe

Bake My Day

Baked! Pastries & More

Birds Eye Woodcraft

Calcite & Comfrey

Chela & Co. Charcuterie

Courtney’s Creations

Dragonfly Dreams

Filament and Ink Studio

Glimmerhold Artistry

MaMa Luchi’s All Natural Handmade Products

Penny Arcade Press

Ray of Bray Laser Designs

Solarium (Anastasia Drayton)

Sure Thing Stained Glass

TRoLL Art

Truffles by Tarah LLC

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will support Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s ongoing work to promote local businesses, public art, placemaking, and community events throughout Downtown Pittsfield.

The Local Love Arts Festival is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Mill Town Foundation, and the Feigenbaum Foundation.

Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is still accepting applications for Berkshire County based artisanal vendors to showcase their wares at the Local Love Arts Festival on Sunday, September 27, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm, at The Common on First Street.

Only those who make their own handmade products will be accepted. DPI is looking for visual artists, craftspeople, textile artists, jewelry makers, and those who make quality packaged foods and sweets. All vendors will go through an approval process, and the organizers of the Local Love Arts Festival reserve the right to reject any vendor who is not a fit for this market. Spaces are limited. The booth fee is $75, and vendors are responsible for their own tables, tents, and set-up. No resale products will be accepted. Link to apply to be a vendor: https://forms.gle/3c9u8oymsafznnfDA