ArtWeek Berkshires is an annual celebration of local creativity. Enjoy 100+ hands-on or behind-the-scenes events and open studios across the region, from gallery shows to live performances, poetry readings to painting demos, and so much more.
ArtWeek is presented by the five Cultural Districts of Berkshire County and promoted by 1Berkshire.
To view all events, visit berkshires.org/artweek-berkshires.
Drop-in Art Making for ArtWeek Berkshires!
Saturday, October 14 | 10 am to 12 pm | FREE
Brothership Building, 141 North Street
Join Berkshire Art Center at their Pittsfield location (141 North Street) for a Pop-Up Free Drop-In Art Making event during ArtWeek! During this special event, people of all ages can come to participate in a fun artmaking project guided by a BAC Faculty Artist. No registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Berkshire Camino Guided Hike of the High Road Yokun Ridge
Saturday, October 14 or Sunday, October 22 | 9 am to 2 pm | $99
101 Dan Fox Road, Pittsfield
Join a mindfully guided woodland hike on the High Road Yokun Ridge that connects Lenox and Pittsfield. Berkshire Camino integrates the natural environment, history, culture, and spirit of the Berkshires making it easy, safe, and engaging for casual hikers to explore the region on foot. This facilitated experience invites guests to set an intention for the hike, walk at the speed of curiosity, and participate in a simple letting go ritual. This hike is ideal for the spiritually minded hiker.
Breathing Space Art and Meditation Workshop + Exhibition
Sunday, October 15 | 10 am to 4 pm | FREE
NUarts Studios & Gallery, 311 North Street
Note: This event has two parts: Workshop 10 am to 12 pm, followed by an exhibit from 12 to 4 pm.
Journey into your creativity in this 2-hour workshop that blends chanting with meditation and art-making to broaden your self-care toolbox. Explore how art can impact your wellbeing in this free workshop led by Laura Thompson, artist, Kripalu meditation teacher, and founder of Breathingspace.art. No prior art, yoga, or meditation experience is required. The workshop is followed by an exhibition at NUarts Studios & Gallery from 12 to 4 pm by artists Melinda Cruzen, Marney Schorr, and Laura Thompson.
Figure Drawing Group
Monday, October 16 | 6 to 8 pm | $15
The Clocktower Building, 75 South Church Street
A community group for independent figure drawing from a live model, monitored by Lee Everett from Berkshire Art Center. Click here to register!
This is a figure drawing group, not an instructional class. Please register as early as possible, as BAC needs a minimum number of confirmed participants before they are able to book a model. Pre-registration allows BAC to avoid cancellation due to low interest.
Open Studios and Berkshire Art Association Open House at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts
Tuesday, October 17 | 5 to 7 pm | FREE
Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Ave
The artists of the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts will open their studios for a behind-the-scenes look on October 17! Members of the Berkshire Art Association’s Board of Directors will be in attendance to answer questions about the BAA, BAA events and projects, and BAA membership.
See and experience CHAOS, Julio Granda’s powerful exhibit of 54 paintings; a defiant, moving collection of abstract paintings by this prolific, accomplished, and well-loved Berkshire artist and teacher.
Opening Reception: Nature and Animals Exhibit at Berkshire Humane Society
Thursday, October 19 | 5 to 7 pm | FREE
Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road
Inspired by nature, animals and wildlife, the Guild of Berkshire Artists open a new show at the Berkshire Humane Society (BHS). Work is both representational and abstracted, painting, photography, and mixed media. 20% of the purchase price will be donated to BHS.
STEAM Challenge Night
Thursday, October 19 | 5 to 7:30 pm | FREE
The Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street
Flying Cloud Institute along with the Berkshire STEM Pipeline and the Berkshire Museum will be hosting a night of hands-on science and arts exploration for students in grades K-8 and their families! This is part of Massachusetts’ 6th annual STEM Week. Click here to learn more!
Transformer Fest ’23 with Comedian Katie Boyle
Thursday, October 19 | 8 pm | $20 plus $4 online ticket fee
Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, 444 North Street
Transformer Fest ‘23 begins with comedian Katie Boyle headlining a full evening of standup comedy at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge.
Irish Comedian Katie Boyle will be presenting her new show “Terapy”. Boyle was just selected as a JFL International New Face at the largest and most prestigious comedy festival on the planet, Just For Laughs in Montreal. Her first one-hour comedy album, “I’ll Do It Myself”, was just released and hit #1 on the charts and was featured on She’s so Funny on Sirius XM. She’s the host of The Shift Podcast. She’s a regular at New York Comedy Club and tours all over the United States and Ireland.
General admission tickets and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Seating will be prioritized for patrons who reserve tables for pre-show dinner. Contact Dottie’s for reservations.
Autumn Art & Music Festival at the Clock Tower
Friday, October 20 | 6 to 9 pm | $20-25, Children under 12 are free
The Clocktower Building, 75 South Church Street, 3rd Floor
Open Studios 6 to 8 pm
Soultet Band 7 to 9 pm
Cash bar and nosh.
THIS EVENT WAS CANCELLED.
Drop-in Art Making for ArtWeek Berkshires!
Friday, October 20 | 5:30 to 7:30 pm | FREE
Brothership Building, 141 North Street
Join Berkshire Art Center at their Pittsfield location (141 North Street) for a Pop-Up Free Drop-In Art Making event during ArtWeek! During this special event, people of all ages can come to participate in a fun artmaking project guided by a BAC Faculty Artist. No registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Transformer Fest ’23: Comedians Luke Thayer & Abbi Crutchfield
Friday, October 20 | 8 pm | $20 plus $4 online ticket fee
Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street
Comedians Luke Thayer and Abbi Crutchfield are the highlight of the second night of Transformer Fest, downtown Pittsfield’s comedy festival!
Luke Thayer is a member of the prestigious and world-famous Friar’s Club, has been in numerous comedy festivals, and tours comedy clubs, colleges, and theaters worldwide. Luke Thayer has a silly, yet biting and unorthodox view of social norms and insight into people’s choices, childhood, parenthood, and the neighborhood. He has appeared on “Gotham Comedy Live”, FOX, TruTV, and The Food Network, to name a few. Luke is regularly heard on SiriusXM Radio and has been their “Comedian of the Month”. His Dry Bar Comedy Special was released in May 2023, and you can listen to his debut album “Hopes + Dreams” on Amazon, iTunes, and wherever you get your music.
Abbi Crutchfield is a comedian, actress, and television personality. You have seen her on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” Comedy Central, and as the host of “You Can Do Better” on TruTV and “Up Early Tonight” on Hulu.
General admission with seating on a first come, first serve basis. Priority will be given to those who come early and order dinner via phone from neighboring Brazilian restaurant, Espetinho Carioca – your food will be brought right to your table. This is an adult comedy show, please be 18+ and have an open mind.
Berkshire Camino Guided Hike of Pittsfield State Forest
Saturday, October 21 | 9 am to 1 pm | $88
Pittsfield State Forest, 1041 Cascade Street
Join a mindfully guided woodland hike at Pittsfield State Forest. Berkshire Camino integrates the natural environment, history, culture, and spirit of the Berkshires making it easy, safe, and engaging for casual hikers to explore the region on foot. This facilitated experience invites guests to set an intention for the hike, walk at the speed of curiosity, and participate in a simple letting go ritual. This hike is ideal for the spiritually minded hiker.
Drop-in Art Making for ArtWeek Berkshires!
Saturday, October 21 | 10 am to 12 pm | FREE
Brothership Building, 141 North Street
Join Berkshire Art Center at their Pittsfield location (141 North Street) for a Pop-Up Free Drop-In Art Making event during ArtWeek! During this special event, people of all ages can come to participate in a fun artmaking project guided by a BAC Faculty Artist. No registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Downtown Pittsfield… It’s Alive!
Saturday, October 21 | 1 to 5 pm | FREE
More info at downtownpittsfield.com/2023/10/downtown-pittsfield-its-alive-2.
Transformer Fest ’23: Comedian Shane Torres
Saturday, October 21 | 8 pm | $20 plus $4 online ticket fee
Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, 444 North Street
The final night of Transformer Fest ‘23 will feature illustrious comedian Shane Torres headlining Dottie’s Coffee Lounge.
Taking a break from touring arenas with friend Bert Kreischer, comedian/writer/podcaster/actor Shane Torres will make a stop in downtown Pittsfield.
As a standup comedian Shane has appeared on “CONAN” (twice), “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” “Half Hour Special with Comedy Central,” and “This Week From The Cellar” on Comedy Central, just to name a few. He released his debut album “Established 1981” with Comedy Central records to rave reviews in 2018. You can see him touring all around the world at comedy clubs, concert venues, and some of the most prestigious festivals. He has been reviewed by numerous media outlets including The New York Times, Onion AV Club, GQ UK, and more.
“Mr. Torres has a laconic drawling delivery with deliberate pacing, placing him firmly in the tradition of dry deadpan specialists like Tig Notaro and Todd Barry. But his style is warmer, relying on punchlines with corkscrew turns that have moments of vulnerability and even melancholy.” — The New York Times.
General admission tickets and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Seating will be prioritized for patrons who reserve tables for pre-show dinner. Contact Dottie’s for reservations.
Pittsfield, MA Mural Virtual Walking Tour
Ongoing | FREE