August 7 First Fridays at Five - Downtown Pittsfield Western Massachusetts The Berkshires

The City of Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI), and the Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association (DPCA) have announced details for the third First Fridays at Five of the 2026 season. The event on Friday, August 7 presented by Guardian, will feature live music and dance, art, family fun, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs so they can sit and enjoy a variety of food, beverages, and entertainment.

Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature a live performance by Sample The Cat from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy a beer garden from Hot Plate Brewing Co. and local food vendors within the vicinity.

Sample The Cat is a genre-bending musical group that defies easy categorization. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including rock, jazz, funk, soul, and R&B, the band’s sound is characterized by its infectious grooves, intricate arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics.

Formed in 2019 in the heart of Berkshire County, Sample The Cat has quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live performances and their ability to connect with audiences on a deep level.

In the case of inclement weather, Sample The Cat will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.

From 5 to 8 pm on North Street, in front of Hot Harry’s at 37 North Street, will be Split Senses, an authentic, young 3-piece alternative rock band that grew up in Pittsfield with a sound mixing 70s psychedelic rock roots and 90s grunge. The band’s goal is to spread their original tunes and good vibrations across the Berkshires and New England. Band members are Noah (bassist and backing vocals), Easton, (guitarist and lead vocals), and Blake (drummer).

On North Street near the Center Island across from the Beacon Cinema will be Youth Alive Step, Dance, and Drumline with performances at 6 pm and 7 pm.

Youth Alive is a multicultural community-based arts program providing arts and educational opportunities to young people 8-18 years of age with a focus on dance forms including Step, African, and Hip-Hop. Youth Alive marked its 30th anniversary this year!

The Step portion of the performance will consist of junior and senior squads performing their individual routines, followed by them joining together as the dance squad to perform with a dance mix.

On Friday, August 7 at 5 pm, there will be an Unveiling and Ribbon Cutting for the Let It Shine Community Mural on the AdLib building at 215 North Street.

Created in collaboration with Common Wealth Murals, Mill Town Foundation, Let It Shine!, the Pittsfield Public Schools, and local artists, students, and community members, the large-scale mural reflects the creativity and collective spirit of Pittsfield. The mural was inspired by ideas and artwork from Pittsfield students and was partially painted by community members during the June First Fridays at Five.

The ribbon cutting will bring partners and community members together to recognize everyone who helped transform the project from a shared idea into a vibrant new work of public art.

Join Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and First Fridays Artswalk as they feature Maru Domínguez as the August “Art in the Park” artist. Maru will present a special “Faces of Pittsfield Community Art Experience” for the August 7 First Fridays at Five from 5 to 8 pm.

Faces of Pittsfield is a community photography project that celebrates the people who live, work, and visit Pittsfield through the art of portraiture. This August, we invite you to become part of the artwork itself.

Together, we will create a collaborative community portrait by painting and decorating our own faces and self-portraits, celebrating the diversity, stories, and connections that make Pittsfield unique. Through art, creativity, and shared expression, we will build a collective piece that reflects who we are as a community.

Come create, connect, and celebrate with us. All ages and artistic abilities are welcome!

Be part of the portrait. Be part of the story. Be part of Pittsfield.

Maru Domínguez is a photographer, artist, and community organizer based in the Berkshires, MA. Her work centers on storytelling, community building, and creating meaningful connections through art and culture.

“Art in the Park” is supported in part by the Feigenbaum Foundation.

“Art in the Park” is supported in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, and a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Jim Horsford will also be popped up in Palace Park hosting a free live pottery demonstration from 5 to 8 pm where he will be inviting individuals to help him make pots on the potter’s wheel. Jim spent 30 years as an art teacher at Herberg Middle School from 1978 to 2008. Currently, he teaches pottery on the wheel at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts where he has been since 2000. His creations will be available for purchase.

In the case of inclement weather, “Art in the Park”and pottery demos with Jim Horsford will be inside the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue.

Fitness professional, Aimee Marshall, will host a Free Cardio Drumming Class in front of Crawford Square at 137 North Street from 5 to 6:30 pm. Community members are invited to drop-in at any time throughout the class or stay for the entire duration. Participants are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers and to bring a water bottle.

Cardio drumming is a high-energy, music driven, full body workout that combines rhythmic drumming on balls and drumsticks with aerobic exercise. This low impact class is suitable for all fitness levels and is brought to you by Berkshire Fitness and Wellness Center.

The “Resurrection Off-road Team” will host a “Touch an ATV” event at the Corner of North and Park Square at 24 North Street from 5 to 8 pm. Resurrection Off-road isn’t just a team — it’s a movement fueled by adrenaline, mud, horsepower, and family. They are a tight-knit community of thrill-seekers who ride hard and lift each other up, turning every trail obstacle and muddy adventure into unforgettable memories.

Ronnie’s Harley-Davidson is celebrating 70 years in business this year and will also be joining First Fridays at Five near the South end of the road closure for a “Touch an ATV and UTV” event.

The Makers Market at First Fridays at Five will feature over a dozen local vendors selling handmade products such as crafts, clothing and accessories, candles, art, custom gift items, self-care items, and packaged foods and sweets. Makers include ATK Customs, Auntie Kat’s Gift Shop, Baked! Pastries & More, Berkshire Henna, BerkshireSci Biscuits LLC, Black Bear 3D, Braidy Bunch, Cookie’s Cupcakes, Glimmerhold Artistry & Tiffs Trinkets, Hilltown Hemlock Studio, Leann’s Lovies, Leo’s Bargain Boutique, little country gifts, Lovies Bakery, ManiSetGo, Mindset Personalized, Mountain Roots Artistry, Paparazzi Accessories, Pearls & Pillows, Plushy Pals, LLC, Poison Apple Gifts, Photography by Cam, Sisterhood of the Traveling Crafts, Sunshine Jewelry, Troll Art, and Truffles by Tarah.

Check out a variety of food vendors including Alchemy Events Mobile Bar, BB’s Hot Spot, Berkshire Kettle Creations and Lemonade, Best Damn Espresso, Cocineras Latinas LLC Coop, D’s Island Food Truck, Full Belly FEWD TRUCK, La Chalupa & La Enchilada, and Williams Street Market and Deli.

The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including arts & crafts, games, and more.

Participating organizations include 18 Degrees Inc., 914 LOCK INC, ALZ.0rg, Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire County Football Officials Association, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Berkshire Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Unit Council, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Woodworkers Guild, BRPC/ SPARK – BE3C Coalitions, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Child Care of the Berkshires, Department of Children and Families, Dream Center, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Foster MA/Adopt MA, Gandara Center, Mass Audubon, Mental Health Support for Families, NBT Bank, The Great Josh Billings RunAground, VFW Post 448, and Western Mass Labor Action.

Bowey the Clown will be balloon twisting, crafting free balloon creations in front of Crawford Square at 137 North Street.

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Clock Tower Artists, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Indie Readery and Records, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, O.U.R Resurge, Sanctum Gallery, Solarium Plant Shop, and the Soda Chef. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists.

First Fridays at Five is led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and will take place in downtown Pittsfield on May 1, June 5, August 7, and September 4, 2026. A portion of North Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include AccessPlus, MountainOne, Guardian, and Mill Town Foundation.

For more information and a full event listing, visit https://lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays.

North Street will be closed from Park Square to Columbus Avenue on Friday, August 7 from 3 to 8:30 pm. Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes during this timeframe and follow appropriate detours. In addition, a parking restriction will be in place on North Street between Park Square and Columbus Avenue starting at 2 pm on Friday.

Persip Park, 175 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Sample The Cat
– Beer garden with Hot Plate Brewing Co.
– Local food vendors

Rain location: Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street

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North Street, near Hot Harry’s at 37 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Split Senses band

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North Street near the Center Island across from the Beacon Cinema, 6 AND 7 pm

– Youth Alive Step, Dance, and Drumline perform at 6 pm and 7 pm

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Corner of North and Park Square at 24 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– The “Resurrection Off-road Team” will host a “Touch an ATV” event.

– Ronnie’s Harley-Davidson will host a “Touch an ATV and UTV” event.

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AdLib building at 215 North Street, 5 pm

– Unveiling and Ribbon Cutting for the Let It Shine Community Mural on the AdLib building at 5 pm

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Palace Park, 122 North Street, 5 to 8 pm

– Art in the Park: Maru Domínguez presents “Faces of Pittsfield Community Art Experience”
– Live Pottery Demo with Jim Horsford

Rain Location: Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renee Avenue

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North Street in front of Crawford Square, 137 North Street

– Free Balloon Twisting with Bowey the Clown

– Fitness professional, Aimee Marshall, hosts a Free (DROP-IN) Cardio Drumming Class from 5 to 6:30 pm

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North Street

Makers Market:

Food Vendors:

Family Fun Zone:

The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including arts & crafts, games, and more.

First Fridays Artswalk:

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