Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five
2025-05-02 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will expand onto North Street this year and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. Participating organizations include the Albany Berkshire Ballet/Cantarella School of Dance, Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire County Head Start/CFCE, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire Family YMCA, Berkshire Medical Center, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Pittsfield Little League, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, The Berkshire Eagle, and Xtreme Wrestling Alliance, Inc.
There will also be a self-guided Animal Scavenger Hunt for families presented by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) beginning at Palace Park, and Balloon Ben will be crafting free balloon creations!

May 2 First Fridays at Five!
2025-05-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The City of Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI), and the Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association (DPCA) have announced details for the May 2nd First Fridays at Five sponsored by AccessPlus. The event will feature live music, art, dance, 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 Futon Lasagna from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy a beer garden from Hot Plate Brewing, Co. and local food vendors within the vicinity.

Futon Lasagna is ska comfort food made with love since 2021. Hailing from Boston, this high-energy, female-fronted LGBTQ+ band blends the melodic vocals of pop punk with the infectious rhythms of punk ska—think Bouncing Souls meets Less Than Jake, but hold the horns. Their catchy, relatable songs are perfect for dancing your feelings out. What started as four friends jamming at parties quickly turned into a beloved act lighting up stages across New England.

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

Dunham Mall, 100 North Street, will feature Dance on Dunham with Latin Dance Lessons from Luana Dias David and Prashad Abeysinghe. Luana and Prashad will host two 30-minute dance lessons at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, with open dance space before, between, and after to keep the energy flowing and allow for community interaction. Enjoy a beer garden from Hot Plate Brewing, Co. on Dunham Mall. Dance on Dunham is presented in partnership with Mill Town Foundation.

In the case of inclement weather, Dance on Dunham with Luana and Prashad will be at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue.

Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and First Fridays Artswalk will feature a different “Art in the Park” artist each month of the First Fridays at Five Season. On May 2 from 5 to 8 pm, Shelsy Rodriguez (Stephx) will be popped up in Palace Park (near 122 North Street), inviting the community to join her in creating an original painting. “Art in the Park” is supported by the Feigenbaum Foundation.

Shelsy Rodriguez is a 22-year-old student from Bogota, Colombia. She came to the United States almost four years ago in search of her own well-being and development as a person. She is an environmental science student at BCC and has a creative baking business with her mother. Shelsy’s first mural can be seen on the Intermodal Center in Pittsfield.

Jim Horsford will also be 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” with Shelsy Rodriguez and Pottery with Jim Horsford will be inside the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue.

The Big Air Bike Jam hosted by Berkshire Bike and Board and Berkshire Mountain Bike Training Series will be in the Palace Park Parking Lot on May 2 from 5 to 8 pm (weather permitting). Enjoy this freestyle bike demo right in downtown Pittsfield!

DJ Bengey will be the featured First Fridays at Five DJ for May and will be stationed on North Street closer to Park Square along with the Makers Market. (In the case of inclement weather, the DJ will be at the Hot Harry’s pavilion.)

Brooklyn-born and East Coast-based, DJ Bengey brings over two decades of experience creating unforgettable musical moments. A veteran of New York City’s vibrant music scene, Bengey is known for his genre-defying mixes that perfectly match any event’s energy.

The Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five will feature 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.

The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will expand onto North Street this year and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. Participating organizations include the Albany Berkshire Ballet/Cantarella School of Dance, Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire County Head Start/CFCE, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire Family YMCA, Berkshire Medical Center, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Pittsfield Little League, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, The Berkshire Eagle, and Xtreme Wrestling Alliance, Inc.

There will also be a self-guided Animal Scavenger Hunt for families presented by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) beginning at Palace Park, and Balloon Ben will be crafting free balloon creations!

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Berkshire Art Center, Clock Tower Artists, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Living in Recovery, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, Marketplace Cafe, Ralph Froio Senior Center, Soda Chef, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pittsfield. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists.

A free ART BUS provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers will take you to a half dozen locations throughout downtown during the First Fridays at Five on May 2nd. The ART BUS will make stops at City Hall, The Berkshire Carousel, Clock Tower Artists, the Framework by DPI Gallery at the corner of North and Linden Streets, Hotel on North, and Persip Park at the corner of North Street and Columbus Avenue. The ART BUS will depart City Hall every half hour starting at 5 pm with the last ride departing City Hall at 7:30 pm. Visit downtownpittsfield.com for the ART BUS schedule.

Berkshire Art Center, 141 North Street, will feature Free Drop-in Art Making from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. All ages are welcome to stop by to participate in a free art activity with the guidance and support of a faculty artist.

Hot Plate Brewing, Co., 1 School Street, will celebrate the return of First Fridays with a two-band lineup featuring two Northampton-based bands: Gentle Hens and The Fawns starting at 7 pm.

WANDER Berkshires, 34 Depot Street, Suite 101, will feature Roadhouse Gospel Revival with Misty Blues from 7 to 9 pm. Misty Blues pays tribute to the bold and brassy women of early blues while honoring the legendary male artists of the 1920s–1940s. Rooted in reverence and joy, this evening promises deep grooves, raw emotion, and pure blues energy. $20 advance tickets or pay at the door.

Berkshire Theatre Group will present “Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour 2025” at The Colonial Theatre, 111 South Street, at 7:30 pm. Known for his clean, clever humor and unique comedic style, Henry has been entertaining audiences across the country with his hilarious observations on life, family and culture. With numerous appearances on late-night TV, Comedy Central, and his own Comedy Central special, Henry has established himself as one of the most beloved comedians in the industry.

First Fridays at Five is led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and will take place in downtown Pittsfield on May 2, June 6, August 1, and September 5. A portion of North Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include AccessPlus, MountainOne, and Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

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

First Fridays at Five: DJ Bengey
2025-05-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
DJ Bengey will be the featured First Fridays at Five DJ for May and will be stationed on North Street closer to Park Square along with the Makers Market. (In the case of inclement weather, the DJ will be at the Hot Harry’s pavilion.)
Brooklyn-born and East Coast-based, DJ Bengey brings over two decades of experience creating unforgettable musical moments. A veteran of New York City’s vibrant music scene, Bengey is known for his genre-defying mixes that perfectly match any event’s energy.

Ribbon-Cutting for “Flying and Flourishing” – A 3-Piece Mural on Burbank Place
2025-05-02 18:00 - 18:30 | Burbank Place, McKay Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Pittsfield Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership, under the direction of Artist in Residence Huck Elling, worked with students at Pittsfield High School to paint a mural entitled “Flying and Flourishing.” This vibrant work of art is installed at Burbank Place, joining their previous tile mural, “Shapes of Togetherness.” The public is invited to the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new work on Friday, May 2, at 6 pm, as part of First Fridays at Five.
The students chose to continue transforming the previously selected location of Burbank Place, harnessing the artistic momentum to bring meaningful color and vibrancy to a spot they feel is too frequently described as dreary or graffiti-filled.
As part of Let It Shine’s ongoing initiative to connect students with local artists, the group met twice a week to conceptualize and design the mural under the guidance of Artist in Residence Huck Elling and Sophie Possick, a first-year student from Williams College serving as a Public Art Intern.
As a Public Art Intern, Possick listened to the students’ ideas and drew up sketches to bring their plans to life. “The students wanted to keep bringing light to this space and immediately knew they wanted to incorporate flowers and bugs into their designs,” said Possick. “Watching the students go from talking to sketching to a final product was a wonderful experience. I’m so grateful that I got the opportunity to serve as a vehicle for the students to bounce ideas off of and that I got to know and spend time with all of them.”
Many students returned to the project, eager to continue their work with Let It Shine! Among them was Kenny Davis, a 12th-grade student, who shared, “We wanted to concentrate our energy in one space to create a bigger impact. By focusing on this spot, we achieved something truly special.”
Catherine Hennessey, a 9th-grade participant, highlighted the mural’s thematic focus: “By choosing flowers and bugs, we’re literally bringing life to this space. The alleyway is dark, and real flowers can’t grow there—but now they can through our art.”
The mission of Let It Shine! is centered on making art accessible to everyone, fostering confidence in Pittsfield, and strengthening connections between residents and their downtown. The Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership is a collective of Pittsfield-based community members, including Downtown Pittsfield, Inc./Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association (fiscal agent), the City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development, Pittsfield Artists in Residence Huck Elling and Jesse Tobin McCauley, and the Mill Town Foundation. Together, they are dedicated to organizing public art initiatives and revitalizing North Street, supported by MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI). TDI is a program designed to stimulate economic growth in Gateway Cities by focusing on key districts.
Let It Shine! is continuing its mentoring program in Pittsfield Public Schools near downtown this year. The program aims to educate and inspire young artists while strengthening connections between youth and downtown, contributing to economic and community well-being. Local youth participate in public art projects exploring activism, environmentalism, and entrepreneurship.
Let It Shine! expresses gratitude for support from its major sponsors: Mill Town Foundation, Lee Bank, Feigenbaum Foundation, TDI Local funding from MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council.
Special appreciation is given to NBT Bank for their support and to Rich Altman and Adam Hersch of Cavalier Central Block, LLC, for their generous contribution to this project.
For more information on the Pittsfield Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership, email Artist in Residence Huck Elling at huckelling@gmail.com or call the City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development at 413-499-9348.

Bike Rodeo at Pittsfield Farmers Market
2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:00 | The Common, First Street, Pittsfield, MA, 100 First Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States

“Reading with Rebel" at First Fridays at Five
2025-06-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Witch Slapped, 78 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Witch Slapped, 78 North Street, will host “Reading with Rebel” from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, June 6 during the First Fridays at Five. Drag queen, Miz Rebel Progress, has teamed up with Witch Slapped to promote literacy at this storytelling event. All children who attend will leave with a free book. The event is free, but donations to the Witch Slapped Community Fund are welcomed.

First Fridays at Five: Jim Horsford Pottery Demonstration
2025-06-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
6/6 UPDATE: Jim Horsford will be inside the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue. He will be downstairs.
Jim Horsford will also be 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, Jim Horsford will be inside the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue.

“Art in the Park” with Isabel Rosenthal
2025-06-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
6/6 UPDATE: Isabel Rosenthal will be inside the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and First Fridays Artswalk are pleased to announce the June “Art in the Park” artist at First Fridays at Five is Isabel Rosenthal.
Isabel will be popped up in Palace Park (near 122 North Street), inviting the community to watch her paint and alter recycled clothing. She will be discussing her process with all who are interested.
Isabel Rosenthal is 14 years old and grew up in Williamstown and Adams, Massachusetts. She gets her artistic talent from her grandfather and her personality from Gina Linetti in the show Brooklyn 99. Isabel has been drawing and painting since the first grade and credits her best friend, Molly, with encouraging and supporting her since elementary school. Isabel specializes in painting clothing and has a strong interest in fashion. She is inspired by women artists, such as Jenny Saville and Barbara Kruger, who incorporate feminism and female empowerment into their art. Isabel finds that painting, especially on unconventional surfaces, heightens her perspective and makes the world more interesting. Isabel paints clothing and murals to bring art to her surroundings and loves the idea of art existing everywhere she looks. She dreams of living and painting murals in New York City.
In the case of inclement weather, “Art in the Park” with Isabel Rosenthal will be inside the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue.
“Art in the Park” is supported by the Feigenbaum Foundation.

June 6 First Fridays at Five
2025-06-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The June 6 First Fridays at Five sponsored by MountainOne will feature live music, art, dance, family fun, shopping, food, two beer gardens, 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!
6/6 UPDATE: RAIN LOCATIONS ARE IN EFFECT

Housie Shakers at Persip Park (5 to 8 pm)

Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature a live performance by the Housie Shakers from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy a beer garden from Hot Plate Brewing, Co. and local food vendors within the vicinity.
In the case of inclement weather, the Housie Shakers will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.

Dance on Dunham (5 to 8 pm)

Dunham Mall, 100 North Street, will feature Dance on Dunham with Aimee Gelinas, the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers, and Noel Staples-Freeman from 5 to 8 pm.

In the case of inclement weather, Dance on Dunham will be at WANDER Berkshires, 34 Depot Street, Suite 101.

“Art in the Park” with Isabel Rosenthal (5 to 8 pm)

On June 6 from 5 to 8 pm, Isabel Rosenthal will be popped up in Palace Park (near 122 North Street), inviting the community to watch her paint and alter recycled clothing. She will be discussing her process with all who are interested.

Live Pottery Demo with Jim Horsford (5 to 8 pm)

Jim Horsford will also be 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.

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

DJ BFG (5 to 8 pm) Cancelled

Albany Berkshire Ballet Performance (5:30 pm)

The Albany Berkshire Ballet will perform at 5:30 pm on North Street close to Park Square. The ABB Junior Company and Academy dancers of the Cantarella School of Dance, along with the senior dance team of the Cantarella School of Dance, will perform excerpts from the ballet Cinderella and a contemporary piece by ABB dancer Ruslan Sprague.

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

Snippet from BTG’s Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon (6:30 pm)

Berkshire Theatre Group will perform a snippet from the Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon at 6:30 pm on North Street close to Park Square.

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

Makers’ Market (5 to 8 pm)

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.

Family Fun Zone (5 to 8 pm)

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

There will be an ADA and Disability Awareness Celebration presented by the Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities, offering a fun and interactive educational experience. There will be a braille activity, ASL information, and more.

Reading with Rebel (5 to 7 pm)

Come join your favorite Drag queen Miz Rebel Progress as she teams up with Witch Slapped at 78 North Street to promote literacy at this free event.

First Fridays Artswalk (5 to 8 pm)

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Theatre Group, Clock Tower Artists, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Living in Recovery, Marketplace Cafe, Ralph Froio Senior Center, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, Soda Chef, and TKG Real Estate. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists.

Art Shuttle (5 to 8 pm)

A free Art Shuttle provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers will take you to five locations throughout downtown during the First Fridays at Five on June 6. The Art Shuttle will make stops at City Hall, Berkshire Carousel, Clock Tower Artists, the Framework by DPI Gallery at the corner of North and Linden Streets, and Hotel on North. The Art Shuttle will depart City Hall every half hour starting at 5 pm with the last ride departing City Hall at 7:30 pm. (This is the updated route as of JUNE 6)

Free Drop-in Art Making (5:30 to 7:30 pm)

Berkshire Art Center, 141 North Street, will feature Free Drop-in Art Making from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. All ages are welcome to stop by to participate in a free art activity with the guidance and support of a faculty artist.

Sing Out Loud: A Berkshire Pride Karaoke Fundraiser (5 pm)
Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street, will feature Sing Out Loud: A Berkshire Pride Karaoke Fundraiser starting at 5 pm. Every song submission requires a small donation to Berkshire Pride, and you can raise your voice and your donation by competing to climb higher on the song list. The more you donate, the higher you’ll be on the list to showcase your favorite tunes, and thanks to Temescal Wellness, $1 will be donated to Berkshire Pride for every beer poured at the event.

First Fridays at Five is led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and will take place in downtown Pittsfield on May 2, June 6, August 1, and September 5. A portion of North Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include AccessPlus, MountainOne, and Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

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

Thank you to Brick by Brick Markets for day-of vendor coordination.

Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five
2025-06-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., 431 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will be on North Street and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more.
Participating organizations include Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire County Board of Realtors, Berkshire County Head Start/CFCE, Berkshire County Historical Society, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire Family YMCA, Berkshire Medical Center, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission – SPARK Coalition, Berkshire Thunder & Lightning, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Foster MA/Adopt MA, Girls Inc. of the Berkshires/Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, J.S. Bryant School, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, The Berkshire Eagle, The Mount – Edith Wharton’s Home, United States Air Force & Space Force, and Western Massachusetts Labor Action.
There will be an ADA and Disability Awareness Celebration presented by the Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities, offering a fun and interactive educational experience. There will be a braille activity, ASL information, and more.
There will also be lawn games in the center of North Street, and Bowie the Clown will be crafting free balloon creations.
Thank you to Brick by Brick Markets for day-of coordination.

Dance on Dunham with Aimée Gelinas, Dan Cohen, Noel Staples-Freeman, and The Berkshire Rhythm Keepers
2025-06-06 17:00 - 20:00 | WANDER Berkshires, 34 Depot Street, Suite 101., Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
6/6 UPDATE: Dance on Dunham will be at WANDER Berkshires, 34 Depot Street, Suite 101.

On Friday, June 6, Dunham Mall, 100 North Street, will feature Dance on Dunham with Aimée Gelinas, Dan Cohen, Noel Staples-Freeman, and The Berkshire Rhythm Keepers from 5 to 8 pm.

This dynamic performance features stories and the cultural context of the rhythms, audience participation, and guest dancers.

The schedule will be as follows:
5:15 to 6 pm: Berkshire Rhythm Keepers led by Aimee & Dan with Noel as a guest dancer
6:15 to 7 pm: Interactive dance with Noel and audience participation plus live drumming and recorded music
7 to 7:15 pm: Berkshire Rhythm Keepers led by Aimee & Dan with Noel as a guest dancer
7:15 to 8 pm: Interactive dance with Noel and audience participation plus live drumming and recorded music

The Berkshire Rhythm Keepers are an intergenerational, multi-level community drum and song group founded and led by Aimée Gelinas M.Ed, Director of the Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center and co-founder of Gaia Roots and Trio Candela. The group is assisted by Dan Cohen. BRK participants attend Aimee’s weekly Monday evening drum and song classes at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Pittsfield, which is open to beginners, intermediate and advanced drummers. The group performs traditional music on folkloric instruments from West Africa and the Caribbean, as well as original creations. Members of BRK have been studying and performing together for 15+ years.

Aimée Gelinas M.Ed is a musician and naturalist educator who has been performing and facilitating educational programs for 30+ years. She is a skilled and seasoned nature educator and outdoor guide as well as a master percussionist and singer specializing in West African and Caribbean music specifically folkloric percussion such as Djembe, Doun Doun, Conga, Shekere, and more.

Daniel Cohen is a musician, music educator and outdoorsman. He co-founded and is the trails & intern coordinator for the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center in Windsor, MA. Dan is a master guitarist in both electric and acoustic styles and skilled percussionist specializing in West African Doun Doun drums and percussion. He is a member of the world music ensemble Gaia Roots and co-founder of the groups Trio Candela and Sifer. He assists leading two intergenerational student drum performance ensembles: The Berkshire and The Valley Rhythm Keepers.

Noel Staples-Freeman is a lifelong educator, performer, and cultural ambassador based in Pittsfield. A graduate of Emerson College with a B.S. in Children’s Theatre/Performing Arts and Dance, Noel has dedicated over five decades to teaching and the performing arts both locally and internationally. Her formal dance training began at age 11 at The Billie Pope School of Dance in Roxbury, MA, and continued at The Boston Conservatory of Music, The Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts in Dorchester, The Art of Black Dance and Music in Cambridge, and the Koumpo West African Dance Company in Boston. Noel’s distinguished career includes notable performances such as the celebration of Nelson Mandela’s historic visit to Boston in 1990, appearances in DanceAfrica at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and performances at Jacob’s Pillow, where she also served as a teaching artist. Her work at Jacob’s Pillow helped introduce audiences and students to the richness of African and African Diaspora dance traditions. Guided by a deep commitment to being in community and with the people, Noel’s journey has brought her to Jamaica, Antigua, Senegal, Benin, and Ghana. These experiences have deepened her understanding of cultural traditions and reinforced her mission to honor and uplift the voices, movements, and stories of the African Diaspora.

Dance on Dunham is presented in partnership with Mill Town Foundation.

In the case of inclement weather, Dance on Dunham will be at WANDER Berkshires, 34 Depot Street, Suite 101.

Albany Berkshire Ballet Performance
2025-06-06 17:30 - 18:00 | Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
6/6 UPDATE: Performance will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.

On Friday, June 6, the Albany Berkshire Ballet will perform at 5:30 pm on the south end of North Street close to Park Square. The ABB Junior Company and Academy dancers of the Cantarella School of Dance, along with the senior dance team of the Cantarella School of Dance, will perform excerpts from the ballet Cinderella and a contemporary piece by ABB dancer Ruslan Sprague.

BeatNest's free interactive music zone during First Fridays at Five!
2025-06-06 17:30 - 20:00 | BeatNest, 163 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Drop by BeatNest‘s free interactive music zone during First Fridays at Five where kids can explore hands-on music stations—try DJing, beat making, and more! Perfect for all ages and no experience needed. Come make some noise and discover the fun of music creation!

Drop-in to 163 North Street from 5:30 to 8 pm! BeatNest is next to The Soda Chef!

BTG's "Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon" Performance
2025-06-06 18:30 - 19:00 | Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
6/6 UPDATE: Performance will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.

On Friday, June 6, Berkshire Theatre Group’s young company of artists will perform a snippet from the Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS at 6:30 pm on the south end of North Street close to Park Square.

Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS is an adaptation of the fourth of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series, which has sold more than 100 million copies and is available in more than a hundred countries around the world.

This time around, Jack and Annie’s tree house takes them to an exotic island with pirates, where the two discover the power of friendship and the simple pleasures in everyday life.

Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS features a book by Will Osborne and Jenny Laird, lyrics by Will Osborne and Randy Courts, and music by Randy Courts. The musical is co-directed by David Adkins and Kathy Jo Grover with musical direction by Erin M. White and choreography by Kathy Jo Grover.

Free Rides and Opening Day for the Berkshire Carousel!
2025-06-14 12:00 - 17:00 | The Berkshire Carousel, 50 Center Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
For the first time since 2018, The Berkshire Carousel will open to the public for rides again!
It will also be a FREE Ride day! That’s because Berkshire Carousel Inc.’s Jim, and his wife Jackie Shulman, are sponsoring the Saturday, June 14th Reopening! Come down to support the reopening of our beautiful Carousel!

Juneteenth Celebration
2025-06-15 12:00 - 18:00 | Durant Park, 30 John Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Join NAACP Berkshires for this year’s Juneteenth Celebration—honoring Black independence, resilience, and culture—beginning with the raising of the Juneteenth flag and the reading of proclamations at Pittsfield City Hall, followed by a Freedom Walk to Durant Park.Once at Durant Park, the day-long festival kicks off at noon with food, entertainment, vendors, and community partners. The celebration includes:– Reading of the Juneteenth Proclamation– Student scholarship presentations– Unveiling of a mural honoring the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment – the first volunteer Black regiment raised in the North.Entertainment Highlights:– 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament with Jerome Edgerton– Live music and dance performances on the main stage– DJ Champ spinning throughout the dayFamily activities include a bouncy house, crafts, face painting, and storytime. Free ice cream will be available for children, and a free lunch will be provided to all fathers in attendance.

This event is free and open to all!Durant Park is wheelchair accessible and flat-level. Please note that there will be amplified music throughout the day and limited shaded seating available under a tent. June weather is typically hot and sunny, so we encourage guests to bring sun protection and stay hydrated.Juneteenth, also known as Black Independence Day, is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually since 1865 and also honors African-American culture and history.For updates and performance details, visit naacpberkshires.org

Lightning Bug Light Show
2025-06-19 20:00 - 22:00 | Hancock Shaker Village, 1843 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
A magical summer light show awaits! Join Mass Audubon for an evening walk at the Village to explore the fascinating lives of fireflies.

Family Bird Activities
2025-06-26 08:00 - 14:00 | Herman Melville’s Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Berkshire County Historical Society is teaming up with Berkshire Bird Observatory, Berkshire Museum, and Berkshire Natural Resources Council at Arrowhead for avian-themed fun including hands-on activities including bird kites, tactile experiences, bird banding demonstrations, walks and talks, and the Berkshire Museum Mobile Museum.
Free event.
The program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Free Rides on The Berkshire Carousel after the July Fourth Parade!
2025-07-04 12:00 - 14:00 | The Berkshire Carousel, 50 Center Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Enjoy The Berkshire Carousel after the July Fourth Parade – Open from 12 to 2 pm!
There will be Free Rides on July 4th in loving memory of Annie M. “Apple Annie” Snyder.

Baseball and Fireworks!
2025-07-04 18:00 - 21:00 | Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Berkshire Adult Baseball League will be hosting a free baseball game at Wahconah Park that begins at 6:30 pm between the Great Barrington Millers and the Berkshire Bandits. Gates open to the public at 6 pm.
Fireworks will be on display in the area of Wahconah Park following the completion of the baseball game or at dusk, whichever is later.

St. Joseph's Polish Picnic
2025-07-20 12:00 - 17:00 | St. Joseph Church Grounds, 414 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States

Bowie the Clown at First Fridays at Five!
2025-08-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Bowie the Clown will be crafting free balloon creations during the August 1 First Fridays at Five!

Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five
2025-08-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will be on North Street and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more.

Participating organizations include Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire Community Action Council, Berkshire County Board of Realtors, Berkshire County Head Start/CFCE, Berkshire County Historical Society, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Berkshire Family YMCA, Berkshire Medical Center, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Music School, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission – SPARK Coalition, Berkshire Thunder & Lightning, Child Care of the Berkshires (ParentChild+ program), CleanSlate Centers, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Foster MA/Adopt MA, Living in Recovery, Mass Audubon, Mental Health Support For Families (MHSFF), Pittsfield Little League, Safe Swim Berkshires, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, The Berkshire Eagle, The Great Josh Billings RunAground, United States Air Force & Space Force, and Western Massachusetts Labor Action.

There will also be lawn games in the center of North Street, and Bowie the Clown will be crafting free balloon creations.

Soul Line Dancing with the Berkshire Sole Society
2025-08-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
Dunham Mall will feature line dancing with Berkshire Sole Society at “Dance on Dunham” during the August 1 First Fridays at Five from 5 to 8 pm. Free to participate and open to everyone!
Lessons for beginners at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm lead by Erica Shrader with general dance in between!
Berkshire Sole Society is a Berkshire-based soul line dancing crew bringing together rhythm, movement, and community one step at a time. Founded by Erica Shrader and powered by Women of the Westside+, their meetups are packed with smooth steps, feel-good music, and unapologetic joy. Whether you’re a seasoned stepper or just learning your first slide, there’s always room for you on the dance floor. Come for the steps, stay for the vibe.
Photos by Maru Dominguez.

Hidden Frequency at First Fridays at Five
2025-08-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Persip Park, 175 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature a live performance by the band Hidden Frequency during the August 1 First Fridays at Five from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy a beer garden from Hot Plate Brewing Co. and local food vendors within the vicinity.
Hidden Frequency is an alternative rock trio hailing from the heart of the Berkshires in Pittsfield, MA. Fusing raw emotion with heavy riffs and melodic grit, the band channels the energy of classic rock through a modern, alternative lens.
Longtime friends, Steven Dubuque on guitar and vocals, Mike Morse on bass, and Mitch Gladu on drums, stay committed to bringing good, original music to Western MA.
From stage to studio, Hidden Frequency brings raw presence and passion to a world full of noise and static, they’re the signal you don’t want to miss.
In the case of inclement weather, Hidden Frequency will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.

5th Annual Celebration of Black Voices Festival
2025-08-09 12:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-10 12:00 - 19:00 | The Common, First Street, Pittsfield, MA, 100 First Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Saturday, August 9 – Sunday, August 10 | 12-7 PM
The Common, 100 First Street
Two full days of various performances including music, poetry, dance, storytelling, yoga, gospel music, and much more in celebration of local Black artists!
Bring your friends and family to enjoy this FREE event, open to the public. All performances are family friendly.
For updates, check out @celebrationofblackvoices on Instagram!

POSTPONED Rhythmscape: Breaking with Andres Ramirez
2025-08-10 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
POSTPONED due to chance of severe weather!

“Rhythmscape” on Dunham Mall, held on select Sunday afternoons from 6 to 8 pm through August 31, highlights a different rhythm and instructor from our local community each session, reflecting the many identities that make Pittsfield home.
Rhythmscape is free and open to all and encourages everyone to experience the joy of movement and the beauty of cultural exchange. No experience is necessary to participate. Dunham Mall can be located by entering 100 North Street on your GPS.
The sessions on August 10 and 17 will feature the fundamentals of Breaking with professional Breakdancer, Andres Ramirez.
Event Schedule:
★Opening Dance Cypher
★Student Performance – Featuring dancers from The Funk Box Dance Studio
★Community Dance Class (45 minutes to 1 hour) – Open to all ages and levels
The class will focus on the fundamentals of Breaking, covering elements such as Toprock and Footwork. They will be structured as workshop-style sessions, open to all ages.
★Final Student Performance
★Closing Open Cypher – An inclusive dance circle for anyone who would like to participate
The schedule for August 17th will follow a similar structure, with one exciting addition — we’ll be hosting a small kids’ dance competition as the finale. It will be a fun, family-friendly event where everyone can spectate and enjoy the kids showcasing their skills in a friendly battle format.
Andres Ramirez is a professional Breakdancer, instructor, and owner of The Funk Box Dance Studio in Pittsfield. He travels and competes frequently as well as hosts his own Hip Hop festival in his hometown. Andres trains and coaches young athletes and dancers who compete at both national and world-level events. His biggest passion, besides being a dad to 2 boys, is passing down knowledge to his students and promoting the positive influence that Hip Hop culture can bring to communities. Andres also performs and choreographs many pieces for his studio which have been displayed in theaters and stages across the region including Jacob’s Pillow.

Rhythmscape: Beginner and Intermediate Level Bachata and Salsa Lesson with Michelle Decepida
2025-08-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
“Rhythmscape” on Dunham Mall, held on select Sunday afternoons from 6 to 8 pm through August 31, highlights a different rhythm and instructor from our local community each session, reflecting the many identities that make Pittsfield home.
Rhythmscape is free and open to all and encourages everyone to experience the joy of movement and the beauty of cultural exchange. No experience is necessary to participate. Dunham Mall can be located by entering 100 North Street on your GPS.
Michelle Decepida will be teaching a beginner and intermediate level Bachata and Salsa lesson, and there will be social dancing after each lesson for you to practice your moves – with a live DJ playing your favorite tunes!
When she’s not working her engineering job, Michelle reenergizes by listening to Latin music, dancing to Latin music, and teaching to Latin music! She learned ballroom dance in middle school with Spencer Nyemchek at the Dancesport School of Ballroom Dancing in Bergen County, NJ, but her passion for Salsa and Bachata evolved when she went to college in Troy, NY. Michelle and her fellow “BSKE Dance Community” instructors have been teaching weekly dance lessons and host dance socials in the Berkshires. BSKE stands for Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, Etc.!
