Downtown Pittsfield Western Massachusetts The Berkshires

Soul Magnets on the City Stage!
2024-05-03 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
First Fridays at Five kicks off with the Soul Magnets on the City Stage from 5:30 to 7:30 pm!
Soul Magnets is a horn-heavy 9-piece ensemble, playing a mix of old-school, funk and neo-soul originals, deep covers, and dancefloor favorites.
The City Stage will be located at the south end of the road closure on North Street near Park Square.

Check out all of the May 3rd First Fridays at Five events at lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays

First Fridays at Five is a brand-new event led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. taking place in downtown Pittsfield from May-September. A portion of North Street and School Street will be closed during the event.
Season partners and sponsors include the Feigenbaum Foundation, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Mill Town Foundation, MountainOne, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council.

Performance by KR3T’s Dance Company and Dance Circle with Wandering Dance Society
2024-06-07 17:00 - 18:00 | City Stage at First Fridays at Five
The June 7 First Fridays at Five will feature a performance by KR3T’s Dance Company from 5 to 6 pm at the City Stage. This will be an all-ages street dance performance by New York City’s KR3T’s Dance Company, and at the end of the hour, they will be joined by the Wandering Dance Society who will lead a dance circle for all who wish to participate.
KR3Ts Dance Company strives to broaden the notion of what a dancer is, and to promote the preservation of ethnic and cultural dances based in Spanish Harlem. The dance company provides a positive alternative to social and street pressures among children and young adults in lower and middle-income families in Latino communities of New York City, mainly by providing dance classes and support programs in a non-discriminating atmosphere.

Clock Tower Art Shuttle
2024-06-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
Visit the free Open Studios event at the Clock Tower on Friday, June 7 from 5 to 8 pm. A free Art Shuttle to and from the Clock Tower Artist Studios will run from 5 to 7 pm – every 15 minutes from City Hall on Allen Street. The Art Shuttle is provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers. Learn more about the Clock Tower Artists at clocktowerartists.com.

June 7 First Fridays at Five
2024-06-07 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 June 7 First Fridays at Five. The event will feature live music, art, dance, family fun, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield.
Headlining the June 7th event is the Happy Together Band on the mobile City Stage from 6 to 8 pm. This group is comprised of 7 members and features keyboard, two guitars, bass, drums, and vocals galore including two female leads with pitch perfect harmonies that will transport you back to the 1960s. Members are Tony Gubelman, Phil Grover, Matt McKeever, Tom Kitterman, Bob Jones, Michele Marano, and Melissa Campbell. The City Stage will be located at the south end of the road closure on North Street near Park Square. City Stage entertainment will move inside in the case of inclement weather.
From 5 to 6 pm, Jacob’s Pillow takes over the City Stage. There will be an all-ages street dance performance by New York City’s KR3T’s Dance Company, and at the end of the hour, they will be joined by the Wandering Dance Society who will lead a dance circle for all who wish to participate.
KR3Ts Dance Company strives to broaden the notion of what a dancer is, and to promote the preservation of ethnic and cultural dances based in Spanish Harlem. The dance company provides a positive alternative to social and street pressures among children and young adults in lower and middle-income families in Latino communities of New York City, mainly by providing dance classes and support programs in a non-discriminating atmosphere.
Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature The Pug and John Show from 5 to 8 pm as part of the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series; and Jim Horsford will be hosting a free live pottery demonstration at Palace Park where he will be inviting individuals to help him make pots on the potter’s wheel. Sotille Park, at the corner of North and Eagle Street, will feature Poppy DaBubbly (she/her) & JV (she/they) – two storytellers who will be providing a Pride-themed Drag Story Hour at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm.
The Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five will be on North Street between School Street and Fenn Street and will feature over two dozen local artisanal vendors who make their own, 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 be on Dunham Mall and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. Participating organizations include the Berkshire Athenaeum, BeatNest, CleanSlate Centers, Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, Pittsfield Public Schools, the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, and many others. Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip at the top of Dunham Mall at 100 North Street, and there will be Balloon Art on Dunham Mall.
Hot Plate Brewing Co. is teaming up with Berkshire Pride and Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort for a Beer Garden on School Street from 5 to 8 pm. School Street will be closed to traffic so you can take your beers outside, grab some delicious bites from Otto’s, and play some family-friendly games. Inside the taproom, Berkshire Pride and Temescal Wellness will be hosting their second annual Pay to Sing Karaoke Fundraiser supporting Berkshire Pride. With a small donation for each song, you’ll be able to belt out your favorites!
First Fridays Artswalk will showcase dozens of artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Berkshire Art Center, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, Hotel on North, the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, and others. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists. Visit the free Open Studios event at the Clock Tower from 5 to 8 pm. A free art shuttle to and from the Clock Tower Artist Studios will run from 5 to 7 pm – every 15 minutes from City Hall on Allen Street. The Art Shuttle is provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers.
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 in to participate in a free art activity with the guidance and support of a faculty artist.
There will be many downtown restaurants serving food outside during the event or stick around for a bite after 8. There will be live music with local cover band, Mr. Doubtfire, at Dorothy’s Estaminet, 438 North Street, from 7 to 10 pm, and the North Adams SteepleCats will be playing a home game on the road at Wahconah Park at 6:30 pm!
First Fridays at Five is a brand-new event led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. taking place in downtown Pittsfield from May-September. A portion of North Street and School Street will be closed during the event.
Season partners and sponsors include the Feigenbaum Foundation, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Mill Town Foundation, MountainOne, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council.
For more information and a full event listing, visit https://lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays.

North Street will be closed from Park Square to Depot Street on Friday, June 7 from 3:30 to 8 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 Depot Street starting at 2 pm on Friday.

First Fridays Beer Garden
2024-06-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Hot Plate Brewing Co. is teaming up with friends at Berkshire Pride and Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort for the second installment of Pittsfield’s First Fridays at Five event. School Street will be closed to traffic so you can take your beers outside, grab some delicious bites from Otto’s, and play some family-friendly games!
Inside the taproom, Berkshire Pride and Temescal Wellness will be hosting their second annual Pay to Sing Karaoke Fundraiser supporting Berkshire Pride. With a small donation for each song, you’ll be able to belt out your favorites!

Live Pottery Demo with Jim Horsford
2024-06-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Palace Park, 116 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Jim Horsford will be hosting a free live pottery demonstration at Palace Park from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, June 7 during the First Fridays at Five!
Jim will be inviting individuals to help him make pots on the potter’s wheel, and his creations will be available for purchase.
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.

The Pug and John Show at Persip Park
2024-06-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Persip Park, 175 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature The Pug and John Show from 5 to 8 pm as part of the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series!
Pug Demary and John Temple Zarvis have been a part of the Berkshire County music scene since their bands the Quarrymen, the Zarvis Allen band and Blind Date. The universe brought them together out of their love for great guitar and vocals. Covering classics from every genre, they live up to the their catch phrase: Music from everywhere.

Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five
2024-06-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five will be on North Street between School Street and Fenn Street and will feature over two dozen local artisanal vendors who make their own, handmade products such as crafts, clothing and accessories, candles, art, custom gift items, self-care items, and packaged foods and sweets.
Vendors are subject to change. June 7th Vendors to date:
Always Love
Alyssa Lee Jewelry
ATK Customs
Berkshire Henna
BlossomBun
Bohemian Roots
Cuppa Love
DragWoodDesigns
Fandom Forge
Freddy’s Rockin Lemonade
Hair wraps
Imperfectly Purple
Just a Knit of Love
Just Kickin It Bar B Que
Kelsey Larina Art
La Maria Arts
Made by Sarah Rose
Mindset Personalized
Mom of my heart AJ Boutique
Mr. Ding-A-Ling
Patchrabbit
Plushy Pals
Pour Jordan
Remedy and Culture
Sacred Funk
Shire Family Roots
TeaTimes (Tx)
Truffles by Tarah LLC
Western Mass Rabbit Rescue
What You See
Xtwii
YarnAblaze
YoungLiving Essential Oils

Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five
2024-06-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will be on Dunham Mall and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip at the top of Dunham Mall at 100 North Street, and there will be Balloon Art on Dunham Mall.
Participating organizations include Barrington Stage Company, BART Charter Public School, BeatNest, Berkshire County Suicide Prevention, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire County Head Start/Pittsfield CFCE, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, CleanSlate Centers, Foster MA/Adopt MA, Girls Inc./ Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, NBT Bank, Pittsfield VFW Post 448, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, and the United States Postal Service.

June 7 First Fridays Artswalk
2024-06-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
First Fridays Artswalk transforms downtown Pittsfield retailers, restaurants, and organizations into art galleries. Explore art and meet artists during opening receptions on the first Friday of the month, May through September from 5 to 8 pm, with most art on display all month long. Open studios, art making, and live art demonstrations on the first Friday.
Participating venues on Friday, June 7 include Berkshire Art Center, Clock Tower Artists, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge/Dorothy’s Estaminet, Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, Marketplace Cafe, NUarts gallery + studios, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, and the Soda Chef. There will also be Interactive Pottery Demos in Palace Park with Jim Horsford and a Free Kids’ Paint and Sip on Dunham Mall.
Download the Downtown Pittsfield app in the App Store or on Google Play to follow a virtual walking tour of art on your cell phone.

Drag Story Hour
2024-06-07 17:30 - 20:00 | Sottile Park, 200 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Sotille Park, at the corner of North and Eagle Street, will feature Poppy DaBubbly (she/her) & JV (she/they) – two storytellers who will be providing a Pride-themed Drag Story Hour during the June 7 First Fridays at Five at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm.

Happy Together Band
2024-06-07 18:00 - 20:00 | City Stage at First Fridays at Five
The June 7 First Fridays at Five will feature the Happy Together Band on the City Stage from 6 to 8 pm!
This group is comprised of 7 members and features keyboard, two guitars, bass, drums, and vocals galore including two female leads with pitch perfect harmonies that will transport you back to the 1960s. Members are Tony Gubelman, Phil Grover, Matt McKeever, Tom Kitterman, Bob Jones, Michele Marano, and Melissa Campbell.
The City Stage will be located at the south end of the road closure on North Street near Park Square.

July 5 First Fridays Artswalk
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
First Fridays Artswalk joins The City of Pittsfield’s First Fridays at Five in 2024! Enjoy a Makers Market, Family Fun Zone, live entertainment, and so much more at this new downtown Festival!

First Fridays Artswalk transforms downtown Pittsfield retailers, restaurants, and organizations into art galleries. Explore art and meet artists during opening receptions on the first Friday of the month, May through September from 5 to 8 pm, with most art on display all month long. Open studios, art making, and live art demonstrations on the first Friday.

Participating venues on Friday, July 5 include Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Black Economic Council, Clock Tower Artists, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge/Dorothy’s Estaminet, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Living in Recovery, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, Marketplace Cafe, NUarts gallery + studios, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, Soda Chef, and THECOLLAB. There will also be Interactive Pottery Demos in Palace Park with Jim Horsford and a Free Kids’ Paint and Sip on Dunham Mall.

Download the Downtown Pittsfield app in the App Store or on Google Play to follow a virtual walking tour of art on your cell phone.

Event Highlights (South to North):

Artists at the Clock Tower, 75 South Church Street, Third Floor
Karen Carmean, Deborah H Carter, Joan Palano Ciolfi, Randy Foulds, Marion Grant, Nava Grunfeld, Caroline Kelley, Bruce Laird, Mark Mellinger, Linda Petrocine, Shany Porras, Sally Tiska Rice, Ilene Richard, Audrey Shachnow, Jordan Stone, Sharon Walthew, Stefanie Weber, and Carmel Wilson
Open Studios: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

City Stage Entertainment (south end of the road closure on North Street near Park Square)
Amy Ryan Band: Friday, July 5, 5 to 6 pm
Misty Blues: Friday, July 5, 6 to 8 pm

Marketplace Cafe, 53 North Street
“Biosphere” by Lori Bradley
Opening Reception: Friday, July 5, 5 to 7 pm

Living in Recovery, 75 North Street
Artworks by Shane Ott and Jeff Malderez
“The art of poetry” – poems written by Living in Recovery members
On View: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

Berkshire Black Economic Council, 33 Dunham Mall, Suite 101
“The Creative Journey”
DeSean Scales
Opening Reception: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, 119 Fenn Street
Rochely Dejesus and Hernan and Jackeline Bonilla
On View: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm ONLY

Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue
“I AM A PART OF ART”
Community Access to the Arts’ Annual Art Show
Celebrating the work of artists with disabilities
On View: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

Pottery in Palace Park with Jim Horsford
Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, 146 North Street
“Hidden By the Weight of Our Scales”
On View: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

Berkshire Art Center/Brothership Building, 141 North Street
“All Fired Up Again: Open Call” by the Berkshire Potters Collective (north window)
“Sue Browdy, Potter: The First 65 Years” (south window)
Free All Ages Art Making Drop-In: Friday, July 5, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Soda Chef, 161 North Street
Nicole March Art – Window Display

THECOLLAB, 163 North Street
Noah Beauregard and Mike Carty
Opening Reception: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm
Free Live Performance by SACR3D from 7 to 8 pm

Sottile Park, corner of North and Eagle Street
Live Art Demo with Mollie Kellogg
Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

Hotel on North, 297 North Street
“Beyond the Surface: The Depth of Identity”
Jody King Camarra
On View: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

NUarts gallery + studios, 311 North Street
View the Hall Gallery featuring the works of resident artists.
Ma’leek Adams-Powell, Casey Dougherty, Marney Schorr, Elina Estrella, Myk Daigle, Brent Ridge, Julia Britell, Richard Britell, Madeleine Boga, Dawn Meltzer, Laura Thompson, Kathy Gideon, Joan Rooks, and Kate Merlini
On View: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework, 431 North Street
“Pittsfield Parade Posters Through The Years”
Opening Reception: Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm

Dottie’s Coffee Lounge/Dorothy’s Estaminet, 438/444 North Street
“FOR THE LOVE OF: Culture, The Figure, and the Landscape”
On View: Friday, July 5 until 10 pm
Live music with local cover band, Mr. Doubtfire, from 7 to 10 pm

The Amy Ryan Band and Misty Blues on the City Stage
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | City Stage at First Fridays at Five
Berkshire Blues Legends will headline the July 5th First Fridays at Five on the mobile City Stage. The Amy Ryan Band will play from 5 to 6 pm, followed by Misty Blues from 6 to 8 pm.
Misty Blues pays homage to the older blues made popular by the bold and brassy women of its time, while still paying respect to classic male artists of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. The band also performs classic rock and folk tunes infused with a healthy dose of the blues. Over the years, Misty Blues has produced ten albums, and today, the core members include Gina Coleman (band founder and lead singer), Seth Fleischmann, Bill Patriquin, Ben Kohn, Rob Tatten and Aaron Dean.
The Amy Ryan Band has been twice nominated for “Blues Artist of the Year” at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards (“the Eddies”). With a repertoire that includes band adaptations of Amy’s self-penned solo tunes, newly minted originals and select covers, the Amy Ryan Band rocks the blues.

Live Painting Demo with Creative Sorceress, Mollie Kellogg
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Sottile Park, 200 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Sottile Park, at the corner of North and Eagle Street, will feature a live painting demo by local artist and Creative Sorceress, Mollie Kellogg, on Friday, July 5 from 5 to 8 pm. Mollie will demonstrate her mixed-media pencil and watercolor technique. Kellogg’s Incognito Witch subjects are magickal beings adorned with jewels/nature elements, messy lipstick, and a signature flash of color under the eyes. Universal connection is symbolized in stars and dream-like metallics. Figures evoke a Mother Nature archetype of power, strength, attraction, empathy, vulnerability.

Live Pottery Demonstration with Jim Horsford
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Palace Park, 116 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Jim Horsford will be hosting a free live pottery demonstration at Palace Park from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, July 5 during the First Fridays at Five!
Jim will be inviting individuals to help him make pots on the potter’s wheel, and his creations will be available for purchase.
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.

Clock Tower Art Shuttle
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
Visit the free Open Studios event at the Clock Tower on Friday, July 5 from 5 to 8 pm. A free Art Shuttle to and from the Clock Tower Artist Studios will run from 5 to 8 pm – every 15 minutes from City Hall on Allen Street. The Art Shuttle is provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers.
Learn more about the Clock Tower Artists at clocktowerartists.com.

Wandering Dance Society Presents!
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Persip Park, 175 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature a variety of interactive performances presented by the Wandering Dance Society as part of the July 5 First Fridays at Five and the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series. Performances will be 30-45 minutes each. At 5 pm, enjoy an African Dance Lesson with Noel Staples-Freeman. At 5:45 pm, Olawale “Wale” Oladehin will lead a Salsa lesson. From 6:30 to 7:15 pm, the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers will perform led by Aimee Gelinas; and the night will conclude with more Salsa dancing from 7:15 to 8 pm. Dancers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate throughout the evening.Noel Staples-Freeman is a resident of Pittsfield and a graduate of Emerson College, holding 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 training started at age 11 at The Billie Pope School of Dance in Roxbury followed by The Boston Conservatory of Music, The Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts, The Art of Black Dance and Music, and Koumpo West African Dance Company. Noel’s illustrious career includes notable performances such as Nelson Mandela’s visit to Boston in 1990, participation in Dance Africa at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and appearances at Jacob’s Pillow. As the Founder and Director of Uprising Dance Theatre since 1983, Noel leads an intergenerational group celebrating the African Diaspora’s traditional and contemporary dance, music, and theater.Olawale “Wale” Oladehin trained in Salsa and Afro Cuban dance with several Boston companies, including Salsa Y Control, MetaMovements, and Masacote. After several years of training, Wale joined Masacote as an instructor and performer in their professional Salsa company. Masacote’s emphasis on musicality and culture helped Wale better appreciate the interconnectedness of music and dance. With Masacote, Wale has had the opportunity to perform in Canada, London, Istanbul, and across the US.The Berkshire Rhythm Keepers are an intergenerational, multi-level community drum and song group founded and led by Aimee Gelinas M.Ed, Director of the Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center and co-founder of Gaia Roots and Trio Candela. 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 and advanced drummers. The group performs traditional music on folkloric instruments from West Africa and the Caribbean, as well as on original creations. Members of BRK have been studying and performing together for 15+ years.The BRK performance on July 5th will feature stories and the cultural context of the rhythms, audience participation, and may include guest dancers!

July 5 First Fridays at Five!
2024-07-05 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 July 5th First Fridays at Five. The event will feature live music, art, dance, family fun, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield.

Berkshire Blues Legends will headline the July 5th event on the mobile City Stage. The Amy Ryan Band will play from 5 to 6 pm, followed by Misty Blues from 6 to 8 pm.

Misty Blues pays homage to the older blues made popular by the bold and brassy women of its time, while still paying respect to classic male artists of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. The band also performs classic rock and folk tunes infused with a healthy dose of the blues. Over the years, Misty Blues has produced ten albums, and today, the core members include Gina Coleman (band founder and lead singer), Seth Fleischmann, Bill Patriquin, Ben Kohn, Rob Tatten and Aaron Dean.

The Amy Ryan Band has been twice nominated for “Blues Artist of the Year” at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards (“the Eddies”). With a repertoire that includes band adaptations of Amy’s self-penned solo tunes, newly minted originals and select covers, the Amy Ryan Band rocks the blues.

Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature a variety of interactive performances presented by the Wandering Dance Society from 5 to 8 pm as part of the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series. Performances will be 30-45 minutes each. At 5 pm, enjoy an African Dance Lesson with Noel Staples-Freeman. At 5:45 pm, Olawale “Wale” Oladehin will lead a Salsa lesson. From 6:30 to 7:15 pm, the Berkshire Rhythm Keepers will perform led by Aimee Gelinas; and the night will conclude with more Salsa dancing from 7:15 to 8 pm. Dancers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate throughout the evening.

Noel Staples-Freeman is a resident of Pittsfield and a graduate of Emerson College, holding 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 training started at age 11 at The Billie Pope School of Dance in Roxbury followed by The Boston Conservatory of Music, The Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts, The Art of Black Dance and Music, and Koumpo West African Dance Company. Noel’s illustrious career includes notable performances such as Nelson Mandela’s visit to Boston in 1990, participation in Dance Africa at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and appearances at Jacob’s Pillow. As the Founder and Director of Uprising Dance Theatre since 1983, Noel leads an intergenerational group celebrating the African Diaspora’s traditional and contemporary dance, music, and theater.

Olawale “Wale” Oladehin trained in Salsa and Afro Cuban dance with several Boston companies, including Salsa Y Control, MetaMovements, and Masacote. After several years of training, Wale joined Masacote as an instructor and performer in their professional Salsa company. Masacote’s emphasis on musicality and culture helped Wale better appreciate the interconnectedness of music and dance. With Masacote, Wale has had the opportunity to perform in Canada, London, Istanbul, and across the US.

The Berkshire Rhythm Keepers are an intergenerational, multi-level community drum and song group founded and led by Aimee Gelinas M.Ed, Director of the Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center and co-founder of Gaia Roots and Trio Candela. 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 and advanced drummers. The group performs traditional music on folkloric instruments from West Africa and the Caribbean, as well as on original creations. Members of BRK have been studying and performing together for 15+ years.

The BRK performance on July 5th will feature stories and the cultural context of the rhythms, audience participation, and may include guest dancers!

Sottile Park, at the corner of North and Eagle Street, will feature a live painting demo by local artist and Creative Sorceress, Mollie Kellogg, from 5 to 8 pm. Mollie will demonstrate her mixed-media pencil and watercolor technique. Kellogg’s Incognito Witch subjects are magickal beings adorned with jewels/nature elements, messy lipstick, and a signature flash of color under the eyes. Universal connection is symbolized in stars and dream-like metallics. Figures evoke a Mother Nature archetype of power, strength, attraction, empathy, vulnerability.

Jim Horsford will be hosting a free live pottery demonstration at Palace Park from 5 to 8 pm where he will be inviting individuals to help him make pots on the potter’s wheel.

Opal Raven will host The Hissing Booth on North Street from 5 to 8 pm. The Hissing Booth is your one stop education station to learn about different reptiles and how to care for them, and you can even meet some members of Opal’s scale family. Want to get a closer look? Ask for the VIP experience and get a photo op for you or a loved one holding one of Opal’s friendly ambassadors.

The Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five will be on North Street between School Street and Fenn Street and will feature over two dozen local artisanal vendors who make their own, 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 be on Dunham Mall at 100 North Street and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. Participating organizations include the Berkshire Athenaeum, Jacob’s Pillow, Shakespeare & Company, Barrington Stage Company, and many others. Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip and Balloon Ben will be giving away free balloon creations.

Hot Plate Brewing Co. will host a Beer Garden on School Street from 5 to 8 pm. School Street will be closed to traffic so you can take your beers outside and play some family-friendly games.

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase dozens of artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Black Economic Council, Clock Tower Artists, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Living in Recovery, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, Marketplace Cafe, NUarts gallery + studios, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, Soda Chef, and THECOLLAB. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists. Visit the free Open Studios event at the Clock Tower from 5 to 8 pm. A free art shuttle to and from the Clock Tower Artist Studios will run from 5 to 8 pm – every 15 minutes from City Hall on Allen Street. The Art Shuttle is provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers.

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 in to participate in a free art activity with the guidance and support of a faculty artist.

There will be many downtown restaurants serving food outside during the event or stick around for a bite after 8.

First Fridays at Five is a brand-new event led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. taking place in downtown Pittsfield from May-September. A portion of North Street and School Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include the Feigenbaum Foundation, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Mill Town Foundation, MountainOne, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council.

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

North Street will be closed from Park Square to Depot Street on Friday, July 5 from 3:30 to 8 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 Depot Street starting at 2 pm on Friday.

Balloon Ben at First Fridays at Five!
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will be on Dunham Mall at 100 North Street and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. Participating organizations include the Berkshire Athenaeum, Jacob’s Pillow, Shakespeare & Company, Barrington Stage Company, and many others. Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip and Balloon Ben will be giving away free balloon creations.

Free Kids’ Paint & Sip at First Fridays at Five!
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and First Fridays Artswalk will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip on Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm, as part of the First Fridays at Five Family Fun Zone on Dunham Mall (100 North Street).
This free Paint & Sip is best suited for ages 5 to 12, although younger and older children are welcome. All materials, instruction, 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.

Visit NUarts gallery + studios!
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | NUarts gallery + studios, 311 North St. 2nd Floor., Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
On Friday, July 5, 5 to 8 pm, NUarts gallery + studios, 311 North Street, will open their Hall Gallery to the public featuring the works of resident artists. The artists of NUarts include: Ma’leek Adams-Powell, Casey Dougherty, Marney Schorr, Elina Estrella, Myk Daigle, Brent Ridge, Julia Britell, Richard Britell, Madeleine Boga, Dawn Meltzer, Laura Thompson, Kathy Gideon, Joan Rooks, and Kate Merlini.

Opal Raven’s The Hissing Booth
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Opal Raven will host The Hissing Booth on North Street from 5 to 8 pm during the July 5 First Fridays at Five. The Hissing Booth is your one stop education station to learn about different reptiles and how to care for them, and you can even meet some members of Opal’s scale family. Want to get a closer look? Ask for the VIP experience and get a photo op for you or a loved one holding one of Opal’s friendly ambassadors.

Makers Market at First Fridays at Five
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five will be on North Street between School Street and Fenn Street and will feature over two dozen local artisanal vendors who make their own, handmade products such as crafts, clothing and accessories, candles, art, custom gift items, self-care items, and packaged foods and sweets.
July 5th Vendors (Vendors are subject to change):
AJ Boutique – (Beauty accessories, jewelry, clothes and more) – Aidaliz Colon
Always Love – (Blacklight reactive sensory and color changing art) – April White
Alyssa Lee Jewelry – (Handmade jewelry) – Alyssa Jagiello
Artwork by Janice – (Handmade glass, semi-precious stone earrings & planters) – Janice Rapisarda
ATK Customs – (Coffee tumblers and other drinkware) – Colin DeZess
Berkshire Henna – Vee Dang
BlossomBun – (Shadow boxes, tumblers, coasters) – Raluca Pascu
Bohemian Roots – (Handmade children’s sweaters, hats, hoodies, dresses and jewelry) – Jorge Morales
Chill Zone Snow Cone factory – Jennifer Cunagin
Cuppa Love – (Non-alcoholic beverages) – Emily Silver
DragWoodDesigns – (Wooden products for adults) – Lawrence Dragon
Edgar Bonilla – (Handmade art in leather and crochet toys)
Grampie’s Dog House – (Hot dogs) – Ernie Jordan
Fandom Forge – (Stickers, pins, magnets) – Sean Spring
Freddy’s Rockin Lemonade – Michael Copeland
Imperfectly Purple – (Homemade licensed CBD topical body care products) – Rebekah Dawson
Jack Liebenow – (Health & Wellness products)
Just a Knit of Love – (Crochet items) – Melyssa Weiner
Just Kickin It Bar B Que – Donsil Harris
Kelsey Larina Art – Kelsey Fitzgerald
La Maria Arts – (Handmade jewelry) – Maria Ortiz
Made by Sarah Rose – (Sewn accessories)- Sarah Rose Miller
Mindset Personalized – (Canvases, Coffee Mugs, T-shirts, Wine Glasses) – Godwin Adu
Patchrabbit – (Handmade sculptures and pendants) – Steven McQuade
Pour Jordan – (Acrylic paintings) – Jordan Stone
Shire Family Roots – (Glasses, candles, candle molds, jewelry) – Chelsea Hernandez
TeaTimes – (Loose leaf tea, ShortBread, Tea Towels, Botanical Drawings) – Jennifer Waryas
The Purse Lady – Michelle Peoples
Truffles by Tarah LLC – (Uniquely flavored chocolate truffles) – Tarah Warner
Xtwii – (Handmade jewelry, crystals, home décor, and original artwork) – Lauren Flores-Avery
Yael Durso – (Custom Pokémon Card Packs)
YarnAblaze – (Crochet goods) – Alicia Sanchez
YoungLiving Essential Oil – (Essential oils and products) – Heather Dascani

Beer Garden on School Street
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Hot Plate Brewing Co. will be turning School Street into a Beer Garden for the July 5 First Fridays at Five! They’ll be joined by Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort who’ll be slinging up some hot dogs with all sorts of fixings! Outdoor fun and games will go from 5 to 8 pm!

Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five
2024-07-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will be on Dunham Mall at 100 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 County Suicide Prevention, Berkshire County Head Start/Pittsfield CFCE, Child Care of the Berkshires ParentChild+ Program, CleanSlate Centers, Foster MA/Adopt MA, Jacob’s Pillow, Mass Audubon, Pittsfield VFW Post 448, Shakespeare & Company, and the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum. Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip and Balloon Ben will be giving away free balloon creations.

August 2 First Fridays Artswalk
2024-08-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The First Fridays Artswalk in downtown Pittsfield returns on Friday, August 2 from 5 to 8 pm as part of the City of Pittsfield’s First Fridays at Five. Participating venues on Friday, August 2 include Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Black Economic Council, Clock Tower Artists, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Living in Recovery, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, Marketplace Cafe, Methuselah Bar and Lounge, NUarts gallery + studios, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, Soda Chef, and THECOLLAB. There will also be Interactive Pottery Demos in Palace Park with Jim Horsford and a Free Kids’ Paint and Sip on Dunham Mall.

Download the Downtown Pittsfield app in the App Store or on Google Play to follow a virtual walking tour of art on your cell phone.

The Clock Tower Artists at 75 South Church Street will host an open studios event in their beautiful, light-filled space on Friday, August 2, 5 to 8 pm. Immerse yourself in a world of boundless creativity as you wander through the gallery and studios of our diverse Clock Tower Artists. Witness the artists’ artistic processes firsthand and be captivated by an eclectic blend of masterpieces that will enchant and inspire you.

During the First Fridays Artswalk/First Fridays at Five on August 2, a free art shuttle to and from the Clock Tower Artist Studios will run from 5 to 8 pm – every 15 minutes from City Hall on Allen Street. The Art Shuttle is provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers.

Artists with Open Studios at the Clock Tower on August 2 include Karen Carmean, Deborah H Carter, Joan Palano Ciolfi, Randy Foulds, Marion Grant, Nava Grunfeld, Caroline Kelley, Bruce Laird, Mark Mellinger, Linda Petrocine, Shany Porras, Sally Tiska Rice, Ilene Richard, Audrey Shachnow, Jordan Stone, Sharon Walthew, Stefanie Weber, and Carmel Wilson.

THECOLLAB, 163 North Street, will feature “From the walls of Union Street Tattoo” by Patrick Swan for the August Artswalk. Mediums include Mixed Media, Cotton Rag, Liquid Acrylic, and Watercolor. There will be an opening reception with the artist on Friday, August 2 from 5 to 8 pm.

Hotel on North, 297 North Street, will feature landscape paintings by Marita Glodt, August 1 through September 30. There will be an opening reception with the artist on Friday, August 2, from 5 to 8 pm.

“When I paint the Berkshire landscape, I am often overcome by its beauty, power and majesty,” says Marita. “Every time I venture into the field to draw or paint, I am hopeful that the Berkshires are seen with new eyes – mine and yours…. I create art to spark joy, conversation and community and to inspire our shared responsibility to preserve our cherished landscape.”

The Berkshire Art Center (BAC), 141 North Street, will continue to offer Free Artmaking Drop-Ins on the First Friday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, year-round. For the month of August, The Berkshire Art Center will also feature two window displays: “ All Fired Up Again: Atmospheric by the Berkshire Potters Collective” (north window) and “Sue Browdy, Potter: The First 65 Years” (south window).

“All Fired Up Again: Atmospheric” will be on view August 2-31. The theme of this show will be atmospheric firing with smoke, pit, soda, salt, and wood fired pieces. All members of the Berkshire Potters Collective have been invited to exhibit their atmospheric fired work. There will be an opening reception on Friday, August 2, from 5 to 7 pm.

Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework, 437 North Street, will feature “Looking Outside” by Len Gerwick for the August 2 First Fridays Artswalk.

In “Looking Outside”, Len presents his oil and acrylic paintings. Len paints plein air or inside, often both on the same painting. His work has been exhibited in Northampton, Amherst, Worcester, Boston, and Marlborough.

There will be an opening reception with the artist on Friday, August 2, from 5 to 8 pm, and the show will be on view Monday-Friday through the end of August by visiting the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. offices during normal business hours.

The Marketplace Cafe, 53 North Street, will feature “Hat Series” by Mary Davidson for the month of August. There will be a reception with the artist during the August 2 First Fridays Artswalk from 5 to 7 pm.

Mary Davison is a Pittsfield native, currently living in South County. Her elegant, amorphic, intricate works are captivating and complex. Mary, painting seriously for the last 25 years, confesses, “I love to paint. Many people tell me these paintings make them happy.”

The Tartell Gallery at Methuselah Bar and Lounge, 391 North Street, will feature “Nouvelle Chicane: new paintings by Edward Pelkey”. There will be an opening reception with the artist starting at 5 pm on Friday, August 2.

On Friday, August 2, 5 to 8 pm, NUarts gallery + studios, 311 North Street, will open their Hall Gallery to the public featuring the works of resident artists. The artists of NUarts include: Ma’leek Adams-Powell, Casey Dougherty, Marney Schorr, Elina Estrella, Myk Daigle, Brent Ridge, Julia Britell, Richard Britell, Madeleine Boga, Dawn Meltzer, Laura Thompson, Kathy Gideon, Joan Rooks, and Kate Merlini.

Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, 119 Fenn Street, will feature local artist Nicole Fecteau during the First Fridays Artswalk on August 2 for one-night only, 5 to 8 pm.

Living in Recovery, 75 North Street, will feature artworks by Jeff Malderez and Stephanie Campbell on Friday, August 2, 5 to 8 pm. All are welcome to participate in Coffee and Canvas led by Shane Ott at 7 pm.

Jeff Malderez is a British/French visionary artist originally hailing from the charming seaside town of Torquay, England, now residing in Pittsfield, MA. With his masterful skill and intricate techniques, he creates stunning works that capture the essence of divinity. His pieces are an exploration of life and its intricate complexities, revealing the true beauty found within its depths. Through the medium of both digital and traditional art, Jeff aims to bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen, uniting all beings into one universal consciousness.

Stephanie Campbell is new to displaying her artwork. She is a woman in recovery with a broad vision for beauty. See her amazing work created from small dots, showing us how all things are connected in life, even when we do not notice it.

The Berkshire Black Economic Council, 33 Dunham Mall, Suite 101, will feature “The Creative Journey” by DeSean Scales for the August 2 First Fridays Artswalk. There will be a reception with the artist on Friday, August 2, from 5 to 8 pm.

DeSean Scales is a self-taught photographer based in Pittsfield. In every frame, DeSean aims to capture not just an image, but a connection—a shared moment of joy, reflection, or understanding. Whether photographing people, landscapes, or objects, photography is DeSean’s way of bringing light into the world, one frame at a time.

For the month of August, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, 146 North Street, will feature a multi-media piece entitled TEMPEST containing the exhibit “Hidden By the Weight of Our Scales”. Hidden By the Weight of Our Scales attempts to provide moments to explore the subtlety of the human emotional landscape through illustrations by Antoine Adams. The exhibit will be on view on Friday, August 2 during the First Fridays Artswalk.

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, will present CATA’s “I AM A PART OF ART” through August 20. The exhibit will be on view during the First Fridays Artswalk on August 2 from 5 to 8 pm.

I AM A PART OF ART, Community Access to the Arts’ Annual Art Show, features more than 150 paintings and drawings by artists with disabilities from across Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY. This annual exhibition is the culmination of hundreds of visual arts workshops that CATA holds throughout the year for teens, adults, and elders with disabilities across Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and Columbia County, New York. Through these workshops, CATA artists grow creatively, learn new techniques, and build community. Works in the exhibit are professionally matted and framed, and available for sale, with proceeds providing commissions to the individual artists. The curated exhibit features a wide range of styles, including abstract and representational paintings, drawings, photographs, collage, sculpture, and printmaking, as well as comics, illustration, and stop-motion animation.

Dottie’s Coffee Lounge/Dorothy’s Estaminet, 438/444 North Street, will host a First Fridays After Party featuring the Tap on Friday, August 2, from 7 to 10 pm. The Tap is a 3-piece band featuring Trey Carter, Al Lucas and Pete Prieto, playing classic and original rock, and some 90’s alternative music. There will be a full cash bar and coffee available for purchase.

Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and First Fridays Artswalk will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip on Friday, August 2, 5 to 8 pm, as part of the First Fridays at Five Family Fun Zone on Dunham Mall (100 North Street).

This free Paint & Sip is best suited for ages 5 to 12, although younger and older children are welcome. All materials, instruction, 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.

Download the Downtown Pittsfield app in the App Store or on Google Play to follow a virtual walking tour of art on your cell phone.

First Fridays Artswalk 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.

This program is also supported in part by The Feigenbaum Foundation.

First Fridays at Five is a brand-new event led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. taking place in downtown Pittsfield from May-September. Season partners and sponsors include: the Feigenbaum Foundation, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Mill Town Foundation, MountainOne, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council.

Check out all of the August 2 First Fridays at Five events at lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays.

“Looking Outside” by Len Gerwick
2024-08-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., 431 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework, 437 North Street, will feature “Looking Outside” by Len Gerwick for the August 2 First Fridays Artswalk.
In “Looking Outside”, Len presents his oil and acrylic paintings. Len paints plein air or inside, often both on the same painting. His work has been exhibited in Northampton, Amherst, Worcester, Boston, and Marlborough.
There will be an opening reception with the artist on Friday, August 2, from 5 to 8 pm, and the show will be on view Monday-Friday through the end of August by visiting the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. offices during normal business hours.

August 2 First Fridays at Five: Friday, August 2, 5 to 8 pm
2024-08-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The August 2nd First Fridays at Five will feature live music, art, dance, family fun, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield.

The Berkshire United Way (BUW) (August’s Community Partner) and The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (August’s Presenting Sponsor) will be celebrating the BUW’s 100th Birthday with a Birthday Bash! DJ Pup Daddy (aka Tim Dupree) of Pup Daddy Productions will headline the August 2nd event on the mobile City Stage playing summertime dance classics from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today – songs fit to celebrate 100 years. DJ Pup Daddy is an avid music fan and has been a vinyl hound since he was a pup – he loves spinning the 45s!

The Berkshire United Way team and partner organizations will be offering family friendly crafts, games, and giveaways. A Berkshire United Way Book House will be on site providing free children’s books. The community is invited to give back during the First Fridays at Five through Berkshire United Way’s annual August School Supply Drive. Help BUW Fill a Ford with supplies to support the Pittsfield Public Schools (Ford is generously donated by Johnson Dealership Inc.). Items and cash donations will be collected on August 2nd, or you can visit BerkshireUnitedWay.org for additional drop off locations and an Amazon wish list.

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America will also have fun giveaways including snow cones and school supplies.

Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature interactive performances presented by the Wandering Dance Society as part of the August 2 First Fridays at Five and the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series. Dancers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate throughout the evening.

East Coast Swing Lesson with Rushelle Bowie: 5 to 6:15 pm
Step, Dance, and Drumline with Youth Alive: 6:30 to 8 pm
Featuring guests: R.O.P.E. member Abby Percy and James Ryan

Rushelle Bowie will be teaching a basic lesson in East Coast Swing from 5 to 6:15 pm. East Coast Swing is a fun, upbeat dance guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The lesson will be followed by a short demo and open dancing.

Rushelle has been sharing her passion for dancing for over 15 years, offering group and private lessons in East Coast Swing, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, and Waltz. She also provides personalized dance instruction for weddings, parties, and other special events. Her dance studio is located in Dalton, MA, where it is always ‘Time to Dance’.

There will be a performance of Step, Dance, and Drumline with Youth Alive from 6:30 to 8 pm. Youth Alive, Inc. (YA) is a multi-cultural, community-based organization founded in 1995 by two teenagers, Akilah Edgerton and Erica Young, in Pittsfield, MA. The purpose of YA is to teach life skills to youth aged six to eighteen using performance arts as the teaching vehicle. YA performs at major cultural institutions such as Jacob’s Pillow, MASS MoCA, and Williams College, and YA has performed and been recognized at the Massachusetts State House for their impact. YA has impacted hundreds of young people’s lives in the Berkshires, who are now contributing adult citizens – some in key leadership positions locally and beyond. The New Era of YA steppers, dancers, and drummers are being coached by YA phenomenal alumnus: Step Coach Chyenne VanBramer, Dance Coach Serina Saunders, and Musical Director, Percussionist and Spoken Word Artist Jerome Edgerton Jr.

In the case of inclement weather, the Wandering Dance Society performances will be at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue.

Sottile Park, at the corner of North and Eagle Street, will feature the Bright Starr 360 Photo Booth from 5 to 8 pm. All are welcome to take a free photo in the booth to celebrate the Berkshire United Way’s 100 Birthday!

In the case of inclement weather, the Photo Booth will be in the covered outdoor area at Hot Harry’s, 37 North Street.

Jim Horsford will be hosting a free live pottery demonstration at Palace Park 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.

Hot Plate Brewing Co. will host a Beer Garden on School Street from 5 to 8 pm. School Street will be closed to traffic so you can take your beers outside, grab some delicious bites from Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort, and play some family-friendly games. There will be live music with local cover band, Mr. Doubtfire, from 7 to 10 pm. This high-energy, five-piece group delivers electrifying performances spanning hits from the ’60s to today. Band members include Alden Grover – guitar and vocals, Brandon Grover – guitar and vocals, Sam Utz – bass and vocals, Justin Rivelli – drums, and Cassandra Redd – lead vocals. Hot Plate Brewing Co. will also be offering a special “Beer for Good” to celebrate the Berkshire United Way’s 100th Birthday.

The Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five will be on North Street between School Street and Fenn Street and will feature over two dozen local artisanal vendors who make their own, 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 be on Dunham Mall (100 North Street) and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. Participating organizations include the Berkshire Museum, who will be bringing their Mobile Museum Unit, and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., who will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip. “Andrew The Balloonatic” will be offering free balloon creations. Berkshire Bank and NBT Bank will also be providing free kids’ activities along North Street.

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase dozens of artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Black Economic Council, Clock Tower Artists, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Living in Recovery, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, Marketplace Cafe, Methuselah Bar and Lounge, NUarts gallery + studios, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, Soda Chef, and THECOLLAB. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists. Visit the free Open Studios event at the Clock Tower from 5 to 8 pm. A free art shuttle to and from the Clock Tower Artist Studios will run from 5 to 8 pm – every 15 minutes from City Hall on Allen Street. The Art Shuttle is provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers.

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 in to participate in a free art activity with the guidance and support of a faculty artist.

There will be many downtown restaurants serving food outside during the event or stick around for a bite after 8. There will be live music with The Tap at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge/Dorothy’s Estaminet, 438/444 North Street, from 7 to 10 pm. The Tap is a 3-piece band featuring Trey Carter, Al Lucas and Pete Prieto, playing classic and original rock, and some 90’s alternative music. There will be a full cash bar and coffee available for purchase.

First Fridays at Five is a brand-new event led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. taking place in downtown Pittsfield from May-September. A portion of North Street and School Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include the Feigenbaum Foundation, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Mill Town Foundation, MountainOne, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council.

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

North Street will be closed from Park Square to Depot Street on Friday, August 2 from 3 to 8 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 Depot Street starting at 2 pm on Friday.

“Andrew The Balloonatic” at First Fridays at Five
2024-08-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, 100 North Street
“Andrew The Balloonatic” will be offering free balloon creations in the Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five on Dunham Mall (100 North Street).
“Andrew The Balloonatic” has been a featured entertainer from BTC entertainment for 15 years. Andrew can be seen performing throughout Berkshire County, MA; New York; and surrounding states. He is known for his creative balloon creations and also for being an all-around funny guy. He really gets the kids laughing, and the grown-ups will appreciate his dad jokes. He can also be seen as alter ego, Kapt Kraw, performing a hilarious pirate themed magic show.
