Discover fun and educational events happening this weekend in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
It's blueberry season! Mark your calendars for the Blueberry Jubilee in Heath, MA, and the Blueberry Days of Summer in Chester, MA, next weekend. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
HISTORIC ADVENTURES: August 7th-8th, Old Sturbridge Village, Redcoats & Rebels Revolutionary War Reenactment. Named a “Best in New England” event by Yankee magazine, Redcoats & Rebels is one of the largest such reenactments in the country. More than 40 units will conduct mock battles with lots of musket, cannon and artillery fire, demonstrate marching and drilling, and entertain visitors with fife and drum music. Free with museum admission. Extended hours to 8 PM on Aug. 8 for “Twilight Encampment,” where guests can mingle with the troops around the campfires. Free parking. For more information: www.osv.org or call 1-800-733-1830.
FAMILY CONCERTS: Saturday, August 7th there are two great family concerts happening at two great museums in Western Massachusetts: Uncle Rock at MASS MoCA in North Adams in the morning, and Princess Katie & Racer Steve at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst in the afternoon.
BEST BETS
Saturday, July 31st from 1-4pm: Discover local history with Shady Porches as residents of old will come alive in six historic Stockbridge neighborhoods. Awakened spirits of historic Stockbridge personages will gather on six historic porches to discuss among themselves and the audience how local customs and neighborhoods have changed. Hear the latest gossip from the 1800’s as the costumed spirits, or “Shades,” talk about themselves, their friends, and the times in which they lived. Tickets at the Stockbridge Library. 298-5501 Stockbridge, MA ($$)
Sunday, August 1st at 8pm: Mettawee River Theatre Company will perform The Woman Who Fell From the Sky at Pettingill Field (behind Cummington Supply on Main St.). This outdoor production drawns from the Iroquois creation tale in which the Sky Woman falls from the spirit world and lands on the back of a turtle. Water animals bring up mud from the bottom of the sea so the earth can grow. The character Sapling creates all the earth’s delightful things; his brother Flint brings us mosquitoes and thorns and sharp rocks. The abrupt arrival of Hodu’i, a whimsical crack-pot who claims to have created it all, spells the readiness of the earth for the arrival of human beings. The production will incorporate many puppets representing the spirits and creatures of this young world. Cummington, MA (FREE)
BULLETIN BOARD
ADVERTISING & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Deliver your message to a large family based audience while supporting the work ofHilltown Families. Advertise your event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement here in the Bulletin Board section of our List of Weekly Suggested Events.
Stacey Mackowiak of Cummington, MA writes: The Cummington Family Center is having a craft show around the holiday season! We are looking for folks who make quality, handmade goods for babies & kids of all ages. This should be a great event that supports both the family center and our local, talented crafters! If you are interested in having a table at the fair contact me by phone or email. The craft show/ holiday family concert will be Nov. 13th from 10-3. There is a $20 table fee for anyone interested. (413) 634-8853 smackowiak@yahoo.com
GLUTEN-FREE FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP: Support network forming for parents with a child, partner or self with Celiac Disease. Meet-ups will be at Cup & Top in Florence, MA. If interested, post your message here.
Deadline to enter to win: August 4th
MOVIE SCREENING & DISCUSSION: The Academy of Music Theater in Northampton, MA will be screening Babies this coming weekend. On Sunday, August 1st after the 6:25pm screening, there will be a discussion with filmmaker & child-birth educator, Vicki Elson about babies, families, culture and community. Get your tickets at the door or at Impish (upstairs in Thornes Market, Northampton).
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: ‘It Takes a Village’ is holding an informal Open House at the Cummington Community House on Thursday, August 5th from 6-8pm. Future volunteers, families and community members, are warmly invited to find out more about how the Village works. Villagers will be on hand to answer questions, distribute information and interview interested volunteers and families. 634-5431 http://www.itavillage.info More info here.
FAMILY CAMPING: If your family (or a family you know) has always wanted to learn how to camp, a fun-filled Becoming an Outdoors Family Camping Weekend is planned for novice campers at Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, MA on August 7-8, 2010. Organized by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Becoming an Outdoorswoman Program. Families new to camping will have the option of learning some basic camping skills and as well as other outdoor recreational skills such as archery, fishing, canoeing and hiking. More info here.
Deadline to enter to win: August 4th
SPANISH TOURS: Daily Spanish language tours at Old Sturbridge Village. The 45-minute tours are free with museum admission, and are led by a Spanish-speaking OSV historian in costume. The tours are particularly helpful for Spanish-speaking tourists, immigrants, relatives and visitors, and for students studying Spanish in school. The tours run daily through August 8, and then are offered weekly year round. OSV portrays early New England life from 1790-1840. The Village has a large staff of historians in costume, 59 historic buildings on 200 acres, three water-powered mills and two covered bridges. Visitors can ride in a stagecoach, view antiques, heirloom gardens, meet the farm animals, and take part in hands-on crafts. Details: 1-800-733-1830; www.osv.org
BREASTFEEDING: The week of August 1st, breastfeeding advocates all over the world will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week for the 19th year with the theme “Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps. The Baby-Friendly Way.“ There are several events happening to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week in Western MA. Click here for list of events.
WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4) | Movies in the Valley | Movies in the Berkshires | Farmers’ Markets | Listen Here
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
Saturday – 7/31/10
6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.
8:30am-12:30pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: On the town green. Ashfield, MA (MARKET)
9:30am – SENSORY FRIENDLY MOVIE: A “Sensory Friendly” Screening of of Toy Story 3 at Cinemark Theatre (Hampshire Mall). Lights will be on, sound lowered, no previews shown and all are more than welcome to roam free around the theatre. Must call for tickets: 626-0019 Hadley, MA ($)
10am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: A Wheelie Good Time on the Manhan Rail Trail – Bring Strollers, wagon, bikes, trikes or just your feet for a child friendly stroll along the Manhan Rail Trail with the Easthampton Family Center. Meet on Payson Ave at the Easthampton Safety Complex. Picnic Snack provided after the stroll. 563-7672 Easthampton, MA (FREE)
10am-12Noon – FAMILY HIKE: Join Ruthie Ireland from Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary for a family 2-mile hike at Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Preregister 584-3009. Ages 4 & older. Williamsburg, MA (>$)
10:30-11:15am – FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: The Village Commons’ Summer Children’s Entertainment Series will host Ed Popielarczyk…Magical Moments, outside in front of the Odyssey Bookshop. South Hadley, MA (FREE)
10:30-11:15am – PUPPET SHOW: No Strings Marionettes present Treasure Hunt at Eastfield Mall Center Court. Springfield, MA (FREE)
11am – THEATER: “The Mummy’s Tale and Other Stories from the Great Beyond” at the Berkshire Museum. This family-friendly journey explores the ultimate mystery: the afterlife as viewed across centuries and cultures. www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA ($)
11am-5pm – CHAUTAUQUA REVIVAL: The Laurel Park Association is presenting an eclectic, community oriented program for its 24th annual Chautauqua Revival. www.laurelparkassociation.org Northampton, MA (FREE)
11am – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Nutshell Playhouse’s Pirates! are back on the high seas at the New Stage Performing Arts Center. 637-1245 www.nutshellplayhouse.org Pittsfield, MA (>$)
12Noon-3pm – COMMUNITY MEAL: Montague Farm Zen House presents the weekly Montague Farm Cafe -a free, weekly family oriented meal and gathering, with healthy food, art activities, live music, and games. 367-5275 Montague, MA (FREE)
12:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Chow Time in the aquarium at the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA (FREE w/museum admission)
2pm – PUPPET PERFORMANCE: Michael’s Surprise Show with Marmalade Productions at the Peru Library. 655-8650 Peru, MA
1pm – SCIENCE STUDIES: Amherst Solar will be set up with their telescopes on the Amherst Town Common all summer. Stop by with the kids and see Sunspots, Prominences, Limb Darkening and more. 256-6234 amastro.org Amherst, MA (FREE)
1-4pm – HISTORIC ADVENTURES: Shady Porches. Awakened spirits of historic Stockbridge personages will gather on six historic porches in Stockbridge to discuss among themselves and the audience how Stockbridge customs and neighborhoods have changed. Hear the latest gossip from the 1800’s as the costumed spirits, or “Shades”, talk about themselves, their friends, and the times in which they lived. Tickets at the Stockbridge Library. 298-5501 Stockbridge, MA ($$)
1-5pm – HISTORIC ADVENTURES: Tour the William Cullen Bryant Homestead. Explore the ancestral home of the great 19th-century poet, newspaperman, and essayist, and wander the grounds above the Westfield River. Try the “I Spy” family activity using a hands-on spy pack to discover the Homestead’s secrets. 634-2244 Cummington, MA (>$)
7pm – OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE: Scaramouche Jones – a one-man show, at the Three Sisters Sanctuary. This is the first performance in the new outdoor stone amphiteater. “On the eve of the millennium, Scaramocuhe Jones, a 100-year old pale faced Gypsy clown, breaks a fifty year silence to tell his life story. We are taken on a journey from the slums of Trinidad to England, via Africa, Italy and wartime Poland: an odyssey spanning the entire 20th Century.” Performances are July 22 – 31. www.threesistsersanctuary.com 268-3850 Goshen, MA ($)
8:45pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-In movie theater. Call to find out what they are screening.. (603) 239-4054 www.northfielddrivein.com Northfield, MA ($)
Sunday – 8/1/10
7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.
8am – WOMEN’S TRAIL RUN: Women of all levels are welcomed to a casual weekly trail run at the Chesterfield Gorge. All distances/All levels welcome. Organized by Leslie Charles and Tanya Rapinchuk. West Chesterfield, MA
1-4pm – ART ADVENTURES: Special Sundays in the Eric Carlem Museum of Picture Book Art Art Studio. www.carlemuseum.org 658-1100 Amherst, MA (FREE w/admission)
1-5pm – HISTORIC ADVENTURES: Tour the William Cullen Bryant Homestead. Explore the ancestral home of the great 19th-century poet, newspaperman, and essayist, and wander the grounds above the Westfield River. Try the “I Spy” family activity using a hands-on spy pack to discover the Homestead’s secrets. 634-2244 Cummington, MA (>$)
3-5pm – SEWING: Ashfield Needles and Threads meets at Elmer’s. Get together and sew, knit, crochet, chat, hook rugs… ibranson@crocker.com Ashfield, MA (FREE)
3-5pm – PLAYGROUP: Join parents from the Northampton Parent Center at the Easthampton Community Gardens with Kate. 582.2636 Easthampton, MA (FREE)
4-6pm – OUTDOOR GAME: Pick-up Ultimate Frisbee at the Ashfield Ballfield. Ages 10 & older. More info call William at 628-3336. Ashfield, MA
6-8pm – OUTDOOR CONCERT: Sundays in the Park w/ Lori McKenna and special guest Mark Erelli at Greenfield Energy Park. Next Sunday, Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem. Greenfield, MA (DONATION)
6:25pm – MOVIE & DISCUSSION: The Academy of Music Theater will be screening Babies. After the screening there will be a discussion with filmmaker & child-birth educator, Vicki Elson about babies, families, culture and community. Get your tickets at the door, or at Impish (upstairs in Thornes Market, Northampton). Northampton, MA ($)
6:30pm – FAMILY THEATER: James and the Giant Peach at the Majestic Theater. www.majestictheater.com 747-7797 West Springfield, MA ($)
8pm – OUTDOOR THEATRE: Mettawee River Theatre Company will perform The Woman Who Fell From the Sky at Pettingill Field (behind Cummington Supply on Main St.). Cummington, MA (FREE)
Sundown – OUTDOOR FILM: Family Flicks Under the Stars with Images Cinema on the Chapin Lawn. See Annie under the stars with your family. 458-5612 Williamstown, MA (FREE)
8:45pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-In movie theater. Click here to find out what they are screening. (603) 239-4054 www.northfielddrivein.com Northfield, MA ($)
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Hilltown Families 
Great question, Mimi! A recent thread on the Hilltown Families Facebook page recently asked this same question. A few families responded with the following:
Where are the best places to go blueberry picking in the Hilltowns and near Northampton?
ALL WEEK
10:30am & 1:30pm in Pittsfield: A Young Shaker’s Tour at the Hancock Shaker Village (for kids only!). Runs daily through September 3rd. Children can now see the Village through the eyes of a Shaker child – how they lived and played to where they went to school. This kids-only tour includes a make-and-take craft, visits to areas of the Village that show how Shaker children lived, including the Dwelling, Schoolhouse, and Barn Complex. Children will be returned to their parents with a framed photo of them in Shaker costume. Ages 6-17. 800.817.1137 http://www.hancockshakervillage.org ($)
At the Springfield Museums
http://www.springfieldmuseums.org
Monday – 8/2/10
10am in Stockbridge: How did Mohicans and settlers tell time? Join a Trustees of Reservations educator for a hands-on chance to make your own pocket sundial with their program: The Sun, Moon & Stars. For ages 5-12 and up. FREE with one adult admission. Pre-register to 298.3239 x3003. At the Mission House.
10am in Easthampton: Playgroup with families from the Easthampton Family Center at Nonotuck Park Upper Playground. Snacks will be available, parents are encouraged to bring their own drinks. Parents who attend will rotate bringing fruit or veggies to share. (FREE)
10am & 1pm in West Springfield: James and the Giant Peach at the Majestic Theater. http://www.majestictheater.com 747-7797 ($)
11am & 1pm in Stockbridge: Robbins-Zust Marionettes will perform Beauty and the Beast at Saint Paul’s Church (Across from the Red Lion Inn). 698-2591 http://www.berkshireweb.com/zust (>$)
12Noon – 1:30pm in Northampton: Mother-Mother Breastfeeding group hosted by a certified lactation consultant every Monday at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. 582-2096 [FREE]
4:30-5:30pm in Northampton: The Forbes Library hosts a Manga/Anime Club. Drop-ins welcomed. In the children’s department. [FREE]
5:30pm in Amherst: Cruise Nights at Atkins Farms. Weather permitting.
6:30pm in Montague: Evening Sing-Along at the Montague Center Library. Children of all ages and their families are invited to join Children’s Librarian Linda Hickman for a fun informal live music. Linda plays a variety of children’s music on the guitar and banjo, and there are bells and shakers for the children to play. For more information, call the Carnegie Library- 863-3214.
Tuesday – 8/3/10
9:30-11:30am in Easthampton: Parent-child gardening days with the Easthampton Family Center at the Easthampton Community Garden. (FREE)
9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Parent-child gardening days with the NPC at the Northampton Community Garden. (FREE)
10am & 1pm in West Springfield: James and the Giant Peach at the Majestic Theater. http://www.majestictheater.com 747-7797 ($)
10am in Stockbridge: Summer Sketch Club at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Enjoy on-location drawing and painting classes which encourage self-expression and experimentation. Participants should bring a sketchbook or drawing pad; other art supplies will be provided. Summer Sketch Club is held outdoors- weather permitting; bring bottled water, insect repellent, hats, and sunscreen. For ages seven and up. Take one class or take them all. http://www.nrm.org (>$)
10am in Greenfield: Sunshine Story Time for kids 5yo and under at the Greenfield Public Library. A weekly hour of stories, songs, puppets,and movement games with Kay Lyons. 772-1544 ext.5 [FREE]
11am & 1pm in Great Barrington: Robbins-Zust Marionettes will perform Androcles and the Lion at The Triplex Cinema (screening room). 528-8886 http://www.thetriplex.com (>$)
12:30pm in Pittsfield: Chow Time in the aquarium at 12:30pm, and the Battle-Ready! Discovery Program (last day) at 1pm. At the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 http://www.berkshiremuseum.org (FREE w/museum admission)
1pm in Springfield: The Princess Who Escapes from Pirates by the Talking Hands Theatre at the Springfield Museums. 263-6800 http://www.springfieldmuseums.org.
1:30pm in Northampton: Tuesday Farmers’ Market in Downtown Northampton, behind Thornes Marketplace! Food, plants, baby animals, live music, family-friendly from 1:30-6:30pm. 586-7586
2pm & 8:30pm in Lenox: Tanglewood on Parade – Music and Astronomy Under the Stars. At 2pm families can observe the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, star clusters and nebulae through telescopes. There will aslo be exhibits on the science of music, the sounds of the Sun, and the musical compositions of Galileo’s father. The evening’s 8:30pm concert will be followed by fireworks. 637-5393
2:15pm in Amherst: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Amherst Cinema. ($)
5:30pm in Northampton: A Taste of Paintbox Theater at the Tuesday Farmers’ Market. Join master storyteller and PaintBox Theatre founder Tom McCabe for some audience participation stories and a preview an upcoming PaintBox production. [FREE]
6:15pm in Greenfield: Learn to Hula Hoop with Alotta Hoopla at Greenfield Energy Park. [FREE]
6:30pm in Westfield: Amelia Park Ice Arena is proud to present “Musical Moments In Amelia’s Garden” every Tuesday this summer. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful flowers, sunset, and music!
7pm in Pittsfield: Take the family out to the ballpark to see a Pittsfield Colonials baseball home game at Wahconah Park. http://www.pittsfieldcolonials.com ($)
Wednesday – 8/4/10
All Day in Florence: Half-price at Look Park.
9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Join the Northampton Parent Center at the Forbes Library for Toddler Time.
10am & 1pm in West Springfield: James and the Giant Peach at the Majestic Theater. http://www.majestictheater.com 747-7797 ($)
10:30-11:45am in Amherst: Momma and Baby Yoga (Start after 7 weeks postpartum) at the CDH outpatient offices at 170 University Drive. Pre-registration is required: 582-2736, press “3” for Yoga
11am & 1pm in Great Barrington: Robbins-Zust Marionettes will perform Carnival of the Animals at The Triplex Cinema (screening room). 528-8886 http://www.thetriplex.com (>$)
12:30pm in Pittsfield: Berkshire Museum Discovery Program: What’s the Buzz? In Berkshire Backyard. Why do bees buzz, dance and wiggle? Find out in this gallery drop-in. 443-7171 (FREE w/museum admission)
1pm in Northampton: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Pleasant Street Theater. ($)
1pm in Springfield: Martin’s Magical Musical Review by the Wayne Martin puppet at the Springfield Museums. 263-6800 or visit http://www.springfieldmuseums.org.
1pm in Lenox: Terry a la Berry and Friends at the Lenox Library. Beloved local musical performers, Terry a la Berry and Friends, perform interactive popular children’s songs in our Roche Reading Park. Bring a blanket, picnic and get ready for some fun! 637-0197 ext 105
1:30pm in Amherst: The student participants in the 2010 Youth and Shakespeare Programs in Holyoke and Springfield will stage their final performances at the Massachusetts Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies. The hour-long performance is open to the public, and will be followed by a reception. The Center is located at 650 East Pleasant St. 577-3600 [FREE]
2pm in Northampton: Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles at A2Z Science and Learning Store. A preschool science exploration. Ages 4-5. 57 King St. Preregistration required: 586-1611 (>$)
2pm in Florence: Wednesday Farmers’ Market on the lawn at the Florence Civic Center (Route 9) from 2-6pm
2-6pm in Turners Falls: Great Falls Farmers Market. Located on the corner of 2nd Street and Avenue A. in Turners Falls, right next to the Great Falls Discovery Center.
3-6pm in Greenfield: Guiding Star Grange Farmer’s Market (401 Chapman Street)
4:30pm in Northampton: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. (FREE)
6-8pm in Springfield: Outdoor Concert at the Quadrangle green. (FREE)
7pm in Hatfield: The Hatfield Summer Theatre presents Narnia The Musical, based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis), at the Hatfield Congregational Church. (>$)
7pm in Pittsfield: Take the family out to the ballpark to see a Pittsfield Colonials baseball home game at Wahconah Park. http://www.pittsfieldcolonials.com ($)
Thursday – 8/5/10
9:30-11:30am in Northampton: NPC Playgroup at Bridge Street School playground with Rania.
10:30am in Northampton: Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles at A2Z Science and Learning Store. A preschool science exploration. Ages 4-5. 57 King St. Preregistration required: 586-1611 (>$)
10:30am-12:30pm in Greenfield : Meme and Pepe supports grandparents (55+ primary caregivers of children). 475-1553 (FREE)
10am in Stockbridge: Creating Together: A Parent-Child Experience. Children and their parents are invited to explore Norman Rockwell Museum’s galleries together during this series of interactive art experiences. Get inspired by the works on view to create your own personal artwork with a variety of materials and techniques. For parents and children ages four and up. Take one class or take them all. http://www.nrm.org (>$)
11am & 1pm in Stockbridge: Robbins-Zust Marionettes will perform Brementown Musicians at Saint Paul’s Church (Across from the Red Lion Inn). 698-2591 http://www.berkshireweb.com/zust (>$)
11am in Pittsfield: Berkshire Children’s Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Berkshire Museum. http://www.berkshiremuseum.org ($, Children under 3: Free)
11am in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) until 1pm. Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
11am in Lenox: Go Green and Make a Scene will be performed for families by comedian mime Robert Rivest at Lenox Libray. Through mime, comedy and audience participation, Rivest will explore how awesome it is to live on planet Earth. Rivest has performed over 5,000 shows in 11 countries. Call 637-0197 ext 105 for more information.
1pm in Pittsfield: Family concert at the Berkshire Athenaeum (1 Wendell Ave.) with Jay Mankita. 499-9480 http://www.jaymankita.com (FREE)
1pm in Springfield: Caps for Sale by PuppeTree at the Springfield Museums. 263-6800 or visit http://www.springfieldmuseums.org.
1:30pm in Pittsfield: Gallery Cart Program at the Berkshire Museum: Animal Mummification. Pharaohs and priests of ancient Egypt weren’t the only mummies. Learn how and why animals were mummified alongside their human counterparts. 443-7171 (FREE w/museum admission)
2-4pm in Williamstown: Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is hosting its annual summer Open House and Ice Cream Social at its Sheep Hill headquarters. The afternoon will feature a craft and activities for children, tours of the property and building exhibits, and local ice cream served with seasonal fruits. wrlf.org 458-2494 (FREE)
6pm in Adams: Family concert with Jan Mankita at the Adams Free Library (92 Park Street). 743-8345 http://www.jaymankita.com (FREE)
6-9pm in South Deerfield: Chandler’s Summer Concert Series & BBQ On the Chandler’s Patio (25 Greenfield Road). 665-1277 ($$)
7pm in Hatfield: The Hatfield Summer Theatre presents Narnia The Musical, based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis), at the Hatfield Congregational Church. (>$)
7pm in East Longmeadow: Summer Concert Series at East Longmeadow High School Athletic Field with Premier Brass Quintet. 525-3188
7pm in Pittsfield: Take the family out to the ballpark to see a Pittsfield Colonials baseball home game at Wahconah Park. http://www.pittsfieldcolonials.com ($)
7-8:30pm in Easthampton: Discover Bats at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Join Berkshires sanctuary director and bat researcher René Laubach to learn about the fascinating lives of our native bat species. After an indoor introduction to bat’s natural history, threats, and conservation efforts, we will go outside and use a bat detection device to witness their nighttime feeding flights. Open to families with children ages 8 and up. Preregister 584-3009 (>$)
8:30pmish in Pittsfield: Outdoor familiy movie screening on the Pittsfield Common downtown, part of their annual Summer Oudoor Movie Series (On 1st St., between Fern & Eagle Sts.). Screening Back to the Future. (8/6) 499-9370 [FREE]
9:15pm in Lanesborough: Firefly Watch at Mount Greylock. Citizen scientist project with Berkshire Museum and DCR. More info here. (FREE)
Friday – 8/6/10
7:30am in Lanesboro: Guided hikes on Mount Greylock, followed by an optional breakfast at historic Bascom Lodge. Meet at the Visitors Center (30 Rockwell Rd.) Steve Linscott will lead a moderate to strenuous hike. 499-4262 (FREE HIKE; $ FOOD)
8:30am-11am in Lenox: Friday Mornings at Tanglewood. A closed rehearsal of upcoming performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra is open to students in 3rd grade and older. This Education Program will be held in the shed. Call Darlene White at 637-5274 to reserve a seat. Younger kids and their families can sit on the lawn. [FREE]
10am in Westfield: Kids concert with Alphabet Rockers at Stanley Park. http://www.alphabetrockers.com
10am & 11am in Pittsfield: Aquarium Adventures. Each week children ages 2-4 meet a different animal from Berkshire Museum’s aquarium and watch as their new friend enjoys a meal. Story time is included. Free with Museum admission.
10am in Huntington: Playgroup at the Gateway Family Center (9 Russell Rd.) (FREE)
11am in Pittsfield: Berkshire Children’s Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Berkshire Museum. http://www.berkshiremuseum.org ($, Children under 3: Free)
11am in Greenfield: Mother Goose on the Loose for Toddlers at the Greenfield Public Library. 772-1544 ext.5 (FREE)
1pm in Springfield: Puppet Potpourri by the Puppet People at the Springfield Museums. 263-6800 or visit http://www.springfieldmuseums.org.
5pm in Adams: 36 Annual Adams Agricultural Fair.
5:30pm in Holyoke: Pavillion Summer Concert Series at the Summit View House. http://www.summitviewbanquethouse.com 538-7431 (FREE)
5:30pm in South Haldey: Cruise Nights at Butter Brook Park. Plan to join friends for supper—proceeds from food sales help to support park improvements, such as the new playground area now under development. Stroll through the park and enjoy classic cars, DJ music, refreshments, the company of neighbors and friends, and just being outdoors on a nice summer evening. Cruise nights are free and open to the public. friendsofbutterybrook@yahoo.com (FREE)
9pm in Windsor: Stargazing at Notchview. Enjoy the dark skies of the Highlands searching for nebulae, constellations, and planets. Arunah Hill Natural Science Center will have their telescopes set up to view the heavens. Dress for a cool evening. 532-1631 x13 http://www.arunah.org (FREE)
7pm in Hatfield: The Hatfield Summer Theatre presents Narnia The Musical, based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis), at the Hatfield Congregational Church. (>$)
8pm in Haydenville: Family movie night on the lawn behind Legacy Bank (142 Main Street). Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Free popcorn and drinks. Rain or shine. (FREE)