Hilltown Families 
Berkshire Family Fun for Early-Mid October 2012
Berkshire County Highlights for Families:
Oct 6th-19th, 2012
Marmalade Productions will be at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee with her “Emerge-And-See” Wagon on Saturday, Oct 6th at 11am. Read our review of Dr. Marmalade’s performance from several years ago in Shelburne Falls.
The foliage is peaking in Berkshire County! This is your moment to get out in your community, or for visitors to travel to the region, for taking in the beautiful autumn colors. Plus, there are so many great excuses to get out in Berkshire County over the next two weekends! In this edition of BFF we’ve included over 60 listings in 17 towns throughout Berkshire County!
A few things we want to highlight for Columbus Day Weekend, Oct 6th & 7th, include the Berkshire Botanical Garden‘s 78th annual fall festival, Jiminy Peak‘s Fall Festival, the Berkshire Museum presents Father Goose’s Tales, a Pumpkin Fest at Bidwell House Museum, Hinsdale Dayz, and a Medieval Faire at Ventfort Hall!
Another highlight is the Berkshire Coaching Weekend at Shakespeare & Co. on Saturday, Norman Rockwell Museum on Sunday, and The Mount on Columbus Day. Also on Columbus Day, Oct 8th, David Grover will lead a sing-along at the Berkshire Museum and there will be pumpkin carving at Chesterwood (David Grover will also be at Family Fun Day at Laston Park on Sat., Oct 6th).
For the weekend of Oct 13th & 14th, there are several great hikes & outdoor adventures planned in Windsor, Lee, Lenox, Great Barrington, Monterey and Windsor! Also happening the weekend of the 13th & 14th is the Berkshire Orchid and Tropical Show at BCC. And make sure to note the Bizarre Bazaar that happens on Sat., Oct 13th at the Brigham Center.
A few fun things happening at the libraries include a free youth theater workshop at the Berkshire Athenaeum on Saturday, Oct 6th, a Mexican Bingo Night & Dessert Potluck at the Masson Library on Friday, Oct 12th and an evening of Star Wars at the Lenox Library on Friday, Oct 19th.
And if you’re looking for a parents’ night out, three things to know about include the Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema screening of “Sleepwalk With Me” on Saturday, Oct 6th, the Zombie Pub Crawl in Pittsfield on Friday, Oct 12th, and a benefit for the Rock On! Scholarship Fund, part of Rock On! youth mentoring programs, at the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Colonial Theatre on Friday, Oct 19th.
Find out about these events and other community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County through Oct 19th, 2012:
• North Berkshire
• Central Berkshire
• South Berkshire
To find out what’s happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, check our comprehensive list of Weekly Suggested Events, published every Thursday! There you will also find our list of ongoing weekday playgroups, storyhours and events both in Berkshire County and throughout the region.
North Berkshire
Cheshire | Florida | Hancock | Lanesborough | Monterey | North Adams | Williamstown | Windsor
Central Berkshire | South Berkshire
Whitney’s Farm Market – “I enjoy taking my family to Whitney’s Farm pumpkin patch! They have an amazing assortment of fall activities including haunted hay maze, pony rides, giant slide and of course pumpkin picking! My kids favorite time of year!” – Jennifer Carchedi (Pittsfield, MA) – 413-442-4749. 1775 S. State Rd. Rt.8.
Abbot School — Ongoing: Tuesday afternoon playgroups at in the gym, sponsored by Childcare of the Berkshires in the gym.— 56 North Country Road. (FREE) ♦
Spruce Hill — On Saturday, Oct 6th from 9am-1pm, Hike Spruce Hill with Mass Audubon! Naturalist (and author) Rene Laubach will lead the 2.5 mile hike to the summit of Spruce Hill, part of the Hoosac Range in both Florida and North Adams. The site is a great place to see migrating raptors – learn how to spot the birds! Registration required. — 413-637-0320. ($$)
Jiminy Peak — On Saturday, Oct 6th from 9am-5pm, Jiminy Peak’s annual Fall Festival takes place! The event adds an arts and crafts fair, ski and snowboard sale, and fun family activities to the park’s regular fall rides and attractions. — 413-738-5500. 37 Corey Road. ($)
13 Nights at Jiminy — Visit Jiminy Peak for a scary tour called 13 Nights at Jiminy – that’s based a little bit on legend, and mostly in some spooky local history. There are special tours of the location (which depart every 15 minutes), as well as a haunted mountain roller coaster and a scary tree-top zipline. Open to families with older kids (minimum age is 10, but it’s pretty creepy!), the tour explores the former hillside Plantation of Jericho – settled by sheep farmers to avoid a sickness believed to exist in the valley – and explores the 13 Nights legend, in which sheep at the plantation disappear overnight for thirteen nights out of the year. Open Friday and Saturday evenings through Halloween. — 413-738-5500. 37 Corey Road. ($$)
Lanesborough Library — Ongoing: Tuesday morning story time at 10:15am. Stories, crafts, and music for all ages. — 413-499-5981. 83 North Main Street. (FREE) ♦
Laston Park — It’s Family Fun Day at Laston Park on Saturday, Oct. 6th from 12noon-5pm with a carnival atmosphere and a concert with beloved children’s musician, David Grover at 2pm. There will be food, beverages & beer/wine. A fundraiser for the Berkshire Carousel Project. — (FUNDRAISER)
“Enjoy Mount Greylock with a picnic lunch and view the spectacular scenery of foliage. Kids love climbing up to the top of the memorial to take pictures.Tons of hiking trails. The lodge has some yummy ice cream treats inside! Last but not least huge bonus they have clean bathrooms!” – Rhianna Burke (Pittsfield, MA)
Mt. Greylock — On Saturday, Oct 6th & 13th, join a Park Interpreter for the program Wild Waterfalls. Greylock has beautiful waterfalls, and this series of hikes allows families to explore them. The park warns of some strenuous hiking and wet, slippery conditions with sturdy shoes and recommends bring a snack and drinking water. Meets and departs from Visitor Center. — 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road.
Town Hall — Ongoing: On Fridays from 11am-12noon a playgroup will be in the town hall community room, sponsored by Childcare of the Berkshires in the community room. — 413-664-4821. 83 North Main Street. (FREE) ♦
Bob’s Way Reserve — Explore the BNRC’s Bob’s Way Reserve on Sunday, Oct 14th at 1pm! Part of this fall’s Housatonic Heritage Walks, the adventure will take visitors through about 2.5 miles of easy terrain. Registration requested. —413-499-0596. Route 23. (FREE)
Childcare of the Berkshires — Childcare of the Berkshires is offering a Family Nutrition class on Tuesday, Oct. 9th from 5:30-7pm, presented by Nutritionist, Allyse Wiencek. Allyse will lead the group in a hands-on information workshop for parents/guardians to learn how to feed their children (and themselves) nutrition meals. Snacks, child care & transportation are available. Call to register. — 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. (FREE)
Haskins Center — Childcare of the Berkshires presents, “Everyday Parenting Solutions,” with Scott Noyes at the Haskins Center on Tuesday, Oct 9th from 5:30-7pm. Parents can learn new strategies for resolving everyday conflicts and struggles, share experiences, and gain insight. Childcare and transportation available. — 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. (FREE)
Mass MoCA — Family Fall Adventures at MASS MoCA! — 413-662-2111. Mass MoCA Way.
Western Gateway Heritage State Park — Learn about the Gobekli Tepe, a Neolithic hilltop sanctuary erected on a mountain ridge in Turkey, at the park on Saturday, Oct 6th at 3pm! — 413-663-6312. 115 State Street. (FREE, small fee for parking)
Western Gateway Heritage State Park — Learn about the Maya-predicted apocalypse at the park on Saturday, Oct 13th at 3pm. There is a lot of interesting history and scientific speculation surrounding the event (slated to take place later this year). The park is also hosting an Ichabod Crane exhibit – just for Halloween! — 413-663-6312. 115 State Street. (FREE, small fee for parking)
The Clark — Film Series Explores the Lives of Artists at The Clark this Fall! Screening of Caravaggio on Thursday, Oct 18th at 7pm.— 413-458-2303. 225 South Street.
Images Cinema — Williams College is offering a series of movies and discussions throughout October in order to provide an academic lens for Halloween. Monday, Oct 8th‘s 7pm screening is of Bernard Rose’s horror film, “Candyman,” filmed in 1992 (The film is best for teens 18yo and adults). Following the film will be a discussion of the issues of race that the movie brings up – perhaps more than a historical drama or civil rights documentary. Takes place at Images Cinema. 413-597-4277. — 413-458-1039. 50 Spring Street. (FREE)
Images Cinema — Images Cinema and Williams College screen, “Rinne (Reincarnation),” a 2005 film by Takashi Shimizu, on Monday, Oct 15th at 7pm. It’s a horror film (for teens 18yo+ and adults!) about a movie director making a movie about a college professor who creates a massacre while studying reincarnation. The film addresses Japanese Buddhist ideas about the fate of the departed – and is part of a Halloween-themed film series designed to put the holiday into an academic light. — 413-597-4277. 50 Spring Street. (FREE)
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation — WRLF is offering weekly drop-in autumn nature classes for preschoolers at its Sheep Hill property Monday afternoons beginning Oct 15 from 12:30-2pm. The weekly classes will include stories, crafts, and outdoor play and nature exploration focusing on how nature prepares for winter. Naturalist and WRLF Director Leslie Reed-Evans will lead the class. Come to all or just a single class. Runs weekly through Nov. 5. Adult must accompany preschooler. — 413-458-2494. Route 7. ($)
Williamstown Youth Center — Ongoing: Monday playgroups from 10-11:30am at the center, sponsored by Childcare of the Berkshires. — 413-458-5925. 270 Cole Avenue. (FREE) ♦
Eugene Moran Wildlife Mgt. Area — Highland Meadow Homestead hike at the Eugene Moran Wildlife Mgt. Area on Sunday, Oct 14th from 9am-12noon. Join naturalist Aimee Gelinas on a hike through upland meadows to the ruins of a former dairy farm, with great views of Mt. Greylock. Windsor Brook, part of the Housatonic River watershed, flows through the property and provides habitat for beaver, herons and birds. Open wet meadows give way to unique boreal forests. Walk is 3 miles. Terrain – gentle hills & tall meadow grass. Pre-registration required. — 413-445-4967. Directions provided upon registration. (DONATION)
Tamarack Hollow — Highland Boreal Forest Ghost Town Housatonic Heritage Hike in the highland backcountry at Tamarack Hollow and Notchview Reservation with naturalist Aimee Gelinas on Saturday, Oct 13th from 10am-1pm. Look for cellar holes and other signs of the abandoned homesteads throughout the reservation and learn about the boreal forest fauna and flora that make this area ecologically unique. Walk is 4 miles, 3 hours over moderate terrain. Best for older kids. Pre-registration required. Directions provided upon registration. — 413-445-4967.
Central Berkshire
Hinsdale | Lee | Lenox | Pittsfield | Richmond | Stockbridge
North Berkshire | South Berkshire
Hinsdale Dayz — Sunday, Oct 7th is Hinsdale Dayz! The event runs from 2-7pm and includes lots of fun fall activities, including pony rides, square dancing, family games, and food – plus opportunities to visit the fire house, old town hall, churches, and the town library. —(FREE)
Basin Pond Trail — There are numerous opportunities to explore the out-of-doors Berkshires this fall! On Saturday, Oct 13th at 2pm, families with older kids can hike the Basin Pond Trail – a trek that will explore a quiet beaver pond and wetland that humans attempted to dam twice (1886 and 1968). Enjoy the beautiful landscape and learn about the location’s significance in local history! Registration requested. — 413-499-0596. Becket Road. (FREE)
Spectrum Playhouse — Marmalade Productions will be at the Spectrum Playhouse with her “Emerge-And-See” Wagon on Saturday, Oct 6th at 11am. Using puppets to come to the Dr. looking for her care, she helps them with what ails them and leaves all, audience included, feeling warm and fuzzy all over! — 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street. (DONATION)
Lenox Library — Kids crazy about Star Wars? The library invites kids to come in character for a costume contest, show & tell, trivia game, and an opportunity to learn about the history of Star Wars on Friday, Oct 19th from 6:30-8pm. Star Wars enthusiast Peter Struzzlero will host this event that is getting rave reviews from libraries across the state! Best for kids ages 6yo+. — 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. (FREE)
The Montessori School of the Berkshires — Nestled among field and forest, The Montessori School of the Berkshires in Lenox Dale provides hands-on, individualized education for toddlers through eighth graders. Montessori education helps children become responsible, caring learners and community members who are self-motivated, confident, independent, and creative. MSB’s LEED-registered campus allows children to learn about sustainability both within the classroom and out of doors. Children have access to the natural world through garden areas and trails. Dr. Maria Montessori considered this connection to the earth and living things to be an essential part of education. Join the school for an Open House! Oct 2, Oct 27, Nov 7. For more info and to register visit BerkshireMontessori.org.
The Mount — Columbus Day Weekend is the Berkshires’ bi-annual Coaching Weekend – and it has nothing to do with sports! This weekend celebrates the Gilded Age tradition of coaching – taking rides through the countryside in fancy carriages (or “coaches”) lead by teams of magnificent horses. Each coach is ridden by men and women dressed in period clothing, and every day of the weekend brings the group to a new Berkshire location! On Monday, Oct 8th at 12noon, the teams can be seen at The Mount, former home of Edith Wharton. The Mount will also be holding special family activities to celebrate Coaching Weekend, and families can learn about the history of the tradition, and its place in Gilded Age culture. — 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. (FREE)
The Mount — Take a spooky mystery tour of The Mount every Friday night through Oct. 26th at 5:45 & 7pm… beware – you never know what you might encounter! Visitors will not only be thoroughly creeped out, but will learn some of The Mount’s interesting history. — 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. ($$)
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary — Explore the beaver ponds at Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday, Oct 6th from 6-7:30pm! A sanctuary volunteer will lead an easy (and short) trek to look for signs of beavers and observe beaver homes and the changes they’ve made to the sanctuary’s landscape. — 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. (>$)
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary — Canoe the Housatonic with Mass Audubon Berkshire Sanctuaries on Saturday, Oct 13th from 8:30am-12:30pm. Participants will paddle through the Darey Wildlife Management Area, a spot with calm waters and lots of wildlife! Search for frogs, fish, herons, muskrats, and beavers while you enjoy what might be the last paddle of the year. Kids must be 10+, able to swim, and accompanied by adults. Meet at the Decker Boat Launch. — 413-637-0320. New Lenox Road. ($$)
Shakespeare & Company — Columbus Day Weekend is the Berkshires’ bi-annual Coaching Weekend – and it has nothing to do with sports! This weekend celebrates the Gilded Age tradition of coaching – taking rides through the countryside in fancy carriages (or “coaches”) lead by teams of magnificent horses. Each coach is ridden by men and women dressed in period clothing, and every day of the weekend brings the group to a new Berkshire location! On Saturday, Oct 6th at 2pm, the teams can be seen at Shakespeare and Company – visit to see the carriages, pat horses, and ask drivers questions about their job! — 70 Kemble Street. (FREE)
Ventfort Hall — Dost thou desire to take part in medieval combat? Suit up in armor and visit Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum for their annual Medieval Faire on Sunday, Oct 7th from 10am-5pm- bringing armored combat (every hour, on the hour!), equestrian demonstrations, roving troubadours and jesters, displays and demonstrations of medieval arts and crafts, and, for the more serious students of medieval history, lectures on medieval traditions and culture. The event is fun for the whole family – take a step back in time and surround yourself in history! Ventfort Hall’s unique architecture provides the perfect backdrop for the fair, too! — 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. ($$)
Arrowhead — Arrowhead will be open until Oct 21st from 11am-3pm offering tours of the house at 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm. — 413-442-1793. 780 Holmes Road.
Barrington Stage Company — BSO presents a theatrical version of William Golding’s, “Lord of the Flies.” 10am, 2pm, 7pm & 8pm showings on various days through Oct 21st. The classic young adult novel, adapted for the stage, tells the story of a group of schoolboys stranded on an island and the struggles for power and control that ensue. Best for older students with audience skills, the show addresses topics of basic sociology and psychology, and can help kids begin thinking about the role that power and influence play in society.— 413-236-8888. 30 Union Street. ($)
Berkshire Athenaeum — Kids of all ages are invited to the library on Saturday, Oct 6th at 2pm for a youth theater workshop with Voice Theatre Company. Through various games, the audience will learn the skills of acting while getting to know our local legend, Herman Melville, and some of his famous characters. Pittsfield, MA (FREE) — 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. (FREE)
Berkshire Athenaeum — The library’s children’s department hosts LEGO time on Thursday, Oct 17th from 3:30-4:30pm! Kids can play together with multiple sets of the plastic bricks and experiment with basic principles of design, architecture, and physics (and they thought they were just building fortresses!). This month’s theme: Trains, Planes, & Automobiles. Great for helping kids develop fine motor skills and matching abilities, too! — 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. (FREE)
Berkshire Community College — Berkshire Community College presents the Berkshire Orchid and Tropical Show on Saturday & Sunday, Oct 13th & 14th from 91m-5pm. The show features numerous varieties of orchids, succulents, bromeliads, bonsai, and other tropical plants – as well as workshops on everything from dish gardens to helping orchids re-bloom! Along with exhibits will be vendor tables featuring all things plant-related, as well as exhibits of judged plant entries. Families can supplement plant studies of all kinds by visiting the show – young students can learn about basic biodiversity, plant cells, and photosynthesis; older students can take a more in-depth look at the biology and evolution behind each species. In conjunction with the event, the Berkshire Museum is presenting a special exhibition showcasing images of the elegant, elusive orchid through Dec 9. The orchid show takes place in the Berkshire Community College Field House. — 1350 West St. (>$)
Berkshire Community College — High school students wanting to find out how to use their voice or instrument as a young performing professional artists are invited to attend Berkshire Community College’s Young Artist Series with Lisa Williamson on Tuesday, Oct 23 at 3:30pm. Lisa will lead a master class for youth ages 14yo and older, followed by a recital and Q&A session at 7pm. The recital will feature arias, art songs, music from musical theatre, and songs from the Great American Songbook. Register no later than Oct 19th. To register, email Ellen Shanahan at eshanahan@berkshirecc.edu and indicate which music you will be performing. — 1350 West St. (FREE)
Berkshire Museum — Nappy’s Puppets present, “Father Goose’s Tales,” at the Museum on Saturday, Oct 6th at 11am In the show, Mother Goose is away for the day, leaving Father Goose to all of the household tasks – including her storytelling. No matter how hard he tries, he just can’t get the stories right! The show is full of silly twists on the usual tales – get ready to giggle! — 413-443-7171. 39 South Street, Rte. 7. (FREE with museum admission)
Berkshire Museum — The museum hosts guest artist Jeremy Frey, who will be demonstrating traditional Passamaquoddy basket-weaving techniques, on Saturday, Oct 6th at 11am and 1pm. The demonstrations are in conjunction with the museum’s Rethink! American Indian Art exhibit. Tickets required. — 413-443-7171. 39 South Street, Rte. 7. (FREE with museum admission)
Berkshire Museum — Sing along to classic family songs with David Grover, beloved local musician at the Museum on Monday, Oct 8th at 11am! The concert will also include some newer songs, too! — 413-443-7171. 39 South Street, Rte. 7. (FREE with museum admission)
Brigham Center — Pittsfield’s annual Bizarre Bazaar takes place on Saturday, Oct 13th from 9am-4pm! It’s a locally beloved event, where handcrafted wares of all sorts can be found. Great opportunity to shop local & handmade before the mad rush of the holiday season! — 413-442-5174. 165 East Street. (SALE)
Canoe Meadows — Search for migratory birds at Canoe Meadows! Mid-autumn is a great time to search for migratory birds, making their trek from northern habitats to warmer, southern homes. On Friday, Oct 12th from 9-11am, explore Canoe Meadows with a guide from Mass Audubon and learn to identify some of the birds you find! Great for older homeschool students. — 413-637-0320. Holmes Road. (>$)
Lichtenstein Center for the Arts — Ongoing: Mondays at at 3:30pm a hip hop class for youth ages 8yo+ introduces hip hop styles and steps. Then at 6pm Aimee Gelinas leads a youth Afro-Cuban drum beats class. To register for drum class, contact Aimee at aimee@gaiaroots.com — 413-499-9348. 28 Renne Avenue. ($)
Third Thursday — Pittsfield’s final 3rd Thursday of the year takes place on Thursday, Oct. 18th from 5-8pm! The event celebrates hometown heroes and superheroes – and attendees are encouraged to dress as heroes of all sorts (like a comic book superhero, or a local hero like a fireman, doctor, or veteran). Explore galleries, shops, and restaurants to see artwork of all types in a variety of media, created by local artists! — Downtown. (FREE)
Treehouse— Ongoing at Treehouse there are a couple of playgroups on Tuesdays: Kids ages 2-4 and their siblings can come together in their playspace in the mornings from 10-10:45am; and there will be drop-in crawl time for infants in the afternoon from 3-4pm. And on Wednesdays, there is a New Moms Group takes place from 11am-12noon, intended for moms with babies under 9 months – drop in and get support from others parents experiencing similar adjustments and developments.— 413-344-4435. 305 North Street.
Hilltop Orchard — “We went to Hilltop Orchard in Richmond, it was a wonderful time, we took a hayride out to pick the apples and got a hayride back. Then the next day we baked, and of course a fire in the fireplace is a fall favorite for our family.” – Tiffany Kingsley (Lee, MA) — Route 295.
“One of my favorite fall destinations in Western MA is the Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival in October. Lots of things to see and do for both adults and kids…food, crafts, games, white elephant and book sales…not to mention the gardens themselves! Very affordable too!” – Rosy Crittendon (Otis, MA)
Berkshire Botanical Garden — The Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 78th annual fall festival is on Saturday & Sunday, Oct 6th & 7th! The event celebrates all things fall and all things local – there will be live music, giant tag sales, family activities, crafts, a farmer’s market full of delicious local seasonal produce, a plant sale, and – of course – delicious food! Visit the gardens for a festival like no other. — 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road. ($)
Chesterwood — Visit Chesterwood for an afternoon of pumpkin carving on Monday, Oct 8th from 2-4pm. Design your own or get help from a museum interpreter. The event closes out the museum’s season -enjoy the beautiful house and grounds while you still can. — 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road (FREE with museum admission)
“We love the Berkshire Coaching Weekend. It is held every other year over Columbus Day weekend, falling on the even years. They have carriage drives to the Norman Rockwell Museum, The Mount, and Shakespeare & Co. It is free to go and watch them arrive or depart. Then you can walk among the carriages and ask questions. It is quite spectacular!” – Gretchen Fairfield (Lenox Dale, MA)
Norman Rockwell Museum — Columbus Day Weekend is the Berkshires’ bi-annual Coaching Weekend – and it has nothing to do with sports! This weekend celebrates the Gilded Age tradition of coaching – taking rides through the countryside in fancy carriages (or “coaches”) lead by teams of magnificent horses. Each coach is ridden by men and women dressed in period clothing, and every day of the weekend brings the group to a new Berkshire location! Today, the teams can be seen at the Norman Rockwell Museum on Sunday, Oct 7th at 12noon- visit to see the carriages, pat horses, and ask drivers questions about their job!— 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. (FREE)
Stockbridge Library — The book, “I Live in Stockbridge,” a history of the town written just for kids by Susan Geller and illustrated by Susan Merrill, has been reprinted (originally published over 35 years ago) and will be celebrated at the library on Saturday, Oct 6th at 11am. Both Geller and Merrill will be at the library to sign copies! — 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. (FREE)
TAG SALE — Acquire some great new-to-you goods at the Great Barrington Waldorf High School’s tag sale on Sunday, Oct 7th from 9am-4pm! There will be all sorts of great items – from books, CD’s, and DVD’s to kites, toys, and games for kids… to artwork, furniture, and kitchenware for grown ups! Rain date is Monday, 10/8. — 2 Pine Street (across from Red Lion Inn). Stockbridge, MA. (SALE)
South Berkshire
Great Barrington | Monterey | Sheffield
North Berkshire | Central Berkshire
Berkshire Co-op — Ka-shhhhhhhh! Kids can make their own rain sticks at the Co-Op on Friday, Oct 12th at 4pm! Filled with beans and rainy noises, the sticks make great musical instruments. Registration required. — 413-528-9697. 42 Bridge Street. (FREE)
Berkshire Natural Resource Council — On Sunday, Oct 14th at 9am, hike the Barrett Preserve, part of the BNRC’s preserved land! During the course of the roughly 2 mile walk, visitors will learn about the location’s history – both natural and managed. The hike is being offered in order to allow the community to learn about local history and to visit new outdoor areas. Registration requested. — 413-499-0596. Locust Hill Road. (FREE)
Berkshire South Regional Community Center — Ongoing: On Mondays from 5:30-7pm, enjoy an evening of friendly Scrabble! Open to anyone ages 8+, the game night offers families an opportunity to practice fair play and basic sportsmanship while allowing kids to expand their spelling, vocabulary, and basic practical math skills. On Tuesdays from 6:30-8pm the center hosts a free ukulele group! Beginners and kids without any knowledge of music reading can join in – the class will teach basic chord progressions and styles of playing from around the world. Registration requested but drop-in is OK. On Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm, teens are invited to sing their heart out with Berkshire Sings!, a community singing group. Singers of all abilities welcome (adults, too) to sing pop, jazz, folk, showtunes, and more. – All programs sponsored by Bobbie Hallig and Jenny and Adam Hersch. — 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. (FREE)
Mason Library — It’s Mexican Bingo Night and Dessert Potluck at the library on Friday, Oct 12th from 6:15-8pm! Come learn and play Mexican bingo and bring a sweet treat to share! Bingo del año pasado fue muy divertido así que vamos a ofrecer de nuevo. Venga a disfrutar de una noche de diversión jugando Bingo Mexicano! Gana premios! Por favor traiga un postre para compartir. — 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. (FREE)
Monument Mountain Regional High School — Enjoy an outdoor movie double-feature (probably the last of the season!) at the schoolat dusk on
Saturday, Oct 6th(moved to Saturday, Oct 13th). BYO comfy seating – and a blanket, and a warm drink – and watch Grease and American Graffiti under the stars. (Rain date: Oct. 13th). — 600 Stockbridge Road. (FREE)Ski Butternut — Visit Ski Butternut for their used equipment sale on Saturday & Sunday, Oct 6th & 7th from 10am-5pm – including gear for skiing and snowboarding, as well as gently used winter clothes (from boots to mittens, vests to snow pants). 20% of sales will benefit Ski Butternut’s adaptive ski program. It may seem early, but winter is around the corner – and the best deals for growing skiiers are on used gear, since they might outgrow those new ski boots by the time winter is over. — 413-528-2000 x 273. 380 State Road. (SALE)
Bidwell House Museum — The Museum will host a Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, Oct 6th from 11am-2pm for families to pick pumpkins & decorate them, while enjoying many family fun activities (s’mores, harvest food, face painting, etc.). The museum will be closed for tours. — 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road.
Bartholomew’s Cobble — It’s Hawk Migration season! On Saturday, Oct 6th from 10am-12noon, hike to Hulburt’s Hill to watch – it’s a short 20 minute hike, lead by an expert naturalist from the Trustees of Reservations. — 413-229-8600. Weatogue Road. (>$)
Saturday, Oct 6th at 7pm – The Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema is screening, “Sleepwalk With Me,” winner of an audience award at Sundance. The film, co-written and produced by This American Life’s Ira Glass, features comedian Mike Birbiglia, Kristen Schaal, and David Wain (among others), and tells the story of a comedian whose inability to express his feelings results in hilarious misadventures in sleepwalking. The film will also be screened on Sunday, 10/7 and Monday, 10/8. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
Friday, Oct 12th from 5pm-1am – HALLOWEEN/PUB CRAWL: Break out your best fake blood and dead eyed stare – it’s time for a zombie pub crawl! Wander the establishments of downtown Pittsfield while dressed in your finest undead attire – and enjoy some seasonal pumpkin ale or cider while you’re out! Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
Friday, Oct 19th at 7:30pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Berkshire Theatre Group‘s Colonial Theater presents, “Play it Forward,” a concert to benefit the Rock On! Scholarship Fund, part of Rock On! youth mentoring programs. The concert will feature local youth musicians, as well as former members of the band BOSTON, local singer-songwriter Tony Lee Thomas, and the Art Decade String Quartet. 413-997-4444. South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)
