Hilltown Families 
Berkshire Family Fun for Late Oct to Early Nov
Berkshire County Highlights for Families:
Oct 20th-Nov 2nd, 2012
The leaves have peeked and now enters Halloween in the Berkshires. Trick-or-treating and rag shag parades happen all through out the region, but Berkshire County will play host to several annual Halloween traditions, including MCLA’s 18th annual Boo Bash in North Adams, Pittsfield Halloween Parade, the Pumpkin Walk-About in Stockbridge, and Washington’s Pumpkin Walk. Other fun events not to miss in Berkshire County through the end of October include a Muppet extravaganza at MASS MoCA, Chilling Tales and Ghost Tour at The Mount, the last days of Lord of the Flies at the Barrington Stage Company, Mermaid Theatre’s production of A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar at the Colonial Theatre and family supper at Hancock Shaker Village.
“I’m relatively new to the Berkshires so I’m mostly familiar with the southern Berkshires. I love finding out about all these lovely little towns north of me, and knowing about all the various events going on ALL THE TIME, from concerts to theater, to apple picking. I moved here to live in the country and Hilltown Families keeps me informed of all the wonderful things country life has to offer.” – Valerie Sheehan (Lenox, MA)
Find out about these events and other community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County through Nov. 1st, 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. Be sure to check our columnLearn Local. Play Local. everyFriday too for event highlights to are not only fun but educational too!
North Berkshire
Adams | Cheshire | Florida | Hancock | Lanesborough | North Adams | Williamstown | Windsor
Central Berkshire | South Berkshire
ADAMS
Park Street — Halloween Rag Shag Parade on Sun., Oct 28th at 1pm. Begins on Park Street. — (FREE)
Town Wide — Trick-or-treating in the Town of Adams, on Wed., Oct. 31st from 5:30-7pm. — (FREE)
Whitney’s Farm – “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!” – Hilltown Families reader, Jennifer Carchedi of Pittsfield. – 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) ♦
Jiminy Peak — Visit 13 Nights at Jiminy for a scary tour – 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 from 6:30-10:30m through Halloween. — 413-738-5500. 37 Corey Road. ($$)
Historical Commission — The Lanesborough Historical Commission will host an open house on Sat., Oct 20th from 1-3pm. Families can discover the history of the old stone Registry of Deeds building (next to Police Station), take in some displays and enjoy refreshments. Families with historical photos, document or items from Lanesborough are invited to bring them in. — (FREE)
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) ♦
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) ♦
Hoosic River Revival Coalition — Explore North Adams from a different perspective – the riverbank! The Hoosic River Revival Coalition is offering a guided riverwalk through town on Sat., Oct 20th at 11am, stopping to observe and learn about historic locations, as well as the natural history of the river. — Meet at the City Hall parking lot. (FREE)
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts — MCLA will host their 18th annual “Boo Bash” for children and families on Thurs., Oct. 25th from 6-8pm. Come in costume to the Berkshire Towers dormitory building for a costume party & trick or treating. Best for children ages 6-11yo. — 413-664-4821. Church Street. (FREE)
Mass MoCA — Dress in costume and visit the museum for a Halloween gallery quest and some hands-on artmaking on Sat., Oct. 20th at 11am! Kids will learn about the work being shown in the museum’s KidSpace, and then will get to try out interesting materials for themselves. Then in the afternoon at 3pm, the museum hosts The Loser’s Lounge, play a Muppet Extravaganza! The group will play a show entirely of Muppet classics – minus the puppets. It’s a Muppets tribute! Fun for all ages – with or without kids. — 413-662-2111. Mass MoCA Way. ($)
The Clark — Film Series Explores the Lives of Artists at The Clark this Fall! — 413-458-2303. 225 South Street.
Images Cinema — Images Cinema and Williams College present, “Let the Right One In,” a Swedish film about a bullied student and his encounters with a vampire on Mon., Oct. 29th at 7pm. The film is rated R (older students only!) and is in Swedish with English subtitles. The screening is part of the cinema’s Halloween Screamings, and the college’s Halloween Through an Academic Lens series. Following the film will be a discussion about its themes. — 413-458-1039. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street. (FREE)
Milne Library — On Sat., Oct 20th from 10:30am-12:30pm, Milne Library hosts George O’Connor who will be sharing with youth patrons how to create comic art stories using events from their own experiences. — 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. (FREE)
Wild Oats Co-op — Wild Oats Market is having a Halloween party on Sat., Oct. 20th from 1-4pm! Stop by to carve a pumpkin, make a special mask, get your face painted (it’s like a temporary mask!), bob for apples, and more! — 413-458-8060. 320 Main Street. (FREE)
Williams College – How are gory costumes made for stage productions? Find out about costume production with Williams College’s costume director, Deb Brothers, on Wed., Oct 24 at 4:15pm! Held in the directing studio in the ‘62 Center. — 829 Main Street. 413-597-2188. (FREE)
Williams College Museum of Art — The Museum hosts “Ghouls in the Galleries: Exploring the Monsters of WCMA’s Collection” on Thurs., Oct. 25th at 4:30pm. Monsters in the museum will be rooted out by Deena Bak (’13) and she will aid participants in understanding what these monsters reveal about the nature of fear from a variety of cultural perspectives. Best for older students interested in art and cultural studies. — 413-597-2376. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive.
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation — The 9th Annual Williamstown Pie Contest will be held at the WRLF Sheep Hill Headquarters on Sat., Oct. 27th. This is intergenerational event allows adults, youth (16yo and younger) and professional bakers to participate together in their own categories. This is a great opportunities for kids, parents and grandparents to work side by side in the kitchen, making a traditional family favorite pie, sharing family stories and learning culinary skills at the same time. Sweet and savory pies made with local ingredients are welcomed. Pie tasting is at 7pm, followed by a full moon hike (weather permitting). Pies must be delivered to Sheep Hill on Oct 27 between 5-6pm. Entry forms can be downloaded at http://www.wrlf.org or requested by emailing lre@wrlf.org. — 413-458-2494. 671 Cold Spring Road. Route 7. (FREE)
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) ♦
Notchview — Stargaze on Sat., Oct. 20th with Arunah Hill at dusk! As long as the skies are clear, it will be beautiful – all nearby lights will be turned off so as to maximize the number of stars, etc. to be seen. Families can learn to identify stars and constellations, locate planets, etc. — 413-532-1631. Old Route 9. (FREE)
Central Berkshire
Dalton | Lee | Lenox | Pittsfield | Stockbridge | Washington | West Stockbridge
North Berkshire | South Berkshire
DALTON
Crane Museum of Papermaking — Visit the Crane Museum of Papermaking to learn about the history of papermaking at Crane since the early 1800’s. Located on the banks of the Housatonic River, the building itself is a museum! This is a great opportunity to learn about local history. The museum is open weekdays from 1-5pm. — 413-684-2600. 30 South Street. (FREE)
Dalton CRA — The Dalton Youth Center will host a Little Goblins Fun House on Sun., Oct. 28th from 3-5:30pm for a not-so-spooky fun time for kids age 6yo and younger. Candy & health snacks with be distributed.; On Tues., Oct 30th at 6pm there will be a Halloween parade leaving from the Dalton Senior Center, ghosts, bats & all manner of heroes can march in a community parade up Main Street to the Dalton CRA. Participants will be announced as the parade down the stage & everyone wins with a grab bag! — 413-684-0260. 400 Main St. (FREE)
Spectrum Playhouse — The Playhouse hosts a Haunted House for families with kids ages 6yo+ on Sat., & Sun., Oct. 27th & 28th from 5-8pm. Take a spooky tour of the Playhouse! — 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street. ($$)
Montessori School of the Berkshires — Montessori education helps children become responsible, caring learners and community members who are self-motivated, confident, independent, and creative. The school will host an Open House on Sat., Oct 27th. For more info and to register visit BerkshireMontessori.org.— 413-637-3662. 21 Patterson Rd. Lenox Dale.
Town Wide — Trick or treating in Lenox Dale from 5-7pm on Wed., Oct. 31st. — Lenox Dale
Lenox Dale Fire Co. — The Lenox Dale Fire Co. will host their annual Halloween Parade beginning at 7pm on Sat., Oct. 27th at St. Vincent dePaul Church (Crystal St.), marching to the Fire Station (Elm St.). Party for kids follows at the station. — Lenox Dale (FREE)
The Mount — On Sat., Oct. 27th from 5-8pm, The Mount will host Chilling Tales, hair-raising stories written by Edith Wharton. Plus, visitors can explore the house where paranormal activity has been reported. Then on Halloween come in costume for a ghost tour at the witching hour of 10:30pm. — 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. ($$)
Arrowhead — Arrowhead is open through Sun., Oct. 21st from 11am-3pm offering tours of the house — 413-442-1793. 780 Holmes Road.
Barrington Stage Company — The BSC presents a theatrical version of William Golding’s, “Lord of the Flies,” now in it’s final days, Sat., Oct 20th at 8pm & Sun., Oct. 21st at 3pm. The classic young adult novel, adapted for the stage, tells the story of a group of schoolboys stranded on an island and the struggles for power and control that ensue. Best for older students with audience skills, the show addresses topics of basic sociology and psychology, and can help kids begin thinking about the role that power and influence play in society. The following Saturday, Oct. 27th at 7pm, “The Evolution of Rhythms” takes the state! An original musical, the performance features local talent and the history of beats! — 413-236-8888. 30 Union Street. ($$)
Berkshire Athenaeum — The Berkshire Athenaeum will hold trick-or-treating for little ones at the library on Wed., Oct. 31st at 11am. Groups welcomed! — 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. (FREE)
Berkshire Community College — The third annual Berkshire Drum Fest takes place on Sat., Oct. 20th from 6:30-8:30pm at BCC. The event features professional drummers, percussionists, and drum ensembles performing drumming of all different types. Kids can hear and learn about drumming from multiple world cultures, and learn about different types of drums and their unique sounds. The event benefits BCC’s music program and Tamarack Hollow, an educational organization focusing on environmental and cultural awareness. Takes place in the Boland Theater at the school’s arts center. — 1350 West St. (DONATIONS)
Berkshire Museum — The Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema is screening portions of, “The Story of Film: An Odyssey,” throughout the fall on Thursdays at 7pm, including Oct. 25th & Nov. 1st.; On Mon., Oct. 29th at 2pm & 7pm, the Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema screens, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”; On Tue., Oct. 30th from 7-9pm, the museum is hosting yet another round of PechaKucha presentations! The event is a space for community members to present a series of 20 20-second slides (20×20 is another name for the event) on any topic they choose – audience members can leave having learned about anything from candy bar shapes to native plants. Best for older students (mature tweens and teens), the event is a great way to celebrate diversity in knowledge and experience within the community! — 413-443-7171. 39 South Street, Rte. 7. (<$)
Colonial Theatre — Mermaid Theatre’s production of “A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle” will be at the theater on Sun., Oct. 28th at 2pm. This new production brings together three of Eric Carle’s most beloved tales. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is joined by a whimsical cast of adventurous animals drawn from the pages of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and a young girl on an unusual quest from the poignant story, Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me. Evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry entertain and educate. — 413-298-5576. 111 South Street.
GROW (Gathered Resources of Women) —Score some great new-to-you clothes and toys on Sat., Oct 27th from 10am-3pm at GROW’s toy and clothes giveaway! The group has collected donations of gently used family gear – books, movies, CD’s, toys, baby gear, and clothes for babies, kids, and maternity – and they will be giving them away all day! The event is set up like a tag sale, but with no money exchanged. — 88 Sheffield Street. (FREE)
Hancock Shaker Village — The Village will host their popular family supper with locally-source ingredients, Shaker music, costumed interpreters, and guided tours on Friday, Oct. 26th at 4pm . Meals will take place in the Village’s 1830 Brick Dwelling. Reservation required. — 413-443-0188. 1843 West Housatonic. ($$$)
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. ($)
Mahanna Cobble — Explore Mahanna Cobble, and search for migratory birds on Sat., Oct. 27th at 7:30am! If you’re lucky, you might spot a raptor. The hike will cover 2.5 miles of steep slopes and hiking trails. — Dan Fox Drive. (FREE)
Marketplace Cafe — The Market hosts a Young Artists’ Open Mic for youth ages 21yo and younger. Teens can come show off their talent On Sat., Oct. 27th from 6:30-8:30pm. — 413-358-4777. 55 North Street. (FREE)
North Street — North Street businesses invite youth to stop by in costume for trick or treating on Sat., Oct 27th from 2-4pm. Look for the bright “Trick or Treat Participating Merchant” signs in the windows/doors of participating businesses. — 413-443-6501. North Street. (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.
Trick or Treat — Witches, wizards, superheroes, mythical creatures – grab a pillowcase and head to the streets for treats! Pittsfield’s official trick-or-treating takes place Wed., Oct. 31st from 5-7pm.
Tylor Street — Pittsfield will come alive on Fri., Oct 26th at 7pm with all sorts of Halloween excitement! The super fun, annual Halloween Parade takes place – featuring spooky, scary, and exciting floats. — Tyler Street. (FREE)
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center — Looking for a classic Halloween scare? The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center screens Alford Hitchcok’s classic, “The Birds” (1963) on Sun., Oct 28that 7pm. — 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street.
Stockbridge Cemetery — Tour the Stockbridge Cemetery to see the graves of notable former residents (like Norman Rockwell and the Sedgwick family) at Luminaries: Exploring Stockbridge Cemetery on Thurs., Oct. 25th at 5pm. It’s a great warm-up for Halloween – cemeteries are spooky in the evening! Families can learn about the history of many famous and prolific people whose final resting place is the cemetery. Enjoy cider and donuts afterwards. — 413-931-2221. Main Street. (>$)
Stockbridge Library — On Fri., Oct. 26th at 6pm, bring your very own home-carved jack-o-lantern to thelibrary to be showcased in the Pumpkin Walk-About! Visit the library to view pumpkins made by other community members, then come inside for a Halloween story and a treat. — 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. (FREE)
Washington Town Park — Pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins! The Washington Pumpkin Walk takes place on Fri., Oct 26th from 6-9pm. – venture through the town park and check out all of the pumpkins. There will be a special performance from Ed the Wizard, and trick-or-treating (both from 6-7:30). — Route 8. (FREE)
TOWN WIDE — West Stockbridge trick-or-treating takes Wed., Oct. 31st from 4-6pm – show off your costume around town while collecting goodies! There will be a costume parade at 6pm, and a Halloween party at the town hall until 8pm. — Main Street. (FREE)
South Berkshire
Alford | Great Barrington | Housatonic
North Berkshire | Central Berkshire
Alford Springs Reserve — Friday night hike under the stars at the Alford Springs Reserve with your teen(s) on Fri., Oct 26th at 7pm ! The hike will explore the preserve’s logging roads, and will cover just over 3 miles of ground. Be sure to bring a flashlight and/or head lamp, as well as snacks and water. — Mountain Road. (FREE)
Berkshire Co-op — Make a special Halloween food with the Co-op! Kids can learn to make Monster Mash Dip and a cheddar cup to eat it from as part of the Kids Can Cook on Sat., Oct 27th at 11am! series. Great for kids learning basic kitchen skills – plus cooking calls for some math and literacy skills, too – it’s multidisciplinary! Registration required. — 413-528-9697. 42 Bridge Street. (FREE)
Berkshire South Regional Community Center —BSRCC will host a Harvest Family Fun morning on Sat., Oct 27th from 10am-12noon with fall family activities, including arts & crafts.; Ongoing at BSRCC: 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 Libraryy — On Wed., Oct. 31st from 10:15-11am, kids can make a not-so-spooky mobile at the Mason Library for Halloween! Preschool storytime this morning will feature Halloween stories and a holiday-themed mobile craft.; Ongoing at the library: Wednesdays from 10:15-11am it’s story time for preK kids. Includes stories, songs, and crafts. In the afternoon on Wednesdays from 3-5pm, the library screens classic films. The “Mason Matinee” is best for tweens/teens and adults – call to find out what’s playing. — 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street.
Meat Market — The Meat Market will host a pumpkin carving contest for all ages on Sat., Oct 27th from 12noon-4pm. You can purchase pumpkins to care and refreshments will be available. — 413-528-2022. 389 Stockbridge Road. (>$)
Ramsdell Library — The library will host a Halloween craft, making Halloween Shadow Puppets on Sat., Oct. 20th at 11am;screen the classic film, Planet of the Apes (Rated G) on Wed., Oct. 24th at 6:30pm; host a Halloween craft on Sat., Oct. 27th at 11am; make felt ghouls for Halloween with tots on Wed., Oct. 31st at 4pm; and screen Mel Brooks film, Young Frankenstein (PG) at 6:30pm on Halloween. — 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street.
