Hilltown Families 
Berkshire Family Fun: May 2015
Berkshire County Highlights for Families:
May 2015
Find out about community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County for the month of May. We’ll be adding to this list as the month progresses, so be sure to check back each week. Do you have an event you’d like to include in this list? Email us at info@hilltownfamilies.org.
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.
“First thing I check in the morning… last thing I check at night.. Hilltown Families is my constant check in to keep [my family] out and about. It’s a great way to meet other local families and stay connected with all our friends spread out through these hills. Thanks for all the great ideas and insight!” Brehan Bruce of Becket, MA
Berkshire Family Fun, a project of Hilltown Families, is sponsored in part by MASS MoCA:
Berkshire Family Fun is also supported in part by a grant from the Monterey, Northern Berkshire, Pittsfield and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
North Berkshire
Adams | Cheshire | Florida | Hancock | Lanesborough | Monterey | North Adams | Williamstown | Windsor
Central Berkshire | South Berkshire
Support Hilltown Families!
- Fridays, 10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group for ages walking to 5 every Friday at the Adams Youth Center. 413-664-4821. East Street. Adams, MA. (FREE)
Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum. 413-743-7121. 67 East Road. Adams, MA.
Abbot School — 56 North Country Road.
Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 W Housatonic St. 413-443-0188
- Fridays, 10am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group every Friday at Lanesborough Town Hall. 413-664-4821. 83 North Main Street. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE)
Bascom Lodge 413-743-1591. 30 Rockwell Road.
Lanesborough Library — 413-499-5981. 83 North Main Street.
Mt. Greylock — 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road.
Bidwell House Museum – 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road.
Ashintully — 413-298-3239. Sodom Road
Tuesday, May 12, 3:30pm-5pm; Wednesday, May 13, 10am – PARENT WORKSHOP: Parents/caregivers of young children can join the Family Resource Center for a Playing, Learning, and Growing workshop about science, technology, engineering, and math. Learn about how and why STEM is important during the preschool years and how to facilitate STEM learning at home. Call to register. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
Thursday, May 21, 10am – PARENT WORKSHOP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Supermarket Party for parents on May 21. This guided grocery store tour will teach you how to buy healthy food on a budget and save money at the store. Meet in the bakery section of the North Adams Big Y. Call to register; space is limited. 413-664-4821. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
- Mondays, 5:30pm-6:30pm – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Gym Group for ages walking to 8yr every Monday at the Haskins Center. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
- Tuesdays, 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group every Tuesday at the Haskins Center. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
- Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:30pm – LEGOS: The Family Resource Center is offering a LEGO group for ages 4-8 the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. 413-664-4821. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
- Tuesdays, 5:30pm-6:30pm – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group every Tuesday evening at the Greylock Apartments’ Community Room for children walking age to age 5. 413-664-4821. Angeli Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
- Wednesdays 10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group for toddlers at the Haskins Center. For ages 1-2.5. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
- Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Gym Group for ages walking to 5 every Thursday at the Haskins Center. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink. 413-664-8185. 1267 South Church Street.
North Adams Farmers’ Market 413-664-6180. St. Anthony Drive & Route 8.
Western Gateway Heritage State Park 413-663-6312. 115 State Street.
North Adams Public Library 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street.
MASS MoCA 413-662-2111. 1040 MASS MoCA Way.
Haskins Community Center 413-664-4821. 210 State Street.
Natural Bridge State Park — 413-663-6392. McCauley Road..
Saturday, May 2, 11am-3pm – TEXTILES: Celebrate New England’s fiber industry at the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation’s Sheep to Shawl Festival on May 2. See herding, shearing, and weaving demonstrations throughout the day. There will also be animals and produce from local farms, children’s activities, local artisans, and food. This is a great way to celebrate New England history and culture! 413-458-2494. 671 Cold Spring Road. Williamstown, MA. (>$)
Sunday, May 3, 1pm-3pm – PLANT STUDIES: Learn about spring wildflowers with naturalist Pam Weatherbee and The Trustees of Reservations at Field Farm. Discover these amazing flowers, their life cycles, and their habitat on this guided walk. 413-532-1631 x10. 554 Sloan Road. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, May 3, 1pm-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: The Clark Art Institute is offering a free Machine Age Family Day on May 3! This is a great chance to explore the museum and enjoy tons of fun activities, like an interactive jazz concert by the Williams College Jazz Ensemble, a talk on the Machine Age Modernism exhibition, a printmaking workshop, a 3D printing demo, fingerprinting, flipbooks, a robot demo, and so much more. Family members of all ages can have a blast at this fun event! 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
May 7-17 – BOOK SALE: The Clark Art Institute is having a book sale from May 7-17 with books for sale at great prices. Come find art books, books about illustration, children’s books, and books by local authors. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (SALE)
Saturday, May 9, 11am – FAMILY MOVIE/FILM STUDIES: Images Cinema is screening The Last Unicorn (1982; rated G) on May 9. The film is a classic animated fantasy story about a unicorn who discovers she is the only one left, and goes on a journey to find out what happened to the rest of her species. The film will be introduced by its screenwriter, Peter S. Beagle. All ages will enjoy the screening and those interested in film studies can learn from Beagle’s introduction. Tickets available in advance. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. ($)
Sunday, May 10, 10am-11:30am – PLANT STUDIES: Learn about plants and wildflowers on a botany walk at the Hopkins Memorial Forest on May 10 with Williams College Biology Professor Hank Art. This is a great time of year to look for spring ephemerals and students will enjoy learning about plants on this walk. Bulkley Street & Northwest Hill Road. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, May 17, 10am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: The Clark Art Institute is celebrating their 60th anniversary on May 17 with free admission, cake, an a cappella performance, and more. This is a great chance to explore this wonderful local museum! 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
- Mondays, 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group every Monday at the Williamstown Youth Center. 413-664-4821. School Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
- First Friday of the Month, 10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc. is offering a free baby group for babies and caretakers at the Williamstown Youth Center the first Friday of every month. 413-663-6593. School Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
Milne Public Library 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street.
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation 413-458-2494. 671 Cold Spring Road.
Clark Art Institute 413-458-2303. 225 South Street.
Images Cinema. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street.
Sweet Brook Farm — 413-884-4246. 580 Oblong Road.
Williams College Museum of Art — 413-597-2376. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive.
Williamstown Youth Center — 413-458-5925. 270 Cole Avenue.
Saturday, May 9, DUSK – ASTRONOMY: Want to learn about astronomy first-hand? Join the Trustees of Reservations and the Arunah Hill Natural Science Center for an evening of stargazing and searching for moons, planets, galaxies, and more at Notchview! Please call to pre-register. 413-532-1631 x10. Route 9. Windsor, MA. (FREE)
Central Berkshire
Becket | Dalton | Hinsdale | Lee | Lenox | Peru | Pittsfield | Richmond | Stockbridge | Tyringham | Washington | West Stockbridge
North Berkshire | South Berkshire
Support Hilltown Families!
Tuesday, May 5, 10:30am-12noon – NATURE STUDIES: The Housatonic Valley Association and the Becket Athenaeum are offering a preschool program, “River Wise,” at the library. Preschool-aged kids can come learn about animals that live in the watershed. 413-394-9796. 3367 Main Street. Becket, MA. (FREE)
Tuesday, May 12, 10:30am-12noon – NATURE STUDIES: The Housatonic Valley Association and the Becket Athenaeum are offering a preschool program, “River Wise,” at the library. Preschool-aged kids can come learn about baby creatures that live in the watershed. 413-394-9796. 3367 Main Street. Becket, MA. (FREE)
Dalton Free Public Library 0 413-684-6112. 462 Main Street.
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)
Saturday, May 2, 11am-12noon – CHILDREN’S PERFORMANCE: Nutshell Playhouse’s Mambo and Nemonee’s Worldwide Adventures comes to the Spectrum Playhouse on May 2! Kids can enjoy masks, music, puppetry, and fun at this exciting performance. 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street. Lee, MA. (SUGGESTED DONATION >$)
Friday, May 8 & Saturday, May 9, 7:30pm – MAGIC: The Spectrum Playhouse presents “Clearly Invisible: Magic Up Close with Carl Seiger” on May 8 and 9. Seiger’s new show features amazing sleight-of-hand magic and other tricks. Best for ages 16 and up. Tickets available in advance. 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street. Lee, MA. ($$)
Saturday, May 9, 11am – FAMILY MOVIE: The Lee Library is screening a FamiLEE Movie! Come see Song of the Sea (2014; rated PG) at the library with friends and family! 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, May 9, 7:30pm – MAGIC: The Spectrum Playhouse presents “Clearly Invisible: Magic Up Close with Carl Seiger” on May 8 and 9. Seiger’s new show features amazing sleight-of-hand magic and other tricks. Best for ages 16 and up. Tickets available in advance. 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street. Lee, MA. ($$)
Wednesday, May 13, 10:30am-11:15am – LITERACY: You and your child can work together to develop pre-reading skills at the Lee Library’s “Every Child Ready to Read” workshop. The workshop is for kids birth-age through five years and runs every Wednesday from May 13 through June 10 (five meetings). The workshop includes a literacy workshop, storytime, and playgroup. This is a great chance to introduce your young child to the world of reading! Registration is required and you must register for the full five-week session. 413-464-5095. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, May 13, 2pm – FILM: The Lee Library is screening Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961; rated G) on May 13. 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, May 27, 4pm-5pm – BOOK CLUB: The Lee Library is hosting a book club on May 27 and a movie to accompany the book on May 30. Read Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and then attend a screening of the film on May 30 at 11am. Teens and adults are welcome to attend this “book vs. movie” program. 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, May 27, 4pm-6pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Want to learn how to canoe? The Housatonic Valley Association is offering a free introduction to canoeing program on a flatwater section of the Housatonic River in Lee. Families with kids ages 10 and up are welcome to attend this program to learn the basics of canoeing. All equipment provided. Call to pre-register. 413-394-9796. Lee, MA. (FREE)
Friday, May 29, 7pm-9pm – OPEN MIC: Spectrum Playhouse will have an Open Mic Night on May 29. Come perform music or poetry and see other local performers as well. 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street. Lee, MA. (>$)
Spectrum Playhouse – 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street.
South Berkshire Kids – 413-464-5095. 100 Main Street.
Lee Library – 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street.
May 9Saturday, May 9, 1-2 pm, Radical Renewal. Six Steps to Nourish the Heart and Soul of Mothering. For Mothers of all ages and stages. Gift yourself an hour to step away. Step away and remind yourself of what you need to sustain your joy and resilience as a mother. Radical Renewal is a way to reframe your relationship to mothering, profoundly impacting what you know to be true in the journey of nurturing your children as you nourish yourself. Bring your sister, your mother, girlfriend or daughter and renew yourself in the holistic environment of Eastover Retreat Center in Lenox, MA. Refreshments served. Free Mother’s Day program. Registration requested: eastover.com/marilyn-taylor.html; Marilyn@confident-directions.com.
Saturday, May 9, 10am-12noon – PLANT STUDIES: Families (with ages 5 and up) can discover the fascinating world of spring wildflowers with Mass Audubon at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary on May 9. Explore the sanctuary’s woodlands and learn about wildflowers, how to identify them, and where to find them. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (>$)
Saturday, May 9, 3:30pm-5:30pm – HISTORY/MOTHER’S DAY: Berkshire historian Cornelia Brooke Gilder will present a talk on Margaret Emerson Vanderbilt at Ventfort Hall on May 9. Gilder will discuss Vanderbilt’s life in Lenox and the Berkshires. A tea follows the talk. Best for older students and adults interested in history. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($$$)
Saturday, May 16, 3:30pm – PLANT STUDIES/HISTORY: Learn about edible and medicinal plants at a one-man show about Dr. Crispus Rumex, a Civil War-era herbalist, at Ventfort Hall. Actor Douglas Weeks will portray Dr. Rumex and talk about the healing qualities of plants. Older students interested in history and medicinal plants will enjoy this educational performance. Tickets available in advance. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($$)
Saturday, May 16, 8pm-11:30pm – CONTRA DANCE: Lenox’s monthly contra dance takes place May 16 at the Lenox Community Center. There will be music and a caller. Families can come dance together at this fun series – there will be an introduction for beginners and all dances will be taught. 65 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($)
Wednesday, May 20, 7pm-8:30pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: Explore the Beaver Ponds at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary! Sanctuary volunteer Butch Ptak will lead the expedition, and visitors will learn not only about the habits of beavers, but about the various types of wildlife who congregate at beaver ponds and the long-lasting effects that beaver ponds have upon habitats. This event is appropriate for all ages. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. ($)
Saturday, May 23, 10am-3pm – COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: The Lenox Rhubarb Festival takes place May 23 at the library reading park! Come celebrate all things rhubarb at this fun festival. There will be delicious rhubarb foods, activities, and more. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
Saturday, May 23, 11am-4pm – STORYWALK: The Lenox Library‘s annual StoryWalk takes place May 23 around town. This year’s book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin. Participants will receive a map instructing them to begin at Roche Reading Park, then to proceed to 15 Lenox businesses, then end up in the library’s Children’s Room. There will be a free book for each child, and readings of the story at 11:30am and 2:30pm. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
Summer at Berkshire Montessori
Lenox Dale, MA ♦ The 40-acre campus is home to a variety of natural habitats waiting to be discovered! Summer at Berkshire Montessori encompasses art, movement, music, and science through exploration of the natural world. Each day, children will discover new and fun ways to explore the outdoors, making use of our woodland trails and organic garden. MSB offers two-week sessions for ages 3-6, and one-week sessions for ages 6-12. Session themes include: Comic Book Camp, Glorious Gardeners, Art Imitates Nature, Mapping My World, The Doctrine of Signatures, and much more!
Dates: Jun 22-Aug 14; Age/Grade Range: 3-12yo
Contact: 413-637-3662 ♦ kehr@berkshiremontessori.org ♦ berkshiremontessori.org/summer
Lenox Library — 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street.
Lenox Historical Society — Main Street.
The Mount – 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street.
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – 472 West Mountain Road.
Shakespeare and Company – 413-637-3353. 70 Kemble Street.
Ventfort Hall – 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street.
Fridays in May, 7am-9am – BIRD STUDIES: Learn about birds and search the skies for different migrant species with Mass Audubon at Canoe Meadows. Come every week to see how the species change as spring progresses! 413-637-0320. Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA. (>$)
Saturday, May 2, 10:30am – ARTS & CRAFTS: Kids ages 2-5 and an adult can participate in an Art Lab at the Berkshire Museum. Come build fine motor skills and improve language by using paintbrushes, learning colors and techniques, and more. Space is limited; call to register. Free with museum admission. 413-443-7171 x10. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
Saturday, May 2, 11am – CHILDREN’S CONCERT: As part of their Baby Animals celebration, Hancock Shaker Village presents a children’s story hour with Susan Merrill. Free with admission. 413-443-0188. 1843 West Housatonic Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)
Saturday, May 2, 7pm; Sunday, May 3, 7pm; Monday, May 4, 1:30pm & 7pm – FILM: Older students and adults interested in film can attend a screening of Timbuktu (2014; rated PG-13) at the Berkshire Museum‘s Little Cinema! The film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award in 2015. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
Saturday, May 9, 8pm; Sunday, May 10, 2pm; Friday, May 15, 8pm; Sunday, May 17, 2pm – THEATER: The Berkshire Community College Players present a performance of The Addams Family this May. Tickets available in advance. 413-499-4660. 1350 West Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)
Friday, May 15, 7am-9am – BIRD STUDIES: Learn about birds and search the skies for different migrant species with Mass Audubon at Canoe Meadows. Come every week to see how the species change as spring progresses! 413-637-0320. Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA. (>$)
Saturday, May 16, 9am-1pm – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Join the Berkshire Environmental Action Team and the Housatonic Valley Association for a West Branch River Cleanup on the Housatonic River. Volunteers can meet in Wahconah Park and help clean up the river. A great way for older students to get involved in community service! Call to RSVP. 413-394-9796. Pittsfield, MA. (VOLUNTEER)
Saturday, May 16, 10am-11am – BICYCLES: Learn how to do basic bike repair at the Berkshire Museum‘s Learner’s Lab on May 16. An expert from Plaine’s Bike, Ski, and Snowboard will walk you through the tools and techniques needed to get your bike ready for summer riding. Free with museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
Saturday, May 16, 1pm-5pm – REPAIR CAFE: Do you want to learn more about fixing things? Or do you have a broken item that you would like someone else to fix? Then come to the Pittsfield Repair Cafe, which takes place in the basement of St. Stephen’s Church. Repair Cafes encourage people to repair what they already own, instead of tossing it in the trash and buying a new one, therefore supporting sustainability. They also encourage collaborative consumption, in which people share their skills and services with one another to teach, help, etc. 67 East Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, May 16, 8pm – THEATER: The Berkshire Community College Players present a performance of The Addams Family this May. Tickets available in advance. 413-499-4660. 1350 West Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)
Thursday, May 21, 5pm-8pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Upstreet Pittsfield’s family friendly street festival, 3rd Thursdays, happens every third Thursday through October! Come celebrate and explore Pittsfield while participating in fun activities, watching performances, and eating great food. 413-499-9348. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Friday, May 22, 7am-9am – BIRD STUDIES: Learn about birds and search the skies for different migrant species with Mass Audubon at Canoe Meadows. Come every week to see how the species change as spring progresses! 413-637-0320. Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA. (>$)
Saturday, May 23, 10am-5pm – ART/CULTURAL STUDIES: The Berkshire Museum’s newest exhibition, Immortal Present: Art and East Asia will be on view from May 23 through September 7. The exhibit illuminates the rich and diverse legacy of East Asian art and includes scroll paintings, sculptures, screens, prints, netsuke, and other fine and decorative art objects. There will also be works by more than 20 contemporary artists with ties to Asia. This is a great opportunity to see art from China, Japan, Korea, and other places. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
Saturday, May 23, 10:30am-12noon – STEAM: Full STEAM Ahead at the Berkshire Athenaeum! Infants to early elementary-aged students can attend this fun playgroup that focuses on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
Friday, May 29, 7am-9am – BIRD STUDIES: Learn about birds and search the skies for different migrant species with Mass Audubon at Canoe Meadows. Come every week to see how the species change as spring progresses! 413-637-0320. Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA. (>$)
- Saturdays, 12:30pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: It’s chow time at the Berkshire Museum! Come watch museum staff some of the aquarium’s most exciting residents. Free with museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. $
- Fridays, 11am-11:30am – STORYTIME: The Berkshire Museum’s weekly Museum Adventures program features stories, songs, dancing, play time, scavenger hunts, and more, and is open to kids 18 months to 3 years. It’s a great way for young kids to explore some of what the museum has to offer! Free with museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. $
- Wednesdays, 10:30am-11am – STEM: The Berkshire Museum is offering a Parent/Child STEM Session the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Come explore science, technology, engineering, and math through books, hands-on activities, and play. Registration is required. 413-443-7171 x21. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
- Mondays, 10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: Join the Pittsfield CFCE for “Fun on the Farm” every Monday at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead. 413-499-4809. 780 Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA.
- Tuesdays, 9:30am-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: Join the Pittsfield CFCE every Tuesday for a playgroup at Egremont Elementary School. 413-499-4809. Pittsfield, MA.
Berkshire Museum Summer Camps
Pittsfield, MA ♦ This summer the Berkshire Museum presents an exciting variety of summer camp offerings, including hands-on experiences in robotics, theater, animation, forensics, natural science, and even magic! All of our camps reflect the interdisciplinary focus of the Museum by combining STEM skills with creative experiences. Whether your child is a budding star of the stage or a future robotics engineer (or both!) we’ve got the program for them! One week sessions include half and full day options for kids entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. New this summer is a counselor-in-training program for teens age 13 and up.
Dates: Jun 29-Aug 21; Age/Grade Range: K-6th grade
Contact: 413-443-7171 x360 ♦ frontdesk@berkshiremuseum.org ♦ berkshiremuseum.org
KidsAct!
Pittsfield, MA ♦ KidsAct! gives young performers, ages 7-14, the opportunity to work with experienced theatre instructors as they create, rehearse and perform their own original plays & musicals. The two-week DramaKids! program (6/29-7/10 or 8/3-14), focuses on building acting and improv skills through fun theatre games as well as the creation of original plays. The three-week BroadwayKids! program (7/13-31) adds the elements of music and movement as students work with professional theatre artists to learn Broadway songs and dance numbers as a part of their original musical. Register for two or more sessions and save 10%! Classes meet M-F, 9 AM-3PM at: Zion Church, 74 First Street, Pittsfield. Extended-care available from 7:30AM – 5:30PM
Dates: Jun 29 – Aug 14; Age/Grade Range: 7-14yo
Contact: 413-997-6112 ♦ education@barringtonstageco.org ♦ www.barringtonstageco.org
Rock On
Pittsfield, MA ♦ Rock On is launching a new String Chamber Music Program directed by violinist Alla Zerniskaya. For violin, viola, cello & double bass players, String Chamber Music will run parallel to Rock On programs in rock, blues & jazz for guitar, bass, keyboards, brass, winds, & drums. At Rock On, the emphasis is on developing musicianship through ensemble playing. All levels are welcome. Instrument training classes are held daily. Crossover workshops are offered in different musical genres to bring students together in large ensembles to further expand knowledge, increase creativity, & enhance technical skills. Workshops in Songwriting, Recording Technology, & Technical Theater are open to all students. Beginners welcome! Berkshire Community College.
Dates: Jul 13-Jul 24; Age/Grade Range: 8-21yo
Contact: 413-329-2280 ♦ rockonworkshopma@gmail.com ♦ rockonworkshop.org
The Berkshire Athenaeum 413-499-4809. 1 Wendell Avenue.
Berkshire Humane Society 413-447-7878. 214 Barker Road.
Berkshire Lyric Theatre – 413-499-0258
Berkshire Museum – 413-443-7171 x10. 39 South Street.
Berkshire Music School — 413-442-1411. 30 Wendell Ave.
Colonial Theatre — 413-298-5576. 111 South Street.
Downtown Pittsfield Farmers’ Market. First Street.
First Friday Artswalk — Downtown.
Hancock Shaker Village – 413-443-0188. 1843 West Housatonic Street.
Herman Melville’s Arrowhead. 413-442-1793. 780 Holmes Road.
Hilltop Orchard — Route 295.
Friday, May 8, 11am-5pm; Saturday, May 9, 9am-5pm – PLANT SALE: The Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 38th Annual Plant Sale takes place May 8 and 9. Come find amazing plants for your home or garden and learn about different plant families at this fun event. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road. Stockbridge, MA. (SALE)
Saturday, May 9, 9am-12noon – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Help The Trustees of Reservations get Naumkeag ready for spring! All ages and abilities can attend “The Big Clean” and help out with projects like cleaning, mulching, gardening, and more. This is a great opportunity for all ages to learn the value of volunteer work and to get a behind-the-scenes look at this Trustees property. Lunch provided. Please register in advance. 413-298-3239 x3020. 5 Prospect Hill Road. Stockbridge, MA. (VOLUNTEER)
Saturday, May 23, 10am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Chesterwood, the country home, studios, and gardens of public sculptor Daniel Chester French, opens for the season on May 23. Come explore the grounds and see a special exhibition, “Boston Sculptors Gallery at Chesterwood 2015,” which features sculptures by contemporary sculptors. Chesterwood is a great place to learn about history and art in the Berkshires. 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($$)
Berkshire Botanical Garden 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road.
Chesterwood — 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road
Norman Rockwell Museum – 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183.
The Stockbridge Library, Museum, and Archives – 413-298-5501. 18 Main Street.
Ashintully Gardens. 413-298-3239. Sodem Road.
West Stockbridge Public Library – 413-232-0300 x308. 21 State Line Road.
South Berkshire
Alford | Great Barrington | Housatonic | Monterey | New Marlborough | Sheffield
North Berkshire | Central Berkshire
Support Hilltown Families!
Saturday, May 2, 10am-12noon – ECONOMICS/LOCAL CULTURE: Berkshares, Inc. is holding a walking tour of Great Barrington on May 2. “Walk the Talk” takes participants around Great Barrington on “Jane’s Walk,” an international series of walking tours named after community organizer and economist Jane Jacobs. This walk highlights the economic, historic, and cultural significance of downtown Great Barrington and facilitates conversation about future sustainable economic development. All are welcome to attend this free, educational, and engaging walk. Email info@berkshares.org to RSVP. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, May 23, 3pm – CONCERT/FILM: The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents a screening of Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928; rated G), accompanied by live music performed by Dan Zanes. All ages will love seeing this Buster Keaton comedy on the big screen and hearing Zanes’ exciting musical accompaniment. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA. ($$)
Saturday, May 23, 3:30pm – DIY KIDS: Kinetic Sand Workshop at Berkshire Co-Op Market. What is kinetic sand? It acts like wet sand you would play with at the beach but is mess free! In this workshop, learn how to make this sand from scratch. You’ll have fun making all the sand castles you want without leaving a sandy residue on your hands or toys. Sign up: 413.528.9697 x1 Berkshire Co-Op Market. 42 Bridge Street. Great Barrington, MA (FREE)
Sunday, May 24, 11am-12noon – FAMILY HIKE: The Berkshire Natural Resources Council is hosting a family hike at Housatonic Flats on May 24. The whole family (even the dog!) can attend this easy-going hike along a mowed path with great views. This is a great chance for the whole family to spend time together outdoors! 413-499-0596. Route 7. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
Friday, May 29, 6:15pm-8pm – FAMILY MOVIE: The Mason Library is screening Song of the Sea (2014; rated PG) on May 29. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
- Fridays, 12noon-1pm – CLOTH DIAPERS: Simple Diaper and Linen is offering a Cloth Diaper 101 workshop at Life Works Studio. Come learn the ins and outs of cloth diapering and get information on Simple Diaper and Linen’s new diaper service in Southern Berkshire County. 413-749-6232. 50 Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
- Tuesdays, 10:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: South Berkshire Kids is offering a Brain Builder Play and Learn Group at the Mason Library every Tuesday. Kids ages birth to age 5 can come read, sing, play, and talk, with a focus on STEM concepts and early literacy. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
Action Adventures Day Camp
Great Barrington, MA ♦ Join Action Adventures Day Camp this summer for a fun-filled recreational day camp with a different theme each week! For children entering 1st grade to age 12. Each week has its own unique theme that drives the week’s activities. A typical day includes crafts, projects, games, group activities, swimming, sports and outdoor experiences. The focus is on activities that foster critical thinking and development of self awareness, respect, tolerance, empathy, honesty and kindness. Financial assistance available. Camp runs all summer, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Price per week: $225 Members, $295 Guests. State Vouchers accepted.
Dates: Jun 29-Aug 21; Age/Grade Range: 1st grade-12yo
Contact: 413-528-2810 ♦ rbaxendale@berkshiresouth.org ♦ www.berkshiresouth.org
Berkshire South Regional Community Center — 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road.
Great Barrington Historical Society — South Main Street.
The Guthrie Center — 413-644-9288. 2 Van Deusenville Road.
Great Barrington Riverwalk — Church and River Streets.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center — 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street.
Mason Library — 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street.
South Berkshire Kids – 413-464-5095. 444 Old Stockbridge Road.
Project Native – 413-274-3433. 342 North Plain Road.
Ramsdell Library – 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street.
Bidwell House Museum — 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road.
Sunday, May 3, 7:30am-11:30am – BIRD STUDIES: Join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for a bird walk at Steepletop. Older students interested in birding can attend this fun walk, which goes through wetlands, mature forest, field-edge, fields, and woodland clearings in search of different bird species. The hike is easy and 2+ miles. Meet at church to carpool. 413-499-0596. New Marlborough-Monterey Road. New Marlborough, MA. (FREE)
Cookson State Forest — Hotchkiss Road.
New Marlborough Library — 413-664-0104. 1 Mill River-Great Barrington Road.
Saturday, May 23, 9am-3pm – TAG SALE: The Town of Otis Community Tag Sale is May 23 at Otis Ridge Ski Mountain Parking Center. This is a great chance to find neat items like collectibles, furniture, crafts, household items, and other treasures. 413-269-4008. Route 23. Otis, MA.
Otis Library and Museum – 413-269-0109. 48 North Main Road.
Thursday, May 7, 9am-12noon – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Be an Eco-Volunteer at The Trustees of Reservations‘ Bartholomew’s Cobble! Help The Trustees monitor and care for the trails and plant communities at the Cobble. Call for more information. 413-229-8600. 105 Weatogue Road. Sheffield, MA. (VOLUNTEER)
Sunday, May 10, 10am-12noon – MOTHER’S DAY/PLANT STUDIES: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a guided wildflower walk at Bartholomew’s Cobble with The Trustees of Reservations. All ages can stroll around the grounds looking for wild columbine and other native wildflowers. Families can even learn about how to grow these flowers at home to attract butterflies and other creatures! Please register in advance. 413-229-8600. 105 Weatogue Road. Sheffield, MA. ($)
Saturday, May 16, 7pm – THEATER: Mount Everett Middle School presents a performance of Shrek the Musical this weekend! Come see this classic story and beloved animated movie come to life onstage. Performances take place at the Thomas A. Consolati Performing Arts Center. 413-229-8778 x127. 491 Berkshire School Road. Sheffield, MA.
Wednesday, May 27, 6pm – CONCERT: Southern Berkshire Regional School District musical groups will perform in a concert at the Thomas A. Consolatti Performing Arts Center at Mt. Everett High School on May 27. The Undermountain Elementary 5th and 6th grade bands and jazz lab will perform at 6pm, followed by the Mt. Everett Junior High band, jazz band, and high school band. 491 Berkshire School Road. Sheffield, MA.
Bushnell-Sage Library – 413-229-7004. 48 Main Street.
Bartholomew’s Cobble – 413-229-8600. 105 Weatogue Road.
Sheffield Historical Society. 413-229-2694. 91 Main St.
