This weekend, the Berkshires and surrounding areas will have a variety of events, including concerts, comedy, farmers' markets, and more. 

 

Editor's Pick

 

ArtWeek Berkshires

Various Venues in the Berkshires 

May 17 to 27

 

The five Cultural Districts of Berkshire County will kick off its celebration of local creativity on Friday. 

 

More than 100 hands-on or behind-the-scenes events and open studios across Berkshire will be held, including gallery shows, live performances, poetry readings, painting demos, and more. 

 

More information here.

 

Friday

 

Live Comedy

Bounti-Fare Restaurant, Adams

Time: 8 p.m. 

 

Los Angeles-based comedian Erick Hellwig will perform stand-up comedy, and comedian Ryan DeNisco will be a featured act. Local comedian Charlie Nadler will host the night. Tickets cost $15. More information is available here. 

 

Rusted Chains Performance 

Zinky's Pub, Dalton

Time: 8 p.m.

 

Local tribute '90s grunge and alt-rock band Rusted Chains will be performing. More information here. 

 

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night 

Hot Plate Brewing Co., Pittsfield

Time: 7 p.m.

 

DJ Pup Daddy will perform some of his favorite albums and encourages the community to bring their own. The brewery's also celebrating its sour brew the "High Priestess" and welcomes back the La Chalupa y La Enchilada food truck. More information here. 

 

'The Child Within' Opening Reception

Becket Arts Center

Time: 5 to 7 p.m. 

 

Celebrate the young artist within you by looking at works from childhood and present-day creations by artists Ilene Spiewak, Morris Bennett, Sally Tiska Rice, and Sean McCusker. More information here. 

 

Saturday 

 

Northern Berkshire Chorale Concert

Chapin Hall at Williams College, Williamstown

Time: 7:30 p.m, 

 

The concert will feature music written by and for women in 17th- and 18th-century Italy. There is a $15 suggested donation. 

 

Remembrance Ceremony & Butterfly Release

Controy Pavilion, Pittsfield 

Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

 

HospiceCare in the Berkshires invites the community to join in a celebration of life for those who have passed. 

 

This memorial service provides an opportunity to enjoy thoughtful reflections as butterflies are released to honor the memories of loved ones. 

 

The service is free and open to the public. It will be followed by a reception with light refreshments. To register, contact the HCiB bereavement coordinator at 413-443-2994. More information here. 

 

15th Annual Pittsfield Spring Consignment Auction

Berkshire County 4-H Fairgrounds, Pittsfield 

Time: 10 a.m. 

 

This event is popular amongst people who love country living, gardening, and all things rural. Raucher Brothers Auctioneers are currently accepting consignments of farm and garden equipment, tools, lawncare equipment, farm-related housewares and antiques, and all things rural and agricultural.

 

More information here.

 

Free Family Concert

Tina Packer Playhouse, Lenox

Time: 11 a.m.

 

Berkshire Opera Festival will have a performance of "'Giuseppe Grandini' and the Search for the World's Greatest Opera Character," as part of ArtWeek Berkshires. 

 

More information here. 

 

Apple Blossoms in the Orchard

Hilltop Orchards, Richmond

Time: 1 and 2:30 p.m. 

 

This wine-tasting and charcuterie event will have two seating sessions: one at 1 p.m. and another at 2:30 p.m. 

 

The event costs $25 per person and includes wine tasting and a charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, nuts, olives, and fresh vegetables. To make reservations, contact Sara at 413-822-7334. The maximum number of people per event is 50. More information here. 

 

The Refrigerators Performance

The Stationery Factory, Dalton

Time: 7:30 p.m.

 

The New York Capital Region's horn-fueled party band The Refrigerators will be performing. Tickets cost $30. Proceeds support Dalton Lions Club and Wahconah Regional High School's fundraising group, 12thman-goblue. 

 

The Lions Club buys eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy and give out a scholarships to Wahconah. The 12thman-goblue uses its funds to help out the football programs from young kids to high schoolers. More information here. 

 

Springtoberfest 

Antimony Brewing, Pittsfield

Time: 11 a.m. 

 

The day will feature beer tasting, a cornhole tournament, food, and live music at Bousquet. Up to 80 teams of two can compete in the cornhole tournament. 

 

Presale tickets are $10, and early entry into the cornhole tournament is $65. A portion of the entry fees will go to ovarian cancer research.  More information here.

 

Greenfield Bee Fest

Second Congregational Church, Greenfield

Time: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

 

Celebrate everything bee by visiting the Bee Festival. Wear your best bee or flower outfit and participate in a number of events, including painting a hive, writing a bee poem, joining the Pollinator's Parade, playing bee games, looking at the permanent bee sculptures downtown, making a flower hat, learning about beekeeping, and more. More information here. 

 

Sunday

 

Jewish Community Day

High Lawn Farm, Lee

Time: 2 to 4 p.m. 

 

Join the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires to celebrate Jewish heritage, culture, and faith. The event will feature ice cream, baby animals, crafts, community tables, raffles, music, and more. They will also celebrate PJ Library's 18th birthday with treats at the Mobile Dairy Bar. More information here. 

 

Faithful Friends: Community Dog Day

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

 

The day is inspired by Norman Rockwell and his love for dogs. It features dog demonstrations, themed activities all day, therapy dog story time, raffles and prizes, caricatures, and opportunities to show off your pups.

 

Local dog-loving Berkshire businesses and find dog-themed merchandise will also be available at the event. 

 

More information here. 

 

Sensing Nature: From The Outside In

The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown

Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. 

 

This new program was developed by Clark educators to enhance well-being through a slow engagement with nature and art. 

 

This seasonal event begins with a mindful walk in the woods and is followed by a look at the museum's galleries to encourage visitors to connect with the landscapes on Clark's campus and in the galleries.

 

The event is recommended for adult visitors and is free, and registration is required. More information here. 

 

Multiple Days

 

Robin Hood's Medieval Faire

150 Locust Road, Harwinton, Conn.

Dates: May 18 to June 30; 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

The 15th annual Robin Hood's Medieval Faire is kicking off this weekend and will feature music, food, an artisan market, shows of valor of knights in jousting tournaments, and interactive activities, such as archery, sword fighting, and other medieval arts. More information here.

 

Farmers Markets 

 

North Adams Farmers Market  

Main Street, North Adams

Time: Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

The south side of Main Street from American Legion Drive will be closed to make room for the city's weekly farmers market, which will kick off this Saturday. Explore downtown North Adams and discover local businesses and fresh produce from local farms. More information here. 

 

Williamstown Farmers Market 

Spring Street, Williamstown

Time: Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

The Williamstown Market is launching this weekend. The market focuses on a wide range of local food and artisan vendors, as well as local services and music. More information here. 

 

Outdoor Pittsfield Farmers Market

Pittsfield Common, Pittsfield

Time: 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

 

Roots Rising, the region's first teen-run market, will hold an indoor farmers market this Saturday. The event will feature live music, chef demos, workshops, children's activities, and more. More information is available here. 

 

Great Barrington Farmers Market

18 Church Street, Great Barrington

Time: Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

The market is open every Saturday. Every week, locally grown food, flowers, and plants will be available, along with other local vendors. The market accepts and offers doubling SNAP, HIP, WIC, and Senior market coupons. More information is here. 

 

New Marlborough Farmers Market 

Village Green, New Marlborough

Time: Sunday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

 

The market has local vendors that offer a variety of goods from produce, eggs, baked goods, jams, hand-knit items, maple syrup, and more. More information here.