The Berkshires come alive in the summer time. The area is known for its cultural venues like the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and Jacob's Pillow, but that is just a taste of what the area has to offer.

 

Free Music

 

Live on the Lake

Onota Lake, Pittsfield

Every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. 

 

Growing up in the Berkshires, going to the city's Live on the Lake series has become a core memory for many. The free event paints a picture-perfect summer day: live music from local bands, swimming in the lake, lawn games, and food and ice cream from local businesses. What better way to end the day?

 

• July 31: Hale Mountain Band
• Aug. 7: Sydney Worthley
• Aug. 14: No concert; North Adams Downtown Celebration
• Aug. 21: Pandemic Relief
• Aug. 28: Matchstick Architects

Party in the Park

Noel Field Athletic Complex, North Adams
Every Thursday from 6 to 8 through August. 

 

Every Thursday evening in July and August behind Joe Wolfe Field hosted by WNAW 1230AM and WUPE 100.1FM. Various local bands.  Great Barrington Summer Concert Series

Grover's Corner Gazebo at Town Hall

Wednesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. 

 

If you could not already tell, music is a major part of the Berkshire County community, and it does not stop in South County. 

 

Great Barrington, known for its historic streets and a variety of shopping venues, holds a free concert series at the gazebo behind Town Hall every Wednesday, Friday and occasional Thursdays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m.

 

The series showcases performances by local musicians of various genres in the gazebo, named after Berkshire native and musician David Grover, who was the lead guitarist for Arlo Guthrie's band for more than two decades.

 

All concerts are subject to change depending on the weather. More information here. 

 

Music on Main

Community Recreation Association, Dalton

Wednesdays and Saturdays , 6:30 to 8 p.m.

 

Yes, I know what you're thinking, "another music event" but this one is too good not to include. This small town, known for being on the Appalachian Trail, has free concerts on Wednesdays and Saturdays, weather permitting. 

 

The event features performances by local artists, including the community Eagles Band. Future performances include the Happy Together Band, Dan Gingras, Brian Benlein, and many more. 

 

Whether you're a resident, tourist, or hiker passing through town to use one of the many amenities, such as the laundry, restaurants, or showers at the CRA, make sure to check the event out. 

 

The CRA hosts the concerts on its Memorial lawn and Mill and Main Lawn. Schedule here. 

 

 

Monthly Events

 

North Adams First Fridays

Downtown North Adams 

First Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m. 

 

Every first Friday, downtown North Adams is filled with visitors exploring businesses and local galleries along with live music performances, food trucks, and vendors. Look for opening exhibits and themed evenings such as August's "Dog Days of Summer."

 

Downtown businesses will also have extended hours to give visitors plenty of time to explore what the area has to offer, including clothes, plants, art, and much more. 

 

More information here. 

 

Pittsfield's First Friday at Five

Downtown Pittsfield

Every first Friday at 5 p.m. 

 

The city has combined two popular events — Third Thursdays and First Fridays Artswalks — to create a First Friday at Five event that blends art, entertainment, shopping, and community engagement. 

 

The free event features a makers market, live music, a Family Fun Zone, an art walk, and more. 

 

The maker's market on North Street consists of local artisan vendors selling handmade items such as clothing, crafts, gifts, and packaged foods. The Family Fun Zone, located at Dunham Mall, has free activities such as kids' paint and sip.

 

The art walk showcases a number of art shows and exhibits on view at venues around downtown Pittsfield. Most of the art is on display throughout the month.

 

During the event, participants will have the opportunity to meet the artists. Download the Downtown Pittsfield Inc. app from the Google Play or App Store to get a virtual walking tour. 

 

More information here. 

 

Outdoor Movies 

 

The Berkshires are not only known for music. The area is home to theaters and movie houses such as the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, and Images Cinema in Williamstown.  

 

However, the scenic beauty of the Berkshires can create a unique theater of its own — sit outside under the stars, wrapped in a warm blanket, watching a film.

 

Pittsfield's outdoor movie series at Clapp Park runs every Friday through Aug. 9 at 8 p.m.

 

July 26: "Lightyear" 

August 2: "Wonka" 

August 9: "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie"

 

More information here. 

 

Images Under the Stars in Williamstown  hosts its final film of the year "Summer Stock" on Monday, Aug. 5, at Sweetwood, 1611 Cold Spring Road, at sundown.