VISIT STOCKBRIDGE, MA OFFERING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SHOPPING, DINING, LODGING, AND HISTORY ALL IN A SMALL-TOWN NEW ENGLAND SETTING
Experience our beautiful towns and all they have to offer for a wonderful time #intheberkshires. Rediscover the joys of the changing Seasons in #StockbridgeMA. Stockbridge has an incredible amount to do, see and experience. It’s known for many things: natural beauty, rich history, arts and culture, plenty of outdoor activities, great food, unique shops and of course great people offering New England Hospitality.
Spring is a renewing time of year to enjoy with family and friends. Be sure to book your tickets and stay in advance. Plan your stay with us!
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
STOCKBRIDGE, MA
Chesterwood is open annually May 25, 2024 – October. Open daily 10am-5pm (closed Tuesday). Chesterwood is the historic home, studio and gardens of America’s foremost late 19th early 20th C. sculptor, Daniel Chester French, creator of the Lincoln Memorial. During the season they host On-going programs (“Art Alive” performances , family activities), Guided Tours, Woodland Trails, and a Contemporary Outdoor Sculpture Show featuring 18 sculptures throughout the grounds.
Highlawn Farm is a third-generation family-owned dairy farm approaching our 100-year anniversary! They welcome visitors 7 days a week at our Farmstead Creamery Shop where they sell our farm-fresh creamery products, including milk & cream, slow-churned butter, cultured ghee, artisanal cheese, and premium ice cream. Also available are a variety of other locally-produced goods. Come grab an ice cream cone and relax at one of our picnic tables as our beautiful pure Jersey cattle herd grazes in the nearby fields.
The Mission House A National historic landmark, this colonial-era house and museum and garden tells the story of the Stockbridge Mohicans and missionary John Segeant. The gardens are open daily for self-guided tours, the interior of the house and Mohican Miles Exhibit is open seasonally, closed in the fall and winter. The newest Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican exhibit, Our Lands, Our Home, Our Heart is on view in the summer months.
Naumkeag House and Garden is open seasonally, end of May through early September, Thursday-Monday 10am-4pm. During the season experience gilded age style and splendor at this marvelous estate renowned for its elegant gardens and rare Berkshire Cottage. The Blue Steps, a series of fountain pools, the Afternoon Garden, Tree Peony Terrace, and Chinese Garden are but a few of the treasures on the grounds. Special events like Naumkeag at Night, Sunset Yoga, Backstairs Tours are offered through the summer season. Check Calendar of events.
The Daffodil and Tulip Festival returns on Friday, April 19 and will be open Thursday-Sunday through Mother’s day, May 12th! Stroll through the 8 acres of our world-renowned gardens decorated with thousands of daffodil, tulip and minor bulbs as we celebrate spring in the Berkshires. Our 48-acre estate in the heart of Stockbridge will come to life with the colors and spirit of spring with a variety of blooms, containers, displays and decorations against the backdrop of stunning views of Monument Mountain and the Berkshire Hills. The first floor of the house will be open for self-guided tours along with a seasonal gift shop located inside the house. There will be mixed bouquets and container plants for sale at a pop-up shop located outside the greenhouse along with a pre-sale of spring bulbs. Food and refreshments are available for sale at our outdoor café.
Norman Rockwell Museum is open Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday: 10am-4pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm, offering special events, changing exhibits, museum store, lunch at The Runaway Cafe(seasonal).
Be surprised and delighted at the magnificence of Rockwell’s large scale original paintings and discover the highly relatable world of American Illustration – the art that tells our stories. The Museum strongly recommends the purchase of tickets in advance of your arrival to ensure entry into the Museum.
Norman Rockwell’s Studio is open May 1 through Nov 12, 2023, closed Wednesdays.
EXHIBITIONS ON DISPLAY:
Norman Rockwell: Cover Artist
Rockwell Re-Interpreted: Highlights from the Permanent Collection
Norman Rockwell: Highlights from the Collection
Norman Rockwell’s 323 “Saturday Evening Post” Covers
Norman Rockwell: The Business of Illustrating The American Dream
NEW! Virtual Exhibition: Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom
Between Worlds: The Art and Design of Leo Lionni November 18, 2023-May 27, 2024
The first major American retrospective of Leo Lionni, this exhibition explores the many captivating worlds of Lionni’s art and legacy, from visionary graphic design to beloved children’s picture books to personal works.
Mystery and Wonder: Highlights from the Illustration Collection, March 2 through June 16
Novel cover illustrations, children’s book art, whimsical drawings, and editorial illustrations weave a world of mystery and wonder. These pieces are drawn from Norman Rockwell Museum’s Permanent Illustration Collection, a group of almost 25,000 works by contemporary and historical illustrators. Also featured is a brand-new Rockwell acquisition that offers mysteries of its own!
Artist Talk with Teresa Fasolino, April 27 at 3pm. Join artist Teresa Fasolino and Norman Rockwell Museum Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett for a lively discussion exploring Fasolino’s richly painted illustrations for mystery book covers and detailing the fine art of creating memorable images that entice viewers to read the book without giving too much away. Fasolino’s work is featured in the current exhibition Mystery and Wonder: Highlights from the Illustration Collection.
Stockbridge Library Procter Museum & Archives The library is open Tuesday 9am-8pm, Wednesday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-8pm & Saturday 9am-2pm. The Museum is open, Tuesday 1pm to 8pm, Wednesday 1pm to 5pm, Thursday 1pm to 5pm, Friday 1pm to 5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm. The library offers numerous events, programs for adults and children and free checkout of digital books, magazines and audio books. For a full list on events click here
Fundraiser Concert with the Berkshire Chamber Players Featuring the New England premiere of “Leonard Bernstein’s “Music for String Quartet”
LENOX, MA
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum The Lenox Station museum and grounds is open every Saturday Memorial Day through Labor Day. Named by Yankee Magazine as one of the “Top 10 foliage train rides in New England” (2017), the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum’s mission is to preserve the history of railroading in the Berkshire Hills of Western Mass. Check calendar on website for Hoosac Valley Train Rides and Upcoming Special Train Excursions.
Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio From June to Columbus Day visit the home of American Abstract Artists George L.K. Morris and Suzy Frelinghuysen, set on a 46-acre estate in the heart of Lenox. View their paintings, frescoes, and sculpture; experience their exquisite collection of American and European Cubist Art. Season opening June 20, 2024.
The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home The Main House is closed for the season and will reopen in May. The gardens and grounds are free and open daily year-round from dawn to dusk.
The Mount Book Club meets online on January 25th and April 18th 4-5:30PM
The Mount is a historic house museum and vibrant cultural center with a variety of tours, programs, lectures, music, theater and events for you to enjoy. During the season, you can schedule a tour and stroll the grounds to learn about birding or look for Storywalks for a fun family adventure! Take a yoga class or attend a poetry writing workshop. Check calendar.
2024 Summer Lecture Series
2024 Masters Series moderated by André Bernard
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum is open daily 10am to 4pm for self-guided tours. Reservations not needed. Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. Designed by the architects Rotch & Tilden. Check their calendar for special events, Tea & Talk, Psychic Medium Presentation, Paranormal Investigations and more.
April 26 to 28 After a four-year hiatus, BerkChique!, the pop-up boutique will triumphantly return.
May 4 at 7 pm Paranormal Investigation with David Raby
Now Announcing their Summer Season of Tea Talks!
TYRINGHAM, MA
Bidwell House Museum is open Memorial Day to October. Authentically restored & located on 192 acres, the Bidwell House Museum tells the story of life in the 18th C Berkshires via seasonal programs and guided tours of the elegant c.1760 Georgian saltbox home. Grounds and gardens are open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, FREE OF CHARGE, though donations are welcome.
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA
Clark Art Institute is open Tuesday- Sunday 10am – 5pm and open daily in July and August, 10am – 5pm. Presenting exhibitions, collections, education and the Grounds. Trails at The Clark Art Institute campus are open 24/7.
Exhibitions:
50 Years and Forward: Works on Paper Acquisitions runs through March 10, 2024
David-Jeremiah: I Drive Thee runs through January 26, 2025
Paper Cities runs through June 23, 2024
Kathia St. Hilaire: Invisible Empires opens May 11 through September 22, 2024
Free Admission Opportunities:
Families: The Clark hosts a number of free family events during the year.
Sunday, May 5 is the final First Sunday Free of the Season with Giddy Up!
May 11 at 12:55pm The Metropolitan Opera’s broadcast of Madama Butterfly
May 12 Special Mother’s Day Activities, free with admission.
PERFORMING ARTS
Berkshire Theatre Group has a variety of live performances lined up at their beloved Colonial theatre and Unicorn Stage. Call the box office at 413-997-4444 or visit link.
Summer 2024 Season Announced: Disney Frozen Jr., 4000 Miles, Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, and More.
Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein”
It was Berkshire Theatre Group’s first announced production of the season and we’ve been excited ever since. You’ve watched the movie (how many times?), and now you can enjoy the classic comedy as a musical, with music and lyrics by the great Mel Brooks. All your favorite characters will be there: Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Igor and Inga, getting star turns with tunes like “The Translyvania Mania” and “He Vas My Boyfriend.” Scary? Probably not. So funny it’s scary? We’ll see. June 27-July 21 at The Colonial Theatre RI
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Pipe Dream”
While BTG’s lineup includes several intriguing plays — “4,000 Miles,” “Abe Lincoln in Illinois,” and “The Weir” — you can’t fault us for putting the spotlight on Rodgers and Hammerstein, particularly one of the duo’s shows that’s been seen by hardly anybody. “Pipe Dream” is the musical based on John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, Rarely performed, it has all the hallmarks of the Rodgers and Hammerstein genius, and offers themes of love and resilience among the drifters and dropouts who call Cannery Row home. July 25-Aug. 31 at The Unicorn Theatre RI
Winter/Spring At the Colonial Theatre:
April 19 – April 21
Disney’s Forzen Jr.
Saturday, April 27 at 7:30pm
Pittsfield CityJazz Festival From Rags to Rhythm to Duke Featuring The Marcus Roberts Trio
Friday, May 4 at 7:30pm
NECCA’s Circus Springboard: What To Do If Your Balloon Pops
Friday, May 3 at 7:30pm
Paula Poundstone
Friday, May 10 at 7:30pm
Diana Quetti
Friday, May 24 at 7:30pm
Tay Tay Dance Party™ Featuring DJ SWIFTIE™
Sunday, May 26 at 2pm
Music of Mancini Performed by Jukebox Saturday Night
Friday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 1 at 7:30pm
Pink Floyd’s The Wall, A Theatrical Concert Experience Featuring Beyond The Wall and Mike Wartella
Jacob’s Pillow Dance The 2023 Festival has come to a close, but the Pillow has plenty to offer year-round including digital streams, Pillow Lab Residences, Community Programs, and more.
We invite you to stay connected to all that’s happening at Jacob’s Pillow, with upcoming live broadcasts from the Pillow Lab alongside a host of on-demand content to watch and listen to whenever you like. Explore the playlist now!
Summer 2024 will run June 26 through August 25:
This summer, Jacob’s Pillow will produce the 92nd season of its premier international dance festival, in a 9-week celebration of some of today’s most groundbreaking artists and dance companies performing locally, nationally, and around the world.
Companies featured in this summer’s lineup are an eclectic mix of Jacob’s Pillow debuts and longtime audience favorites who have appeared across more than 50 years of the festival’s history. Onstage performances will span genres and styles from ballet and modern to hip hop, tap, flamenco, circus, Indigenous dance, and more. In addition to U.S.-based companies, the festival will also present companies based in Canada, England, Switzerland, Italy, Argentina, Spain, and beyond. Many events will feature live music, and all are family-friendly. The festival will also include special events, parties, classes and workshops, exhibitions and talks, digital premieres, livestreams, and pop-up performances in Berkshire County. Many of these offerings will be free of charge.
The nine companies to perform for one week each in the Ted Shawn Theatre are, in chronological order: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, The Royal Ballet of the United Kingdom, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, Social Tango Project, MOMIX, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, Parsons Dance, Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Companies with multi-night runs on the outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage will include M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Pathways to Performance (a project of Theresa Ruth Howard’s MoBBallet), Dancers of Damelahamid, David Dorfman Dance, and Gibney Company.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents live performances, film, and cultural events for all ages.
Spring screenings:
The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center has added two new screenings from London’s National Theatre and two classic films to its year-round schedule: The Motive and the Cue on April 26; and The Shawshank Redemption (1994) on April 6 and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) on May 4.
Singer-songwriters Lyle Lovett, Ben Folds, Keb’ Mo’, Suzanne Vega, and rootsy heartland-rockers BoDeans will perform at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington, Mass., between May and October 2024. Lyle Lovett, joined by singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb will perform in a collaboration on May 10, roots-rock band BoDeans on May 25, blues guitarist and vocalist Keb’ Mo’ on June 15, power-pop singer and pianist Ben Folds on June 22, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues on July 19 and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on August 9, comedian Patton Oswalt on his new stand-up tour “Effervescent” on July 21 and folk-pop musician Suzanne Vega on October 5.
A sampling of upcoming Events:
Joanne Shaw Taylor
London’s National Theatre in HD: The Motive and the Cue
2024 Gala: Samara Joy
Shakespeare & Company
Shakespeare & Company presents classic and modern theater for all ages on indoor and outdoor stages. Shows run from May through October.
Tickets to 2024 season performances are now on sale:
June 21 through July 21st, A Body of Water Playwright Lee Blessing (“A Walk in the Woods” at S&Co. in 2022)) brings us what’s been called “existential with a touch of the absurd.” An older man and woman wake up one day in an isolated setting above a body of water. The problem? They’ve both come down with a case of amnesia. A young woman appears, offering tantalizing clues to the couple’s identity. Intrigued? We are. RI
July 2 through July 7, Shake it Up: A Shakespeare Cabaret
July 13 through August 18, The Comedy of Errors And now, for a little high-brow levity, is Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors,” taking over Shakespeare & Company’s outdoor mainstage. It’s got all of Shakespeare’s trademarks: mistaken identities, two sets of twins separated by a storm at sea, misunderstandings, and mishaps. Tradition at its best. RI
July 25 through August 25, The Islanders
August 3 through 25, Flight of the Monarch
August 21 through 25, The Winter’s Tale: An Enhanced Staged Reading
August 30 through October 13, Three Tall Persian Women