Blog
Watch a movie outdoors, sidewalk shop, and eat in a field in Hampshire County this week
Sidewalk Sales in Northampton
There's always something happening in Hampshire County, but this week do something you would normally do indoors, outdoors! Amherst's Hot Summer Nights movie series begins Wednesday, July 24, Northampton has its annual Sidewalk Sales July 25-28, and Whole Foods is hosting a farm dinner right in the middle of the field at a neighboring farm on Saturday, July 27.
Stay cool with summer art exhibitions in Hampshire County
Summer of Love at the Smith College Museum of Art
As the temperatures continue to fly high in Western Massachusetts this summer, step into the air-conditioned wonders of some of our world-class museums in Hampshire County: the Smith College Museum of Art, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and Mead Art Museum at Amherst College. Don’t miss your chance to take a trip to San Francisco in the sixties, experience art from antiquity to today, and wander through the whimsical world nature-based picture book art. Some of these summer exhibitions will close before you know it!
The stage comes alive in Hampshire County every summer
fo n’ ale by The Performance Project’s First Generation Ensemble
Every summer, Hampshire County in Western Massachusetts becomes home to some of the most original and stunning theater. Productions range from the professional, award-winning selections of New Century Theatre in Northampton, to the wildcard original works by experimental theater champions Ko Festival of Performance in Amherst. AND, there's even a little Shakespeare under the stars by Hampshire Shakespeare Company.
Free summer music from concerts in the park to concerts on the porch
Darlingside at Pulaski Park | Photo by Jamie Kent
There’s something special about summer nights that comes alive when there’s music in the air. There are definitely more smiles and probably even more tapping feet and clapping hands. A handful of communities provide these summer soundscapes at a multitude of weekly free outdoor summer concert series across Hampshire County. On Thursdays, check out the Angel Park's Summer Music Series in Williasmburg or the Music on the Porch Series in Florence, and on Fridays, there's Northampton's Summer Concert Series in Pulaski Park and Arts in the Park in Easthampton.
Discover the Americana Flair of the Hilltowns
Chesterfield Fourth of July
If you’re looking for a quaint and classic New England experience this holiday weekend or summer, look no further than our Hilltowns in Hampshire County. Head West on Route 9 just beyond the city of Northampton and you’ll transcend to a world with with lush tree-lined rolling back roads, no shortage of historic homes, and old-time country stores for pit stops along the way. The Chesterfield Fourth of July Parade festivities take place on July 4; the Hilltown Arts Festival is July 6; Bryant Day is on July 20 to celebrate poet and hilltown native William Cullen Bryant; the 158th Middlefield Agricultural Fair happens August 9 through 11 and the 145th Cummington Fair happens August 22 through 25.
Road Trippin’ by Bike
Photo by Joseph Hom
Do you like road trips? How about on two wheels? Our region has been called the best East Coast adventure destination for road biking, and we have some great bicycle touring companies to help you get rolling! Mount Major Adventures and Ride Noho's bicycle tours range from pleasurable treks for those looking to explore to extreme adventures for the experienced rider looking for the ultimate challenge.
Fireworks in Hampshire County
We love an excuse to celebrate and throw big parties in Hampshire County just as much as the next place. And what’s summer without a few Fourth of July celebrations? No matter what weekend you might be visiting Hampshire County around this national holiday, there’s a fireworks spectacular for you.
Music By The Vines
Photo by Mary Hamel
Here in Hampshire County, we really know how to kick back, relax and enjoy the greener side of life—with just a few modern frills, like music and wine added for your enjoyment. Black Birch Vineyard’s Summer Music Series combines some of Hampshire County’s most stunning views with live music and locally made wine of course! The series continues this Friday, June 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. in celebration of the Summer Solstice with The Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra.
Taste What Amherst’s Cooking
Finding a place to eat can be a tough choice when you’re exploring a new place. Wouldn’t it be great if you could sample a little something from every restaurant in one day, in one place? The annual Taste of Amherst on the Amherst Common provides just that opportunity, making it easy to learn the culinary delights of this Hampshire County town. The Taste of Amherst runs Thursday, June 13 through Sunday June 16 – and you’ll want to spend more than just a day at this…