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Your Summer Arts Bucket List in Western Massachusetts
Hampshire Shakespeare Company | Amherst
While western Massachusetts is bursting with culture all year long, the arts really shine in the summer. We’ve got three resident theater companies whose seasons are in the summer every year, no shortage of outdoor summer music series, outdoor film screenings, monthly art walks and more! Whether you're a visual arts, theater, music, or film buff, there's something here to add to your summer bucket list!
5 Awesome Festivals This June in Western Massachusetts
Live Music at Easthampton's Cultural Chaos | Photo by Lynne Graves
When June rolls around, festival season has arrived in western Massachusetts with something happening nearly every weekend. And there’s a festival for everyone, from foodies and cultural fiends to jazz buffs and book lovers. Have fun with the family at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art’s Children’s Book Festival (June 6). Embrace Easthampton’s vibrant cultural scene at its annual street festival with a twist, Cultural Chaos (June 13). Celebrate Gypsy jazz with Django in June (June 19-20). Indulge in local food at the WGBY Asparagus Festival on the Hadley Town Common (June 6) and Taste of Amherst (June 18-21).
3 Reasons to Celebrate Pride in Western Massachusetts
Northampton Pride Parade | Photo by Lynne Graves
It's that time of year again when Northampton lights up with Pride and celebrates the diversity our region in western Massachusetts is known for. This year the 34th Annual Noho Pride Day is Saturday, May 2 beginning with the iconic and colorful parade at noon that marches through Downtown Northampton. The parade consists of many diverse organizations, school groups, musicians, local businesses and many other participants. The parade route ends at the historic Three County Fair Grounds where the celebration and entertainment continue til 5 p.m. and over 20,000 people gather for dancing, eating, shopping learning, socializing and enjoying the freedom to celebrate who they are.
Make the Most of a Busy Fall Weekend in Western Mass.
The Haberdashery | Easthampton
This coming weekend, four of the five schools in the area are hosting their annual friends and family weekends, which means it’s going to be bustling all over Hampshire County in western Massachusetts. Why is that a big deal, you ask? It means there’s even more going on for you to enjoy! So whether you’re here to see your student, here by chance, or live here, take advantage of some of the extra happenings this weekend.
Win Tickets for Historic Theater’s World Premiere Play
The old balcony at the Academy and 'Nobody's Girl,' Mildred E. Walker
This fall, after several months of scaffolding, hammering, painting, and the like happening behind closed doors, western Massachusetts' historic Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton celebrates its grand reopening. And what’s even more exciting is that the theater officially reopens with the world premiere of its first ever commissioned production, Nobody’s Girl, October 17 and 18. Don't miss your chance to catch this new screwball comedy about the Academy's first ever female manager, the feisty and unconventional Mildred E. Walker.
ICYMI from Visit Hampshire County September 23, 2014
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Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley | Photo by Michael Malyszko
In case you missed it, there's a pop-up shopping event happening in Northampton, new artworks in Easthampton, and a few lists we've made over the past couple weeks. Here's a roundup of our favorite finds elsewhere on the internet we've shared on Facebook and Twitter.
6 Things to Add to Your Mid-Summer Bucket List
Chesterfield Gorge | Photo by Lynne Graves
Can you believe July is already half over? As the summer months continue to slip away, here are a few things to add to your things to do in Massachusetts summer bucket list, from sidewalk sales to swimming holes, Shakespeare to rock music and more!
Three can’t-miss festivals in June
The River's music tent at the Taste of Amherst
The summer is off to a spectacular start here in western Massachusetts. Maybe you just attended the Asparagus Festival or Taste of Massachusetts Wine Festival, but if you’re still looking for things to do in Massachusetts, our arts, culture, and culinary celebrations don’t stop there. Don't miss Cottage Street's Cultural Chaos block party June 14, the Taste of Amherst June 19-22, and Django in June on June 20 & 21.
Discover Our Most Historic Theater
Located in Northampton, MA | Photo by Lynne Graves
A NEW SET OF DATES! Northampton is one historic city—it’s the place where U.S. President Calvin Coolidge lived and retired, as well as home to Sylvester Graham who gave his name to the one and only graham cracker. But it’s also home to the historic Academy of Music Theatre, on whose stage Anna Pavlova danced and Harry Houdini escaped, and whose seats were frequented by stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. In celebration of the theatre’s rich history and upcoming improvements (which will close the building for 8 weeks starting late summer 2014), the Academy is offering three rare opportunities to explore the significant historical and architectural features: three free tours on Wednesday, April 23, May 21, and Tuesday June 24!