Blog / Performing Arts
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.
Explore prehistoric culture in Western Massachusetts
The Hitchcock Ichnology Collection at the Beneski | Photo by Lynne Graves
Did you know some of the earliest dinosaur tracks found in North America were discovered right here in Western Massachusetts? This spring, explore our prehistoric past at museums, in the great outdoors, or even on stage!
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!
NoHoIFF ‘13 at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton
Featured Films | NohoIFF 2013
The Northampton International Film Festival returns for its 17th annual installation October 11 to 13, 2013 in the scenic college town of Northampton, Massachusetts. Held at the legendary Academy of Music Theatre, the festival will showcase over 30 features, documentaries and short films from around the world. You don't want to miss the film line-up this year!
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.
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.