Greenfield, the capital of Franklin County, is a vibrant arts community. With this year’s addition of Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, this statement has become even truer. Owned by Steven Goldsher, this popular new business is a restaurant, bar, and concert and event venue all in one. Locals and visitors alike have been drawn to this spot, located in the Arts Block building on the corner of Main St and Court Square in downtown Greenfield, for a full night out. You can come for a delicious meal and then stay for a night of dancing in the ballroom to a live band, or head downstairs to The Wheelhouse, the speak-easy style bar.

In its short life so far, Hawks and Reed has hosted some incredible artists. Lee “Scratch” Perry, ranked one of the 100 greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2004, and Subatomic Sound System performed with The Alchemystics for its grand re-opening in May. Past acts have included artists of styles ranging from Latin big band, to electronic, to swing, and everything in between. Some acts you won’t want to miss coming up this weekend include The Dead Collective on Saturday, September 30, and The Joe Belmont Experience on Sunday, October 1.

To stay updated on events and happenings at Hawks and Reed, visit their website, HawksandReed.com, or follow them on Facebook.

Looking for something fun to do for the first weekend of fall? The Old Deerfield Fall Arts and Crafts Festival is taking place this Saturday, September 23 from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, September 24 from 10 am to 4 pm. Held on the grounds surrounding Memorial Hall Museum, this festival features crafts of various mediums, including woodworking, jewelry, apparel, glass, and pottery. Over 140 vendors from all over the region will be present, each offering their own handmade creations.

Browsing and shopping won’t be the only activities to do there. Live music will fill the air on Saturday with back-to-back performances under the food tent. On Sunday, make puppets with Caravan Puppets and enjoy live puppet shows. Plus, all weekend long at the Children’s Activity Area, take part in free dinosaur-themed crafting activities.

The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association organizes the Old Deerfield Arts and Crafts Festival and provides the free craft activities. For more information on this wonderful event, visit Deerfield-craft.org. There you will find details on parking and shuttles, vendor listings, and you can even download a printable map. See you there rain or shine!

Summer is winding down but there is still plenty of exciting summer events happening in the valley. Thursday, August 24th kicks off the 149^th Cummington Fair, in Cummington, Massachusetts, which will run through Sunday, August 27th. The Fair was initiated in 1883 with the purpose of spreading agricultural knowledge. Today, the Fair holds true to this with a variety of farm-themed events, such as Horse & Ox Draws, various animal showmanships, and judging of livestock.

However, that is not all there is to see at the Cummington Fair! Each day there will be a motorized event, like the tractor pull and Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby. Live music will fill the air with country acts such as Jose Duddy and Truck Stop Troubadours. There will be over 50 vendors selling everything from food, to crafts, to agricultural products. Plus, entertainers such as Kenya Acrobats, Christopher the Magician, and Wayne from Maine will perform multiple times throughout the weekend.

Whether you are a resident of Cummington, or the Pioneer Valley, or you are travelling from surrounding areas, you won’t want to miss this huge event. Purchase your tickets ahead of time at cummingtonfair.com to receive a discount and save time waiting in line. Also visit their website for a full listing of events and other information such as directions, parking, and camping. Hope to see you at the Cummington Fair!

www.cummingtonfair.com

As a native of Heath, Massachusetts, I look forward to the Heath Fair every year. This community event, filled with music, food, and agricultural-inspired activities, truly emanates the spirit of the Town of Heath and the surrounding Hill Towns.  The 2017 Heath Fair, happening Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20, is extra special because [...]

Last Saturday, June 10 was the start of Western Mass Beer Week, a week long celebration of craft beer and those who create it, support it, and love it. Only in its second year, Western Mass Beer Week has over 50 participating breweries, restaurants, venues, and more, covering four counties: Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire [...]

Join the winter fun this weekend at Greenfield's 95th Annual Winter Carnival, starting Friday, February 2nd through Sunday February 4th!

Ice sculpting starts on Friday in front of sponsoring businesses.  There is a warming fire starting at 5:00 and the Parade of Lights starts at 6:00. There is a full day of events on Saturday and Sunday that include Youth Basketball League Game, sleigh bell run, public ice skating, cribbage tournament and the Youth Center at 20 Sanderson Street has many events scheduled.   Bring your pets on Sunday, February 4th and enter them in the K-9 Keg Pull.  The realtors from Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors will be there to show support for our furry friends.    For more information click here to visit the carnival's website.   

The Green River Festival is happening on

July 8th - 10th! 

Now is the time to get your tickets before it is sold out!

Enjoy a fabulous weekend of world class music, great local food, beer & wine, craft fair, and lots of family games and activities.  

The lineup of performers is amazing.  Over 35 musicians will be singing all weekend long including - [...]

Berkshire East Mountain Resort's Summer Activities from Berkshire East Mountain Resort on Vimeo.