If you think of parades, music, food, and fireworks as integral to a great July 4th celebration, come to the Berkshires! There are events for everyone and all ages. Below is a list of some great events this weekend and if you are looking for a last minute hotel room click here for the latest availability and listings.
Ongoing Exhibits
The Berkshire Museum: GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World
Chesterwood: Out of Site: Contemporary Sculpture
Clark Art Institute: Picasso: Encounters @ The Clark
MASS MoCA: Nick Cave
The Mount: SculptureNow 2017
Norman Rockwell Museum: Inventing America: Rockwell & Warhol
Events
July 1
John Mellencamp with Emmylou Harris & Carlene Carpenter at Tanglewood
The Tanglewood Popular Artists Series featuring John Mellencamp with Emmylou Harris and Carlene Carpenter. In the Shed. 7 PM, in the Shed.
London’s National Theatre in HD: Saloméat The Mahaiwe
This charged retelling turns the infamous biblical tale on its head, placing the girl we call Salomé at the center of a revolution. 7 PM.
Arias and Sinfonias From Biblical Oratorios at Aston Magna Music Festival
Dominique Labelle, soprano, with Aston Magna string ensemble. 6 PM, St. James Place, Great Barrington.
History Talks: MA/NY Border Wars in the 1700’s at Bidwell House Museum
Gary Leveille, Berkshires historian and author, on the fifty years of boundary battles among the early Dutch and English settlers on both sides of the elusive border. Held at Tyringham Union Church, Main Road, Tyringham.
Tireless: A Tap Dance Experience at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
This exclusive, Pillow-only engagement brings together astonishing tap artists from our backyard and beyond in a program introduced by the “tireless ambassador of tap” Michelle Dorrance (The New York Times). Live Music. 2 PM & 8 PM.
NW Dance Project at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Known for their “cutting edge contemporary work” (The Portland Tribune), this Portland, Oregon-based dance company brings classically-trained, versatile dancers and an all-original repertory. 2:15 PM, Doris Duke Theatre.
Million Dollar Quartet at Berkshire Theatre Group
Tony Award-winning jukebox musical, and an epic night of rock ‘n roll, Million Dollar Quartet brings you into the recording studio with icons, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. 2 PM & 8 PM, Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge.
Children of a Lesser God at Berkshire Theatre Group
In today’s culture, there are endless methods of communication. Are we truly listening to one another? At the core of the Tony Award-winning Children of a Lesser God, written by Tony Award-winner Mark Medoff, is a poignant story about human communication, connection, and compromise. 2 PM & 8 PM, Main Stage, Stockbridge.
4000 Miles at Shakespeare & Company
In this Obie Award-winning and beautifully crafted piece, Amy Herzog gives us Vera and Leo, a grandmother and grandson, locked in a moving and most amusing battle of wits. Life has dealt them a series of shocks, and yet, they and two intrepid young women continue to seek meaning through human contact in a touching and humorous portrait of the disenfranchised.
The Birds at Barrington Stage Company
Mysterious masses of birds have begun to attack at high tide, driving strangers Nat and Diane to take refuge in an isolated, abandoned cabin and to form a bond to survive their haunting new circumstance. Yet if two is company, three is a crowd, as the sudden arrival of a young woman with a mysterious background ruffles feathers and quickly threatens to destroy their so-called sanctuary. 3 PM & 7:30 PM, St. Germain Stage.
Ragtime at Barrington Stage Company
At the dawn of the 20th century when everything is changing…and anything is possible, Ragtime weaves together three distinctly American tales – a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and their belief in obtaining the American Dream. 8 PM, Main Stage.
Roommate at Williamstown Theatre Festival
Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner S. Epatha Merkerson and Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Jane Kaczmarek star in this absorbing comedy about self-discovery. 3:30 PM & 8 PM, Main Stage.
A Comedy of Errors at The Theater Barn
In this sequel to Lend Me a Tenor, it’s 1930s Paris and the stage is set for the concert of the century—as long as producer Henry Saunders can keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli and his hot-blooded wife Maria from causing runaway chaos. Prepare for an uproarious ride, full of mistaken identities, bedroom hi-jinks, and madcap delight. 4 PM & 8 PM.
Anything Goes at Mac-Haydn Theatre
Set sail on this classic Cole Porter adventure aboard The SS American! This hilarious boy meets girl comedy on the high seas features some of the most magical songs in musical theatre history. Hits like “DeLovely,” “I Get a Kick Out Of You,” “Friendship” and the show-stopping “Blow Gabriel” are sure to please! 4 PM & 8 PM.
Shaker Barn Music: Sarah Lee Guthrie at Hancock Shaker Village
New American roots music series in a Berkshire barn, on a summer night, with great local beer and spirits, and soulful music that sets the fireflies dancing featuring Sara Lee Guthrie. 8 PM.
Fireworks at Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT
Great family fun! Infield and Outfield Gates open at 6 PM with all concession stands open. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy Lime Rock’s unique ambience until the fireworks begin about 9 PM.
July 2
Precision & Pageantry Drum & Bugle Corps Show, Pittsfield
A fun family event held at historic Wahconah Park to benefit the Pittsfield Parade committee. 3pm. Tickets $15-$25.
Anything Goes at Mac-Haydn Theatre
Set sail on this classic Cole Porter adventure aboard The SS American! This hilarious boy meets girl comedy on the high seas features some of the most magical songs in musical theatre history. Hits like “DeLovely,” “I Get a Kick Out Of You,” “Friendship” and the show-stopping “Blow Gabriel” are sure to please! 2 PM.
Roommate at Williamstown Theatre Festival
Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner S. Epatha Merkerson and Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Jane Kaczmarek star in this absorbing comedy about self-discovery. 2 PM, Main Stage.
NW Dance Project @ Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Known for their “cutting edge contemporary work” (The Portland Tribune), this Portland, Oregon-based dance company brings classically-trained, versatile dancers and an all-original repertory. 8 PM, Doris Duke Theatre.
4000 Miles @ Shakespeare & Company
In this Obie Award-winning and beautifully crafted piece, Amy Herzog gives us Vera and Leo, a grandmother and grandson, locked in a moving and most amusing battle of wits. Life has dealt them a series of shocks, and yet, they and two intrepid young women continue to seek meaning through human contact in a touching and humorous portrait of the disenfranchised. 3 PM, Bernstein Theatre.
The Birds @ Barrington Stage Company
Mysterious masses of birds have begun to attack at high tide, driving strangers Nat and Diane to take refuge in an isolated, abandoned cabin and to form a bond to survive their haunting new circumstance. Yet if two is company, three is a crowd, as the sudden arrival of a young woman with a mysterious background ruffles feathers and quickly threatens to destroy their so-called sanctuary. 3 PM, St. Germain Stage.
Ragtime @ Barrington Stage Company
At the dawn of the 20th century when everything is changing…and anything is possible, Ragtime weaves together three distinctly American tales – a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and their belief in obtaining the American Dream. 2 PM, Main Stage.
Anything Goes @ The Mac-Haydn Theatre
Set sail on this classic Cole Porter adventure aboard The SS American! This hilarious boy meets girl comedy on the high seas features some of the most magical songs in musical theatre history. Hits like “DeLovely,” “I Get a Kick Out Of You,” “Friendship” and the show-stopping “Blow Gabriel” are sure to please! 7 PM.
Natalie Merchant @Tanglewood
Singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant makes her Tanglewood debut, bringing her distinctive voice and style to the Koussevitzky Music Shed. 7 PM, in the Shed.
July 3
Taylor in suit and tie with John Williams at Tanglewood. Hillary Scott photo courtesy the BSO.
The Birds @ Barrington Stage Company
Mysterious masses of birds have begun to attack at high tide, driving strangers Nat and Diane to take refuge in an isolated, abandoned cabin and to form a bond to survive their haunting new circumstance. Yet if two is company, three is a crowd, as the sudden arrival of a young woman with a mysterious background ruffles feathers and quickly threatens to destroy their so-called sanctuary. 5 PM, St. Germain Stage
Million Dollar Quartet at Berkshire Theatre Group
Tony Award-winning jukebox musical, and an epic night of rock ‘n roll, Million Dollar Quartet brings you into the recording studio with icons, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. 7 PM, Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge.
Children of a Lesser God at Berkshire Theatre Group
In today’s culture, there are endless methods of communication. Are we truly listening to one another? At the core of the Tony Award-winning Children of a Lesser God, written by Tony Award-winner Mark Medoff, is a poignant story about human communication, connection, and compromise. 7 PM, Main Stage, Stockbridge.
David Lutkin and Friends @ Barrington Stage Company
Lookin’ for a little down-home, Americana patriotism this year? David Lutken and his banjo-stringing, harmonica-playing band will treat you to a treasure trove of American Folk Music guaranteed to get your hands clapping and your feet stomping. Back by popular demand! 8 PM, Mr. Finn’s Cabaret.
James Taylor at Tanglewood, Lenox
James Taylor returns to Tanglewood with his All-Star Band. 8 PM.
July 4
Beautiful fireworks exploding over a dark night sky.
4th of July Hometown Parade, Pittsfield
Steps off at 10 AM on South Street with a Celebrating Our Heroes theme.
4th of July Celebration, Williamstown
Celebrate our nation’s independence in inimitable Williamstown style! At 11 AM, gather on Spring Street for Williamstown’s classic holiday parade. At 1:30 PM, make your way to Williams College’s Sawyer Library to hear WTF actors read the Declaration of Independence and the British reply before viewing the Chapin Library’s Founding Documents of the United States collection.
4th of July Community Celebration at Shakespeare & Company
Join us for an all-American Independence Day celebration with music and a public reading of one of the most stirring, influential, and potent documents in our country’s history: The Declaration of Independence. Reading begins at 3 PM. Food is available for purchase on site from Firefly Gastro Pub.
Pittsfield Suns vs Brockton Rox Baseballat Wahconah Park
Collegiate baseball at its best as the Pittsfield Suns takes on the Brockton Rox at historic Wahconah Park with 4th of July Fireworks after the game. 6:30 PM (fireworks 9 PM)
James Taylor at Tanglewood
James Taylor returns to Tanglewood with his All-Star Band with a spectacular fireworks display over the Stockbridge Bowl in celebration of the Independence Day holiday. 8 PM.
Million Dollar Quartet @ Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge
Tony Award-winning jukebox musical, and an epic night of rock ‘n roll, Million Dollar Quartet brings you into the recording studio with icons, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. 2 PM.
Roommate @ Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown
Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner S. Epatha Merkerson and Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Jane Kaczmarek star in this absorbing comedy about self-discovery. 4 PM.
Children of a Lesser God @ Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge
In today’s culture, there are endless methods of communication. Are we truly listening to one another? At the core of the Tony Award-winning Children of a Lesser God, written by Tony Award-winner Mark Medoff, is a poignant story about human communication, connection, and compromise. 2 PM.
Cymbeline @ Shakespeare & Company
A rarely performed story of intrigue and deception in the face of steely resolve, Cymbeline bears the wondrous language of the seasoned playwright through wild plot twists, mistaken identities, and a heart-rending quest for love. 6 PM.
