Summertime Tunes

In the Berkshires there’s a vibe for every taste and tune.

Sing Along with Culture & History

Catch a Musical at a Berkshire Theatre

Catch the beloved foot-tapping film Footloose on stage at the Mac-Haydn Theatre this July 6-16 or buy tickets to The Sound of Music, Godspell, or Jersey Boys. In August you can see the world premiere of the new musical On Cedar Street at Berkshire Theatre Group. The 3rd Annual Celebration of Black Voices, produced by Barrington Stage Company, kicks off with Brownskin Band and showcases a community gospel concert and a host of other cultural events.

Sip Wine to Live Tunes at MoCA

If you love art and music then don’t miss MASS MoCA’s The Chalet – a sculpture-turned-river-side-beer-garden – on Thursday nights until August 31. The fun summer spot promises “frothy beverages, riverside regulars, and friendly new faces” to the tune of local music under the Berkshire stars. Arrive early to see EJ Hill’s pink indoor roller coaster and James Turrell’s immersive light sculptures! (Extended Berkshire stay? The Clark is down the road in Williamstown – see the new Edvard Munch exhibit and catch a show at their outdoor concert series.)

Experience History & Music Combined

If you’re in town the weekend of July 13-16, you can explore the intimate relationship between Herman Melville and Nathaniel Halthorn during an immersive performance – featuring dance, live music, projection, art installations, and text – at Arrowhead, historic home to Melville. Great for families, Hancock Shaker Village, a living history museum with the distinction of being the oldest working farm in the Berkshires, is bringing back their Back Porch Music Concerts. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair to listen to live tunes under the Berkshire sky.

More cultural inspo: Music Mondays at Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Arts Alive at Chesterwood, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

Jam Out at Jubilant Music Festivals

Music with Mountain Views

Catamount Mountain Resort invites you to enjoy fresh mountain air and live music with food and drinks during their Summer Music Series on Friday nights, July 7 through August 18. Into beer and cider? Check out their Thirsty Cat Festival on July 22 and 23 to sample craft brews and regional ciders and wines while you listen to a five-band line up. Kids’ can taste craft lemonades and everyone can ride the scenic chairlift and get their heart pumping on zip tours and in the aerial adventure park.

Berkshire Music Festivals

The Berkshires is home to a multitude of music festivals such as Aston Magna Music, the “oldest annual summer festival devoted to music performed on period instru­ments.” Enjoy their Baroque Celebration on July 21 and 22. If you like jazz, don’t miss Berkshires Jazz performances at LuLu Fest Lenox and Bousquet Jazz Festival. (Sign up to be in the loop for their Jazz Appreciation Month festivities every April.) You can also immerse yourself in the music of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra on July 23rd or pianist Liana Paniyeva with Sevnars Music Festival.

Music with Your Mmmmm…

Mix live music with dinner at this Berkshire establishments. Champney’s Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn is offering free live tunes every Thursday. Enjoy a glass of wine or full dinner. On Monday nights through the end of August, catch local entertainment at the The Williams Inn Barn Days. Their signature restaurant, The Barn Kitchen & Bar, serves New England classics and seasonally-inspired fare.

More festive inspo: Mountain Day on July 22, Lion’s Den at The Red Lion Inn, Race Brook Lodge, Great Barrington’s Summer Concert Series, 

Enjoy Traditional Tunes in Renowned Settings

Tanglewood, A Berkshire Classic

The Tanglewood Music Festival, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, has long been synonymous with summertime in the Berkshires. Relax on the lawn with a sumptuous spread and a bottle of wine to Mozart’s Così fan tutte, TMC Chamber Music, John Williams’ Film Night, and more. Come early to stroll the picturesque grounds – you’ll want to take advantage of the photo opp against the mountain views.

Treat Yourself to Upscale BBQ

Wheatleigh’s signature Summer BBQs are back! Enjoy live music while sipping craft cocktails and noshing on oysters, grilled lobster tail, moroccan spiced lamb, and other savory meats and sides. End the evening with a sweet treat – homemade cookies, lemon pistachio cake, and assorted sorbets are all offered. Plus the view from the terrace is stunning. Level up with a luxurious stay at this Five Diamond Award-wing estate.

Performances at The Mahaiwe

In the heart of Great Barrington, The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center provides a variety of live performances, film, and cultural events. This summer you can hear master trumpeter Chris Botti; see composer, singer, and visual artist Cécile McLorin Salvant; guitarist Jesse Cook; or the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra – and that’s only a few!

Other classical inspo: South Mountain Concerts, Berkshire Concert Choir, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival

Wondering what your Berkshire Music Vibe is? Take our quiz to find out! Explore more things to do. Discover where to dine. Find places to stay. We can’t wait to see you in the Berkshires!

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