Taking Pride in the Berkshires

June has always marked the unofficial kick-off of the “Berkshire season” of theater, galas, festivals, outdoor recreation, and so much more. It is also a time celebrating the many organizations, businesses, and people who are part of the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. The Berkshires invites everyone to celebrate Pride and enjoy the many events and venues that welcome visitors to come as they are and to be who they are, surrounded by green hills, good food, and loving company. 

Berkshire Pride is one of the fastest-growing community organizations in the region. In addition to the annual Pride Festival & Parade (slated for June 8 in Pittsfield), the rainbow event roster also includes the Pride After Party, a karaoke fundraiser, the Rainbow Run, and so much more. After the parade festivities, enjoy a Sunday Tea Dance in the beautiful, Gilded-Age gardens of Naumkeag in Stockbridge or Berkshire Busk! Pride Night in downtown Great Barrington on June 29. If you’re craving art, beer, and a block party vibe, spend the day wandering the vast industrial spaces of MASS MoCA (check out the new summer exhibits including Chris Doyle, Carly Gloviniski, and Wilco) and head over to the courtyard on June 21 for the North Adams Pride Night at MASS MoCA. Just over the way in Adams is the annual Berkshire Mountains Faerie Festival, a unique celebration of the Summer Solstice (June 15) that includes music, dancing and, yes, wing decorating. Costumes are strongly encouraged! Later in the summer, in the magic woods of Becket, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival hosts its much-anticipated Pillow Pride Party on July 13, immediately following the evening performances by the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève. Venture a little further into the fern forests and visit the iconic and eclectic Dream Away Lodge for a bite of local fare, a specialty cocktail, and a roster of music in the Berkshires’ own Shangri-La. 

Jacob’s Pillow Pride Party, credit Hayim Heron

If you’re looking for the latest “hot hangout,” venture just off North Street in Pittsfield to the Hot Plate Brewing Co. where Tye Dye nights, block parties, and Silent Reading Book Club meetings are commonplace and comfortable. Just down the street, all are welcome at Witch Slapped, a retail space bursting with incense, crystals, candles, clothing, and community events highlighting wellness, crafting, tarot and much more. Also on tap for the makerspace aficionado/a is Bottomless Bricks, a LEGO lover’s dream, and they just happen to be hosting an Adult Build Night: Pride Edition on June 4, the build…a Pride Flag with ALL the colors. If you are looking for gifts for yourself, your true love, your loyal pet, or your awesome auntie, explore The Shop and Only in My Dreams Events in the village of Egremont, home to the famous Berkshire PARAPHERNALIA PACKS™ and the Beloved Buildings collection of prints, magnets, and coloring books. 

After the disco parties and parades, take time to gather and reflect in the welcome arms of community. The Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield invites everyone to this beautiful stained-glass sanctuary where, on any given day, you will find music, yoga, citizen forums, or people sitting in quiet reflection on their lunch break. If you need even more time for renewal, which in today’s world is a necessity, explore doing everything or nothing at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge. Kripalu offers yoga and meditation classes, Ayurveda workshops, sound healing, community share circles, silent meals, and more than one hundred acres of hiking trails, paths, and lakefront areas for a full immersion into a region where all can find rest, fun, and true community.

All are welcome in the Berkshires! Keep exploring things to do and places to stay to plan the perfect getaway.

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