Liberty Bank Academy for Small Business
2025-08-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Registration is now open for the Liberty Bank Academy for Small Business in Western Mass., a comprehensive training program that provides education and guidance to small business owners on successfully operating and growing their business. The program is free and open to anyone. It includes 10 virtual classes, which will be held July 15 through Aug. 14 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Liberty Bank Academy for Small Business uses course material primarily from the FDIC’s Money Smart for Small Businesses. Topics covered range from credit reporting and tax planning to time management and risk management. Upon successful competition of the program, participants can apply for a $5,000 line of credit from Liberty Bank.
For more information or to register, visit liberty-bank.com/asb.

PrideLands: White Lion Wednesday (Outdoors)
2025-08-13 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-20 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-27 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-03 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-10 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-17 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-24 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-01 16:30 - 21:00 | Tower Square Park, 1500 Main St, Springfield
The iconic White Lion Wednesday kicks off the event week with music, food, games, and social interaction at 1477 Main Street (Tower Square Park).
4:30pm until 9pm.
Weekly Entertainment, cigar bar, games, etc.

PrideLands: Live Music Thursday (Outdoors)
2025-08-14 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-21 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-28 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-04 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-11 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-18 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-25 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-02 16:30 - 21:00 | Tower Square Park, 1500 Main St, Springfield
The sequel to White Lion Wednesday – join us for live music, a festive atmosphere, games, and food in the heart of downtown.
Tower Square Park.
If you cannot make Wednesday – Thursday just got better.

Free Friday Concert Series
2025-08-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Dunham Mall, Pittsfield, MA, 01201
Through Aug. 15: Hot Plate Brewing Co., in partnership with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and a collection of other Pittsfield-based businesses, announced the Pitt, a brand-new, 10-week, free concert series set to energize Dunham Mall. Running weekly on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m., the Pitt will showcase a dynamic lineup of musical acts hailing from Montreal, Boston, the Pioneer Valley, and the Berkshires. From indie rock and soul to emerging electronic artists, this series will celebrate both regional talent and international artistry, right in the heart of downtown Pittsfield. In addition to the music, concertgoers can enjoy local food and drink offerings. Hot Plate Brewing Co. will host a beer garden, and Handcrafted, a new, Pittsfield-based restaurant, will serve up a variety of food. For more information and weekly lineup announcements, visit hotplatebeer.com/the-pitt.

A Free Outdoor Puppy Pool Party by White Lion Brewing
2025-08-16 11:00 - 14:00 | White Lion’s PrideLands, 1477 Main Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Join us for a family friendly splashing good time! Facepainting, lawn games, and food and beverage by White Lion.
Plenty of splash pads.
Vendors: CZP and Pupper’s & Pastries.

Tykes Tuesday
2025-08-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Holyoke Mall
Summer is just around the corner, and that means our Tykes Tuesday program is back Tuesday mornings from 11:00 AM to noon in Macy’s Court! The fun starts July 8 and runs to August 19.
The kids’ program is free, open to the public, and is best suited for children ages 12 and under. This year’s activities include live animal ambassadors, a magic show, free trampoline park admission, and more!
Tykes Tuesday 2025 Schedule:
– July 8: Wildlife on Wheels with Forest Park Zoo
– July 15: Adventures at Altitude Trampoline Park (Limited Spots Available!)
– July 22: Celebrate Christmas in July with Mrs. Claus, Face Painting and More
– July 29: Magic Show with Ed Popielarczyk
– August 5: Meet and Greet with the Holyoke Fire Department and Belchertown PD Dog
– August 12: Superhero Training Academy with Face Painting and Balloon Art
– August 19: Funtastic Forces with Mad Science

End of Summer Block Party
2025-08-31 12:00 - 16:00 | Triplex courtyard, downton Great Barrington, 70 Railroad St., Great Barrington, 01230, United States
The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB) is excited to invite community members of all ages to our End of Summer Block Party in downtown Great Barrington! This free, family-friendly event will include live music, kids’ activities, delicious food and drink vendors, and raffle prizes donated by beloved local businesses.

September 5 First Fridays at Five
2025-09-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
The final First Fridays at Five of the 2025 season will be held on Friday, September 5th from 5 to 8 pm with an Afterparty from 8 to 11 pm. The event presented by the City of Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., and Mill Town Foundation will feature live music, art, dance, family fun, shopping, food, a beer garden, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs so they can sit and enjoy a variety of food, beverages, and entertainment.
Live Music at Persip Park, 175 North Street (5-8PM):
Live performance by The Wolves. Beer Garden with Hot Plate Brewing Co.
The Wolves bring you a nostalgic and eclectic mix of songs spanning genres – from the 80s, 90s, and beyond.
In the case of inclement weather, The Wolves will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.
Entertainment Zone at the south end of North Street near Hot Harry’s (5-8PM):
Opal Raven Cirque will perform a Scarf Routine at 5 pm and a Fire Show at 7:30 pm in the Entertainment Zone.
Stunt Comedian WackyChad! will perform 45-minute shows at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm in the Entertainment Zone.
Opal Raven Cirque is a circus and sideshow performer based in Western Massachusetts. She’s known across New England and the Tri-State area for her “Danger Dame of the Flame” variety show.
WackyChad!’s award-winning, action-packed, and interactive stunt comedy show will blow your mind. With his extreme pogo stick stunts and big tricks, WackyChad! delivers a delightful entertainment experience that will leave you roaring with laughter and applauding in amazement.
In the case of inclement weather, WackyChad! will be at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 27 East Street.
In the case of inclement weather, Opal Raven Cirque’s Scarf Routine will be at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue.
Dance Party on Dunham Mall, 100 North Street (5-8PM):
Dunham Mall will feature a “Solid Gold” Dance Party with DJ Pup Daddy from 5 to 8 pm. DJ Pup Daddy will spin vinyl records of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, along with 90s party jams.
In the case of inclement weather, the Dance Party with DJ Pup Daddy will be at WANDER Berkshires, 34 Depot Street, Suite 101, from 5 to 7 pm.
Mural Unveilings at Dunham Mall, 100 North Street (6:15PM):
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will hold a Ribbon Cutting in Dunham Mall for Robert Markey’s Mosaic Mural and Emily Elizabeth Bunnell’s Map of Downtown Pittsfield at 6:15 pm.
“Art in the Park” at Palace Park, 122 North Street (5-8PM):
Carly Holmes and Sadiya Quetti-Goodson will be popped up in Palace Park inviting the community to watch them create art live!
In the case of inclement weather, “Art in the Park” with Carly Holmes and Sadiya Quetti-Goodson will be inside the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renee Avenue.
Pottery Demo at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renee Avenue (5-8PM):
Jim Horsford will be in his studio at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts hosting a free live pottery demonstration where he will be inviting individuals to help him make pots on the potter’s wheel.
Makers Market and Food Vendors, North Street (5-8PM):
The Makers Market at First Fridays at Five will feature over a dozen local vendors selling handmade products such as crafts, clothing and accessories, candles, art, custom gift items, self-care items, and packaged foods and sweets.
Check out a variety of food vendors including BB’s Hot Spot, Cravins Ice Cream, D’s Island Food Truck, Just Kickin It Bar B Que, and Upstreet Smoke.
Family Fun Zone and Balloon Ben, North Street (5-8PM):
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including arts & crafts, games, and more.
The Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office will be offering the Child ID Project at the September 5 First Fridays at Five. This free service creates a digital ID with fingerprints, photo, physical description, and emergency contacts, which is stored in a secure national database. If a child ever goes missing, this information can help law enforcement respond quickly and effectively, nationwide. The process only takes a few minutes and gives families added peace of mind.
There will be lawn games in the center of North Street, and Balloon Ben will be crafting free balloon creations.
“Where’s Winston?” starts at Dunham Mall, 100 North Street (5-7:45PM):
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will present a one-night-only Back-to-School edition of “Where’s Winston?” during the September 5th First Fridays at Five. This Back-to-School themed scavenger hunt for images of Officer Winston, the Pittsfield Police Department’s comfort dog, will take place on Friday, September 5, from 5 to 7:45 pm. Game Cards will be available at the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. tent in Dunham Mall at 100 North Street starting at 5 pm. The last Game Card will be redeemed at 7:55 pm. “Where’s Winston?” is for children aged 3 to 18 years old, and young children participating must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All participants will get a Winston Sticker. Children who find any 5 words will win a Winston Drawstring Bag while supplies last. The first ten children who find all 6 words and turn in their completed Game Card to the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. tent in Dunham Mall will win a Winston plushie!
Reading with Rebel” at Witch Slapped, 78 North Street (5-7PM):
Drag queen, Miz Rebel Progress, has teamed up with Witch Slapped to promote literacy at this storytelling event. All children who attend will leave with a free book.
First Fridays Artswalk, Downtown Pittsfield (5-8PM):
First Fridays Artswalk will showcase artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Berkshire Art Center, Clock Tower Artists, Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Marketplace Cafe, NUarts gallery + studios, Ralph Froio Senior Center, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, and the Soda Chef. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists.
Free Drop-In Art Making at Berkshire Art Center, 141 North Street (5:30-7:30PM):
Enjoy a rotating set of art projects for individuals and families to participate in at their own pace with the guidance and support of a Faculty Artist. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Original Concert Series with Job Creators at Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street (7PM):
Job Creators is a psychedelic math rock based out of Boston/Brooklyn. The dynamic pair consists of Blaise Lucey on bass guitar and audio samples and Tim Winslow on drums and synthesizer.
“Depot After Dark”: The Official First Fridays Afterparty (8-11PM):
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Tito’s Mexican Bar & Grill, and Wander Berkshires will present “Depot After Dark” outside on Liberty Street (the alleyway between Tito’s/Wander and Crawford Square).
The vibe for the evening will be a Glow Party! Who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day? Dress in white and be ready to dance! Joe Wheaton will be bringing BIG black lights and Missy VonBowtie will be doing neon and glow in the dark face paint. There will be neon markers and an interactive sheet “mural” for everyone to decorate.
The DJ for the evening is Brooklyn-born and East Coast-based, DJ Bengey, who brings over two decades of experience creating unforgettable musical moments. A veteran of New York City’s vibrant music scene, Bengey is known for his genre-defying mixes that perfectly match any event’s energy.
Beverages including beer, wine, and margaritas will be available from Tito’s, and non-alcoholic “zero proof” cocktails and other specialty drinks will be available from Wander. Attendees are invited to bring their own food or order takeout from Tito’s.
—–
First Fridays at Five is led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and will take place in downtown Pittsfield on May 2, June 6, August 1, and September 5. A portion of North Street will be closed during the event.
Season partners and sponsors include AccessPlus, Mill Town Foundation, MountainOne, and Guardian.
Thank you to Brick by Brick Markets for day-of vendor coordination.
For more information and a full event listing, visit https://lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays.

Key4Women: Building Your Brand
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Urban Co-Works, 98 lower westfield road, holyoke, 01040, United States
Join us for an empowering evening focused on helping you strengthen and
showcase your personal and professional brand!
Led by Maggie Garden, a dynamic expert in personal branding and leadership
presence, this interactive seminar will guide you through strategies to elevate
your unique value, communicate your strengths with confidence, and build
lasting connections in your field.
Local Western Mass headshot photographer Karen Slack will be onsite
providing complimentary professional headshots for attendees interested in
updating their current headshot. Karen will also share the importance of a
professional headshot in building your brand and with her great eye for detail
and personality, she knows how to capture you at your best.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself, connect with like-minded
women, and leave feeling more confident, polished, empowered, and prepared
to own your brand.

From Emotional Eating to Intuitive Eating with Jenna Hollenstein
2025-09-12 20:00 - 2025-09-18 10:00 | Kripalu, 57 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge, ME, 01262, United States
From Emotional Eating to Intuitive Eating: Reimagine a New Relationship with Food at Kripalu with Jenna Hollenstein, MS, RDN, CDN in the Berkshires September 12-14, 2025.
Emotional eating is a complex, multifaceted, and misunderstood issue. Few aspects of our relationship with food are as maligned as emotional eating, and our specific story about it contains hidden information essential to truly understanding our needs and ourselves.
You will:
+Learn how to decode your emotional eating.
+Understand what is happening in your body, heart, and mind in real time.
+Create a personalized menu of options to meet your needs with mindfulness, precision, and compassion.
Return home with a new way of looking at emotional eating, one that imagines it as an important form of communication from your inner teacher.
Jenna Hollenstein, MS, RDN, CDN, is an anti-diet dietitian, author, and meditation teacher who helps people struggling with chronic dieting, disordered eating, and body image.

Mindful Childbirth & Parenting: 8 Week Course
2025-09-19 10:00 - 2025-11-07 11:30, 2025-09-26 10:00 - 2025-11-14 11:30 | Sunderland Library, 20 School St, Sunderland, 01375, United States
Join other expectant parents in this groundbreaking, 8-week in-person mindful birthing course led by Brigid Owino of Perinatal Wellness Partners. Learn to engage the mind to work with pain, fear, and anxiety during labor while increasing confidence and courage for the experience of labor and delivery. This course can also carry you through the early stages of parenthood. Partners are welcome to join.
In this Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) course, learn to:
Access deep physical and mental relaxation
Engage the mind to work with pain during labor
Increase confidence and courage for the experience of labor and delivery
Practice prenatal movement for strength and flexibility
Develop skills for managing stress in pregnancy, parenting, and daily life
Enhance partner communication skills
Become more aware of your own approach to parenting
Registration is required; sign up here: https://calendly.com/sunderlandpubliclibrary/childbirth?month=2025-09

UCP of Western Massachusetts Hosts Annual Meeting
2025-09-25 07:30 - 09:00 | The Country Club of Pittsfield, 639 Pittsfield Road, Pittsfield, 01201, United States
UCP of Western Massachusetts invites the community to hon us for our Annual Meeting, YOU MADE IT HAPPEN. This celebratory breakfast brings together community members, supporters, staff and friends to honor the incredible people who make UCP’s Mission possible: creating a life without limits for individuals with disabilities. The event will feature Massachusetts State Representative Leigh Davis as keynote speaker. Awards will be presented to community supporters, staff and members whose dedication and impact have helped UCP of Western Massachusetts continue to grow and thrive. Breakfast will be at the Country Club of Pittsfield, 639 Pittsfield Road, Pittsfield, MA. Tickets are $30 pp or $240 for a table of eight. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.ucpwma.org or call 413-442-15620x 103.
