Summer in the Berkshires – Plays, Musicals, Festivals, Events, Museums, Galleries, Shopping & More!
Plays, Musicals
The Berkshires offer a stunning array of theatre, drama and various performing arts, both professional and amateur, some of which are within walking distance of the Federal House Inn. Follow the links below for event calendars, directions and further information.
Shakespeare & Company
“Shakespeare & Company operates year-round in the Berkshires, scheduling hundreds of performances on our indoor and outdoor stages, scores of workshops, multiple lectures and demonstrations, and literally thousands of classes for professional and aspiring actors, teachers, and directors.”
Berkshire Theatre Festival / Colonial Theatre Professional performances in the Berkshires on the historic main stage, Unicorn Theatre and BTF Plays! Theatre for Young Audiences. May through October. Stockbridge/Pittsfield Full calendar
Mahaiwe Theatre A leading year-round presenter of performing arts, film, and educational programs for the Southern Berkshires and neighboring communities.
Festivals, Events, Museums, & Galleries
Our area offers a deep history, and opportunities for Berkshire area festivals, events, galleries, museums, etc. abound! The Federal House Inn is ideally located to explore the many Berkshires attractions to be found in this region. Make our bed and breakfast your home base for discovering or rediscovering Berkshire history.
Just click on one of the many links below to explore the breadth of opportunities available this summer:
BerkshireStyle Events Calendar
THE BERKSHIRES’ MOST POPULAR FESTIVALS
Festivals & Special Events in the Berkshires
Tripadvisor – Things to Do in Berkshires
Berkshires Museums and Historical Attractions
Mass MOCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) One of the world’s premier centers for making and showing the best art of our time. North Adams
Norman Rockwell Museum Dedicated to education and art appreciation inspired by the legacy of Norman Rockwell. Stockbridge.
Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum is a historic house at 67 East Road in Adams, Massachusetts. It is notable as the birthplace of suffragist Susan B. Anthony.
Arrowhead Museum Arrowhead, also known as the Herman Melville House, is a historic house museum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It was the home of American author Herman Melville during his most productive years, 1850–1863.
Hancock Shaker Village Hancock Shaker Village brings the Shaker story to life. Events, exhibits, and daily tours for the whole family.
The Clark The Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute, referred to as “The Clark”, is an art museum with a large collection located in nearby Williamstown.
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum is a historic, Jacobean-style mansion and museum located at 104 Walker Street, Lenox, Massachusetts. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Mount Visit the restored home of writer Edith Wharton in Lenox, MA.
Edna St Vincent Millay Society The Society’s mission is to illuminate the life and writings of Edna St. Vincent Millay and to preserve and interpret the character of Steepletop, her homeand gardens, places where nature inspires the creative spirit.
The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy is a Roman Catholic shrine located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Mission House Journey back in time at this Colonial-era house and museum, a National Historic Landmark that tells the story of the Stockbridge Mohicans and missionary John Sergeant.
Naumkeag Tour this gracious house, magnificent gardens, and panoramic views, Naumkeag is a quintessential country estate of the Gilded Age.
Fun Facts About The Berkshires
What makes the Berkshires special?
The Big E (West Springfield, MA)
“Eastern States Exposition, home of The Big E, has presented the finest livestock, the most innovative commercial, industrial and artistic developments, and the highest caliber of varied entertainment to the people of the Northeastern United States for more than eight decades. More than one million people now attend the 17 day Big E, an annual autumn extravaganza of entertainment, exhibits and agriculture – the culmination of a visionary idea first expressed by Joshua L. Brooks at the beginning of the 20th century.”
Shopping
Shopping in the Berkshires provides a unique blend of opportunities, from outlets to charming local gift and antique stores and sprawling shows.
Enjoy the natural beauty and the many attractions of the Berkshires as you shop in our local Lee Premium Outlets, as well as numerous local gift and antique shops in Stockbridge and Lee, MA.
Outlet Shopping in the Bershires
Lee Premium Outlets® is a shopping village just 10 minutes from the inn. Reminiscent of a quaint New England village, this shopping mecca includes Brooks Brothers, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Talbots Outlet, Calvin Klein, Lindt Chocolate, American Eagle Outfitters, Tommy Hilfiger, J. Crew Factory Store, Nautica, Michael Kors, Under Armour and others.
Federal House guests will receive a VIP discount “passport” for the Lee Premium Outlets. Ask us for the passport for shopping in the Berkshires when you arrive.
Berkshires Shopping: Local Gift Shops and Antiques
The towns of Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge have great shops with unique gift items. You can also choose the antique shop trail – we can point you in the right direction. At the end of each day’s shopping in the Berkshires enjoy a glass of wine in our living room before you dine at one of our fine area restaurants.
Antiques & Vintage in the Berkshires
Berkshires Specialty Retailers
Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
Brimfield Antiques & Collectibles Show (Brimfield, MA)
“The Brimfield Antiques Show began in the 1950’s and has become the largest and best-known outdoor antiques show in the country … the Brimfield Show is a huge, vast undertaking … selling everything from the finest antiques to ‘yard junk’, requiring a day or two to see everything there is to see. Food courts and rest facilities abound, and the Shows are filled with hidden treasures … creating a safe and fun environment for everyone, children included.”
Saratoga Springs, New York
Only an hour and twenty minute drive from the Federal House Inn, Saratoga Springs is home to the Belmont Stakes Festival, as well as other horse racing events and various attractions:
Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga/NYRA Race Track
Saratoga Race Course & Harness Track
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (including New York City Ballet)