The hills are alive with the sound of music, parades, 5K races, and fireworks. It’s the Fourth of July in the Berkshires, and the calendar of events celebrating America’s independence is long and varied. Let freedom ring, sparkle, and boom at these Fourth of July events.
James Taylor at Tanglewood
James Taylor’s Fourth of July show is a tradition at Tanglewood. Last year, Sweet Baby James celebrated taking the stage at the Koussevitky Music Shed over 50 times since he first played there in 1974. This year, Taylor and his All-Star Band perform on Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4. Both shows start at 8 PM. Expect to hear classics such as “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” and “Shed a Little Light.” As is tradition, Taylor’s performance on July 4 will be followed by a stunning fireworks display over Stockbridge Bowl.
Fourth of July in Pittsfield
In 2008, USA Today listed Pittsfield among the 10 best parade venues in the country. Pittsfield pride is on full display July 4 with a parade theme titled “Young at Heart.” From military veterans and police officers to EMTs and teachers, all of those who serve others and sacrifice for the community will be honored during the parade. Prior to the parade, registered runners can compete in Pittsfield’s Independence Day 5K race. Start time is 9 AM, and the race follows the parade route. The parade starts at 10 AM rain or shine.
North Adams Fireworks
Take me out to the ballgame... and the fireworks. The annual Fourth of July fireworks display in North Adams attracts thousand of spectators from Berkshire County and the Capital region of New York State. The celebration of America’s birthday starts at 9:30 PM at Noel Field. Prior to the fireworks display, munch on peanuts and crackerjacks and enjoy the annual SteepleCats baseball game. The SteepleCats are part of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, a nonprofit organization known for recruiting superb college talent.
July Fourth at The Clark
On July 4, The Clark Art Institute offers free admission all day. The Clark invites locals to spend their whole day in Williamstown with them, beginning with the Spring Street parade at 11 am and ending with fireworks over the Taconic Golf Club.
Free July Fourth Events in Great Barrington
Great Barrington's summer festival Berkshire Busk! falls on July 4th for the first time this year. Attendees can walk around downtown Great Barrington and take in musical and circus acts for free along Main Street and Railroad Street beginning at 6:30 pm. Berkshire Busk! has partnered with the local independent movie theatre the Triplex Cinema to offer a fun nighttime alternative to those who aren't fireworks fans: a free 50th anniversary screening of Monty Python & The Holy Grail. The screening, produced with help from the Boondocks Film Society, will take place outdoors at Giggle Park when the sun goes down.
