First Fridays at Five Organizers Announce Specifics for Event Kick-Off in May
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Catherine VanBramer, Director of Administrative Services/Public Information Officer, City of Pittsfield, 413-499-9322, [email protected]
Jen Glockner, Director of Cultural Development, City of Pittsfield, 413-499-9348, [email protected]
Rebecca Brien, Managing Director, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., 413-443-6501, [email protected]
April 5, 2024
First Fridays at Five Organizers Announce Specifics for Event Kick-Off in May
Pittsfield, Mass – The City of Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and the Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association representatives announced details for the first season of First Fridays at Five beginning in May in Downtown Pittsfield during a press conference held at City Hall. The event will feature live music, art, family fun, shopping and entertainment on five evenings throughout the spring and summer.
“First Fridays at Five will bring a variety of activities to downtown including music, dance, art, a makers’ market, family fun and more,” stated Mayor Peter Marchetti during the press conference. “We will be closing down North Street from Park Square to Depot Street from 5 to 8 pm on May 3 and hope you will enjoy all of the events within these 2 blocks while also checking out many other activities throughout the downtown.”
In May, the mobile City Main Stage will feature Soul Magnets, a horn-heavy 9-piece ensemble, playing a mix of old-school, funk and dance floor favorites. City Main Stage Entertainment will move inside in the case of inclement weather.
The Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five will feature local artisanal vendors who make their own, handmade products such as crafts, clothing and accessories, candles, art, custom gift items, self-care items, and packaged foods and sweets. If you are interested in applying to be a vendor at the Makers’ Market, click here for the application.
First Fridays Artswalk continues for its 13th season during First Fridays at Five with dozens of venues featuring new art exhibits and opening receptions. Take the art shuttle to and from the Clock Tower Artist Studios from 5 to 7 p.m. It will run every 15 minutes from City Hall on Allen Street.
Other highlights of the debut event include: a Pop-Up Dance Zone in Persip Park with fire dancer Opal Raven Cirque; Art in the Park with Mike Carty at Sottile Park, pottery in Palace Park with Jim Horsford, and a Family Fun Zone on Dunham Mall.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s Managing Director Rebecca Brien added, “The Family Fun Zone is bringing back the family favorite Kids’ Paint & Sip, along with other interactive family fun including Balloon Ben making balloon art in May.”
The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. If you are a non-profit organization interested in applying to host an activity in the Family Fun Zone, click here for the application.
Each month will feature a community booth with presenting sponsors and event partners. Join NAMI Berkshire County at the first First Fridays at Five on May 3rd for NAMIWalks Berkshire County! NAMIWalks is a national grassroots movement fueling mental health awareness, raising funds for local efforts, and letting everyone know they are not alone in their mental health journey. “We hope you’ll join our caring community as we welcome old and new friends alike, and walk to become the change we wish to see through commitment, togetherness and laughter,” stated Melissa Helm, Executive Director of NAMI Berkshire County. “Together we strive towards a future where everyone in the Berkshires affected by mental health conditions live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.”
Berkshire Art Center is hosting Free Drop-In Art Making during First Fridays at Five and stay downtown afterwards for dinner at one of the many restaurants or head to the Circus coming to the Colonial Theatre with Circus Springboard: What To Do If Your Balloon Pops, a dazzling contemporary circus theater show.
A sneak peek at upcoming months includes a Pride Celebration in June; regional 60s band Happy Together; Misty Blues and a Berkshire Blues Legends Concert; Cultural Collaborative Concert with Latinas 413; and Berkshire United Way’s 100th Birthday Celebration.
Season partners and sponsors include: the Feigenbaum Foundation; Guardian Life Insurance Company of America; Mill Town Foundation, MountainOne and the Pittsfield Cultural Council.
About First Fridays at Five
First Fridays at Five is a brand-new event led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. taking place in downtown Pittsfield from May-September. For more information, go to lovepittsfield.com.
