Since we moved to the Berkshires a few years ago we’ve emersed ourselves in the community and can now share our local perspective with travelers who flock here year-round, but especially in the warmer months, to experience all that this special place has to offer. With spring now arriving, in the next few weeks I’ll offer a variety of blogs to help visitors plan summer visits which maximize their experiences.

Today I’ve crafted the ultimate 2025 Berkshire performing arts guide, packing in all the details you need to plan your cultural immersion! As a Berkshire resident, I’ve seen firsthand the magic these venues create. Let’s make sure you don’t miss a beat!

• Tanglewood: A Symphony of Experiences (Lenox):
  • This isn’t just classical music; it’s a full-fledged summer festival. The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s performances are, of course, the heart of Tanglewood, but don’t overlook the always popular Boston Pops film nights, where iconic movies are screened with live orchestral scores. And then there are the popular artist concerts, this summer’s lineup not only includes two nights with James Taylor who lives locally but also Bonnie Raitt, Barenaked Ladies, and an evening with both Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash.
  • While the lawn experience is iconic and by far my favorite place to enjoy Tanglewood, consider a shed seat for those performances you really want to either see up-close or importantly as weather insurance since concerts are “rain or shine”.
  • This summer there are eight Open Rehearsals on Saturday Mornings, amazing opportunities to hear some of the world’s greatest artists perform while they fine-tune the next day’s concert.  These are extraordinary experiences for all who attend
  • Saturday Morning Yoga on the back of the lawn is another local’s favorite on a warm summer morning.
  • Website: bso.org/tanglewood
  • Planning: Popular artist tickets and Boston Pops nights sell out extremely fast. Certain BSO performances also have high demand.
    
• Berkshire Theatre Group: Diverse Stages, Diverse Stories (Stockbridge/Pittsfield):
  • With multiple stages across Stockbridge and Pittsfield, Berkshire Theatre Group offers a wide range of productions. Expect classic plays, contemporary dramas, and lively musicals.
  • Each theatre has its own character. We enjoy seeing concerts and Musicals at the Colonial and particularly love when a play we want to see is at the Unicorn.
  • This summer their biggest productions will be Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” and a new show titled “Out of Character” that workshopped here last summer.
  • Website: berkshiretheatregroup.org
  • Planning: Their season is diverse, so find what resonates with you and book. Be sure to check the location when booking so you don’t end up 25 minutes away at curtain time.
    
• Barrington Stage Company (Pittsfield):
  • Known for its vibrant musicals and thought-provoking plays, Barrington Stage offers a dynamic theatrical experience.  We attend several shows each year.
  • There are several different theaters from the intimate St. Germain Stage to the large Boyd-Quinson Stage, all in Pittsfield. 
  • The 2025 Season’s features Lerner & Loewe’s “Camelot” as well as several new productions. 
  • Website: barringtonstageco.org
  • Planning: They have a very loyal following and if you plan to see at least three shows they offer discounted packages.
    
• Shakespeare & Company (Lenox):
  • Not just a place to Immerse yourself in the Bard’s timeless works, rather a full theater campus. This summer a world premier by Lawrence Goodman entitled “The Victim”, August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” and Paula Vogel’s “Mother Play” are among the offerings.
  • The outdoor performances are magical.  The 2025 feature at the Amphitheatre is Romeo & Juliet.
  • Throughout the season on Saturday mornings there are a variety of Behind the Curtain talks which are free to the public.
  • Website: shakespeare.org
    
• Williamstown Theatre Festival: Where Broadway Begins (Williamstown):
  • Expect groundbreaking plays, star-studded casts, and productions that often move on to Broadway. This festival is a breeding ground for theatrical innovation.   
  • Located on the beautiful Williams College campus, this is a place to see new and exciting work.
  • Website: wtfestival.org
  • Planning: Subscriptions give you the best access, but single tickets are sold as well, with donor’s getting first opportunity.
    
• Jacob’s Pillow: A World Stage for Dance (Becket):
  • From ballet to contemporary, modern, and international dance forms, Jacob’s Pillow showcases the best in the world. Prepare to be inspired.
  • The Ted Shawn Theatre and the outdoor performances at the Perles Family Studio offer very different experiences.  Note that even though Jacob’s pillow is only about a ten-minute drive from my home, I’ve never actually been there since dance performances are just not my thing.  That said, my friends who enjoy dance all absolutely rave about the love the setting and the quality of what is offered.   
  • Website: jacobspillow.org
  • Planning: Some performances sell out, so book well in advance.
    
• The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center (Great Barrington):
  • This beautifully restored historic theatre offers a diverse program, including music, dance, theater, and film. They bring in a wide variety of performers. A great place to see a wide variety of shows.
  • Website: mahaiwe.org
  • Planning: Check their schedule as they have shows all year round.