Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival!

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Now in its second year, Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival is set to take stage in the hub of Berkshire County — downtown Pittsfield — from February 14–24 with an array of hot new performances and arts that are bound to warm up your winter!
From theater, music, and dance to art displays and spoken word, there’s no doubt that Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival is this month’s “Find of the Month” in Massachusetts.
With entertainment stretching from Pittsfield’s iconic theater and arts centers —  the Colonial Theatre on South Street, and Barrington State Company’s Sydelle and Lee blatt Performing Arts Center, to Downtown’s First Street and Center Street, the City of Pittsfield has expanded the size and geography of the festival to include more programs and venues with youth and family activities, just in time for school vacation week.

Patrons will find everything from the New Play Festival, which is set to feature ten 10-minute plays by 10 playwrights, performed by 7 actors with the Barrington State Company at the Sydelle & Lee Blatt Center, to the Berkshires Actors Theatre “Quick Change,” featuring two actors, ten scenes, and twenty characters, all of which fully embrace the 10×10-theme.
Family-friendly programming is set to include:
“10 Days of Play” at Berkshire Museum:
From Thursday, February 14 to Saturday, February 23, the Crane Room at the Berkshire Museum will be transformed into anything your children can imagine, as they use readily available (and recyclable) materials to create and direct their own plays! Visit the Berkshire Museum calendar for specific times!
10 creative projects in 10 days at Bisque, Beads & Beyond:
The versatile creativity center Bisque, Beads & Beyond is offering one new fun project every day for 10 days. With projects ranging from jewelry to pottery and even fused glass, there’s something for everyone. Dates range from Friday, February 15 to Sunday, February 24, but check here for a list of which project is offered each day.
10 Shaker Songs & Dances:
On Friday, February 22 at 10 am, Hancock Shaker Village will be offering a free family program at the TREEHOUSE Children’s Boutique. Costumed staff members will teach about the music and movement of the Shakers through ten Shaker songs and the dances that accompany them. Check here for more information.
10 young singer-songwriters at The Marketplace Cafe:
Thursday and Friday, February 21-22, The Marketplace Café presents two evenings of the 10 best local singer/songwriters under the age of 30, with five musicians each night. The shows will run from 6:30-9:00 pm both nights, and do not require a cover charge. Check here for the lineup.
“THE TEEN TEN: A High School Art Show” at Pittsfield City Hall, organized by Miss Hall’s School students:
A group of junior students from Miss Hall’s School will present an exhibit of 10 art pieces by local high school student artists, displayed at the Pittsfield City Hall from February 14-24. The Teen Ten is a juried show with a twist: anyone can vote online! Click here to make your picks and provide an opportunity for a talented teen!
Surely, that’s not all; the Festival is plentiful with additional events and activities, so, for a deeper dive into all that’s happening — including nightlife, & some fun for adults — click here. You can also find the Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
Are you planning to head to 10×10 this year? Well, for those looking to stay the night, check out these lodging suggestions. And don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of many memorable and eclectic restaurants in the area!

TOPICS: Arts, Berkshires, Entertainment, Family Fun, Pittsfield