assures Santos-China.“ You just have to show up as you.” The weekend closes with Naumkeag’ s Tea Dance( June 8), an elegant soirée amid the Stockbridge estate’ s iconic gardens.
Beyond Pittsfield, Pride Month’ s rhythm pulses countywide. Dalton’ s Stationery Factory hosts a Dance Party( June 13), while the historic Adams Theater revives The Big Gay Speakeasy( June 13-14). Travel back in time in this unique theatrical experience touted as an“ extra-special valentine to the LGBTQ + community and proud allies” that promises a Prohibition-era extravaganza featuring Broadway stars, jazz, and themed cocktails.
Artistic defiance takes center stage at Stockbridge’ s Red Lion Inn, where avant-garde artist Machine Dazzle reimagines the inn’ s archives in Surfacing( now through June 30). The artist’ s kaleidoscopic collages— crafted from vintage wallpaper, frames, and furniture— bridge past and future. The exhibit’ s grand finale, an Epic Pool Party( June 28), co-hosted by Williamstown Theatre Festival, will make a splash at the Red Lion Inn pool.
Meanwhile, Jacob’ s Pillow in Becket celebrates its 93rd season with an immersive experience spotlighting the early gay utopia during Pillow Pride Weekend( July 11-13) With indoor and outdoor performances, exhibits, and more that blend queer legacy, movement, and music, visitors can experience firsthand why the Pillow has always been a haven for LGBTQ + artists. Don’ t miss this year’ s Pillow Pride Dance Party( July 12). Experience the new Doris Duke Theatre transformed into an immersive club experience with beats provided by self-proclaimed Afro-Electro-Disco-Space-Punks, DJ / Music duo The Illustrious Blacks, and projected visuals sourced from the Pillow’ s rich, queer archival history.
For those craving more quiet reflection, Queer Men of the Berkshires( Q-MoB) Pride Hikes, Paddles & Art Exhibit( May- June) merge outdoor adventure with climate awareness, and local art.“ It’ s a great reminder for all of us to stand up for justice, equality, and our precious ecosystems, regardless of the chaos going on in the world,” says Q-MoB’ s Bart Church. The Berkshire LGBTQ + Pride Art Exhibit will hold an opening reception on June 13, celebrating local artists at Becket Arts Center. The Berkshire Queer History Project( BQHP) will be on hand at the reception, filming stories from both artists and patrons about the local LGBTQ + artists who have made our lives better by making, exhibiting or performing in the Berkshires( June 13-July 6). The 2nd Annual Pride Paddle( June 22) on Stockbridge Bowl, 2nd Annual Pride Bike Ride( June 15) along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and the 3rd Annual Pride Hike at Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley( June 28), highlight partnerships with local outfitters like Berkshire Bike & Board and Arcadian Shop, underscoring the Berkshires’ commitment to accessible, inclusive recreation.
As the Berkshire hills echo with music, laughter, and community, the Berkshires reaffirm a truth: Pride is both a celebration and a promise. A promise that in every town big or small: you are seen, you are supported, and you are free to be you. n
STOCKBRIDGE, MA 413.298.4227 SANDLERAIA. COM
KJ Nosh Catering Company is a full service catering company operating from 3 locations: our main office, 339 Tyler Street in Pittsfield, Greenock Country Club( 220 West Park Street, Lee) and Berkshire Hills Country Club( 500 Benedict Rd, Pittsfield).
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Berkshire Pride: berkshirepride. org Sheffield Pride: sheffieldpride. org Q-MoB: queermenoftheberkshires. org Adams Theater: adams-theater. org Pillow Pride( Jacob’ s Pillow): jacobspillow. org / pride Surfacing exhibition: redlioninn. com / exhibitions
May Holiday / / June 2024 2023 2025 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // // 101 101