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Berkshire Busk! Bands Together & Family Fun Takes Center Stage

By Taylor Staubach, Publisher, Berkshires Macaroni Kid July 15, 2024

The beloved Berkshire Busk! festival is back for its fourth season, promising a summer filled with vibrant music, dance, acrobatics, and more. This family-friendly festival lights up downtown Great Barrington every Friday and Saturday night from June 28th to August 31st. With free performances starting at 6:30 PM, it's a perfect way for families to enjoy warm summer evenings together.

Family-Focused Fun

Berkshire Busk! Saturdays are packed with activities tailored for kids. From 12 PM to 2 PM, Robin’s Candy will host face painters and balloon artists, making it a magical stop for families as they enjoy the festival. One highlight for kids is the face painting by Raeah Rama, set to delight little ones on Friday evenings at Robin's Candy.


Exciting Performers

A new acrobatic duo, The Red Trouser Show, will captivate audiences with their thrilling circus stunts, precision acrobatics, comedy, and fire juggling. Catch their high-energy performance on Railroad Street on July 19th and 20th. David and Tobin, the talented duo behind the show, bring over two decades of experience, starting from their days with Circus Smirkus.

Themed Nights and Special Events

This season introduces themed nights in collaboration with local arts organizations:

June 29 – Pride Night: Enjoy LGBTQ+ performers, including fire dancer Opal Raven and beatboxer Galush, plus a Drag Story Hour and a Pride-themed outdoor movie.

July 27 – Latin Night: In partnership with Festival Latino and Latinas413, featuring special acts.

August 9 – Dance Night: Jacob’s Pillow brings dance performances throughout downtown, including a salsa lesson and dance party with DJ Bongohead.

Saturday Extended Schedule

Families can enjoy a full day of entertainment every Saturday:

Great Barrington Farmers Market: 10 AM to 12:30 PM

Robin’s Candy: 12 PM to 2 PM

Berkshire Busk! Roadside at Berkshire Mountain Distillers: 2 PM to 4 PM

Main Stages and Night Market

The festival features main stages on Railroad Street, transforming it into a pedestrian-friendly town square with larger bands and international street performers. The Saturday Night Market offers local handcrafted goods, food, and opportunities to meet local nonprofits.


Berkshire Busk! not only provides a fun and festive atmosphere but also supports the local economy by drawing nearly 30,000 visitors last season. For a full lineup and more details, visit the festival’s website.

Join in the summer fun and create lasting memories with your family at Berkshire Busk! in Great Barrington.