Festivals and Arts Events in Northampton

Arts Night Out (Monthly Gallery Walk)

Northampton Arts Night Out, the second Friday of every month,is an event hosted by Northampton art spaces to promote creative works and community. This monthly gallery walk offers the opportunity to enjoy a Friday night in town while experiencing diverse visual and performing arts.

Paradise City Arts Festival

Award-winning shows of contemporary craft and fine art showcase the works of some of America's most prominent craftspeople and artists. Two shows a year in Northampton - spring and fall. In October 2004, American Style Magazine readers voted Paradise City among the top five fine art and craft shows in America.

Northampton Independent Film Festival

Independent films for independent minds. Look for this annual film festival in the fall.

Northampton Arts Night Out

Second Friday of each month beginning May 13, 2005, 5-8pm in downtown Northampton. Galleries open, artist receptions, pottery demonstrations. A map of galleries is available at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant Street, 413-584-1900.

Four Sundays in February

"The showpiece of indoor winter entertainment in Northampton." This enormously popular annual community arts event includes the Silver Chord Bowl and the Really Big Show. Box office and business support for these two shows allow for innovative programming during the second and third week. The Silver Chord Bowl is a collegiate a cappella singing showcase. The Really Big Show is a variety talent show. Each year, a different individual MC's the show by impersonating Ed Sullivan. Great fun! Great talent!

First Night Northampton

The greatest New Year's Eve party in the universe. The Center for the Arts and the Daily Hampshire Gazette present the city's most popular community event, a festival of arts and entertainment that brings families and friends together in the heart of downtown from noon until after midnight. Catering to both the young and the young at heart, we welcome everyone to share our celebration.

Transperformance

Transperformance is THE end of summer musical bash jointly presented by the Northampton Arts Council and the PTOs of Northampton's public schools, with proceeds going to support arts enrichment programs in those schools. Held every August, this event creates the opportunity for local performers to assume the persona of well-known musicians. Transperformance is a humorous musical celebration of the diversity of our population and an acknowledgment of the profound influences various
artists have had on each other. Transperformance has received international notice and is a great opportunity to see Northampton's Mayor and her bass guitar!

Pride Day

Annual LGBT parade and festival, held at the beginning of May.

Eat Your Art Out

Annual Center for the Arts fundraiser; local restaurants participate by donating a percentage of sales to support local arts. Held on April 27, 2006

Northampton Libraries Events Calendars

Check Northampton's two Public Libraries for book readings, children's events, exhibits and other happenings. Each library has its own calendar page on its external website, which you can get to from the link above.

Week of the Young Child

Early in April every year, there is a Parade of the Young Child through the downtown and local businesses display artwork of the city's public school students.