PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County business and organizations joining forces with Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development to host the 12th annual 10x10 Festival. 

 

Beginning Thursday and running through Sunday, Feb. 26 festivalgoers have the opportunity to choose from more than 50 events to celebrate the winter season.  

 

For the past dozen years, 10x10 has attracted thousands of people to Pittsfield to experience the eclectic activities that local cultural venues have to offer, Office of Cultural Development Director Jennifer Glockner said. Last year more that 10,000 people participated in the festival. 

 

Although the saying, "there is something for everyone" is a cliche, it proved to be true in this case, Glockner said.

 

She's sure that whether you're a family, a young couple, a retired couple, or an individual looking to have a good time with friends there is an activity to suit your interests. 

 

The festival shows off what Pittsfield and the Berkshires are known for during its May-October cultural season and demonstrates how these opportunities are still prevalent in the dead of winter, she said. 

 

"The 10 by 10 festival is such a great example of combining some cool indoor performances, concerts and music with outdoor fun," Glockner said.

 

"It's like the perfect example of winter in Pittsfield and the Berkshires, fun stuff to do inside but also embracing the outdoor recreation. That is one of the main reasons why people live here and people visit here."

 

The festival is bringing back local favorites including ice sculpting in front of the Berkshire Museum on Friday from 10 to 2, $10 tubing at Bousquet on Thursday from 4:30 until 6, Hancock Shaker Villages Big Chill on Saturday from 11 until 4, and many more.

 

"I think that it is just a cool welcoming community atmosphere, very good energy, very positive vibe…It's just all about really good, positive energy and welcoming and that's what we need more of in this world. So we're happy to be a part of it," she said. 

 

Approximately 25 venues, organizations, businesses and restaurants are hosting or sponsoring events or participating in Restaurant Week.

 

Participating organizations include Jacob’s Pillow, Barrington Stage and Company, Hot Plate Brewing, and many more. 

 

The community would not be what it is if it was not for the residents, which is why it is so important to make everyone feel welcome and provide events for them all year long, Glockner said. 

 

"I think that these events that happen during the course of these 10 days, and the beyond are welcoming. Every single event is welcoming to everyone in the community," she said. 

 

"There are some that are free and there are some that are low cost. Really we want people to come out and enjoy what there is to offer."

 

Fireworks have also returned to the festival this year on Saturday, Feb. 25, starting at 6 on First Street. The fireworks will be launched at The Common so the park will be closed during this time. Viewing areas will be available in the First Street Municipal Lot.

 

In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be postponed to Sunday, Feb. 26.

 

The 10x10 event calendar can be found here. 

 

The only chance for the public to watch Berkshire Theatre Group's elementary students perform "The Magic Tree House" is this Saturday from 2 to 3:30. The performance is part of the company's educational programing. More information here. 

 

In addition to the abundant events, for the first time 10x10 had partnered with Downtown Pittsfield for a restaurant passport opportunity. 

 

Throughout the festival, diners can get a "passport" stamped for each participating restaurant they patronize. Each stamp is one entry into the prize package drawing. If a person visits 10 different places in the 10 days, they will get 10 bonus entries.

 

A bonus stamp will be given to individuals who donate a non-perishable food item to benefit the South Community Food Pantry at South Congregational Church. 

 

Donations may be dropped off at Downtown Pittsfield Inc., 33 Dunham Mall, from 9 to 4 Monday through Friday.

 

Passports will be available at participating locations this week. Participating locations here.