Berkshire Busk! is Back to the Streets of Great Barrington With over 100 Acts This Summer

Downtown Great Barrington is set to once again become a hub of street performances when Berkshire Busk! kicks off its fifth season. Running Friday and Saturday night from June 27 through August 30, this free outdoor festival series will bring sidewalks to life all summer, culminating in a fireworks display on closing night.

This year's festival has been planned to be the most ambitious yet, featuring approximately 300 performers taking part in more than 100 acts. Among the returning talents is 15-year-old Australian guitar prodigy Noah Robertson, whose soulful performances have captivated audiences worldwide. Robertson blends acoustic and electric sounds, showcasing his skill in looping and switching between guitars to create a distinct experience. 

It’s not just musicians laying their hats on the pavement. Stunt comedian Wacky Chad, known for his extreme pogo stick tricks, tall unicycle stunts, and comedy will perform his strange act, previously seen on “America's Got Talent” and at Super Bowl XLVIII.

Making their Berkshire Busk! debut is Her Majesty's Secret Circus, a dynamic duo performing as Agents Honeymoon and Butterfly. Their act combines fire juggling, audience participation, and a grand finale featuring a bow and plunger shot high into the sky, caught atop a giant one-wheeled “stealth cycle.” 

Singer-songwriter Michael Aaron performs last year in Great Barrington.

The festival continues its tradition of local collaboration with special themed nights and partnerships. The third annual Pride Night on June 28 will feature performances by Opal Raven, Bella Santarella, and Christine Bilé. On July 5, the Barrington Stage Company's Musical Theatre Conservatory will set their scenes on the street. The Black Legacy Project will make its first Berkshire Busk! appearance on August 22 and the Mason Public Library will co-host the “Magnificent Monster Circus” performed by CactusHead Puppets on August 2. There will also be an outdoor screening of Jaws, presented in partnership with Triplex Cinema and Boondocks Film Society on July 4.

Thanks to a grant from T-Mobile, the festival will introduce a custom-built 12-foot-by-19-foot portable stage designed by Upstate Scenic, featuring a backdrop by Oscar-nominated designer Carl Sprague. AstroTurf and professional-grade lighting will enhance the ambiance, and additional seating will be provided for attendees. Busking has come a long way.

To improve accessibility, a special Berkshire Busk! shuttle bus will run from downtown Great Barrington to Sheffield during festival hours, and the local BRTA Route 921 Express will offer free rides from Pittsfield to Great Barrington.

Saturday programming includes morning music at the Great Barrington Farmers’ Market, family-friendly activities at Robin’s Candy, and afternoon performances at Berkshire Mountain Distillers. 

A 36-page full-color printed program guide, Berkshire Busk! and Beyond, will be distributed to 10,000 South County homes and available in-town, featuring the complete season lineup, a downtown shopping and dining guide, and stories highlighting headliner performers.