The 15 Most Memorable Parties of 2010

We go to a lot of parties, and what we remember most about any particular event is the sense of occasion—the feeling that you've had a one-night-only experience. Sometimes, it's the location (Astor Courts, the Salisbury School boathouse or the old Great Barrington firehouse) or the weather (thunder & lighting or sparkling blue skies) or a celebrity guest (Rachel Maddow) that makes a party memorable. Certainly, there were dozens of great parties this year, and we apologize to those hosts, hostesses and party planners whose events are not on this list. If you want a comprehensive look at the year in review, click here to scan our Parties archive. 1. Berkshire Film & Media Commission Makes Movie MagicPittsfield's Masonic Temple became a sound stage and the guests became stars. 2. Rhinebeck Farmers Market Dinner at Astor CourtsA harvest supper at the site of Chelsea Clinton's wedding.3. Word X Word Festival Party on the RoofPittsfield fulfills its promise as a hipster haven.4. A Paeon to Industry at the Ferrin Gallery Dish and DineA stimulating, intimate evening with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow5. Bagels & Art for All at Bard's Hessel MuseumA free kiddish luncheon—mimosas and lox!—crossed with an art opening.6. A Rioutous Night in the Reading Room at the Lenox LibraryKaren Lee and the Sugar Shack Burlesque create a hullabaloo.7. Radioactive Bodega: IS 183 Post-Apocolytpic Dance PartyA winter's costume party like no other.8. Now It’s Summer! Tanglewood Opening Night Gala 2010Glorious weather and glorious music.9. Good Dog Foundation Square DanceA haute hoedown at Carolyne Roehm's equestrian center.10. Williamstown Theatre Festival Opening NightDinner in a dance studio and an all-male production of Sondheim's "Forum."11. Berkshire Grown Throws the Ultimate Nosh-a-ThonThe quintessential locavore feast.12. TriArts Gala at the Salisbury School Boat HouseThere's no better scenery than the Twin Lakes.13. Art for Animals Benefit Rocks Club Helsinki HudsonThe region's newest party space is sui generis.14. Opening Night of 5th Berkshire International Film FestivalThe old Great Barrington fire house gets the red carpet treatment.15. Hammertown Barn’s 25th Anniversary CelebrationProof that commerce, community and cocktails go hand-in-hand.