What’s New
Creative District Community Cleanup Day Set for October 17
North Adams’ newly designated Creative District will kick off its three-year pilot with a community cleanup day bringing residents, businesses, artists, students, property owners, and community organizations together to improve the district and build shared ownership of its future.
The (New) Partnership Turns 2!
Join the North Adams Partnership as we celebrate another year of connecting the people, ideas, and resources that move North Adams forward. Raise a glass, meet new people, and hear about all we’ve accomplished and all that’s in store for 2027!
The Ashuwillticook Trail is Heading North
A new $64,000 state grant will help plan the next 9.3 miles, connecting Adams to North Adams and Williamstown. The project builds on a $17.3 million federal grant for planning and design, bringing us one step closer to a connected regional trail network.
North Adams Creative District Pilot FAQ
North Adams just became Massachusetts' first Creative District pilot! Over the next three years, with funding from the Barr Foundation, a full-time Mass Development Fellow will work alongside local partners to turn our arts and culture strengths into real growth for downtown businesses and the creative economy.
Second Annual Hoosic River Run This Weekend
The Hoosic River Run is back for year two this Saturday, and this year, there’s a new way to run North Adams: a first-ever half marathon! The half-marathon, 5K, and mile routes showcase some of what makes North Adams special, from mountain views and the Hoosic River to MASS MoCA and downtown.
Greenagers Conduct Accessibility Assessment of UNO Park
On July 28, Greenagers summer program students visited UNO Park for an accessibility assessment, joined by faculty mentors, municipal staff, and community members. Participants identified potential tripping hazards, evaluated path widths and maneuverability, and spent time and thought considering what truly makes a space usable for people with disabilities.
Sign up for the 70th Annual Fall Foliage Parade!
The Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Parade is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Sunday, October 4, 2026—and this year’s theme is 70 Years in Motion: Time Traveling Through North Berkshire. Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to bring their favorite era, historic moment, or vision of the future to life through floats, costumes, vehicles, and more. Ready to join the adventure? Sign up to participate and help make this milestone parade one to remember! You can also share your ideas for the 2027 parade theme through a short community survey.
Help Shape a More Resilient Northern Berkshire
The communities of Adams, Lanesborough, North Adams, and Williamstown are looking for up to six paid, part-time Community Liaisons to help ensure local voices are part of regional climate resilience planning. No climate experience is required—we’re looking for people with strong community connections who want to help make sure everyone has a seat at the table.
MassDevelopment, Barr Foundation Partner to Launch Creative District Pilot in North Adams
Three-Year Pilot Program Will Provide Dedicated Staff Capacity, Technical Assistance, Flexible Funding, Arts and Culture Planning, and Other Resources to Support Equitable Economic Growth
Students Bring Downtown North Adams to Life, One Reel at a Time
MCLA and the Williams College Center for Learning in Action are partnering with downtown North Adams businesses on collaborative Instagram posts and Reels that showcase local shops, restaurants, and services. The student-created content highlights walkable destinations near campus and bus stops, encouraging exploration while increasing visibility for small businesses.
UNO Park For All Kicks Off
The North Adams Partnership received a $15,000 AARP grant to revitalize UNO Park with age-friendly upgrades—safer paths, accessible seating, and better signage. McCann Technical School students and volunteers will lead the work, blending accessibility, sustainability, and hands-on learning. Construction begins this summer.
Volunteers Needed for Eagle Street Pocket Park Revitalization Project
Volunteers Needed for Eagle Street Pocket Park Revitalization Project—Let’s Build a GREENER North Adams!
Monday 7/13 + Tuesday 7/14 10am - 12pm at Windsor Mill
Wednesday 7/15 + Thursday 7/16 8am - 12pm @ Eagle Street Park
Optimal Healing: A Whole-Person Approach to Wellness
Discover Optimal Healing in North Adams, where mental health care and holistic wellness come together. Founded by Ashley Benson, the center offers therapy, yoga, sauna, red light therapy, movement classes, and wellness services in a compassionate, community-focused environment dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and thrive at every stage of life.
DCR Seeks Public Input on Natural Bridge State Park Improvements
Learn about proposed improvements to Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams, Massachusetts, during a public meeting hosted via Zoom by the Department of Conservation and Recreation on July 8 at 6pm. Plans include accessibility upgrades, historic preservation work, enhanced visitor amenities, and new viewing areas. Public comments are welcome through July 22.
We’re a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!
The North Adams Partnership has been selected for a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant to fund age-friendly and ADA-accessible upgrades to UNO Park, improving safety, accessibility, and outdoor recreation opportunities for older adults and residents with mobility challenges in North Adams.
Steeple City Jiu Jitsu: Building Confidence and Community in North Adams
What began as a shared passion between two dedicated martial artists has grown into a thriving community hub in downtown North Adams. Steeple City Jiu Jitsu founders Jon Manley and Tim Stys saw an opportunity to bring year-round martial arts training to an underserved region while investing in a city they believe in. Now, with a growing youth program, they are helping shape the next generation of athletes, leaders, and community members.
From Market to Main
As recently highlighted by The Berkshire Eagle, the North Adams Farmers Market is helping grow the next generation of local businesses. At Red Shirt Farm, Door Prize, Hexagon Bagels, and Steeple City Social, entrepreneurs are transforming market stand success into permanent storefronts, strengthening downtown North Adams. And we are here for it! 🙌
ArtWeek Kicks Off This Weekend!
North Adams is taking center stage during ArtWeek Berkshires, with a packed lineup of open studios, live music, gallery events, artist talks, workshops, and community gatherings showcasing the city’s vibrant creative economy. From downtown venues to artist spaces and cultural institutions, North Adams is one of the region’s most active and well-represented creative destinations.
We ARE Better Together!
Students from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts partnered with MASS MoCA to host the Better Together Block Party, a student-led arts event connecting campus, downtown, and community through live music, art activities, and creative business tours ahead of FIRST Fridays North Adams. The North Adams Partnership is proud to have been part of the launch of such a successful pilot—can’t wait for next year! 🙌
ADU Design Challenge Winners Announced
The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched the statewide challenge with a clear goal: make it easier, more affordable, and more inspiring for property owners to build ADUs. Now, the results are in—and they’re worth a look. The newly released ADU Design Challenge Showcase highlights a collection of winning and qualified designs that bring creativity, flexibility, and practicality together.