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.
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.
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.
Say Hello to Downtown’s Newest Businesses!
Downtown North Adams just keeps getting better! We’re excited to welcome some new businesses that add to a growing list of reasons to explore downtown. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable meal or a one-of-a-kind handmade hat, be sure to stop in, say hello, and support the newest members of our downtown business community.
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.
New Businesses Are Opening in Downtown North Adams. Seriously.
Downtown North Adams is welcoming a wave of new businesses, from the highly anticipated Zio Roberto Ristorante and Taverna to the newly opened Cole Mountain Café and an exciting new restaurant taking shape in the former TD Bank building. Together with a forthcoming retail concept on Holden Street, these investments reflect growing momentum, entrepreneurial confidence, and a vibrant future for downtown.
Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program (MVSP)
Thinking about opening a business in downtown North Adams? The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program offers eligible businesses up to $10,000 in refundable state tax credits for locating in qualifying vacant storefronts. Designed to support economic revitalization, the program helps fill empty downtown spaces, create jobs, and attract new investment. Scroll down to learn about eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and how to express interest in participating.
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! 🙌
Mastic Opens on Eagle Street
A new shop is adding a quirky, creative touch to North Adams. Mastic, opened April 3 by Jared Shockcor, offers “a little weird” mix of home goods, vintage finds, books, and locally made products with a metaphysical twist.
Register: Small Business Resource Expo
The Berkshire/Western Massachusetts Small Business Resource Expo returns May 21, 9 AM–3 PM at the Stationery Factory in Dalton. This free event connects entrepreneurs with expert advice, offering a one-stop hub to help businesses start, grow, and thrive across the region.
MCLA Student Showcases the Power of Public Art in New Video
MCLA junior Conall Mannion, the Partnership's first intern, set out to understand and document the impact of public art on a community, through the lens of the Hatchlings installation at the Eagle Street Parklet. Here is the story. Special thanks to Northern Berkshire Community Television for making this project possible.
The Power of Partnership
90 Main Street glittered in the glow of the Hatchlings and the warmth of community. North Adams continues to shine as a creative, resilient city—one where people show up for each other every day in big and small ways.
Issue 8: September, 2025
This month: Hexagon Bagels Prepares for its Launch; Mass Cultural Council Awards $5K to support Hatchlings; MassDevelopment wants to hear from small businesses, and more!
From Market to Main: Hexagon’s Next Chapter
The future home of Hexagon Bagels, on Main Street in North Adams, still has kraft paper on the windows, but the reimagining of the space proceeds steadily toward a planned opening in October!
Celebrate a Year of Partnership!
Join us to toast our first year of connection and collaboration on Thursday, October 9, from 5–7pm! Enjoy great company, light snacks, a glimpse into what we’ve accomplished this year, and a look ahead at what’s next for the North Adams Partnership.
First Friday Welcomes Students!
Join us for a Student Community Welcome during First Friday on September 5! The event will bring students from Williams College and MCLA downtown for an afternoon and evening of food, music, and community connections to celebrate the start of the semester and highlight all that North Adams has to offer.
Issue 7: August 20, 2025
This month: Small & Smart ADU Design Challenge Launches! Plus, updates on the LOFTS at Greylock WORKS, First Fridays welcomes new students, and the new Partnership turns one!
Issue 5: June 18, 2025
This month: We’re excited to be one of AARP’s ADU Design Challenge grant winners! Plus, need help with grant applications? We’ve got you covered.
Issue 4: May 14, 2025
This month: Turn your dream into a business (or grow the business you already have!); a downtown institution has been named one of the Commonwealth’s 100 Best Places to Work.
The Hatchlings are coming!
Studio HHH and The North Adams Partnership have announced that the Hatchlings, a series of nine illuminated pavilions, will be installed at various locations within a walkable area of downtown North Adams from the Eagle Street Parklet to the MCLA campus.