North Adams is a former mill city in the northern Berkshires that has been reborn as an arts town, home to MASS MoCA, one of the largest contemporary art museums in the country. MASS MoCA hosts the Solid Sound and FreshGrass festivals, and a boutique inn runs a weekly open mic. This guide covers North Adams's history, its music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams.
A Brief History of North Adams
The Hoosic River valley was part of the Mohican homeland. Colonial Fort Massachusetts was built here in 1745. The area was part of the town of Adams until 1878, when the industrial northern village separated to become North Adams.
From 1851 to 1875, workers bored the Hoosac Tunnel through the mountain east of town; at nearly five miles, it was the longest railroad tunnel in North America when completed, and nearly 200 men died building it. Textile and print works, later Sprague Electric, made North Adams a manufacturing city.
When Sprague closed in 1985, the city lost thousands of jobs. In 1999, MASS MoCA opened in the former factory complex, transforming North Adams into a destination for art and music.
The North Adams Music Scene
North Adams's music life revolves around MASS MoCA. The museum hosts Solid Sound, curated by Wilco, and FreshGrass, one of the Northeast's top bluegrass and roots festivals, plus concerts year-round. Studio 9 at The Porches Inn hosts a weekly Tuesday open mic.
Williamstown, home of Williams College, is next door, and Pittsfield, 30 minutes south, adds more clubs and open mics.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near North Adams
- MASS MoCA – Indoor and outdoor stages for concerts and festivals.
- Studio 9 at The Porches Inn (18 Veazie St.) – A weekly open mic.
- Mohawk Theater – A historic downtown theater.
- Adams Theater (Adams) – Community music and bluegrass events.
- Colonial Theatre (Pittsfield) – Touring shows, 30 minutes south.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near North Adams
North Adams has a weekly open mic and the region's biggest roots festival. Below are the best options, followed by a schedule.
Before you go: Open mics and jams change hosts, nights and venues often. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.
In North Adams
- Open Mic at Studio 9, The Porches Inn (18 Veazie St., North Adams) – Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 p.m.; sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Musicians, spoken word and comedy.
- FreshGrass festival picking (MASS MoCA, North Adams) – Each September, informal bluegrass jams spring up around the festival.
Nearby
- Open Mic at Methuselah Bar and Lounge (391 North St., Pittsfield) – A recurring evening open mic, 7:00–10:00 p.m. (recent dates on Thursdays). Check Love Pittsfield's calendar.
North Adams-Area Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open Mic (7 p.m.) | Studio 9, North Adams | All Styles |
| Thursday (recurring) | Open Mic (7 p.m.) | Methuselah, Pittsfield | All Styles |
| September | FreshGrass festival picking | MASS MoCA, North Adams | Bluegrass |
Tips for Playing North Adams-Area Open Mics and Jams
- Plan around the festivals. Solid Sound and FreshGrass draw players from everywhere.
- Learn some bluegrass. The FreshGrass legacy runs deep here.
- Plan for winter. Snow and ice can cancel nights; check social media before heading out.
Helpful Local Resources
- Berkshires.org – The region's event calendar, including open mics.
- The Berkshire Edge (theberkshireedge.com) – South County arts and music listings.
- Love Pittsfield (lovepittsfield.com) – Pittsfield event calendar.
- MASS MoCA (massmoca.org) – Festival and concert schedules.
