Fall Northampton • Around the Show

Something to Celebrate!

It’s truly hard to believe that this is our 30th year hosting Paradise City Arts in Northampton, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our anniversary together with you! We’ve assembled 220 expertly curated artists + makers from across the country, and are featuring the special show “Fables & Folklore: Reframing the Classics”, a themed exhibit where age-old stories meet modern creativity.

Our Western Mass community has gone through many changes over the past three decades, and we continue to evolve and grow alongside her. Come spend your holiday weekend at New England’s premier show of contemporary craft and fine art; featuring handmade home decor, sculpture, fashion, jewelry, and more.

The Paradise Pavilion

Our latest addition to the Festival features 1500 square feet of lively demonstrations and hands-on creative activity stations for the whole family to enjoy!

Demonstrations & Activities

World on a String! Dive into a world of imagination as Caravan Puppets hosts crafters of all ages to learn the art of puppet making. Whether you’re a budding artist or just curious, come bring your whimsical characters to life, and make magical memories! The Paradise Pavilion.

Paint the Town Red

Renowned artist and esteemed professor, Rick Freed, leads an inspiring three-day community event, inviting the public to participate in painting a collaborative mural. Under his guidance, participants will help transform a blank wall into a vibrant and fanciful depiction of the Pioneer Valley. The Paradise Pavilion.

Hot off the Press!

Create your own coasters and notecards on recycled paper, using antique blocks to combine words and pictures, on a 100-year-old letterpress with Bill Muller of Big Wheel Press. The Paradise Pavilion.

The Dining Tent

Rest your feet under our 12,000 square foot Festival Dining Tent. Offering a fresh music lineup each day and a variety of dining options from Northampton’s vibrant restaurant scene.

This holiday weekend Paradise City Arts presents original music, jazz, Blues, and Rock by three of the region’s favorite bands, from noon – 4pm Saturday & Sunday and 11:30 – 3:30 Monday:

  • Saturday, October 12: Buddy McEarns Band: Blue Roots Rock n’ Roll. The blues rock style here is infectiously enjoyable. The easy comparison is someone like the Allman Brothers Band and we’re glad to hear someone is keeping this musical tradition alive.
  • Sunday, October 13: Le Fever: A guitar based duo of songwriters, Dawn Lepere and Jeff Starns, bring rich vocals, rhythm and fingerstyle guitar work to their songwriting styles ranging from alt-blues to indie rock. They perform as a duo, or with their very talented friends as a trio or full band.
  • Monday, October 14: The Green Street Trio: New York born vocalist Avery Joi, George Kaye on bass, Paul Arslanian on piano, and Jon Fisher on drums show off their jazz chops with style and verve.

Enjoy a beverage from the Craft Cocktail Bar and sample menus that span the globe. From all-American burgers and fries to southeast Asian street food, you can sip and graze your way through the weekend.

Hot Tip: Don’t miss our new espresso and coffee bar in the front of Building 3!

Benefit Silent Art Auction: The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce

Come support the nonprofit organization that’s always giving back to Northampton! This city has long been known for its sophisticated shopping, eclectic dining, its vibrant live music scene, and its dedication to the arts.The GNCC is committed to fostering connections and learning opportunities for our local businesses, ensuring that the community continues to grow and thrive.

Bid on a different selection each day of original items generously donated by Paradise City Arts exhibitors. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the GNCC. Get tips on what to do and where to dine from the enthusiastic volunteers at the Silent Art Auction. The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce Auction Tables are in Building 3.

Enter to Win a Shopping Spree!

There’s always a winner, and it could be you. Visitors may stop by the shopping spree tables at any time during the show to place their entry for a drawing in one of the big baskets. The winner will receive a gift certificate for a $250 shopping spree that may be redeemed at an exhibitor’s booth at any Paradise City Arts Festival over the next year.

Paradise is Closer Than You Think

Situated on Interstate-91 and only 15 minutes north of the Massachusetts Turnpike, Northampton is less than an hour drive from Hartford, the Berkshires, and southern Vermont. We are under two hours from Boston, Albany and southern Connecticut and less than three hours from New York City.

Check out visithampshirecounty.com and please support our advertising sponsors in the Paradise City Guide.