Kick Off the Summer at Paradise City Arts
By Mariah Swanson, Co-Show Director, Paradise City Arts
Published in Northampton Living | May 2026
A Celebration of Craft and Community
As the hills turn a vibrant green and we welcome May, a beloved local tradition returns to signal the start of the season.
This Memorial Day weekend, Paradise City Arts transforms the Three County Fairgrounds into a sprawling collective of mini galleries, bringing together the finest makers from across the country for a three-day celebration of creativity.
More Than Just a Gallery
While the heart of the festival is its incredible marketplace – featuring museum-quality fine art, hand-wrought jewelry, custom furniture and breathtaking glasswork – Paradise City Arts is designed to be a full-scale cultural experience.
Whether you are a serious collector looking for a statement sculpture for your garden or a family looking for a memorable afternoon, there is a rhythm to the weekend that invites everyone to stay and play.
Hands-On Inspiration
We believe art is most powerful when you can see the “how” behind the “wow.”
Throughout the weekend, patrons get a front-row seat to the creative process through live artist demonstrations. Witness the intense heat of live glass blowing or the meditative precision of wheel-thrown pottery.
For those who want to get their own hands dirty, our Crafting with Color activities offer an epic space for kids (and the young at heart) to explore their own artistic instincts. It’s a place where “please touch” is the rule, not the exception.
Come for the Art, Stay for the Party
The sensory experience doesn't stop at the easel.
With nearly a dozen local restaurants and food trucks on-site, you can rest your feet and fuel your shopping with everything from Filipino street food to burgers or perogies.
Enjoy a pint of craft beer or a cocktail while you take in a curated live music lineup, culminating in a special Saturday night concert featuring the indie-pop favorite, Winterpills.
It’s the perfect way to start your summer.
Mariah Swanson & Elana Chernick-Kritz
Paradise City Arts
(413) 587-0772
festivals.paradisecityarts.com
Meet Our New Kids on the Block
The thing we’re most excited about this year? The launch of our Emerging Artist Collective.
We are dedicated to cultivating the future of American craft by carving out a dedicated space for new makers. These rising stars are at the beginning of their professional journeys, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative techniques to our audience.
By supporting the Collective, you aren't just buying a piece of art; you are investing in the next generation of our creative economy.
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