When you have museums and theaters, eclectic shops and good restaurants right on your doorstep, who needs to drive to Boston? Northampton is a small city with a funky atmosphere.

Northampton with its busy sidewalk cafes, shops and eateries, officially designated as the number one small town for arts in the country in a recent edition of The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America, by John Villani. This lively town of 30,000 combines small-town ambiance with big-city offerings and is a bustling hub of activity, both day and night.

With its clubs, galleries, shops, great food and great coffee, Northampton is the perfect place for a quiet dinner or a big celebration. Try indulging in a Thai, Indian or Mexican meal. Try one of Joe’s famous pizzas, or go dancing at one of several downtown clubs. Or catch a show at the Calvin Theatre or the Iron Horse Music Hall. Whatever your taste is - Northampton is the place.

MUSIC

Also located in Northampton is The Elevens (140 Pleasant St., 413-586-9155). This venue has live acts encompassing "independent, local, regional, national and underground performers" playing blues, jazz, rock of various categories.

ARTS

Whether it’s paintings and sculpture from the masters or a yet to be discovered talent; music and theatre from a nationally recognized artist or a fresh face developing his or her craft, Northampton is the place to be. It’s a nurturing environment for talent and a treasure chest of artistic delights for any devotee of the arts.

• Hart Gallery
  102 Main St, Northampton, MA
• Northampton Center For Arts
  17 New South St, Northampton, MA 01060
  Phone: 413-584-7327
• Peacework Gallery & Crafts Inc
  213 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
  Phone: 413-586-7033
• Michelson Galleries
  132 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
  Phone: 413-586-3964
• William Baczek Fine Arts
  229 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
  Phone: 413-587-9880

NORTHAMPTON ARTS NIGHT OUT

Explore 23 open galleries and studios the 2^nd Friday of Every Month in one easy stroll, enjoying light refreshments along the way. It happens all year round, rain or shine!

From American and Western European masterworks paintings, to fine jewelry, American craft, handmade wearables, Chinese antique furniture, photography, artistic expressions of landscape,… and…. and…. Simply walk into Northampton’s Arts Night Out – and enjoy!

Click here to download a map to plan your path of pleasure through Northampton’s visual arts community.