Get Ready for the Gala

Event Location & Time: 

The pre-performance cocktails and seated dinner will be held under a large tent on Memorial Field located at 60 Bridge Street in Great Barrington, MA 01230.  Cocktails begin at 4:30pm; dinner will be announced at 5:15pm. Following the dinner, live auction & paddle raise, and dessert, guests will move to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center located at 14 Castle Street, two blocks from Memorial Field. Tickets to the 8pm show will be provided in your Gala packet when you check in at the tent. 

Parking:

Platinum Sponsors and their guests may park in the reserved parking areas at: 

  • Great Barrington Town Hall, 334 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 

Diamond Sponsors and their guests, and Diamond Ticket buyers may park in the reserved areas at: 

  • Wheeler & Taylor, 333 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 
  • Great Barrington Train Station, 46-50 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 

Ruby Sponsors and their guests, and Ruby Ticket buyers may park in the designated parking areas at: 

  • Berkshire Food Co-op designated spaces (34 Bridge Street) 
  • Iredale Mineral Cosmetics Office (between Church and Bridge Streets) 
  • Iredale Mineral Cosmetics Distribution Center (end of Church Street) 

Public parking lots are available within walking distance of the theater. View the town’s public parking guide and find directions to the theater here. 

There are other events happening in Great Barrington on the evening of July 15. We strongly recommend arriving early to allow time for parking.  

Accessible Parking Spaces: 

If you require a reserved accessible parking space, please contact Diane Wortis at diane@mahaiwe.org or 413-644-9040 x123. 

Shuttle Van: 

A shuttle van will be available to transport guests from the parking areas to Memorial Field, to the theater, and back to the parking areas after the performance. 

For Your Comfort: 

Appropriate footwear is recommended for walking on the grassy field. We encourage you to dress appropriately for the summer weather. Festive attire with layers for the outside portion of the evening and the ability to add or remove layers while inside the theater is recommended. To allow for maximum air circulation, we do not plan on using the sidewalls of the dinner tent.  

Food & Beverages: 

The Old Inn on The Green is preparing a delicious meal. A gluten-free, vegetarian option will be available for those with dietary restrictions. Please inform your waiter if you require this option. For the cocktail reception, two bars will be available for drinks, and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres will be passed. 

Live Auction & Paddle Raise: 

During the dinner, we will hold a Live Auction & Paddle Raise that will help fund a two-year historic preservation project that includes replacing the 1905 slate shingle, repointing the chimney, and caring for the ornate eave trim on the theater. Bid for exciting opportunities, including an unforgettable 10-day Taiwan tour, a week’s stay at a Berkshire lake house, a 5-star overnight getaway, a luxurious spa stay, and fine wine from around the world — or simply raise your paddle to contribute or make your donation now.   

We hope that you will join in raising funds for these critical improvements at the Mahaiwe.    

Post-Performance with Brian Stokes Mitchell: 

Platinum and Diamond Sponsors and their guests, and Diamond Ticket buyers are invited to a post-performance reception and photo opportunity with Brian Stokes Mitchell. 

The reception will take place on the stage following the performance. At the conclusion of the show, please make your way to the front rows of the orchestra section of the theater. Details about the reception will be provided in your Gala packet when you check in at the tent.  

Photos, Filming, and Social Media: 

Under the tent, we encourage using the hashtag #MahaiweGala, and tagging @themahaiwe on Instagram, and @MahaiwePerformingArtsCenter on Facebook. 

During Brian Stokes Mitchell’s show, the use of cameras and recording devices is strictly prohibited. 

If Your Plans Change: 

We recognize that plans can change. If you will not be joining us for the dinner and/or the performance, please let us know so we may rearrange seating as necessary. Contact Diane Wortis at diane@mahaiwe.org or 413-644-9040 x123. 

We are excited to see you on Saturday, July 15 at 4:30pm.  

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact: 

Director of Advancement, Diane Wortis at diane@mahaiwe.org