North Adams FAQ - FreshGrass Festival

North Adams FAQ

How much are tickets?

Please see MASS MoCA ticketing for current pricing here. Please note: This is a rain-or-shine event; there will be no refunds.

Can I book my campsite now?

Yes, while plots last! Buy now.

Where does FreshGrass take place & how can we get there?

FreshGrass happens at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. North Adams is about 120 miles west of Boston, 160 miles north of NYC, and 45 miles east of Albany. The nearest airports are Albany, NY, and Windsor Locks, CT (near Hartford). Bus service from New York and Boston is available via Peter Pan. Detailed directions are available here.

Can I volunteer at FreshGrass?

Information about volunteering can be found here. To inquire about volunteering at FreshGrass this summer, please email info@freshgrass.com. Advance training is required. The work involves considerable standing, though we will try to accommodate volunteers with special needs. The volunteer shifts are for 5 hours each, and two shifts are required to receive free all-fest passes.

Is there parking nearby?

There is ample free festival parking run by MASS MoCA and FreshGrass, which includes remote parking with a shuttle looping throughout the day. A map to the free festival parking lots and shuttle schedule is available here.

 

Accessible parking is available on the museum property.

 

PLEASE NOTE: This year, the city of North Adams will be charging $40 for festival goers to park in some city lots. Cars parked at metered street spaces will be subject to tickets from the city beyond prepaid time. Free festival parking is only available in the lots on the map linked above.

What about biking to the festival?

We encourage it and there will be a convenient parking lot for bicycles within 200 feet of our front door. Bring your bike!

Can I bring my kids, and do they have to pay?

Children are welcome, and admission is free for those 6 and under with an accompanying adult. There is a reduced price for kids 7–16. FreshKids events will be programmed at the festival. Kidspace is MASS MoCA’s gallery program tailored to children. Family offerings are detailed here. Please note that certain venues, especially in the galleries, will not be able to accommodate strollers.

Will there be dedicated activities for kids?

There will be kid-friendly activities at FRESHKids and the Drifting Studio. In addition, MASS MoCA’s Kidspace will be open every day during the festival. Admission to Kidspace is free of charge, simply tell the Box Office you would like to visit with your family and they will direct you there.

Where will I stay?

There are many lodging options, including state campsites and nearby hotels and inns.

What can I bring into the festival?

YES: Sealed or empty water bottles, instruments, blankets, strollers, camp-style folding chairs

NO: Weapons of Any Kind, Outside Food & Beverages Except for Those with Medical Needs or Infants, Flammable Materials Including Lighters, Glass Containers, Coolers, Pets Except Service Animals, Aerosol Cans, Professional Cameras & Recording Devices Unless Authorized, Drones Unless Authorized, Poles & Tripods, Laser Pointers & Glow Sticks, Sports Equipment, Skateboards, Roller Skates, Bicycles, Mechanized vehicles Except Accessibility Related, Prohibited items cannot be admitted or checked. Please leave these items at home or in your locked vehicle. For questions, please contact boxoffice@massmoca.org.

DISCOURAGED: Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas

To help protect delicate art, strollers, umbrellas, folding chairs, large bags + backpacks (and other large, ungainly objects) are not allowed in the galleries. Strollers and chairs will not be permitted in some venues. There is no bag check, so please leave your disallowed items in your locked car.

Strollers and folding chairs are permitted on Joe’s Field (where space is ample), and not in the smaller courtyard venues or galleries (where space is more limited).

There will be a limited instrument check service at the box office, but please do not leave instruments with us overnight!

There are no coat or chair checking services provided.

Are cameras allowed at FreshGrass?

PERMITTED: Polaroid, SLR, point and shoot, pocket and phone cameras for personal use

NOT PERMITTED: flash photography, tripods, cameras with detachable lens, all video We ask that you refrain from using your phones and devices during the live performances at FreshGrass, as they are disturbing to both patrons and performers. Long lenses and tripods are not permitted. Since there is no bag check, you should leave your long-lens cameras and tripods locked in your car for safekeeping. Professional photographers MUST obtain a photo pass. Email us at info@FreshGrass.com.

Will I be admitted to all venues?

The main stage and most outdoor courtyards will accommodate everyone. Some venues are space-limited, will not accommodate everyone in attendance, and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You must make reservations for the workshops on the morning of the events.

What if it rains?

This is a rain-or-shine event.

Can I submit my band, comedy act, or artwork for consideration?

Thank you for your interest, but we are not currently accepting submissions for the festival. However, click here for our FreshGrass Awards page for information on how your band might win a chance to participate in FreshGrass.

I'm a journalist on assignment. How do I obtain a media pass?

Love to have you. Email your request to info@FreshGrass.com.

Are tapers/audio recording equipment allowed at FreshGrass?

Please note the following:

  • Audio recording equipment is permitted at FreshGrass Festival. Audio recording is permitted solely at each artist’s discretion. The equipment must be turned off or removed immediately if requested by the artist or festival staff.
  • All audio recording equipment must be placed in designated areas beside the soundboards. No equipment will be allowed beyond that point. No audio recording equipment is permitted in the Hunter Center.

Can I share my festival pass with my friends?

No, a festival pass is for you and you only. It is not to be transferred between different people attending different days. The day pass is meant for a single day guest.

Can I bring musical instruments?

Encouraged!

WHAT ARE THE COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

We will continue to monitor local COVID-19 trends and meet or exceed protocols mandated by state and local governments. Check back for updates as guidelines are subject to change. For more information visit our Health & Safety page here.

Friends of FreshGrass