Must see, must do in the Berkshires

1. Visit a historic school turned art gallery

You don’t need to travel to a gallery in New York City to view works by the likes of Carrie Mae Weems, Nick Cave, El Anatsui or Yoan Capote — you can see them all at The School in Kinderhook, N.Y. Gallerist Jack Shainman has converted an old neighborhood school into a world-class gallery. View “Stressed World,” a group show featuring 174 works by 30 artists, Saturdays through Dec. 3.

2. Enjoy a night out at the theater

Summer may be over, but theater is still happening on Berkshire stages. Barrington Stage’s “All of Me” runs through Oct. 9. Berkshire Theatre Group’s production of “Edward Albee’s Seascape” at the Unicorn Stage in Stockbridge is ongoing through Oct. 23. “Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues” at Shakespeare & Company runs through Oct. 30.

3. Seek out specters in Berkshire haunts

Set the mood this October with a haunted tour. Hear tales of ghostly sightings as you walk through the dimly lit halls of Hancock Shaker Village. Learn about eerie encounters at Venfort Hall from author Robert Oakes or join him for cemetery stories at the Church on the Hill in Lenox. Search for spirits as you tour The Mount, home of Edith Wharton, after dark. Under 12? The Mount offers a ghost tour just for kids.

4. Take a walk through Pittsfield’s history

Berkshire historian Joe Durwin has been writing about the county’s dark and spooky happenings for more than two decades. He’s taken his historical talks on tour through downtown Pittsfield. Throughout October, join him for a variety of tours featuring the darker side of the heart of the Berkshires. Tours include Ghosts & Hauntings of Pittsfield, Macabre Pittsfield: Roaring ‘20s, and Macabre Pittsfield: Dark Origins. Want to take the kids for a stroll and a haunted history lesson? Taylor Staubach, of Berkshire Family Hikes, joins the fun with a family-friendly version of the classic ghost tour. Information: mysterioushillsdotcom.wordpress.com

5. Celebrate the season with festive lights

As soon as the jack-o’-lanterns are put away, the Berkshires will be decked out in holiday lights. Explore Naumkeag’s gardens as they shine bright with 150,000 twinkling lights. Stroll through Night Woods, a sound and light experience on the grounds of The Mount. Or immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Hancock Holiday Nights at Hancock Shaker Village. ■