Lee Founders Weekend Returns September 19–21, 2025
Three days of food, music, parades, fireworks, and community fun in the heart of the Berkshires!
The Town of Lee is preparing to host one of the Berkshires’ most anticipated community celebrations. Lee Founders Weekend, taking place September 19–21, 2025, invites residents and visitors to enjoy three days of small-town charm, vibrant entertainment, and long-standing traditions.
“Founders Weekend is when Lee truly shines,” said Alexandra Heddinger, director of the Lee Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the annual event. “It is a time for the community to celebrate its history, showcase its spirit, and welcome guests from near and far.”
Highlights of the 2025 Founders Weekend include:
Friday Night – The Taste of Lee & Fireworks
The festivities begin with the ever-popular Taste of Lee on Main Street, where local restaurants, breweries, and other food vendors serve up favorite flavors from across the Berkshires. As evening falls, the sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks display by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks. Main Street will be closed to traffic from 5:00–9:00 pm for this event.
Saturday – Parade, Vendors, Cars & Music
Saturday morning begins with the Wildcat Main Street Mile Race at 10:00 a.m., where runners follow the parade route while spectators cheer them on. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Lee Middle High School Cross Country Team.
Following the race, the Founders Weekend Parade will take place, featuring marching bands, community groups, floats, and local pride. Main Street will be closed from 10:00–11:00 a.m. for the parade.
Leading the parade this year is Parade Marshal Peter Bluhm. A dedicated community volunteer, Bluhm has spent years lending his time, energy, and expertise to organizations that enrich life in Lee. From serving on town committees to supporting civic projects, he is known for thoughtful leadership and behind-the-scenes contributions.
“Founders Weekend is by far the most intensive and exhausting undertaking every year—one that seems to make a difference,” Bluhm noted. “Being chosen as Parade Marshal is an honor that connects me to so many people who care about this town.”
After the parade, dozens of craft and food vendors will line the streets, while live entertainment continues throughout downtown. Food highlights include SPAAMFAA (Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America) grilling burgers and hot dogs, Lee Sons and Daughters of Italy selling their homemade grinders in the Park, and the Lee Chamber-sponsored Slider Cook Off, with tickets available for purchase at the Lee Chamber Information Booth, Canna Provisions, and participating restaurants prior to the event.
The Athletic Field will feature a wide variety of activities for all ages. An obstacle agility course will be set up by Neighborhood Ninja’s, while Berkcirque offers circus activities. Bowey the Magic Clown will perform magic, balloon creations, and face painting from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by Terry a la Berry from 12:30–1:30 p.m. Returning this year is a skateboard and fingerboard competition starting at 1:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #3 will also be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, and the Pittsfield Police Department Copsicle van will be handing out sweet treats.
The Lee Lions Classic Car Show and Antique Fire Trucks from SPAAMFAA will be featured in the Lee Bank parking lot, accompanied by lively music from the Lucky Bucket Band.
Sunday – New Events, Plus an Old Favorite
Sunday afternoon introduces two new events to the Founders Weekend schedule. The Dog Parade will showcase pups of all shapes and sizes strutting in costumes, bandanas, and wagging tails. The first-ever Founders Weekend Cornhole Tournament will bring a dose of friendly competition for families and friends.
Between the two, crowds will gather along the river for the beloved [Rubber] Duck Race, sponsored by the Lee Lions Club, when hundreds of bright yellow ducks tumble downstream in a splashy spectacle that has become a community favorite.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will also enjoy live music, community performances, historic walking tours, and the welcoming spirit of Lee’s downtown.
Plan Your Visit
Due to construction, municipal parking on Railroad Street is limited. Parking lots are available off Franklin and High Street, at St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s School, Lee Elementary School, and Lee Middle and High School. Additional street parking is available throughout town.
For the full schedule, event details, and updates, visit https://leechamber.org/festivals/founders-weekend/, with more details being added as the event grows closer.
About Lee Founders Weekend
Hosted by the Lee Chamber of Commerce, Founders Weekend honors Lee’s history while supporting its vibrant business community. The three-day festival has grown into a signature Berkshire County tradition that attracts thousands of attendees each year. Organized by the Lee Chamber with the support of volunteers, businesses, and community partners, the celebration reflects the best of small-town spirit and big-hearted hospitality.
Lee Founders Weekend will take place September 19–21, 2025.
The Lee Chamber of Commerce supports and fosters community prosperity while advancing the economic, civic, and social welfare of the town. The Chamber provides a forum for addressing local business needs and represents its members with a unified voice. Membership is open to all individuals, businesses, and organizations with interests aligned with these goals. For more information, visit www.leechamber.org.