Maritime Gloucester

Discover the Best of Summer: 10 Can’t-Miss Events in the North of Boston Region

Summer in the North of Boston region is a time of vibrant festivities, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures. From historic celebrations to contemporary art festivals, the area is brimming with activities that promise fun for everyone. Here’s a roundup of ten must-attend summer events that will make your visit to the North of Boston unforgettable this season.

1. Salem Arts Festival

Date: June 7–9, 2024, various times
Location: Downtown Salem, MA

Kick off your summer with the Salem Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of the arts in the heart of historic Salem. Enjoy a diverse range of visual art, live music, dance performances, and interactive installations. This family-friendly event also includes a fantastic artisan marketplace. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a fun weekend activity, this festival is a perfect start to the season.

2. North Shore Pride Parade and Festival

Date: June 22, 2024
Location: Salem Common, Salem, MA

Join the vibrant and inclusive North Shore Pride Parade and Festival, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. The day begins with a lively parade through the streets of Salem, followed by a festival on Salem Common featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and community resources, followed by an after-party at Bit Bar and a Drag Brunch on June 23rd at The Derby. It’s a joyous celebration of love, diversity, and equality.

3. Yankee Homecoming

Date: July 27–August 4, 2024
Location: Downtown Newburyport, MA

In 1958, Newburyport joined twenty-nine other New England communities in holding a celebration that would bring people together. Since then, the Yankee Homecoming committee has carried on this tradition for families, visitors, and volunteers to enjoy and is the only community that has continuously held this yearly festival since the beginning. Yankee Homecoming is a beloved annual tradition in Newburyport, offering a week of family-friendly activities. Highlights include a grand parade, waterfront concerts, fireworks, and a heritage tours. The event culminates in a breathtaking fireworks display over the Merrimack River, making it a quintessential summer experience.

4. Beverly Homecoming

Date: August 6–11, 2024
Location: Various locations in Beverly, MA

Break out the lawn chairs, dust off your dancing shoes, and locate the lobster crackers. Beverly Homecoming is back! Beverly Homecoming is a beloved tradition that brings the community together over six days of festivities and fun. With live music, family-friendly movies, lawn games, a road race, and a full slate of fun events, Beverly is the place to be August 6-11, 2024 for the 59th Annual Beverly Homecoming.

5. Gloucester Schooner Festival

Date: August 29–September 1, 2024
Location: Gloucester Harbor, Gloucester, MA

The Gloucester Schooner Festival celebrates the region’s rich maritime heritage, and this year marks the 40th annual event. This capstone to the summer is steeped in history and jam-packed with events and opportunities to get up-close and personal with these beautiful ships. The Gloucester Schooner Festival has become a Labor Day weekend tradition for thousands of people every year and is put on by Maritime Gloucester. Every year schooners from all over travel to Gloucester to race and to show off their beauty and grace both under sail and as a dock-side attraction.

The event features a spectacular parade of sail, schooner races, and opportunities to board these majestic vessels. Enjoy dockside festivities, live music, and a fireworks display over Gloucester Harbor. It’s a perfect event for maritime enthusiasts and families alike.

6. Festival by the Sea

Date: August 3, 2024
Location: Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

Festival by the Sea is a delightful celebration of art, music, and food. Held in the charming town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, the festival features local artists and artisans, live performances, and delicious food vendors. Your senses will be inspired by the beautiful art, extraordinary live music and the aromas of delicious, local foods. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore local talent and enjoy a day by the sea.

7. Rockport Chamber Music Festival

Date: June 7–August 25, 2024
Location: Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, MA

Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival. This summer-long series features world-renowned musicians performing in the stunning Shalin Liu Performance Center. This year Artistic Director Barry Shiffman has assembled an intriguing blend of some of the most exciting artists of this new generation along with established, world-renowned chamber musicians at the peak of their careers. The festival offers a rich program of classical and contemporary chamber music, making it a must for music lovers.

8. Ipswich Ale Harvest Fest

Date: August 24, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Ipswich Brewery, Ipswich, MA

Celebrate local brews at the Ipswich Ale Harvest Fest. Come enjoy great beer out of the Tapmobiles, live music by the Orville Giddings Band, delicious BBQ, & Vintage Base Ball with 1860’s rules! This year the festival will be complete with all new kids activities and a bouncy house! Bring the kids (and the dog!) down to the farm for a day of great local beers and fall fun. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local craft beer scene and enjoy a festive day with friends and family.

9. Marblehead Festival of Arts

Date: July 4–7, 2024
Location: Various locations in Marblehead, MA

The Marblehead Festival of Arts is a community-driven event showcasing local art, music, and theater. The festival includes an art exhibit, street performers, film screenings, artisan marketplace, kite festival, sand sculpture competition, and a stunning fireworks display over Marblehead Harbor. It’s a celebration of creativity and community spirit.

10. Topsfield Fair

Date: October 4–14, 2024
Location: Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, MA

End your summer with a bang at the Topsfield Fair, the oldest agricultural fair in the country. This iconic event features agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, and the famous giant pumpkin contest. It’s a fun-filled event that offers something for everyone, making it a perfect conclusion to the summer season.

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The North of Boston region is a summer hotspot brimming with diverse events that celebrate art, culture, history, and community. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these ten events are sure to enrich your summer experience with memorable moments and delightful discoveries. Mark your calendars and get ready to explore the best of what this beautiful region has to offer!