Fireworks, Festivals & Coastal Fun: See What’s Happening in July

hero image by Discover Marblehead

July is bursting with energy across the North of Boston region, and the month ahead promises unforgettable memories along our scenic coastline and historic towns. Whether you’re beach-bound, exploring hidden gems, or soaking in the sights and sounds of summer festivals, there’s something happening around every corner.

This month brings dazzling fireworks, local traditions, alfresco dining, and art-filled outings perfect for locals and visitors alike. Let the warm breezes lead the way as you explore everything that makes summer so magical here in North of Boston. Here’s what we’re excited about this month.

July 1-13: Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Rockport

Glorious music from across the centuries performed by close to one hundred exceptional musicians. From festival favorites such as Marc-André Hamelin, the Dover Quartet and A Far Cry, to our abundance of exciting new artists, as well as composer-in-residence Mark Applebaum, the festival is sure to inspire. Bring your open hearts and minds and join us as we celebrate the future.

July 1: Little Sprouts in the Garden: Butterfly Detectives, Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, Andover

Engage your curious budding gardener or adventurer in our new Little Sprouts in the Garden series, a monthly themed program to connect your child with the natural world around us.

July 3: Fireworks Cruise, Cape Ann Cruises, Gloucester

Looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate Independence Day? Hop aboard the legendary WEJACK for the 3rd of July fireworks cruise! Cruise around Gloucester Harbor’s scenic waterfront and savor the breathtaking views as the sun sets and anticipation builds. Watch the night sky come alive with vibrant bursts of color, and best yet, you’ll have front-row seats to a mesmerizing fireworks spectacle. We offer the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, with spacious decks for mingling, a fully stocked bar, and a friendly crew to ensure your comfort. Don’t miss this opportunity to create magical memories while celebrating Independence Day. Book your fireworks cruise today!

July 3-6: Marblehead Festival of Arts, Marblehead

The July Festival hosts a wide range of art exhibits, outdoor music concerts overlooking Marblehead Harbor, Film Festival, Street Festival, Children’s Festival, Artisans Marketplace, and many other cultural activities designed to provide a fun and enriching experience for the entire family.

July 5: GA-20 with Jay Aptt and The MaliCaminos, The Cut, Gloucester

Since 2018, GA-20 has been at the forefront of a traditional Blues revival. The dynamic throwback trio have long been disciples of the place where traditional Blues, Country and Rock ‘n’ Roll intersect. “We make records that we would want to listen to,” says guitarist Matt Stubbs. “It’s our take on the song-based traditional electric Blues we love.” Stubbs, along with guitarist & vocalist Cody Nilsen and drummer Josh Kiggans, strive to bring traditional Blues to the front lines of the modern roots music scene. “The focus for us has always been on the story, the melody, and on creating a mood,” Stubbs continues. “Traditional Country and Soul have all had these massive recent revivals. We want to be part of doing that for traditional Blues music.”

July 6: Firebird Pops Orchestra: Sea to Shining Sea, Hammond Castle Museum

Celebrate Independence Day weekend with a moving musical journey across the American landscape—from its Indigenous roots to the many cultures that have shaped its sound. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic at the historic Hammond Castle Museum, this outdoor performance features a rich blend of The Firebird Pops strings and brass, led by conductor Brendan J. Kenney. The program includes a special appearance by Elke Jahns-Harms, making her Firebird debut on Native American flutes. Returning vocalists Fred C. VanNess, Jr., and Mara Bonde join us once again to bring powerful and poignant selections to life.  (Scroll below to read their bios!) Enjoy this celebration of heritage, unity, and freedom, right by the sea.

July 8: Documentary Sketching with Yetti Frenkel, Newburyport Art Association, Newburyport

This class will sketch as a group, picking a new location each week. Possible locations include the Tannery, the courthouse, the waterfront, a local coffeehouse, pub, or park. The idea is to increase our powers of observation and quickly capture the essence of a scene. People who want to improve their drawing or be “in the moment” intensely will enjoy this class. Students will be encouraged to find a topic that excites them and to create a documentary series. This class will be held on July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29.

July 10: Monthly Moonrise Party, Emerson Inn by the Sea, Rockport

Celebrate the rising of the moon, over the Atlantic, with great music, food, and drinks!

July 11: African Queens with Karen Slack, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

Praised for her “sizeable voice that captured all of the vacillating emotions” (The New York Times), GRAMMY Award-winning soprano Karen Slack is “not only one of the nation’s most celebrated sopranos, but a leading voice in changing and making spaces in classical music” (Trilloquy). Slack delivers a powerful performance celebrating the history and legacy of seven African queens, featuring newly commissioned art songs by Jasmine Barnes, Damien Geter, Jessie Montgomery, Carlos Simon, and others, interwoven with spoken text, thematic artwork and traditional repertoire.

July 12: Cider Mash 5K, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

Run, walk, stroll on Saturday, July 12th through the 145 acres of orchards, fields and forest at Cider Hill Farm. See race route in the registration. Gather friends and family for a morning with family and friends on the farm before sipping chilled hard cider (21+). All ages welcome + encouraged. All participants get a cider donut, too! So sorry – no dogs. Race is timed and managed by J3 Timing. Pre-registration required. Register early to save! Portion of registration goes to The #ZFDMMusicFoundation helping to make music classes accessible to all children in the community. Photo credit: Jason Novak @ https://www.instagram.com/ruebenfilmz/

July 13: The Wizard of Oz, North Shore Music Theater, Beverly

Travel down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy and her loyal dog Toto as they embark on a magical adventure to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Joined by new friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, this lavish production of THE WIZARD OF OZ promises to enchant audiences with dazzling choreography and spectacular special effects. This musical adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ is a captivating experience for the entire family.

July 14: White-Ellery House Tour, CAM Green, Gloucester

The White-Ellery House, built in 1710 for the Reverend John White, Gloucester’s first settled minister in First Parish, was situated in Gloucester’s Town Green, the center of the community at that time. The house exhibits a certain elegance and refinement while providing for basic needs of its early owners. The tour will share who lived in the house over time, its exterior structure and interior features, and the adventure of being moved to make way for the Route 128 rotary.Photo Credit: The White-Ellery House, CAM staff photo.

July 17: Pastries on the Porch, Long Hill, Beverly

Indulge in a morning of timeless elegance as you sip fragrant tea and savor an assortment of locally crafted, fresh-baked pastries on the porch overlooking the enchanting Sedgwick Gardens. Each party will be presented with a beautifully curated box of delicate pastries and confections and a steaming pot of tea, all set against the backdrop of the lush garden views once cherished by the Sedgwick Family. Bask in the serenity, relish each moment, and let the beauty of the gardens transport you to a more genteel time.

July 18-20: Misselwood Concours d’Elegance, Beverly

The Misselwood Concours d’Elegance is one of the most scenic and fun concours shows in the country. Since 2010, the Misselwood Estate has become home to an annual display of stunning automobiles and motorcycles from across the country. Motoring enthusiasts are left speechless by the spectacular oceanfront setting, with its well manicured grounds and gorgeous views. Misselwood is an intimate show with no barriers between you and the cars, where you are sure to see an eclectic mix of rare, historic cars and motorcycles.

July 21: Dark Wedding Expo, The Satanic Temple, Salem

Forget white veils and cookie-cutter venues. The Dark Wedding Expo by The Satanic Temple Salem is where rich ceremony, the unapologetically authentic and the spirit of rebellion come together. Attendees will enjoy venue tours, dark and alternative vendors to shop, one day only discounts on The Satanic Temple Salem’s wedding packages, a raffle for an overnight stay in the guest suite and more. Free to attend, please register.

July 22: Kids’ Paper Making – Summer Session, Museum of Printing, Haverhill

For children from preschool through highschool interested in creating with their hands, learning how to make paper and reuse scrap paper instead of throwing it away. Learn a simplified method for making new paper sheets from scrap using a blender, water, and various molds and deckles. Ticket includes take-home paper making kit, optional for repeat participants. Funding provided by the Haverhill Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council.

July 25: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, Gloucester Stage Company, Gloucester

Through Tom’s cinematic eyes, his family’s life isn’t the dream he imagined. In a rundown St. Louis apartment the matriarch, Amanda Wingfield, is desperately clinging to a past of parties and endless callers. Her adult children, Tom and Laura, become victims of her delusions as she pushes for Tom to provide for the struggling family and Laura to find a husband. The two seek solace in ways of escaping their mother and their own misery until a visit from a gentleman caller presents the possibility of new opportunities. Renowned playwright Tennessee Williams opens the 2025 Season with this classic drama, directed by Doug Lockwood. Running from June 5 to 28, all performances are at Gloucester Stage’s Theater 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm, and matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 3:00pm.

July 26: Yankee Homecoming Brewfest, Cashman Ball Park, Newburyport

The Yankee Homecoming Brewfest will be held on Saturday July 26th from 5:00pm – 9:00pm and will once again serve as a fundraiser for this year’s festivities: ALL proceeds will go back to Yankee Homecoming! Brewfest will take place rain or shine at Cashman Park in Newburyport. General Admission costs $40 advanced ticket purchase / $45 after July 1st.  A limited number of non-drinker tickets are also available for $25. New this year- We are offering presale group tickets. Purchase 10 or more tickets prior to July 1st for only $35.00 each! This fundraiser has sold out in advance for several years and we once again do not expect any tickets to be available for sale at the gate. Tickets are on sale now!  Click here to purchase tickets.

July 27: Art is Love: A Talk and Concert, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem

Join us for an afternoon of music and dialogue exploring the creative process in contemporary songwriting and performance. This conversation among original works by artists Muriel Teodori, Kessada and Steve Nieve pays tribute to two of the most iconic figures in modern music: Tom Waits and Elvis Costello. Through conversation, live performance and personal storytelling, the trio invites the audience to reflect on the art of creation, the power of love and the eternal interplay between control and spontaneity in artistic expression.

July 26 – August 3: Newburyport Yankee Homecoming, Newburyport

In 1958, Newburyport joined 29 other New England towns in launching a festival to bring people together—and it’s been going strong ever since. Yankee Homecoming is now the longest continuously running celebration of its kind. Highlights include a brewfest, Olde Fashioned Sunday, waterfront concerts and workouts, family day, heritage tours, art and craft shows, a Coast Guard open house, parade, and fireworks.