June is Here and Summer is in the Air

Hero image courtesy of Marblehead Pride

With Memorial Day weekend behind us, summer might still be a few weeks away on the calendar but we’re feeling the season in full swing! Our local sails, cruises, charters and whale watches are back in the water, our farms have reopened and are already stocked with fresh produce, and outdoor dining and live music is happening on the daily. June brings PRIDE and Juneteenth, and we look forward to honoring these important events, while supporting inclusivity and celebrating diversity. Here’s what we’re looking forward to this month!

All of June: Special PRIDE Package at Sonesta Select, Danvers

Receive 25% off your stay at Sonesta Hotel in Danvers, with welcome gift and continental breakfast for 2! Use the code PRIDE

June 1–3: PRIDE Flag Raisings, North Shore

Many of our local cities and towns are raising the PRIDE flag in honor of PRIDE month over the next few days! Flags will be raised in Danvers, Salem, Manchester-By-the_Sea, Wenham, Marblehead, Newburyport, and more! In Newburyport Governor Maura Healey will be the keynote speaker for the Newburyport Pride Flag Raising, along with Mayor Sean Reardon.

June 3: Newburyport PRIDE Parade

Be a part of the first annual Newburyport Pride Parade! Wear your most fabulous outfit and line the parade route, or be in the parade and show your pride.

June 3: Rainbow Regatta, Pickering Wharf

Kick-off Pride Month with the first annual Rainbow Regatta! Several commercial vessels, including Schooner FAME, Mahi Cruises’ HANNAH GLOVER, Salem Sail for Cancer, and the Essex Heritage NAUMKEAG, will parade from Pickering Wharf to Blaney Street. Spectators can watch the boat parade from Pickering Wharf, Central Wharf, Derby Wharf, or Blaney Street.

View More Local PRIDE Events at NorthShorePride.org

June 2–4: Salem Arts Festival

Celebrate the arts, culture, creativity, and community at the 15th annual Salem Arts Festival June 2 through 4. This free and popular family-friendly event will feature a variety of art, music, dance, and theatre performances throughout downtown Salem.

Public activities include multiple outdoor performance areas, onsite art-making for all ages, local artisans and makers selling their creations, pop-up art exhibitions in businesses around town, a live mural slam on Artists Row, and a temporary public art installation. There are events for the whole family!

June 2–25:Private Lives, Gloucester Stage Company

This fresh take on Noël Coward‘s (Blithe Spirit) iconic 1930 play, PRIVATE LIVES will run from June 2 to 25. Directed by award-winning director, educator and actor, Diego Arciniegas, this uproarious timeless romantic comedy, set in a sophisticated world of cocktails, glamour, and sparkling repartee follows the ups, downs, and all-arounds of passion and betrayal.

June 2–4:Wood-Fired Pizza is Back at Appleton Farms

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a perfect wood-fired pizza experience surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Appleton Farms, weekends all summer long. The menu will change weekly, featuring local and seasonal ingredients, including produce from their farm. Hours for the season are: Fridays 4-7pm, Saturdays 12-5pm, Sundays 12-5pm.

June 3: Fairy Festival, Wenham Museum

The Fairy Festival returns to the Wenham Museum again this Saturday! This celebration of art, nature, and story includes making fairy houses, tea parties, crafting, face painting, fairy yoga, and more. Advanced reservations for the Fairy Festival are strongly encouraged!

June 3 & 4: Newburyport Spring Festival

The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce presents a celebration of arts & Culture along its historic waterfront. Enjoy live local bands, local food trucks, and libations, artisans, and crafters!

June 3: Moonrise Party, Emerson Inn

Join the Emerson Inn for dinner, drinks, and music; a wonderful evening waiting for the moon to rise over the Atlantic! Free to enjoy the music and cash bar, sandwiches, and snacks are available for purchase.

June 3: 80s Cruise with Beauport Cruiselines

Dine, dance, and throwback on this exciting 80’s themed cruise! Break out the neon and practice those dance moves. DJ Scottie Mac will be kicking it aboard the Beauport Cruiselines from 6-9 PM for their 80’s Dinner Cruise featuring Prime Rib. Dressing in your favorite 80’s trends is encouraged.

June 3: Historic New England Open Houses

On Saturday, June 3rd Historic New England hosts their annual open house where all 38 historic sites will be open free to the public! Right here North of Boston you can explore all of these landmarks on Saturday totally FREE! View the list of properties North of Boston here.

June 3 & 4: 40th Annual Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Tour

This weekend marks the 40th Annual Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Tour! Make the most of your time in Gloucester and Rockport by planning your visit, get the brochure and map.

June 4: Sheep Shearing & Opening Day of Vintage Base Ball, Spencer Peirce Little Farm

Take a step back in time and enjoy a spring day on the farm. Watch a live sheep shearing demonstration at 11 a.m. with shearer Leslie Sullivan. Cheer on your favorite teams of the Essex Base Ball Association on its opening day. The Lowell Base Ball Club will face off against the Newburyport Clamdiggers at 10 am and the Portsmouth Rockinghams will play against the Lynn Live Oaks at 1:30 pm The four teams of the Essex Base Ball Association (the Newburyport Clamdiggers, Lowell Base Ball Club, Portsmouth Rockinghams, and the Lynn Live Oaks) play using 1860s rules.

June 6–18: The Carole King Musical, North Shore Music Theatre

BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical is the story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. She fought her way into the record business and built a career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll. But, it wasn’t until her personal life began to crack that she finally found her true voice.

June 6 & June 13: Gloucester 400 Lecture Series, Hammond Castle Museum
Join Hammond Castle Museum weekly lecture series celebrating Gloucester’s rich culture and history in partnership with the Gloucester 400+. On Tuesday June 6: From Beauport to Fenway Court: Five Houses at the Twilight of Gloucester’s ‘Gold Coast’ Ere, presented by Caleb McMurphy. On June 13: The Folly Cove Designers and the Compelling Language of Pattern, presented by Elena M. Sarni.

June 7: Rombauer Sunset Wine Dinner on the Deck, The Landing

The Landing is hosting Rombauer wine and creating an exclusive around-the-world menu to be paired with these uniquely chosen wines, and for the first time, they will be hosting this wine dinner on the deck overlooking beautiful Marblehead Harbor. Enjoy the sunset as you feast on specially prepared foods and exquisite wines.

June 9: Pippin,Firehouse Center forthe Arts

Winner of Four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival! Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great).

Beginning June 9: Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Shalin Liu Performance Center

The 2023 Rockport Chamber Music Festival promises a much-needed, indulgent feast for the senses and soul. 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. Festival runs June 9-July 9, 2023, July 25 and August 12

June 10: Valerie Tutson’s “Journey to Juneteenth,” Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center

“Journey to Juneteenth” is a 45-minute program comprised of a collection of short stories celebrating freedom. During the performance, Tutson will recount the day that news of emancipation reached Galveston, Texas, through the eyes of a fictional character. Audiences will learn about the day General Granger read Order No. 3 and its impact on the fictional character’s life as an enslaved person and what happened to her and her family after. All ages are welcome, and the event is free to attend, but registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Register here.

Photo courtesy of Fire in the Eye Photography

June 10: Crane Outdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the makings of an epic adventure.

Photo courtesy of Crane Outdoors / The Trustees 

June 10: Cemetery Tours, Gloucester

Join Gloucester 400 for tours of local cemeteries and learn about important historical figures and events. In the morning of June 10 explore Cove Hill 1720 and in the afternoon Families of Lanesville.

June 10: Boogie Nights Disco Beach Party, Surfside, Salisbury Beach

Dance the night away under the palm trees and ocean breeze with a DJ Dance Party on the SurfSide deck featuring fun weekly themes like Boogie Night Disco, Baywatch, Back to the 80s, and more! June 10 features DJ Capo. Every Saturday of the summer, 8:30 to 11:30pm, no cover charge.

June 10: Rocky Neck Art Colony Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a great way to spend a Saturday? Gather family and friends to hunt hidden finds all over Gloucester for fun and great prizes! Teams of 2, 3 or 4 people are welcome. Gather family and friends to walk around Rocky Neck and Downtown Gloucester to solve puzzles, answer trivia questions and collect items to bring back to the Cultural Center at day’s end.

Learn about Gloucester’s history as we celebrate 50 years as an art colony as well as Gloucester’s 400th anniversary. All proceeds benefit The Rocky Neck Art Colony.

June 10 & June 11: Beyond the Garden Gate, the 44th Annual Garden Tour

The Museum of Old Newbury is proud to present the 44th Annual Garden Tour, scheduled for Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, 2023. Eleven beautiful private gardens and one stunning park garden will be open for ticket holders only from 10 am to 4 p.m. From formal English gardens in Newburyport, grand estates in Rowley, exuberant cottage gardens in Amesbury, and pocket gardens in Newburyport’s South End, there is something for everyone, from the casual visitor to the most accomplished gardener.

June 11: Celtic Sunset Sail, Maritime Heritage Charters

Join singer Michael O’Leary & Friends for an evening of traditional tunes, songs ‘n sea shanties aboard the schooner Ardelle as she takes a sunset sail around beautiful Gloucester harbor. The seven musicians are an array of tune players and singers from Cape Ann, the North Shore, and greater Boston.

Photo courtesy of Robert Serbagi

June 16: Hollywood Nights – The Bob Seger Experience, Blue Ocean Music Hall

Hollywood Nights is the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. They are a 9-piece band based in New Jersey that continues to strive to recreate everything about Bob Seger and his music down to the core.

June 17: As We Rise Photography from the Black Atlantic opens at the Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) invites visitors to explore a compelling compilation of photographs from African diasporic culture. As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic looks at the myriad experiences of Black life through the lenses of community, identity, and power. The exhibition, which makes its U.S. debut at PEM, is on view from June 17 through December 31, 2023, and features more than 100 works by Black artists from Canada, the Caribbean, Great Britain, the United States, and South America, as well as throughout the African continent.

Photo courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum

June 17 & 18: Father’s Day Weekend Bash, Appleton Farms

Bring Dad to Appleton Farms on Father’s Day weekend for their own seasonal wood-fired pizza, local beer, local BBQ, and live music! We’ll have Essex County Brew Co., Notch, and Rockport Brewing Co. on-site serving up some cold suds, and barbecue from Fat Belly Food Truck.

June 17: Beauport Pride Tour, Beauport, the Sleeper McCann House
Beauport tells the story of a gay man in the early twentieth century: celebrated interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper. Tour the house to learn about Sleeper’s family and friends, and hear readings from books and letters written by Sleeper and his social circle. Discover the challenges facing historians interpreting LGBTQ+ history.

Photo Courtesy of Beauport the Sleeper McCann House

June 17: Going Places: Trains, Planes, and Automobiles, Amesbury Carriage Museum

Join the Amesbury Carriage Museum for a celebration of all things vehicles! Grab your ticket for a journey though history at the Industrial History Center and downtown Amesbury. Running model trains, antique automobiles and carriages, a meet-and-greet with Amelia Earhart, vehicle building and test track races, a three-stop train journey featuring Hodgies Ice Cream, and a visit to an 1864 railroad depot. There will be raffles, crafts, bicycle repair, and more!

June 17: Boat Tour to Misery Island, Salem Ferry Dock

Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound.Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound. Along the way, hear stories about the rich history of the harbor and how the Misery Islands acquired their unique name.

June 17: Juneteenth Festival, Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts
North Shore Juneteenth Association, Inc., Lynn Museum/LynnArts, and Lynn Music Foundation are partnering on Lynn’s 2023 Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 17th, from 11 am – 5 pm. Enjoy music, live performances, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and food for purchase at Frederick Douglass Park (Corner of Union & Exchange Streets) and the Lynn Museum/LynnArts Park (590 Washington Street).

June 17 & 18: Strawberry Festival, Cider Hill Farm

Celebrate all things strawberries. Enjoy free live music, outdoor hard cider bar, hayrides, food truck, homemade strawberries treats, and pick-your-own strawberries. Enjoy barnyard fun with the animals, free lawn games, live music, a Strawberry Selfie Station, Strawberry Scavenger Hunt, hayrides, food trucks, and of course strawberry shortcake!

Photo courtesy of Cider Hill Farm

June 18: 3rd Annual Gloucester Juneteenth Festival and Celebration

Head to Downtown Gloucester on Sunday, June 18 from 11 am-5 pm at the Cape Ann Museum and Gloucester City Hall to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States with a day-long festival centered on Black joy. Participate in Reading Frederick Douglass Together—sponsored by Mass Humanities and the Mass Cultural Council—with Denise Washington and Akili Haynes from Pop Up Poetry, dance to Rhythm Plus Soul, watch performances by Capoeira Ronda and the New England Black Circus, enjoy food from Butter “UR” Biscuit and Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe, and so much more.

June 18: Father’s Day Breakfast, Smolak Farms

Treat dad to a special Father’s Day Breakfast experience at Smolak Farms! Tickets include a delicious and fun-filled breakfast and a special gift for each dad. Seatings at 9 and 11:30 am.

June 18: Boat Tour to Bakers Island Lighthouse
Adventure to a place like nowhere else!Climb aboard Naumkeag, Essex Heritage’s landing craft for a trip to Bakers Island Light Station. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise from Salem past rugged coastline, harbor islands, and five lighthouses to Bakers Island.

June 19–25: Pollinator Festival, Cider Hill Farm

Did you know bees are responsible for 1 out of 3 bites of food we eat? Cider Hill Farm is celebrating and bringing awareness to creatures essential to our food supply. Visit ciderhill.com/festivals details for a week-long calendar of family-friendly activities, interactive art installations, tastings, guests and meet-the-beekeeper moments.

Mark your calendar for a week-long BUZZZ-WORTHY celebration of all things bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and ladybugs. There’s something for everyone!

June 21: Herbie Hancock, The Cabot

In addition to being recognized as a legendary pianist and composer, Herbie Hancock has been an integral part of every popular music movement since the 1960’s. As a member of the Miles Davis Quintet that pioneered a groundbreaking sound in jazz, he also developed new approaches on his own recordings, followed by his work in the 70s — with record-breaking albums such as “Headhunters” — that combined electric jazz with funk and rock in an innovative style that continues to influence contemporary music.

Photo courtesy of The Cabot

June 21: Gallery Tour of Alison Elizabeth Taylor: The Sum of It, Addison Gallery of American Art

Addison Director and exhibition curator Allison Kemmerer will lead participants through the galleries to discuss the themes and works presented. This event, organized with Andover’s Memorial Hall Library, is free, but space is limited and registration is required.

Photo courtesy of Addison Gallery of American Art

June 21-June 25: St. Peter’s Fiesta, Gloucester
The St. Peter’s Fiesta is an annual celebration in Gloucester that takes place on the weekend closest to the Feast Day of St. Peter, June 29. The St. Peter’s Fiesta is sponsored by Gloucester’s Italian-American fishing community that started in 1927.   Events begin Wednesday night with live music. Highlights include the time-honored Greasy Pole Contest, Seine Boat Races, outdoor Mass of St. Peter’s, annual procession, and Blessing of the Fleet. Viva!

Photo courtesy of St Peter’s Fiesta

June 22: Summer Concert By the Sea Featuring Soul Rebel Project
Misselwood Events at Endicott College. Forget all your troubles and escape for an evening of smooth, rhythmic reggae and rock music by the sea. Bring friends and family to enjoy the view. Doors open at 5 pm. A cash bar and food trucks will be available onsite.

Photo courtesy of Misselwood Events

June 24: Literary Gloucester Walking Tour
Don’t miss the next Literary Gloucester Walking Tour from Gloucester 400+ the last Saturday of each month. Gloucester 400+ hosts a series of educational and thought-provoking literary walking tours! The tours are led by noted raconteur tour leader, Phil Storey, who provides a brief slide-overview at Sawyer Free Library, followed by the 1.5 hour walk through downtown Gloucester. Tours sell out, be sure to book in advance!

June 24: CAMTalks: Exhibition Series – Glimpses of Granite, Cape Ann Museum
Over one hundred years after they were made, the quarries of Cape Ann are now an integral part of the local landscape. These former industrial sites, once swarming with quarrymen and their machines, have now become peaceful natural sanctuaries. The deep beds have filled with water, creating new ecosystems. In this CAMTalk, Les Bartlett, a local historian who has explored Cape Ann’s quarries for the past 20 years, will dive deep into their history.

June 24: Bennie and the Jets, Marcom Theatre
Bennie and The Jets recreate the sight and sounds of one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time, Elton John with sheer accuracy.  You will think that you are at an Elton John concert. Greg Ransom’s vocals mimic Elton John’s naturally.  And his piano-playing which began when he was ten is remarkable with a similar outlandish style to Elton John’s.

June 24: North Shore Pride Festival, Salem
The parade kicks off at noon and ends at 1:00 Staging is at Shetland Park, 27 Congress St. Salem starting at 10:30 a.m., and it ends at the Salem Common

June 25: North Shore Pride Drag Brunch
Join local drag queens at the Derby Restaurant in Salem, MA for a pride celebration!

June 25: Jimmy Tingle Live, Windhover Center for the Performing Arts
Jimmy Tingle Live: Comedy, Commentary and Conversation! An evening of social, political and autobiographical humor from Three Time “Best of Boston” winner Jimmy Tingle. Thought-provoking and very funny. Topical, Timeless, Tingle!

Beginning June 29: The Newburyport Custom House Maritime Museum hosts 2023 Maritime Days Tall Ships
This summer, the Custom House Maritime Museum will be proud to host the tall ship replica Nao Trinidad as it sails into Newburyport flying the Spanish flag. The original Nao Trinidad sailed around the world between 1519 and 1522 which at that time was the greatest maritime feat in history. This stunning 200-ton sailing vessel is a replica of Magellan’s historic vessel built by the same private foundation behind El Galeon – a previous tall ship visitor to Newburyport, Fundación Nao Victoria. From June 29 through July 9, 2023, the Nao Trinidad will be docked at Waterfront Park.