May You Enjoy Everything There is To Do North of Boston This Month

Oh, May we are so happy to see you! Spring is in full swing here North of Boston! Our flowers are blooming, our birds are chirping and our outdoor patios, farms, and seasonal businesses are welcoming visitors for a whole new chapter! Our local charters, cruises, and whale watches are back in the water and passengers are jumping aboard to experience the beauty of the North Shore from sea. Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are right around the corner too! Before long the dog days of summer will be upon us and Crane Beach will be packed. Here’s to appreciating this special season and the beauty and excitement that awaits you North of Boston this month. Here’s what we’re most looking forward to:

May 6–7 & May 13–14: Tulip Fest, Cider Hill Farm

A gorgeous variety of 100k tulips are scheduled to bloom in early May at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury! Welcome in spring at this multi-weekend festival featuring free live music, self-guided blooming orchard walks, outdoor hard cider bars, food trucks, fitness n’ family activities and pick-your-tulips. Festival entrance is free but pre-purchased online tickets for tulip picking is required.

May 11: Graham Nash, The Cabot

Legendary artist Graham Nash, as a founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He has seen rock history unfold at some of its seminal moments – from the launch of the British Invasion to the birth of the Laurel Canyon movement a year later.

May 11: The Calling Wine Dinner,Davio’s Lynnfield

Join Davio’s Lynnfield and Brand Ambassador Kyle Noble on Thursday, May 11th at 6 PM for a 4-course wine dinner. View the menu.

May 11: The Landing Supper Club, The Landing Marblehead

Join the Landing in Marblehead for a Landing Supper Club event on May 11 featuring live musical performance by DD Sims and a 3-course prix fixe dinner. View the menu.

May 12: Rockport Music Presents Lucia Micarelli

A supremely gifted classical crossover artist, violinist and vocalist Lucia Micarelli returns to Rockport, this time as a duo, bringing along acclaimed guitarist and Latin GRAMMY nominee Leo Amuedo. The pair will give an intimate night of music showcasing their diverse influences moving from jazz, to classical, to traditional fiddle music, Americana, and Latin.

May 12: 70s Retro Disco Night, Smolak Farm

Enjoy a night of retro fun while dancing to throwbacks of the 70s inside the event tent at Smolak Farm. Proceeds from this event will go to the Boston Living Center which helps people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as other chronic illnesses and challenges.

May 12–21: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure. Presented by Firehouse Center for the Arts, performed at Spencer Pierce Little Farm.

May 12–21: 100 Voices, Our Collective Story, Cape Ann Museum Green

Presented with the Cape Ann Museum and the CAM Teen Council, 100 Voices, Our Collective Story is an immersive public artwork of light and sound by Harbor Voices that was created with community voices at senior centers, the offices of public officials, public schools, nonprofit groups, and historical societies. 100 Voices, Our Collective Story will be on display Friday, May 12 – Sunday, May 14, 2023. Friday, May 19 – Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA. Free viewing hours are 10:00 am-5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and 1:00-4:00 pm on Sunday.

May 13: Hats & High Tea, Amesbury Carriage Museum

A celebratory event honoring moms, sisters, aunties, caregivers, and families. Come for our elegant afternoon tea with scones & sandwiches and all the trimmings. Wear a hat for fun and maybe win a prize! There will also be a photography exhibit with images from the Merrimac Hat Company.

May 13: Marblehead Spring Celebration

Discover Marblehead, in collaboration with The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce, is hosting the 3rd Annual SPRING Celebration on Saturday, May 13 in Marblehead. They’re teaming up with local shops, organizations, artists, organizations, non-profits and restaurants to provide a festive showcase for local businesses. Come to Marblehead with your family for a fun-filled day of community events, activities, shopping, and more!

May 13: Sheryl Faye as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Wenham Museum

Celebrate women’s history by attending this interactive and educational performance about one of the most impactful women of our lifetime. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life continues to be one of achievement: as a lawyer, professor of law, a judge, and then a Supreme Court justice, she stands out because she was not afraid to dissent, disapprove, and disagree with conditions of unfairness and inequality.

May 13: Mom’s Morning Off, MarketStreet Lynnfield

Kickstart Mother’s Day weekend at MarketStreet Lynnfield starting with a CARDIO+BEATS workout led by A Mom’s Village, then kick back with refreshments on Davio’s patio. Ticket sales benefit Life is Good’s Playmaker Project. Grab a friend and make it a girls’ morning. Registration is required.

May 13: Crane Explorer: Mother’s Day Coastal Crafts

This Mother’s day, give a gift from the sea! From seaweed pressings to shell collages, beach treasures make beautiful greetings and keepsakes. Join this workshop to make a gift for mom, OR bring mom along for a fun coastal art making outing! This program will start with a beach walk to collect coastal treasures, followed by crafting.

May 14: Mother’s Day Brunch, Beauport Cruiselines

Beauport Cruiselines returns with a Mother’s Day brunch at sea from 11am to 2 pm for children and adults. Hop aboard and enjoy a decadent brunch and ocean views as you cruise along Gloucester Harbor and Cape Anne.

May 14: Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner

• Beauport Hotel, Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet in the Ballroom
• Beauport Hotel, Mother’s Day Dinner at 1606
• Appleton Farms, Mother’s Day Brunch To-Go
• Salem Waterfront Hotel, Mother’s Day at the Waterfront
• Davio’s Lynnfield, Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner
• Seaglass Dining, Mother’s Day Brunch by the Sea
• Sea Level Newburyport, Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner
• Finz Seafood & Grill, Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
• Grove Rowley, Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner
• Capri Seaside Italian Kitchen, Mother’s Day Dinner

May 15: Witch Hunting is Not a Thing f the Past in Africa, via Zoom

Witch persecutions and trials are ongoing incidents in many parts of Africa. Witchcraft accusation is a form of death sentence in many countries. Across the continent, thousands, mainly women and elderly persons, are accused, tried, attacked, killed, imprisoned or banished every year. Join the Salem Witch Museum for a fascinating virtual lecture given by Dr. Leo Lgwe, Director of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches.

May 18: The Heirloom Gardener with John Forti, Museum of Old Newbury

Join John Forti for a lively talk based on his new book, The Heirloom Gardener – Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World at the Museum of Old Newbury. Richly illustrated with period images and contemporary woodcuts, his PowerPoint shares inspiration from our long history of heirloom preservation, garden craft, and homestead lifeways.

May 19–21: Spring into Essex,  Essex in Bloom

The Town of Essex and the Essex business community are welcoming people back to Downtown Essex to see Essex in Bloom! There will be dining, shop hopping, entertainment, art installations, games, and more.

May 20: The Dating Game Live, Larcom Theatre

Join the Larcom Theatre for a night of their live version of The Dating Game. Much like the original game show from the 70s, one contestant will ask three people who are hidden behind a curtain questions that help them determine which of the three they would like to get to know better. The dynamic host will help true love bloom on stage. Watch three episodes unfold LIVE!

May 21: Artist Talk: Alison Elizabeth Taylor, Addison Gallery of American Art

Alison Elizabeth Taylor will discuss her work and current exhibition at the Addison which consists of approximately 40 large-scale single-panel works as well as a room-sized installation, this exhibition traces the evolution of the artist’s practice. Known for her daring and inventive fusion of marquetry, the centuries-old art of wood inlay, with gritty and provocative subject matter, Taylor tells tales that are unequivocally modern.

May 21: Tap Brewing Co. 20th Anniversary Pig Roast

Swine and dine with Tap Brewing Company in honor of their 20th anniversary on Sunday May 21st. Enjoy a traditional Pig Roast served picnic style with all the fixins, plus a beer and souvenir glass! Tickets are available to purchase at their bar or at the door until capacity, if spots are still available.

May 25: Celebrating Billy Joel, Blue Ocean Music Hall

One of the foremost songwriters of the twentieth century, Billy Joel’s music is beloved around the world. Eclectic, but always uniquely recognizable, his songs tell stories to the backdrop of his virtuosic piano playing. This show celebrates the songs and the style of Billy Joel, evoking the energy and passion of live performances in his 70s/80s pomp.

May 27: CraneOutdoors Riverboat to Choate Island & Hike

Join CraneOutdoors on a riverboat outing into the heart of the Essex River basin. You will be setting sail in the protected waters of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, one of the most scenic sections of the Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England. After setting sail for the brief trip across the Castle Neck River and learning about the area’s rich history and ecological background, you will dock on Choate Island for a guided hike to explore the landscape.

May 28: Reggae Sunday with Anthony B, SurfSide

Kick off summer and Reggae Sundays on the deck at SurfSide on Salisbury Beach with Anthony B. Save the date for their other Reggae Sundays shows scheduled for June 18, July 2, and July 16.

Photo credits: Hero Image – red tulips courtesy of Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury; pink tulips courtesy of Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury; Calling Wine courtesy of Davio’s Lynnfield; Lucia and Leo courtesy of Rockport Music; 100 Voices courtesy of Cape Ann Museum; high tea courtesy of Amesbury Carriage Museum; Marblehead Spring graphic courtesy of Discover Marblehead/Marblehead Chamber; coastal crafts courtesy of the The Trustees; Witch Hunting is Not a Thing of the Past courtesy of Salem Witch Museum; Essex in Bloom courtesy of Essex Merchants Group; the Dating Game courtesy of Larcom Theatre; Alison Elizabeth Taylor courtesy of Addison Gallery of American Art; Reggae Sunday courtesy Surfside.