Rejoice it’s Spring: Here’s What to Do North of Boston This April

Here North of Boston, the arrival of spring brings a burst of excitement and endless adventures awaiting your exploration. As nature awakens from its winter slumber, our picturesque landscapes come alive with vibrant colors and renewed energy! From scenic hikes along rugged coastlines to leisurely strolls through our quaint seaside villages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Our seasonal businesses and farm start to reopen, our whale watches  return, and we are offered a whole new season to discover new and exciting gems in our region. Dive into our rich history with visits to charming historic sites, indulge in fresh seafood delights at our renowned waterfront restaurants, or simply bask in the warmth of the sun on our sandy beaches. Join us as we embrace the joys of spring and discover all the wonders that await North of Boston!

Here’s a look at some of the exciting events happening to help kick the season off right! For a full calendar of events visit the event calendar on our website.

Live Shows at The Cut – Gloucester’s newest entertainment venue!
The Cut is located in the heart of downtown Gloucester, surrounded by the City’s galleries, museums, shops, restaurants, and hotels. A premier destination for music, food, and entertainment in the region.
View their schedule of events here. 

April 5: Spring Comedy Night, Firehouse Center for the Arts
Take a load off and join Firehouse for a night of laughs as Comedy Night returns to the Firehouse featuring some of the best comedic talent in the region! Hosted by Mike Smith with headliner Mike Koutrobis along with Kyle Crawford and Jen Howell.

April 6: The Eagles Experience, Larcom Theatre
The Eagles Experience aims to be the most authentic tribute show to the Eagles available today. With a one-to-one lineup that reflects the Eagles during their heyday in the late 1970s, the members of the Eagles Experience each emulate their respective “Eagle”, playing the correct instrument and singing the songs as sung by their protege.

April 7: Hidden Child of the Holocaust, Shalin Liu Performance Center
The Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Ann will have the honor to host An Historic Evening of Inspiration with Survivor Janet Applefield. Mrs. Applefield will share her story of survival, hope, and resilience at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. The lecture will be accompanied by a musical performance featuring the New England Klezmer, which includes Yaeko Miranda, Jim Prendergast and Sonny Barbato.

April 13: Community Day, Hammond Castle
Hammond Castle reopens for their 49th consecutive season on April 5th and on April 13th they are hosting Community Day! The event celebrates their new season along with the 136th birthday of their visionary founder, John Hays Hammond Jr., whose pioneering scientific achievements continue to shape modern technology! Born 136 years ago on April 13th, 1888, Hammond’s enduring influence transcends time, and we’re commemorating his extraordinary legacy. As their special gift to you, join them for free entrance into the Eric Pape, Gertrude Cawein At Hammond Castle Museum fine art exhibit. Doors open at 10 am, last entrance is at 3 pm.

April 13 & 14: Voices of Hope presents HELLO, DOLLY! North Shore Music Theatre
First produced for Broadway in 1964, HELLO, DOLLY! remains one of musical theater’s most enduring and acclaimed musicals bursting with romance, humor, and some of the greatest song and dance numbers in musical theater history. Based on Thornton Wilder’s hit comedy “The Matchmaker,” HELLO, DOLLY!, follows the exploits of meddling matchmaker Dolly Levi. Voices of Hope, a not-for-profit community of artists who raise funds for cancer research thru theatrical performance,  chose this joy filled production to highlight their own celebration of life.

April 19: Taylor Swift Party, Smolak Farms
“Ready For It”? Calling all Swifties! “You need to calm down” and come down to Smolak Farms for one “Enchanted” night of everything Taylor Swift on Friday April 19th. Get ready for a night full of dancing, music, food, giveaways and, much much more! Tickets are $75 per person and include: access to Pizza Bar, access to Candy Bar, Take-home T-Swift Bag, and a night full of surprises. Get your tickets while you can!

April 19: Opening Day, Cider Hill Farm
Cider Hill Farm returns with a packed season of programming all the way though mid-December! Help them kick off their 43rd season on April 19th when the farm store, bakery, and play areas officially open daily 8am–6pm. Plus, enjoy a free hard cider tasting 4-6pm as well as the food truck from 11am-3pm. Keep checking their calendar as they will add lots of festivals, pop-ups, food trucks, live music, weekly activities, orchard walks, hard cider events and children’s programs throughout the season!

April 20: 7 Seas Whale Watch Opens for the Season
Spring brings the return of our area’s seasonal whale watching excursions and 7 Seas Whale Watch is anticipating their first trip of the season on Saturday, April 20th. Since 1983, they have introduced thousands of passengers to the many species of whales and marine wildlife that visit and inhabit the waters just a few miles from their dock in historic Gloucester. Get in on the action this season!

April 20: Earth Day Volunteer Clean Up, Appleton Farms
Join Appleton Farms on Saturday April 20th to celebrate Earth Day on the farm! Neighbors, families, and community members will work together to clean up the farm, complete barnyard projects, restore the chicken enclosure, clean up trails, split and stack wood, assist with property enhancements, and get their hands dirty to care for the great outdoors. They have limited space for volunteers, so sign up soon!

April 21: Adam Ezra Group, Shalin Liu

The Boston-based roots rock veterans, whose energetic, passionate live shows have forced comparisons to juggernauts like the Dave Matthews Band and O.A.R., returns to Rockport!  Working outside the confines of the traditional music industry, Adam Ezra and his – built a community of fans through sheer grit and determination, regularly performing hundreds of shows a year for the past two decades without any major label or mainstream radio support. Opening act Miss Emily.

April 21–23: CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes, Crane Beach
There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and CraneOutddors invites your family to join them for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, you’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading into the dunes to explore it’s trails under the light of the full moon. This is a great opportunity to get the kids outside, share the joys of nature at twilight, and bond with your family.

April 27 & 28: North Atlantic Ballet, Alice in Wonderland, The Cabot
Step into a mesmerizing world where fantasy knows no bounds with North Atlantic Ballet’s world premiere of Alice in Wonderland. The captivating ballet embodies Lewis Carroll’s classic tale; we invite you to journey alongside the inquisitive Alice as she explores the peculiar landscapes of Wonderland. From the whimsical tea party with the Mad Hatter to her enigmatic encounters with the Queen of Hearts, you’ll be enchanted by the visual and emotional tapestry that unfolds on stage.