North of Boston

Bubbles & Books Storytime
2026-07-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-08-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-08-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-08-19 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-08-26 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us every Wednesday morning in July & August for Bubbles and Books on our seaside lawn!
Bubbles and Books is so much more than just storytime. It’s a seaside bubble party featuring stories, music, crafts, a light snack & even an outdoor scavenger hunt.
Doors open at 10:00 am, with bubbles and a craft, then the story & snacks begin about 10:20 am. We recommend you bring a cozy blanket for your little one to cuddle on while we enjoy the storybooks on the lawn. After storytime, enjoy more bubbles and end the morning with a kid-friendly scavenger hunt in front of the Museum.
Don’t forget sunscreen, and we encourage little ones to come dressed in their favorite crown, cape, or whatever makes them feel magical!
Tickets for this event are $10 for ages 8 to adults, and kids ages 7 and under are only $5. Hammond Castle Museum Member savings apply.
We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes early to allow enough time for the walk from the parking lot down to the Museum, then for the check-in process and the walk to the lawn. There are many stairs throughout the campus and inside the Museum. Strollers are not allowed in the Museum or on the Museum Grounds, and oversized baby carriers are not permitted in the Museum due to the many narrow passageways.
This ticket grants you access to the Bubbles & Books program, which will be held on the ocean-facing lawn. If you wish to tour the Museum after this program, ticket holders may purchase Self-Guided Tour tickets in the Museum Shop at a 20% discount. Little ones 4 and under enjoy FREE admission to guided and self-guided tours!
Rain or Shine. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. All proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the Museum.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-07-16 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-23 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-30 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-06 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-13 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-20 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-27 16:00 - 19:00 | Rocky Neck
Gloucester, MA – Thursday nights come alive on Rocky Neck as Culture Splash returns for its sixth season, transforming Gloucester’s historic waterfront into a vibrant celebration of art, music, creativity, and community.
Running every Thursday evening from July 9 through August 27, Culture Splash invites residents and visitors alike to experience the Rocky Neck Cultural District in its most festive form. Galleries throw open their doors, artists welcome visitors into their studios, musicians fill the harbor air with live performances, and creative energy spills onto the streets along Gloucester’s iconic working waterfront.
Recognized as one of Cape Ann’s signature summer traditions, Culture Splash offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy gallery openings, artist demonstrations, poetry readings, live music, signature cocktails, waterfront dining, and opportunities to meet the artists who make Rocky Neck one of New England’s most celebrated creative communities.
Adding to the experience, a free water shuttle will once again connect stops at Solomon’s Landing and St. Peter’s Square to Rocky Neck, delivering guests directly to the heart of the festivities at 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant.
“Culture Splash captures everything that makes Rocky Neck special,” said Elizabeth Carey, Executive Director of Rocky Neck Art Colony. “It’s an evening where art, music, food, history, and community come together against the backdrop of Gloucester Harbor. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, it’s one of the most memorable ways to spend a summer evening in America’s Oldest Seaport.”
Presented by Rocky Neck Cultural District and its many community partners, Culture Splash continues to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Rocky Neck while welcoming new audiences to explore galleries, discover local artists, and experience the unique character of Gloucester’s waterfront arts district.
Some highlights include: Ocean Alliance Drive-in Movie night July 2; Ristuben Jazz Trio on July 16 at Rocky Neck Cultural Center; Betrayal by Harold Pinter at Gloucester Stage Company on July 23; Coco Haze at Gallery RAG on July 30; Kevin Gallagher on August 6 at Gloucester Writers Center and Susan Lynn Demo at North Shore Art Association on August 20.
For a complete schedule of events, participating venues, featured artists, and shuttle information, visit the rockyneckartcolony.org or discovergloucester.com.

Black Picnic
2026-07-18 | Salem Willows Bandstand, 165 Fort Avenue, Robert Hayes Band Stand at Salem Willows, M, 01970, United States
Please join us for the 2026 Annual Historic Black Picnic. Full day of music and fun, cookout kid games and tournaments.. DJs and live performances.

Yankee Homecoming Kick Off Party
2026-07-25 17:00 - 21:00 | Cashman Park, Sally Snyder Way, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Yankee Homecoming Kick Off Party is our rebranded brewfest. Held Saturday July 25th from 5pm – 9pm this event is now family friendly and better then ever. Live music, food booths, kid games and over 20 sampling booths of beer, cider and malt beverages for our 21+ attendees

View the Gloucester Schooner Festival Aboard the Wejack with Cape Ann Cruises
2026-09-03 - 2026-09-07 | Cape Ann Cruises, 63 ROGERS STREET, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
How to See the Schooners with Cape Ann Cruises
Join us aboard the legendary Gloucester Fishing Yacht, the Wejack to see all the visiting Schooners up close from the water. The Wejack has a full bar aboard. We have multiple trips offered daily during the Schooner festival that will be a boatload of fun! See the Calendar and schedule of events below to learn more about our trips offered for the Schooner Festival. The Wejack is a classic power/fishing vessel that you’ll fall in love with, and is not a schooner., but is the perfect spectator boat to get the best views.
Schedule of Events – Cruise Tickets
Thursday, September 3rd, 2026
Schooner Challenge Race -5:30-7:30PM – Buy Tickets
Friday, September 4th, 2026
See the Schooners & Scenic Harbor Tour 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Buy Tickets
See the Schooners & Scenic Harbor Tour 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Buy Tickets
See the Schooners, Sunset & Scenic Harbor Tour 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Buy Tickets
Saturday, September 5th, 2026
See the Schooners & Scenic Harbor Tour 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Buy Tickets
See the Schooners & Scenic Harbor Tour 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Buy Tickets
Schooner Festival Sunset Scenic Cruise Gloucester Harbor: Departs at 6PM 7:30PM – details & tickets
8PM – FIREWORKS Cruise Gloucester Harbor – Departs 8:00PM details & tickets
Sunday, September 6th, 2026
Parade of Sail Cruise Departs at 9:30 AM details & tickets
Mayor’s Cup Race – Departs at 12:30 PM details & tickets
See the Schooners – Scenic Gloucester Harbor Cruise Departs at 3:30 PM details & tickets
See the Schooners at Sunset – Departs at 6 PM details & tickets
Monday, September 7th, 2026 – LABOR DAY
See the Schooners – Scenic Gloucester Harbor Cruise Departs at 12 PM details & tickets
See the Schooners – Scenic Gloucester Harbor Cruise Departs at 3:30 PM details & tickets
See the Schooners at Sunset – Departs at 6 PM details & tickets

Free First Wednesday: Grandparents Day Festival at Wenham Museum
2026-09-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Celebrate Grandparents’ Day at Wenham Museum! 🎉
Make memories together on Wednesday, September 9! Enjoy FREE museum admission and spend the day exploring the galleries, creating together, and celebrating the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
What’s happening:
🖼️ Explore the Museum’s galleries together
🎨 Get creative with hands-on crafts
🖼️ Decorate your own picture frame to take home
☕ Special Grandparents’ Day Tea Party at 4:30 PM!
Bring that special grandparent, grandchild, or both and make some wonderful memories together!
Wednesday, September 9
FREE Museum Admission
Tea Party at 4:30 PM
All Ages
Please note: This month’s Free First Wednesday will take place on the SECOND Wednesday of the month.

MASS ECO FEST
2026-09-12 11:00 - 16:00 | Topsfield Town Common, 9 E. Common St, Topsfield, MA, 01983, United States
Mass Eco Fest is Massachusetts’ only single-use plastic-free event celebrating sustainable living, local makers, and zero-waste innovation.
50+ vendors, sustainable organizations, food, music, and community.
Everyone welcome including dogs!

CAM Talk: Cape Ann Museum – Then, Now, and Tomorrow
2026-09-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, 01930, United States
Join the Bayliss Society at the Cape Ann Museum on September 13 for the closing program of this year’s Jonathan Bayliss Society annual conference, “Gloucester’s Acropolis: Defining the City Then and Now.” This final session features a series of short talks exploring the role and influence of Cape Ann Museum in the community life of Gloucester throughout its existence, with a glimpse toward an exciting future as well.
Speakers are CAM’s Director Oliver Barker, Chief Curator Martha Oaks, and former Museum volunteer Deanie Hancock French. Deanie’s father, the major American sculptor Walker Hancock, was involved for many years in the development of what was then called the Cape Ann Historical Association.
About the Conference
Novelist Jonathan Bayliss (1926–2009) coined the term Acropolis to describe the cluster of civic institutions rising above Gloucester Harbor—City Hall, Sawyer Free Library, the Museum, and neighboring landmarks. This year’s conference brings that idea to life through talks, walks, and readings from September 11–13, exploring how this hillside cultural district has shaped Gloucester from the 19th century to today.
The conference is organized by the Jonathan Bayliss Society in collaboration with Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester Writers Center, and Sawyer Free Library, with support from the Gloucester Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, and the Bruce Cove Foundation.
More information is available at www.jonathanbayliss.org/acropolis.

Appleton Farms Farm Days
2026-09-19 12:00 - 17:00 | Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Celebrate the beauty of autumn with our annual Fall Celebration: Farm Days at Appleton Farms—a seasonal tradition filled with farm fun, crisp air, and colorful countryside views. Spend the day exploring all that fall has to offer on one of the oldest working farms in the country.
Whether you’re looking to visit the barnyard animals, listen to live music, wander scenic trails, or savor farm-fresh treats, there’s something for everyone in the heart of the harvest season. Be sure to grab our incredible wood-fired pizza and baked goods, handcrafted from the Appleton Culinary Team. DownRiver Ice Cream and The Lobster Roller will also be on site all weekend!
Tickets include access to the farm and all of the daily activities listed below! Please Note: Hayrides, Appleton wood-fired pizza, Food Trucks, & Local Beer Vendor purchases are sold separately. They are not included in the ticket.

North Reading Town Day
2026-09-20 11:00 - 15:00
Join us for a day of family-friendly fun at Ipswich River Park in North Reading.
Food Trucks
Inflatable Playground
Live performances
Music
Over 90 local organizations exhibiting
Paddle Clinic

Northshore Horror & Anime Fest
2026-10-10 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Danvers Indoor Sports 150r Andover St Danver, MA 01923, 150R Andover St, Danvers, MA, 01923, United States
Northshore Horror & Anime Fest returns to Danvers, Massachusetts, October 10–11, 2026, for a full weekend celebrating horror, anime, cosplay, comics, collectibles, gaming, and Halloween fun.
Located just minutes from Salem during the heart of Halloween season, the event features celebrity guests, voice actors, comic book artists, authors, cosplayers, filmmakers, vendors, collectibles, toys, comics, anime merchandise, Pokémon and trading cards, panels, Q&As, screenings, photo opportunities, costume contests, giveaways, interactive attractions, and more.
Saturday features the Adult Costume Contest, while Sunday includes family-friendly activities, a Kids Costume Contest, and Trick-or-Treating throughout the vendor marketplace.
Kids 12 and under are free, and parking is free.
📅 October 10–11, 2026
📍 Danvers Indoor Sports, 150R Andover Street, Danvers, MA
🎃 Minutes from Salem, Massachusetts
Whether you’re a horror fan, anime lover, collector, cosplayer, gamer, or simply looking for something fun to do during Halloween season, Northshore Horror & Anime Fest has something for everyone.

41st Annual Essex Clamfest and Arts Crafts Festival
2026-10-24 11:00 - 16:00 | Shepard Memorail Park Essex MA, 24 Martin St., Essex, M, 01929, United States
11 AM-12 PM K-9 Demonstration by the Essex Police Department
11 AM-4 PM Local Artisans & Crafters
11 AM-4 PM Various Food Trucks
12 PM Beer Truck
12-1 PM Chowder Competition (While supplies last)
12-4 PM Face Painting, Reptiles & Kid’s Activities by CAVPT
12-2 PM Live Music by Uncharted Watahs
2-4 PM Live Music by Brick House
3 PM Chowder Competition Winners Announced!
Join us at the Essex ClamFest, Arts & Crafts Festival from 11 am to 4 pm in Shepard Memorial Park in Essex. Come taste Cape Ann’s finest chowders from Noon to 1 pm and vote for your favorite! (Tasting only while supplies last) Although the highlight of the day is the Chowder Tasting Competition, there is also a great variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site!
Chowder Competition’s Participating Restaurants:
TBD
Food Vendors to include:
Essex Lions Club
The Lunch Lady Food Truck
Woodman’s on Wheels
*Also Featuring local brews from: Rockport Brewing
* Musical entertainment by: Uncharted Watahs and Brick House
* Kids Activities include: Face Painting by Miss Wendy and Cape Ann Vernal Pond reptiles!
* Over 40 Crafters, businesses, and Non-profit tables!
NON-PROFITS:
TBD
VENDORS:
TBD
