North of Boston

Fireworks Cruise in Gloucester Harbor aboard the Wejack
2026-07-03 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Cape Ann Cruises, 63 ROGERS STREET, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
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!
Return times are approximate
Limited Seating

Bubbles & Books Storytime
2026-07-08 10:00 - 11:30, 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 | 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.

Reading Frederick Douglass Together
2026-07-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Rocky Hill Meeting House, 4 Old Portsmouth Road, Amesbury, MA, 01913, United States
Each year, we come together to read and talk about Frederick Douglass’ influential address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Join us at the Historic Rocky Hill Meeting House for an evening of community and reflection.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-07-09 16:00 - 19:00, 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

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
