North of Boston

En Plein Air Summer Sketch Class Series
2026-06-26 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
From stick figure doodlers to first-rate talents, join us for a seaside, Plein Air sketch class with Sue Wheeler of Arts Abound in Magnolia. All skill levels are welcome! The three-class series offers a 30-minute beginner sketch lesson with an hour and a half of independent sketching time. All you need to bring is a sketchbook, pencils, a ruler, and an eraser. Please note: watercolors, pastels, oils, or acrylics are not permitted on the Museum grounds.
Attendees who wish to tour the Hammond Castle Museum after any of the classes class are entitled to a 20% discount on a self-
guided tour. Tour tickets may be purchased in the Museum Shop before 2:30 pm on the day of this class.
Fridays Summer Sketch Series
En Plein Air classes:
9:30 am- 11:30 am.
June 12, 19 & 26.
These classes are weather-dependent; in the event of inclement weather, this class will be rescheduled with Sue.
This series is $75. Registration closes on the morning of the first class.
Museum Member savings apply.
About Sue Wheeler:
Sue has a lifetime of making art through various mediums from delectable pastries to abstracts in pastels, watercolor, and acrylics. She enjoys using her creative flair in quilting and interior design as well.
Sue graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor’s in business with a focus on hospitality management and earned an associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Following her tenure as a pastry chef in New Hampshire, Sue returned to school for a certificate in graphic design and put her talents to use as a designer in the book publishing and art publishing industries in Vermont. In early 2019, Sue opened her own gallery and studio, Arts Abound in Magnolia Village, MA, as an artistic haven for local artists. Through the gallery, over 30 artists featured their creative works, ranging from paintings, hand-painted silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more. Sue also ran many workshops and classes featuring many of the artists. Often, Sue would work late into the night, painting in her Arts Abound studio. After closing the gallery in 2022, Sue continued to offer the often sold-out painting classes, taught by some of the Arts Abound artists.
Sue has studied under numerous artists to learn watercolor, acrylic painting, cold wax & oil, and collage. Her goals for the Hammond Castle Museum sketch classes are to engage those who are new to the world of art and reinvigorate those who haven’t picked up a blank canvas or sketch pad in a long time. Sue’s philosophy on the creative process encourages you to be less concerned about the final product and instead to enjoy the journey of creativity and get lost in the moment. Once you find yourself in your work, you may just be surprised!

Gloucester Stage presents BAD BOOKS by Sharyn Rothstein
2026-06-26 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-27 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
When a concerned mother finds her son with an “inappropriate” book, an attempt to reason with the local librarian erupts into an explosive, town-wide confrontation. As tensions rise and consequences escalate, we learn that these women have more that connects them than what meets the eye. Bad Books explores the first impressions and raucous debates that divide us while forcing audiences to consider what it really means to care for our children.
Sharyn Rothstein’s poignant drama opens the 2026 Season with cunning humor and heartfelt dialogue in this regional-premiere directed by M. Bevin O’Garaº. Running from June 4 to 27, all performances are at the Natti-Willsky Performance Center – 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, with matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 2:00pm.

The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings
2026-07-02 12:00 - 20:00 | Cabot House, 117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing it.
Historic Beverly proudly presents The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of artworks commissioned to illustrate Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Sr.’s landmark book.
These paintings are featured in Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary The American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display at the Cabot House from September 6, 2025 to July 4, 2026. Tickets are free and open to the public

Tea in the Tavern at the Marblehead Arts Association
2026-07-04 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, M, 01945, United States
Find tranquility this July 4th weekend at the Marblehead Arts Association!
Take time this July 4th to enjoy inspiring artworks, browse for unique, handcrafted gifts, spend an evening quietly reading, and relax with afternoon tea & cake at the Marblehead Arts Association.
The Marblehead Arts Association Summer Exhibition is now on with a display of stunning fine art, photography and 3D, including works by newly juried members. Galleries and gift shop are open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm. Admission is free.
Thursday July 2nd, 6 – 8pm: Silent Book Reading Party
Spend a relaxing evening of literary escape hosted by the Marblehead Festival of Arts, in partnership with the Marblehead Arts Association. Enjoy uninterrupted reading in a quiet setting, perfect for starting your summer reading list. Cost $10.
Saturday July 4th & Sunday July 5th, 1-4pm: Tea in the Tavern
Take a break on Saturday & Sunday afternoon with a welcome cup of tea in beautiful bone china, and enjoy a cookie or cake in the historic Tavern at the Hooper Mansion – or in the exquisite courtyard garden, a hidden gem behind the Marblehead Arts Association!

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 | MA
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 9; 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
Photographs available upon request.
About Rocky Neck Art Colony
Founded in 1850, Rocky Neck Art Colony is the oldest continuously operating art colony in America. Located in Gloucester’s historic Rocky Neck Cultural District, RNAC supports artists and enriches the community through exhibitions, educational programs, performances, and cultural events throughout the year.

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 | 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.

Essex Shipbuilding Museum Adult Workshops
2026-07-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Story Shipyard, 66 MAIN ST, ESSEX, MA, 01929, United States
Learn something you can’t learn on the internet.
This season, the Essex Shipbuilding Museum is offering a full lineup of hands on workshops for adults, from traditional maritime crafts and woodworking to citizen science and folk art.
Stitch a ditty bag. Carve a bird. Explore the marsh during Crab Lab. Make something with your hands and spend time in one of the most unique classrooms around: a working shipyard on the Essex River.
To make participation easier, many workshops are being offered twice, with both Monday morning and Thursday evening sessions available.
No experience necessary. Just curiosity.
Registration is now open.
#EssexShipbuilding #AdultEducation #MaritimeHeritage #HandsOnLearning #EssexMA

Midsummer Night's Dream
2026-07-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-19 14:00 - 16:00 | MA
The North Shore Players, a community theater in Danvers, invites you to bring a blanket or chair to outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Performances are July 10, in Danvers, July 11, 12 in Beverly, and July 17, 18, 19 in Danvers. Tickets are $15-$20. Tickets, locations, driving directions and show times are at www.northshoreplayersma.org. The North Shore Players is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and has been on the North Shore since 1957.

¡Fiesta en la Calle!
2026-07-11 12:00 - 17:00 | Essex Art Center, 56 Island Street, Lawrence, MA, 01840, United States
¡Fiesta en la Calle! is a free event where residents from Lawrence and across the Merrimack Valley come together to celebrate the region’s vibrant and diverse artistic talents. This lively event transforms Island Street into a hub of creativity and fun, offering a diverse range of free art activities, live music, dancing, and games for all to enjoy.
Outdoors, tents feature local businesses, nonprofits, and artist vendors selling unique, handmade treasures. Indoors, the Salon Show features 150 artworks created by artists of all ages. Our teaching artists perform demonstrations highlighting our educational offerings in ceramics, animation, laser engraving, and more!

Jazz at Marblehead Arts – Donna Byrne
2026-07-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, M, 01945, United States
Come enjoy an evening of exceptional jazz music, presented by the Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould as part of the Jazz at the Arts Concert series!
Acclaimed jazz singer, Donna Byrne returns to the ballroom at the Hooper Mansion for a relaxing evening of great music and good company. Concert starts at 7pm. Doors open at 6.30pm. Cash bar. Tickets $35 on sale now at Marblehead Arts Association and Arnould Gallery, Marblehead or online.

En Plein Air Sketch Classes with Sue Wheeler
2026-07-18 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
From stick figure doodlers to first-rate talents, join us for a seaside, En Plein Air sketch class with Sue Wheeler of Arts Abound in Magnolia. All skill levels are welcome! This two-hour session includes a 30-minute beginner sketch lesson. All you need to bring is a sketchbook, pencils, a ruler, and an eraser. Please note: watercolors, pastels, oils, or acrylics are not permitted on the Museum grounds.
Attendees who wish to tour the Hammond Castle Museum after this class are entitled to a 20% discount on a self-guided tour. Tour tickets may be purchased in the Museum Shop before 2:30 pm on the day of this class.
Class Schedule:
Thursday Plein Air Sketch classes: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
May:14
June: 11
July 23: (6 – 8 pm)
August: 6
September: 10
October: 8
Saturday En Plein Air Sketch classes: 9:30 am- 11:30 am.
May: 9
June: 20
July:18
August: 1
September: 5
October: 3
All classes are $25 each. Museum Member savings apply.
Weather-dependent; classes may be canceled, and reservations will be refunded if necessary.
About Sue Wheeler:
Sue has a lifetime of making art through various mediums from delectable pastries to abstracts in pastels, watercolor, and acrylics. She enjoys using her creative flair in quilting and interior design as well.
Sue graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor’s in business with a focus on hospitality management and earned an associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Following her tenure as a pastry chef in New Hampshire, Sue returned to school for a certificate in graphic design and put her talents to use as a designer in the book publishing and art publishing industries in Vermont. In early 2019, Sue opened her own gallery and studio, Arts Abound in Magnolia Village, MA, as an artistic haven for local artists. Through the gallery, over 30 artists featured their creative works, ranging from paintings, hand-painted silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more. Sue also ran many workshops and classes featuring many of the artists. Often, Sue would work late into the night, painting in her Arts Abound studio. After closing the gallery in 2022, Sue continued to offer the often sold-out painting classes, taught by some of the Arts Abound artists.
Sue has studied under numerous artists to learn watercolor, acrylic painting, cold wax & oil, and collage. Her goals for the Hammond Castle Museum sketch classes are to engage those who are new to the world of art and reinvigorate those who haven’t picked up a blank canvas or sketch pad in a long time. Sue’s philosophy on the creative process encourages you to be less concerned about the final product and instead to enjoy the journey of creativity and get lost in the moment. Once you find yourself in your work, you may just be surprised!

Summer Vino Flora at Davio's Lynnfield
2026-07-25 12:00 - 14:00 | 1250 MarketStreet, MarketStreet Complex, Lynnfield MA 01940, 1250 MarketStreet, MarketStreet Complex, Lynnfield, MA, 01940, United States
Join Davio’s Lynnfield & Asusena Texada on Saturday, July 25 or Saturday, August 22 at 12 PM to learn to make your own Floral Arrangement! (Doors open at 11:30 am).
Welcome Wine
Jules, Sparkling Rosé, Veneto
Food Station
Watermelon, Feta, Mint Skewer
Smoked Salmon, Dill, Crème Fraiche, Cucumber
Melon, Prosciutto Skewer
Crispy Chicken Slider, Pickles, Caper Aioli
Mini Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Strawberries, Raspberries
Pink Chocolate Pretzel
Pink Rosé Wine Flight
(2 oz pour of each wine)
July Flight Wines
2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Davio’s Reserve by Peter Merriam, Russian River Valley
2025 Feudi di San Gregorio, ‘San Greg’, Rosato, Campania
2025 Château Minuty M Rosé, Cotes de Provence
August Flight Wines
2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Davio’s Reserve by Peter Merriam, Russian River Valley
2025 Gerard Bertrand, ‘Gris Blanc’, Rosé, South of France
2025 Château Minuty M Rosé, Cotes de Provence
Make your own Floral Arrangement
Using Freshly Cut Pink “Rose” Flowers, design your own Floral Arrangement. All Supplies needed for this workshop are included!
$85 per person(excluding tax & gratuity)

Newburyport Art presents 'A Homecoming for Artists: A Paneled Discussion'
2026-07-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art will hold a ticketed panel discussion on Monday, July 27th from 6-8pm, moderated by local storyteller, actor and educator Paul Wann. The panelists are AJ Smith, Ariele Ebacher, Dylan Metrano, Julie Pike Edmond, and Isabella Schwind. Tickets are available now, $45 for Newburyport Art Members, and $60 for non-members. Proceeds go to benefit the Newburyport Art Annual Fund. To learn more about the panelists or purchase tickets, visit newburyportart.org/naa-events/2026-coming-home
