North of Boston

Choate Island Day
2024-09-28 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | The Crane Estate, 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
The annual Choate Island Day celebration hosted by The Trustees at The Crane Estate is coming up on Saturday, September 28th! With a ticket to this family-friendly event, you can access Choate Island, the crown jewel of the Crane Wildlife Refuge located behind Crane Beach in Essex Bay. Hop on the bus at Crane Beach, and then take the Essex River Cruises riverboat over to the island. Enjoy guided or self-guided tours allow you to explore the island and tour three historic buildings, with a kid’s scavenger hunt, light refreshments, and history & wildlife stations and talks along the way. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy an adventure through beautiful coastal landscapes while learning about the past, present, and future of this special place. Register here: https://thetrustees.org/event/420406/

Visit the Museum of Old Newbury!
2024-09-28 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-09-29 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-04 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-05 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-06 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-10 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-11 11:00 - 17:00 and 2 more dates | Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Visit the Museum
Come enjoy a walk through two floors of this 1808 brick Federal-style home, full of objects and stories of Old Newbury.
Regular Season Museum Tours (May 30 – Oct. 13, 2024)
Thursday-Sunday – open between 11am-5pm* Tours are on the hour and limited to ten people – please arrive 10 minutes early. *Last tour is at 4pm.
Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 youth
Free for members of the Museum of Old Newbury

19th-Century Historic Homes Tour: Wenham and Topsfield
2024-09-29 13:00 - 17:00 | Wenham and Topsfield, MA
Visit several historic home interiors on our bus tour, and see and learn about many more buildings and their histories along the way!
The towns of Wenham and Topsfield for much of the 19th century were still very much characterized by agriculture. But a new turnpike, the railroad, and the Civil War created new opportunities. Many buildings and architectural characteristics from this special period have been preserved in Wenham and Topsfield. Join us to tour a great collection of these historic homes!
This is a one-time-only event, space is limited.
The bus start/stop location will be in the Wenham/Topsfield area, specific location details will be provided via email prior to the tour.

Le Vent du Nord
2024-10-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Enjoy the energy and mirth of a Quebecois Saturday night kitchen party as this award-winning progressive string band returns to Belleville.
Le Vent du Nord is a driving force of the Quebec progressive folk movement, as well as a leading group in the revival of traditional music in Quebec. Since its founding in 2002, it has experienced a meteoric rise that never ceases to amaze! It has performed over 2,200 concerts on 4 continents, released 12 albums and received numerous prestigious awards.
Doors open at 7:00 pm

Twilight Amongst the Tombstones: Night Walk in Highland Cemetery
2024-10-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Highland Cemetery, 21 Hill Street, Newburyport, 01950, United States
What better time than twilight in October to grab a flashlight and join us for a walk through the historic Highland Cemetery. To add to the intimacy and atmosphere of darkness, many epitaphs are easiest to read by flashlight.
Join noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th generation Newburyport native for a nighttime stroll through the historic 1800 Highland Cemetery. From the graves of Newburyport’s Black residents to daring Revolutionary War privateers, accomplished artists, brave Civil War nurses, and ordinary Newburyporters, learn about people whose lives were recorded in stone.

Conference on Newburyport and the China Trade, 1844-2024
2024-10-28 08:30 - 16:00 | M
Monday, October 28, 2024
8:30 AM 4:00 PM
Wilkie Center for the Performing Arts at The Governor’s Academy (map)
Organized by the Museum of Old Newbury, please visit https://www.newburyhistory.org or call 978-462-2681 for tickets today.
Join us for a full day Conferece on Newburyport and the China Trade, 1844-2024: Commerce, Diplomacy, and the Arts in the Years of the Dragon.
In 1843, Caleb Cushing of Newburyport resigned from the U.S. Congress to become America’s first commissioner to China. He arrived in China with four American warships, laden with gifts including revolvers, a telescope, and an encyclopedia, and used both threats and flattery to achieve his ends. The subsequent 1844 Treaty of Wanghia, named for the village where it was signed, was the first treaty between the U.S. and China. It was one more way in which Newburyport and the China Trade were inextricably linked.
Join Eric Jay Dolin, author of When America Met China, and Dane Morrison, author of True Yankees: The South Seas & the Discovery of American Identity, along with art, shipbuilding, and modern China experts to evaluate the impact of the China Trade on various aspects of our community, our nation, and the world.
This full-day event includes lunch and all sessions and is hosted by The Governor’s Academy.
Tickets are $45 for Museum of Old Newbury Members; $60 for non-members

Conference on Newburyport and the China Trade, 1844-2024
2024-10-28 08:30 - 16:00 | The Governor’s Academy, Wilkie Center for the Performing Arts at The Governor's Academy 1 Elm Street, Newbury, M, 01951, United States
Join us for a full day Conferece on Newburyport and the China Trade, 1844-2024: Commerce, Diplomacy, and the Arts in the Years of the Dragon.
In 1843, Caleb Cushing of Newburyport resigned from the U.S. Congress to become America’s first commissioner to China. He arrived in China with four American warships, laden with gifts including revolvers, a telescope, and an encyclopedia, and used both threats and flattery to achieve his ends. The subsequent 1844 Treaty of Wanghia, named for the village where it was signed, was the first treaty between the U.S. and China. It was one more way in which Newburyport and the China Trade were inextricably linked.
Join Eric Jay Dolin, author of When America Met China, and Dane Morrison, author of True Yankees: The South Seas & the Discovery of American Identity, along with art, shipbuilding, and modern China experts to evaluate the impact of the China Trade on various aspects of our community, our nation, and the world.
This full-day event includes lunch and all sessions and is hosted by The Governor’s Academy.
Tickets are $45 for Museum of Old Newbury Members; $60 for non-members

Downtown Lynn Open Studios
2024-11-23 10:00 - 17:00 | Lynn Museum, 590 Washington St., Lynn, MA, 01901, United States
Downtown Lynn Open Studios returns for 2024!
Join us on Saturday, November 23rd, from 10 am to 5 pm, in partnership with Lydia Pinkham Labs! Thank you to Lynn Community Health Center for generously sponsoring this year’s Open Studios trolley, which features live music and transports folks between Downtown Lynn and Western Ave (Saturday only).
The Studios at Lynn Museum & Arts Center (LynnArts)
25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA 01901
View artist studio spaces, learn more about the exciting classes and workshops our building community offers, and purchase locally made artwork and handmade goods at the Galleries at LynnArts artist fair and from artists at the Studios.
Here is a list of participating Studio members:
– Cultura Latina Dance Academy, Nonprofit Dance School, Hosting Open Studio Hours (Lower Level, Units LL101-LL103)
-Galleries at Lynn Arts, Artist Nonprofit, Hosting Art Fair and Member Gallery Show (First Floor, Main and Community Gallery)
– Leslie Fahn Rosenberg, Painter & Mixed Media Artist, Hosting Open Studio Hours and Art for Purchase (First Floor, #101)
– Patty Klibansky (The Brush & Fig), Mixed Media Artist, Hosting Open Studio Hours and Jewelry and Art for Purchase (Second Floor, #206)
– North Shore Music Center, Music Education for All Ages, Hosting Open Studio Hours (Second Floor, #205, #207, #208)
– Niki Werth (Nicole Werth Designs), Mixed Media Artist, Hosting Open Studio Hours and a Variety of Works for Purchase (Second Floor, #209)
– Sheila Golden, Painter, Hosting Open Studio Hours and Art for Purchase (Third Floor, #304)
– Sally Jacobson, Art Photographer & Mixed Media Artist, Hosting Open Studio Hours and Art for Purchase (Third Floor, #309)
The Museum at Lynn Museum & Arts Center
590 Washington Street, Lynn, MA 01901
View our latest exhibition featuring landscape paintings and scenic views of Lynn from the Lynn Historical Society Collection, purchase Lynn-themed goods in our shop, and enjoy art-making activities. We’ll also have members of The Brickyard Collaborative for a pop-up!
The Brickyard Collaborative
Will do a pop-up at The Museum (590 Washington Street, Lynn, MA 01901)
Do you feel like you need to build, create, learn, and make? Flip the switch, turn it on, and build it at The Brickyard Collaborative. They have everything you need to make your ideas come to life – from woodworking, 3D printing, CNC machining, and rapid prototyping all the way to digital imaging, textiles, forge work, and even traditional boatbuilding.
What is a MakerSpace? It’s a workshop, tool, fabrication, creative co-op, and collaborative community. Members pool together resources to make impossibly expensive technology available. The community pools talent, support, and ideas to create new solutions. They are a 100% volunteer makerspace!
Raw Art Works
37 Central Square, Lynn, MA 01901
Check out RAW’s space and their 2024 Student Exhibition “UNFILTERED!” Specific hours to be announced.
UNFILTERED is a response to the growing fear among youth of being judged for their true selves. With the constant pressure to conform to a narrow definition of acceptability, many young people feel compelled to hide parts of who they are. This year, RAW is challenging this paradigm. They believe that what might be deemed “cringey” by societal standards are, in fact, badges of authenticity. UNFILTERED encourages youth to showcase their unique qualities and stand out with pride, reinforcing that there is immense strength in showing up as your whole self.
The Item Cafe
38 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA 01901
Fuel up and recharge at one of downtown’s latest spots, The Item Cafe. This community-based coffeehouse takes pride in offering delicious, sustainably sourced, and ethically grown small-batch coffee roasts. It features locally procured pastries from Bova Bakery in Boston’s Boston’sd and fresh food items emphasizing quality ingredients. See why they put the ‘It’ in Item.
Check out the abstract mural by one of our Studios members, Michael Terrell Aghahowa!
Ravenstone
58 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA 01901
Are you looking for handmade jewelry and ethically sourced crystals and minerals? Make sure you head to Ravenstone, next door to The Item Cafe. You can also enjoy an incredible selection of apothecary, art, books and stationary, bath and beauty, wares, and more!
And don’t forget to stop by the Lydia Pinkham Labs (271 Western Ave) on Saturday, November 23rd, and Sunday, November 24th, from 10 am to 5 pm to see more incredible artworks, artist spaces, and handmade goods, all created right here in Lynn!

DenCITY Soulcase & Open Mic
2024-12-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre, Exchange Street 25, Lynn, M, 01901, United States
🎤 DENCITY Soulcase + Open Mic
Step into a space where creativity flows freely and community thrives. DENCITY brings you an evening of authentic artistic expression, smooth vibes, and genuine connection at the historic Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre in Lynn’s Central Square.
📍 WHEN: Every 1st and 3rd Sunday
🕖 TIME: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
💫 FREE ADMISSION
Whether you’re a poet, musician, storyteller, or dancer, DENCITY welcomes all artists to share their craft in our judgment-free zone. Each performer gets a 5-minute spotlight, chosen randomly from our “Lighthouse” to keep the energy spontaneous and fresh.
🎵 VIBE WITH US:
Spoken Word & Poetry
R&B & Neo-Soul
Live Music & Dance
Storytelling & More
✨ EVENING HIGHLIGHTS:
Soul Writers Workshop
Featured Performer
Professional Photography Available
Vendor Marketplace
Community Resources
Sober, Inclusive Space
📍 LOCATION: Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA
Easy parking
Near MBTA/Commuter Rail
Fully accessible venue
Produced by Michelle La Poetica, DENCITY isn’t just an open mic—it’s a movement celebrating diversity, creativity, and community connection. Come early to secure your performance slot and stay for the phenomenal vibes!
📱 CONTACT: Michelle La Poetica (662) 799-1916 DencityVibes@gmail.com

Cantemus Presents "The Peace of Wild Things"
2024-12-06 19:30 - 20:30 | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Beverly, 4 Ocean St., Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Cantemus Chamber Chorus, with 42 members from across the North Shore, will present three concerts in December that share “The Peace of Wild Things.” Inspired by the Animal Kingdom, this concert preserves some seasonal traditions, and goes beyond. The repertoire ranges from des Prez and Mendelssohn to contemporary composers Eric Whitacre and Craig Hella Johnson. Some pieces reflect on the grace and beauty of the natural world; some involve animals being personified or used as poetic symbols; and some mimic actual animal sounds!
The concerts will take place in three North Shore towns: In Beverly on Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4 Ocean St.; in Newburyport on Sunday, December 8 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 166 High St.; and in Gloucester on Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church St.
Cantemus’ Artistic Director Jason Iannuzzi said, “We are thrilled to present this expansive program of choral music from the 15th through the 21st century. The animal kingdom has provided a deep well of inspiration for poets and composers who have sought to capture their grace and beauty, as well as the seemingly human qualities of our fauna friends.”
For more information about the program and to purchase tickets, visit www.cantemus.org/concerts. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Cantemus gratefully acknowledges funding support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and from the Local Cultural Councils of Amesbury, Boxford, Essex, Ipswich, Marblehead, Newbury, and Newburyport. Cantemus participates in the Card to Culture program, a Mass Cultural Council initiative that offers reduced-price tickets to card holders.
Cantemus is a member of Chorus America, MASSCreative.org, and the Greater Boston Choral Consortium.

Gloucester Middle Street Walk
2024-12-14 | M
The Middle Street Walk will be held Saturday, December 14th from 10:AM to 4:30 P.M. The Walk will feature holiday fairs, luncheons, tours, a horse drawn hay ride and much more. The day concludes with the lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree at 4:30 P.M. For more information, please go to
www.middlestreetwalk.org

Rocky Neck Holiday Art Trek
2024-12-14 12:00 - 17:00 | Rocky Neck
From vibrant paintings and sculptures to intricate ceramics and handcrafted jewelry, the Rocky Neck Holiday Trek offers a diverse array of one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for last-minute Christmas gifts. Whether you’re seeking a thoughtful present or treating yourself, the Holiday Trek invites you to discover the joy of locally crafted gifts amidst the creative energy of the Rocky Neck Art Colony.

Hidden Histories: Black History Month Lecture
2025-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Long HIll, 576 Essex Street, Beverly, 01915, United States
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with “Quietly Hidden: A Story of Architectural Salvage and Discovered Craftsmanship,” a lecture that honors and educates the achievements, resilience and creativity of Black artisans. Senior Curator, Christie Jackson will present her research on Long Hill, with a story of early preservation, the untold story of enslaved artisans, and one family’s passion for history all combine. Her groundbreaking research uncovers Long Hill’s enriching history of the Federal-era ornamental carvings salvaged from Charleston, SC and used in the Sedgwick’s 1921 house that was created in part by highly skilled enslaved craftsmen.
Long Hill was the Beverly summer home of Atlantic Monthly editor Ellery Sedgwick and his family from 1916 until it was bequeathed to The Trustees in 1979. This lecture will take place inside the the historic home where participants will then join Christie as she gives a tour of the first floor of Long Hill to highlight the architectural elements included in her presentation. Participants should drive to the top of the hill, and look for our parking lot on the left

Coffee and Conversation at the Carlson Education Center
2025-02-13 10:30 - 11:30 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Carlson Education Center, CAM Green
13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA
Free Program, Registration Required
Celebrate Black History Month with a look at Doris Elizabeth Prouty: Art and Expression through Quilting.
With a focus on her quilt titled Lanes Cove, we’ll explore the artistry of African American quilter Doris Elizabeth Prouty (1947-2020), a resident of Gloucester for nearly 50 years. We’ll be joined in the conversation by her husband, Dick Prouty.
You are invited to join us every Thursday for a unique experience. Led by a CAM docent, these deep dives into a single artwork or object from the Collection will begin with conversation, a short presentation and complimentary coffee at the Carlson Education Center, followed by a special trip to the James Center to view the object being discussed. No special knowledge needed! Just a curiosity to learn more in a small group setting and enjoy a unique experience.
Image Credit: Doris Elizabeth Prouty (1947-2020). Lane’s Cove, 2017. Hand applique, embroidery, cotton cloth. Gift of the Prouty Family, 2022. Cape Ann Museum Collection. [2022.093.001]

Coffee and Conversation at the Carlson Education Center
2025-02-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Carlson Education Center
CAM Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA
Free Program, Registration Required
Explore the photography of Gordon Parks.
You are invited to join us every Thursday for a unique experience. Led by a CAM docent, these deep dives into a single artwork or object from the Collection will begin with conversation, a short presentation and complimentary coffee at the Carlson Education Center, followed by a special trip to the James Center to view the object being discussed. No special knowledge needed! Just a curiosity to learn more in a small group setting and enjoy a unique experience.
Image Credit: Staff photo of the Coffee & Conversations at the Carlson Education Center discussion of Charles Allan Winter on January 16, 2025

Soundscape Visions' Immersive Journey Returns
2025-02-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-25 19:30 - 21:30 | GALA GAllery At Lynn Arts, Exchange Street 25, Lynn, M, 01901, United States
Lynn, MA – Prepare to embark on a breathtaking audio-visual journey as Soundscape Visions announces the return of their much-anticipated immersive performance. Scheduled for February 22, 2025, at GALA in Lynn, MA, and February 25, 2025, at Wright Locke Farm in Winchester, MA, this event promises to captivate audiences once again.
“We’re thrilled to bring back our immersive audio-visual experience,” says the team at Soundscape Visions. “This year’s theme, Dark Waters, will transport audiences through a series of captivating compositions that intertwine music and visual compositions.”
Renowned for their ability to blend large-scale video projections with original live music, Soundscape Visions creates a synesthetic extravaganza unlike any other. Expect to be immersed in evocative landscapes, magnetic video art, and intriguing social commentary.
“We’re excited to debut three new audio-visual compositions, alongside two audience favorites,” shares the team. “These new works aim to engage the senses and provoke introspection, offering a truly unique experience for all who attend.”

Coffee and Conversation at the Carlson Education Center
2025-02-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Carlson Education Center, CAM Green
13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA
Free Program, Registration Required
Explore the photography of Gordon Parks.
You are invited to join us every Thursday for a unique experience. Led by a CAM docent, these deep dives into a single artwork or object from the Collection will begin with conversation, a short presentation and complimentary coffee at the Carlson Education Center, followed by a special trip to the James Center to view the object being discussed. No special knowledge needed! Just a curiosity to learn more in a small group setting and enjoy a unique experience.
Image Credit: Staff photo of the Coffee & Conversations at the Carlson Education Center discussion of Charles Allan Winter on January 16, 2025

Theatre at Castle Hill: Ada and the Engine
2025-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Argilla Road 290, Ipswich, M, 01938, United States
Ada envisions a whole new world where art and information converge in this story of love, friendship, and the edgiest dreams of the future. The poignant drama follows Ada Byron Lovelace’s complicated relationships with Charles Babbage, her mother, and the memory of her poet father.
