Gloucester Stage presents BAD BOOKS by Sharyn Rothstein
2026-06-13 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-14 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-17 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-18 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-19 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-20 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-20 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-21 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) and 5 more dates | 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.

6th Annual Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Ave, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join the Cape Ann Museum at Gloucester City Hall to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Flag raising with comments from city officials and CAM staff outside City Hall.
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Community reading of Frederick Douglass’s What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Following the reading the public is invited to stay for a facilitated discussion to discuss the speech and their experience reading it. Kyrouz Auditorium, Gloucester City Hall
We hope that you can join us for this community gathering to reflect on important history and the work that still needs to be done.

Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-20 14:00 - 18:00 | Lynn Common, 111 North Common St., Lynn, MA, 01902, United States
Join the North Shore Juneteenth Association for a powerful and joyful Juneteenth Celebration on
Saturday, June 20th
from 2–6 PM
at The Lynn Common!
This community-centered event brings the North Shore together in recognition of Black American freedom, resilience, culture, and joy. Enjoy an afternoon filled with live music, delicious food, local vendors, and meaningful connection as we honor the legacy and impact of Juneteenth.
Come celebrate with us—bring your family, invite your friends, and be part of a day rooted in love, unity, and community pride. All are welcome!

June Moonrise by the Sea
2026-06-26 17:00 - 22:00 | The Emerson Inn, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Prepare for a magical Moonrise Party! On Monday June 29th, witness the stunning rise of the full moon over Rockport. The moon rises at 8:42pm and we will have live music by Jim n’ Tonic from 6-9pm.
We are kicking off our Supper Club with the Strawberry Moonrise on Monday (just after all the Fiesta Fanfare!), with Music by Jim n’Tonic and featuring a guest Chef with a fabulous Prix Fixed menu!

Fireworks Cruise in Gloucester Harbor aboard the Wejack
2026-07-03 20:00 - 22:00 | 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

Abolitionist Voices of Newbury and Amesbury
2026-07-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Coffin House, 14 High Rd, NEWBURY, MA, 01951, United States
Join Historic New England and the Whittier Home Association for a special two-part tour exploring the lives and legacies of abolitionists Joshua Coffin and John Greenleaf Whittier. Participants will tour the Coffin House in Newbury, a Historic New England property and the home of teacher and abolitionist Joshua Coffin and the John Greenleaf Whittier Home in Amesbury. At the Coffin House, visitors will tour Coffin’s study and home, view his gravesite, and learn about his leadership in the abolitionist movement and his influence as Whittier’s teacher. At the Whittier Home, participants will explore Whittier’s life as a writer, reformer, and prominent voice for the anti-slavery cause.
Member $20
Nonmember $25
One group will tour the Coffin House while the other tours the John Greenleaf Whittier Home. Groups will break for lunch, then switch locations in the afternoon to experience the other site. The first tour is 10 a.m.–11:00 a.m. and the second is 1 p.m.–2 p.m.You will be notified of your group via email before the program.
Advance registration required. Registration will close on Thursday, July 23.
Please call (617) 994-5955 for more information.
Accessibility Considerations: Tour involves standing, walking, and stairs. Folding chairs are provided for visitors who would like to use them while on tour. The site is not equipped with ramps, elevators, or lifts. There is a portable restroom at the Coffin House, and the house is not air-conditioned. There is a restroom at the Whittier Home. We are happy to work with you to make your visit an enjoyable one and we encourage visitors with questions or requests to call ahead.

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 | 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, 2026-07-27 09:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-30 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

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.
