North of Boston

Our Favorite Day at Peabody Essex Museum
2026-05-01 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us for a reading of the book Our Favorite Day by Joowon Oh.
Follow Papa as he goes about his favorite day of the week: Thursday, when he gets to eat dumplings, fly kites and go on other everyday adventures with his grandchild. Korean writer-illustrator Joowon Oh brings this family story to life through warm watercolor and cut-paper artwork.
After the reading, be sure to visit PEM’s Korean Art gallery.
Designed for children (5 and under) and their caregivers, PEM Pals aims to engage and excite all of the senses through books, movement, music, art and hands-on activities. Held on the first Friday of the month at 10:30 am.
About our collaborators
Teresa Inés Coelho
Teresa Inés Coelho has years of experience as a performing arts educator. She holds a Music Education Degree from the University of Rio de Janeiro, and is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. Her passion lies in igniting a love for music in children and their families through music and movement classes using the research-based (and fun!) curriculum Music Together.®
Dillian McGahey
Dillian McGahey is an illustrator and arts educator, whose own work tackles the complexities of being human through the lens of silly little creatures. He’s been teaching at PEM since 2020, after completing two internships in the Art & Nature Center. Outside of the museum, he spends his time helping kids develop their own stories and artwork to turn into original books.

Spring BloomFest: Garden & Bulb Tour
2026-05-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, Chickering Road 153, North Andover, M, 01845, United States
Celebrate the beauty of spring at Spring BloomFest: Garden & Bulb Tour at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens. This guided experience invites guests to explore the vibrant seasonal displays while uncovering the rich history of this early 20th-century estate.
Stroll through formal garden rooms awash in waves of tulips, daffodils, blooming trees, and specialty bulbs thoughtfully designed to highlight color, texture, and succession planting. Along the way, learn about the vision of Helen and John Gardner Coolidge, whose passion for horticulture and design helped shape the property into what we see today.
Your guide will share stories of the garden’s history, the evolution of its garden design, while highlighting our variety of spring bulb displays. This tour is perfect for garden enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone eager to welcome the season in full bloom. Please note: This tour is recommended for children ages 12 and up.
Space is limited. Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to the date of the event. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Membership: To locate information about your Membership, including Member ID, expiration date, and more please visit: https://tickets.thetrustees.org/membership.
Tickets: To look up your tickets or re-send an email confirmation, please visit: https://tickets.thetrustees.org/orders.

Curators' Insights & Exhibit Previews: Inside the Faraday Cage & A Tale of Two Pianos
2026-05-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us for a special Presentation and Exhibition Preview celebrating the opening of our two new Spring and Summer temporary exhibitions: Inside the Faraday Cage: The Science of Things That Aren’t So and a mini-exhibit A Tale of Two Pianos.
This exclusive preview offers guests early access to both exhibitions, along with curator-led presentations that provide insight into the ideas, individuals, and historical context behind the work.
Evening program:
5:30 pm–6:00 pm Networking
6:00 pm–6:45 pm Presentations
6:50 pm–7:30 pm Tours of the Exhibit
Light refreshments will be served.
Curatorial Director John Leysath will present an in-depth exploration of Hammond’s 1951 Faraday cage experiments, conducted in collaboration with physician and parapsychologist Andrija Puharich and renowned psychic medium Eileen Garrett. His talk examines the broader landscape of mid-20th-century psychic research, the tension between belief and skepticism, and the importance of scientific rigor in the study of paranormal phenomena. The presentation also considers the wider influence of this research, including its connections to government-funded investigations.
The exhibition Inside the Faraday Cage features a life-size, non-working replica of the experimental apparatus, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step inside and engage with the physical environment of Hammond’s investigations.
Assistant Curator Donovan Lafontaine will introduce A Tale of Two Pianos, a focused installation exploring the history behind Hammond’s three major musical inventions. The ‘Pirafon’ piano, a combination radio, phonograph, and piano instrument, and the ‘Tonal Pedal’ piano, a system of organ swell-like, movable shutters for piano instruments. The mini-exhibit will also feature an interactive model of the ‘Tonal Pedal’ system, for viewers to better understand its features.
Advance reservations are required. Space is limited for this preview experience.
Museum members and VIP guests enjoy complimentary admission.
A $15 fee applies to the general public.

Tulip Fest at Cider Hill Farm (May 2-3 & 9-10)
2026-05-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Enjoy blooming orchard walks, hard cider bars, free live music, food truck and fitness events, family activities, pop-up events and cut-your-own tulips. Important: Pre-purchased online tickets required for cut-your-own tulips. Limited tickets are available for the best possible experience for all. Tickets will go live in late April or early May as we monitor the field. See FAQs: https://www.ciderhill.com/tulipfest

Newburyport Art participates in the city's annual Artwalk
2026-05-02 10:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
The Newburyport ArtWalk on Saturday, May 2nd, from 10am-5pm, is a FREE, self-guided tour that enables art enthusiasts to easily discover and explore Newburyport’s many wonderful art galleries. This art tour guides participants on an art adventure through Newburyport’s Historic District and also includes a few hidden gems just beyond downtown. In conjunction with the ArtWalk, many local galleries showcase special exhibitions, host engaging art discussions and live demonstrations. To learn more about the events being hosted on May 2nd, visit nbptartwalk.com

From the Deep: A Downtown Gloucester Arts Party
2026-05-02 11:00 - 17:00 | MA
The Harbortown Cultural District is excited to present From the Deep: A Downtown Gloucester Arts Party on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Explore the depths of art and culture in the City of Gloucester during this free arts party. Over 25 unique cultural events will take place at cultural and business locations across the cultural district in Downtown Gloucester.
Enjoy 7 art exhibitions, 4 musical performances, 3 video installations, 2 live art demonstrations, free kids activities, a scavenger hunt, and so much more! For a full schedule of video installations, free art activities, live art making, gallery openings, and more visit www.harbortownculturaldistrict.org.

Honoring 36 Years of The Writer’s Block with John Ronan
2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
The public is warmly invited to a special program on Saturday May 2, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., celebrating 36 seasons of The Writer’s Block, hosted by John Ronan, and the gift of the program’s archives to the Cape Ann Museum.
Organized by the Cape Ann Museum, the event will take place at the Janet and William Ellery James Center at CAM Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester. Admission is $5 for CAM Members and $10 for non-members. Advance reservations are required and may be made at capeannmuseum.org.
The program will feature a panel of five past guests of The Writer’s Block, who will join Ronan in reflecting on the show’s legacy and its enduring connection to the Cape Ann literary community.

6th Annual Kentucky Derby Party
2026-05-02 16:30 - 21:00 | MA
Reserve now for the Emerson Inn’s opening Derby Party by the Sea.
May 2 | 4:30–9 PM Live music, cocktails, dinner, contests and raffles! Dress in your Derby best and celebrate under May’s full flower moon rising over the sea!

The Great American Songbook – with a Modern Spin
2026-05-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Manchester-Essex Regional High School, 36 Lincoln St., Manchester, MA, 01944, United States
Cantemus Chamber Chorus, with 41 members from across the North Shore, will present two concerts in May titled “The Great American Songbook – with a Modern Spin.” To salute the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing, the program will include Great American Songbook standards from the early 20th century to newer entrants to the Songbook canon. Beloved songs will include those by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding – and Prince!
Joining Cantemus will be guest artist Miranda Russell and her five-piece combo. Noted for interpreting music of the great songwriters of our day, Russell and her band have been described as demonstrating “extraordinary range and genre-jumping versatility.” Well-known to North Shore audiences and beyond, Russell has performed in Europe, and with numerous Boston area theaters, including several seasons at Gloucester Stage Company.
Cantemus’ concerts will take place in Manchester-by-the-Sea on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Manchester-Essex Regional High School, 36 Lincoln St., and in Newburyport on Sunday, May 3 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 166 High St.
For more information about the program and to purchase tickets, visit www.cantemus.org/spring. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, space permitting. Adults $30; College Students $10; 18 and under FREE.
Cantemus gratefully acknowledges sponsorship support from Eastern Bank and Rockland Trust, and funding support from the Local Cultural Councils of Newbury, Newburyport, Rockport, and West Newbury.

Rockport Music Presents Bre Kennedy
2026-05-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Bre Kennedy is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter acclaimed for her introspective storytelling and evocative performances. Her work has been praised by Billboard, Paste, American Songwriter, and featured on key Spotify playlists including New Music Friday and Today’s Singer-Songwriters.
Known for her powerful live shows, she has headlined sold-out performances at Nashville staples like Exit/In, The Basement East, The Blue Room, and supported artists such as NEEDTOBREATHE, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Paper Kites, Joy Oladokun and Sheryl Crow at the Ryman Auditorium. As a songwriter, she has collaborated with industry standouts including Jake Wesley Rogers and Lori McKenna, with whom she co-wrote the acclaimed track “Before I Have a Daughter.” Her forthcoming fourth studio album, The Alchemist, released on January 30th 2026 marks a new creative chapter—an unflinchingly honest and artfully crafted body of work shaped by personal growth, emotional clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Created in collaboration with trusted co-writers including Melissa Fuller, Ben West, Michigander, Hadley Kennary, Micah Tawlks, Cheyenna Rose, Spencer Rabin, Collin Pastore, Jake Finch, Wilson Bcbeath and John Stark, the album is more than a collection of songs; it’s an intentionally crafted map home. Bre threads hope through the darker moments, writing with the conviction of someone who knows that beauty can bloom from the hardest places. “I want to encourage people with my songs to see the flowers through the concrete,” she says — and it’s this sentiment that’s the heartbeat of the album.
Bre has cemented herself as an artist to watch and one of the brightest voices out of the New Nashville music scene both on stage and in the writing room, recently securing cuts with artists such as Lily Meola, Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson, Joy Oladokun, Lori McKenna, GAYLE, Britney Spencer and Billy Raffoul.

Spring BloomFest: Growing a Pesticide Free Garden Workshop
2026-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, Chickering Road 153, North Andover, M, 01845, United States
Learn to cultivate a thriving, chemical free sanctuary in this Spring BloomFest offering! Participants will dive into the fundamentals of companion planting and soil health to naturally boost plant resilience. Participants will discover how to attract beneficial insects and use organic barriers to manage pests without harsh toxins. By the end of this session, participants will have a practical toolkit for maintaining a vibrant, eco-friendly landscape that is safe for both your family and local pollinators.
This class is part of our new Growing Together series. Growing Together is a new hands-on gardening series at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, created in collaboration with Arianna Iappini of Birch Arbor Gardens. Designed for gardeners of all experience levels, this series invites participants to learn, connect, and cultivate alongside one another through the seasons. Each session blends practical instruction with thoughtful conversation, exploring sustainable gardening practices, seasonal rhythms, and the deeper relationships between plants, place, and people. Rooted in community and shared knowledge, Growing Together offers a welcoming space to grow skills, confidence, and connection in the historic gardens.
If you have a ticket to this event, you do not need a general admission ticket.
Space is limited—pre-registration is required for this event. This program is rain or shine! In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone Exhibition Catalogue
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual, MA, United States
Why do museums publish exhibition catalogues? In this special edition of PEM Reads, two curators will break down what goes into a book such as Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone and how it can serve as a lasting record of a temporary exhibition.
An exhibition catalogue typically gathers photos and reproductions of the artworks in a museum show, accompanied by essays from curators, artists and other experts about the exhibition’s theme. It can represent a souvenir of a favorite museum experience, a rare behind-the-scenes look at a topic or an important research source for art historians. Museum catalogues can even transport readers to an exhibition they couldn’t visit in person.
Chief Curator Petra Slinkard will moderate the discussion.
The catalogue is available from the PEM Shop in hardcover ($60) and paperback editions ($36). You do not need to purchase the book to enjoy this event.

Enchanted Plants: An Exploration of Common and Uncommon Plants in Folklore and Magic
2026-05-07 18:00 - 19:00 | MA
From the tangled forest to the garden gate, join folklorist, rotten botanist, and author Varla Ventura for an exploration of some of the world’s most enchanted plants. We’ll start in the Queen’s Garden of cultivars, then amble over to the Cottage Garden where ordinary plants offer extraordinary stories. Carefully we’ll slip through the iron gates of the Witch’s Garden to discover poison plants that have shaped history. We’ll gallop on to meadowlands, forests, and finally the sea. From the ordinary apple to the fabulous foxglove, we’ll discover plants that have played a significant role in fairy tales, folklore,
and history.
This free virtual program will be hosted on Thursday, March 5th at 6:00 pm ET. Registration is required.

Newburyport Art offers Color Theory with Jessica Murr
2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:30 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Students will work with the three primary colors plus white in acrylic paint to understand and learn about color theory. The basics of how colors and paint interact on the substrate, as well as its application to real life will be included. Still life painting will be used to apply what students have learned from the course into their own artwork. Color schemes, how colors react to each other, and how colors evoke emotions will be taught. Students will walk away with a better understanding of how to mix paint colors, what is in their paint, find colors in real life, and how to create a cohesive color palette. This class is designed to be beginner friendly, and welcome to all types of artists. Minimum of 4 participants needed to run the class.

The Undercovers
2026-05-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
You’ve heard these songs before. But not like this.
You’ll hear beloved hits like Kenny’s “The Gambler,” Lionel’s “Hello,” and Smokey’s “Cruisin’,” reinterpreted with The Undercovers’ signature touch.
Kenny, Lionel, and Smokey were more than chart-topping artists; they were pioneers who transcended genres and influenced each others work. Kenny Rogers brought country storytelling to the pop world, Lionel Richie blended soul with unforgettable pop, and Smokey Robinson brought Motown’s soul to the mainstream.
Even Smokey Robinson himself praised The Undercovers’ version of “Ooh Baby Baby” as the best cover of his cherished song.
Join The Undercovers—featuring vocalists Luke McMaster, Kevin Pauls, and Joel Parisien—as they go beyond the music, sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
Songs you remember. A night you won’t forget.

En Plein Air Sketch Classes with Sue Wheeler
2026-05-09 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-14 13:00 - 15:00 | 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!

Newburyport Art offers Mourning Alters with Johanna Topitizer Finnegan
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Altars offer sacred space for us to visit each day and make offerings of devotion to the loved ones in our lives – those who have passed and those still with us. They help us bring focus and ritual into our daily lives which can make us feel part of something larger than ourselves. Many cultures use altars throughout the year or on special days to remember those who have passed and remind them that we have not forgotten them.
In this workshop, we will talk about altars from other parts of the world and religions to see how they are traditionally created. Then, we’ll talk about what yours might include like pictures and symbols of your loved one to favorite objects that were treasured in their life. As we create these altars with love and remembrance, you are welcome to bring a story to share (optional) about your beloved animal or human. Hopefully, the piece you create will bring you peace as you display it and use it. Beginners as well as experienced artists are welcome to take the workshop. Johanna will guide you through using traditional box making techniques to build our alters. For ages 16 and up.

Creative Foundations: Cyanotypes
2026-05-09 10:30 - 15:30 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Celebrate Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest with a guided tour and workshop!
First, go inside the exhibition with Jane Winchell, PEM’s Sarah Fraser Robbins Director of The Dotty Brown Art & Nature Center and Curator of Natural History, and discover the biodiversity and global importance of our northernmost forests. Afterward, join artist Patricia Scialo to learn how to make cyanotype prints: a “cameraless photography” technique using treated paper that chemically reacts to sunlight. Reflect on the exhibition and your own connection to nature by creating, exposing and processing your cyanotype print. This workshop will also provide resources, ideas and methods to further explore cyanotypes at home.
This class is perfect for beginners or those returning to art after a break. All supplies are provided, and participants will take home essential materials so they can continue practicing at home.
About our collaborator
Patricia Scialo
Patricia Scialo
Fine art photographer Patricia Scialo applies alternative photographic processes to create unique handmade prints. She began her career as an intern at Peter’s Valley Craft Center, Layton, New Jersey, where she mastered view camera work, historic photographic printing processes and still-life compositions that earned her a state fellowship. She has continued working with raw materials, producing handmade paper and cyanotype prints that incorporate mixed media techniques. Scialo was invited to exhibit at the 2024 International Fotografia Festival, Portugal. She is a first-place recipient in the 15th Julia Margaret Cameron Gala Awards, Barcelona. Additional juried exhibitions include: Griffin Museum of Photography, Danforth Art Museum, Winfisky Gallery, Cove Gallery, Jolie Tea Company and Marblehead Arts. Since relocating to the North Shore in 2019, Scialo has conducted workshops for Salem State University, the Cape Ann Museum and Montserrat College of Art. Her studio is located in the Lydia Pinkham Building in Lynn.

Howie Day
2026-05-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Howie Day’s emotionally resonant lyrics and inventive melodies have earned him both critical praise and a legion of devoted fans. He is known for his energetic, heartfelt shows, where he connects with audiences through the strength of his songwriting and his quirky sense of humor. Day’s warm tenor voice “soars into fluttering, high registers, but also grates with real, pleading grit,” as one critic put it.
A native of Bangor, Maine, Day began playing piano at age five and guitar at age 12. By 15, he was writing his own songs and performing across New England. Shortly after graduating high school, Day became a fixture at college coffeehouses across the U.S. He wrote, financed and released his first effort, Australia, which was named Best Debut Album at the 2001 Boston Music Awards. Day began experimenting with effects pedals and loop-sampling techniques as he performed, layering live percussion with vocal harmonies and guitar parts to become a veritable one-man band. He went on to sell over 30,000 copies of Australia as he navigated the independent music scene and continued to hone his craft.
After signing with Epic Records, Day released his major-label debut, Stop All The World Now, and hit the road to support it. Since the release of this groundbreaking album 20 years ago, featuring 4x platinum single ‘Collide’, Howie Day continues to astound audiences with his everlasting music. Two additional studio albums (Sound The Alarm, Lanterns) and his incredible live show will no doubt cultivate life changing and poignant moments for people around the world for many years to come.
Howie Day VIP Meet & Greet Experience
Pre-show Meet & Greet and Personal Photo with Howie Day
Commemorative VIP Laminate and Lanyard, signed by Howie
Collectible VIP-only Enamel Pin
Tote Bag
Early merchandise shopping opportunity before doors open to the public
Priority venue entry
VIP Tickets: $75 (above ticket price)

Johnny Cash + The Ultimate Creedence Clearwater Revival Experience
2026-05-09 20:00 - 22:00 | Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Prepare for an exhilarating tribute concert honoring two iconic musical legends. Award-winning artist Robert Black and his band will take you on a journey celebrating the timeless legacies of Johnny Cash and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Feel the electrifying energy as Robert Black delivers a captivating performance of Johnny Cash’s classics like “I Got Stripes,” “Cry Cry Cry,” “A Thing Called Love,” and other iconic hits. And experience the spirit and sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival as Robert Black and his band, Sweet Hitch-Hiker faithfully recreate CCR’s greatest hits, including “Sweet Hitch-Hiker,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” “I Put a Spell On You,” and more.
Robert Black’s authentic portrayal of Johnny Cash and John Fogerty, combined with his exceptional vocal talent, stage presence, and costuming, promises an evening filled with pure entertainment. Join us for a night filled with nostalgia and musical brilliance as we pay homage to these legendary artists.
Thelarcom.org/robertblack

Mother's Day Brunch at The Emerson Inn
2026-05-10 11:00 - 15:00 | MA
Join us to celebrate mothers at our Mother’s Day Brunch by the Sea in the most beautiful setting north of Boston.
We will have a brunch buffet and live music and our Bar will be open at 11am, serving Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and other specialties for an additional fee.
May 10th | 11:00-3:00 pm

Boston String Academy
2026-05-10 15:00 - 16:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Boston String Academy is a dynamic nonprofit organization inspired by Venezuela’s renowned El Sistema model, which champions musical excellence as a powerful force for social change. Through rigorous, joyful string instruction, Boston String Academy opens doors for children in underserved communities—removing financial and logistical barriers and creating life-changing access to high-level music education.
Founded in 2012 by violinists Marielisa and Mariesther Alvarez, graduates of The Boston Conservatory and El Sistema Venezuela, the Academy is rooted in the founders’ belief that discipline, collaboration, and artistry shape not only musicians, but confident, compassionate human beings. Today, Boston String Academy serves more than 120 students through three programs in Boston’s Chinatown and Allston neighborhoods, providing a comprehensive musical foundation while fostering creativity, leadership, and responsibility.
The Academy’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Students have performed nationally and internationally and have been selected for prestigious programs including the Dudamel Foundation’s Encuentros in Mexico City, Sistema Europe Youth Orchestra in Italy, Orquestra Geração in Portugal, LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival, Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute, and the Sphinx Performance Academy, among many others. Boston String Academy has also collaborated with legendary artists such as Midori, Gustavo Dudamel, and Sir Simon Rattle.
Recognized for both artistic excellence and community impact, Boston String Academy received the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Commonwealth Award in 2019. In 2024, its Youth Ensemble made a landmark debut at Carnegie Hall, affirming the Academy’s mission: transforming lives, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation—one string, one student, and one powerful performance at a time.

Newburyport Art offers Cornell Box with Belle Carver Struck
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Artist Joseph Cornell made exquisite, personal and complex dioramas. Maybe you want to build an alter to a person or a place, perhaps you want to build a momento mori or memory garden, or maybe you just want to play intuitively and assemble objects! No prior experience necessary- Belle will bring examples and demonstrate options for assemblage.

Rockport Music presents Hamnet
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Hamnet is a historical drama based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, set in 16th-century England. The story centers on Agnes, the gifted and intuitive wife of William Shakespeare, and the devastating impact of their young son Hamnet’s sudden death.

Abraxas - Santana Tribute
2026-05-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Get ready for a high-energy night of unforgettable ’70s music as Abraxas, featuring renowned guitarist Ed Antonelli, brings the spirit and sound of Santana to the stage. The heart of the show is a powerful celebration of Santana’s legendary catalog, with electrifying performances of favorites like “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va,” “Maria Maria,” “Everybody’s Everything,” “La Fiesta,” and more.
​
Adding to the excitement, Abraxas will also sprinkle in select hits from some of the most iconic artists and bands of the decade, including The Doobie Brothers, Eric Clapton, Malo (guitarist Jorge Santana) and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The result is a crowd-pleasing, feel-good journey through the unforgettable sounds of the 1970s—with Santana front and center.
​A Limelight Magazine nominee for Best Tribute Band, Abraxas is known throughout New England for its exceptional musicianship, dynamic stage presence, and authentic sound. If you love classic rock, big grooves, and timeless hits, this is a show you will not want to miss.
“Close your eyes, and you’ll swear you’re listening to Carlos Santana!”
Thelarcom.org/abraxas

Black Excellence 5k
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Grace Methodist Church, 374 Broadway, Lynn, MA, 01904, United States
🎉 Black Excellence 5K – Registration Now Open! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏿‍♂️
📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026
Day of Registration will begin at 9 am
⏰ Race starts at 10:00 AM
📍 Grace Methodist Church • 374 Broadway, Lynn, MA 01904
Join us for the Black Excellence 5K — a powerful celebration of health, community, and Black excellence! Whether you walk or run, this event brings people of all ages together for an uplifting experience supporting the North Shore Juneteenth Association.
👟 Event Highlights:
✨ Scenic, flat 3.1-mile course through Lynn — perfect for runners and walkers of all levels.
✨ Awards for the top 3 male and female finishers (18+) and top 3 finishers under 18.
✨ A chance to connect with community and uplift one another.
✨ Virtual 5K option available if you want to participate from anywhere!
💥 Registration Info:
• In-person 5K Run/Walk – $25 ($35 after March 1)
• Virtual 5K – $35 (opens March 1)
Come celebrate strength, community, and Black excellence with us! Lace up your sneakers — we can’t wait to see you at the starting line! 🖤✨
🔗 Register Now:
https://events.elitefeats.com/26blackexcellence
📱 Follow us on IG & FB: @nsjuneteenth

Motif No.1 Day
2026-05-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Rockport, 15 Dock Square, Rockport, 01966, United States
Join us for Motif No. 1 Day as we celebrate Rockport’s unique identity as both a historic fishing village and a vibrant artist destination. Centered around the iconic red fishing shack—long a favorite subject for painters and photographers—this beloved annual event brings together the very spirit of Rockport: coastal beauty, creative energy, and community pride.
Stroll through town as artists set up along the harbor capturing Motif No. 1 and Rockport’s stunning waterfront in real time. Enjoy live music, street performances, family-friendly art activities, and pop-up experiences that unfold throughout the day. From Dock Square to Bearskin Neck and beyond, there’s always something happening just around the corner.
Explore galleries, discover local shops, and experience the charm that has inspired generations of artists. Whether you’re watching a painting come to life, enjoying a performance, or simply taking in the view, Motif No. 1 Day invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect with what makes Rockport so special.
🎨 Come for the art. Stay for the experience. Discover Rockport.

North Shore Children's Museum: Marblehead Free Days!
2026-05-16 09:00 - 2026-05-17 16:00 | North Shore Children’s Museum, 10 Main Street, Peabody, M, 01960, United States
Marblehead residents can enjoy free admission to the North Shore Children’s Museum on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17!
With the generous support of Marblehead Cultural Council, we are excited to offer free admission days for Marblehead Residents. Tickets may be reserved online in advance or in person. Get your tickets now at www.nschildrensmuseum.org/visit/buy-tickets/
Guests must be prepared to show proof of Marblehead residency at the door.
**Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last

“Where I’m From” Poetry and Collage at PEM
2026-05-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Know before you go
In-person
Location: Create Space Studios
$30 members; $35 nonmembers.
Preregistration required.
Based on the poem “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon, create your own poem telling the story of your heritage and identity, calling upon the power of the five senses. You can choose to work with the power of words, or use collage materials to represent your message.
Studio Saturdays is a series of adult art making classes designed to inspire creativity and connection through multimedia arts exploration. Each class includes an arts activity that will inspire collaboration, curiosity and creativity, culminating in a completed individual artwork and communal sharing.
