North of Boston

Peach & Sunflower Festival
2026-08-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-08 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Cider Hill Farm is celebrating all things sunshine, flowers and peaches on August 8-9 and August 15-16! The multi-weekend event features cut-your-own farmhouse bouquets, free live music, local makers, hard cider bar, activities, hayrides, tastings, food trucks, peach treats, sunflower walk, and pick-your-own peaches. **RSVP & Tickets** RSVP now and buy PYO tix when they open closer to event time! We open online PYO tickets approx. 48 hours in advance of each weekend. But you may purchase picking tickets when you arrive on the farm, too!

King Yellowman
2026-08-08 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Jamaica’s first dancehall superstar, Yellowman ushered in a new era in reggae music following Bob Marley’s death. His early-’80s success brought the popularity of toasting — the reggae equivalent of rapping — to a whole new level, and helped establish dancehall as the wave of the future. For better or for worse, he also epitomized dancehall’s penchant for “slack” lyrics — that is, casual violence, sexism, homophobia, and general rudeness. Graphic sexuality was his particular forte, reaching levels of explicitness previously unheard in Jamaica. It brought him numerous detractors, but it was also a big reason for his early popularity. There was more to it than that, though; Yellowman was one of the most verbally nimble toasters of his time, with a loose, easy flow, a talent for improvisation, and a definite wit in his wordplay. Plus, all the boasting about his prowess on the mic or in the bedroom had to be over the top to be convincing: true to his stage name, Yellowman is an albino, which carries a tremendous social stigma in Jamaica. His rise to stardom was unlikely enough, but his transformation from untouchable outcast into sex symbol was staggering — and may not even have taken place without his trademark lewdness. Shocking though it could be, it affirmed him as a sexual being just like his listeners, and was delivered with enough humor to let the audience know that he didn’t take himself too seriously. Bouts with cancer pushed him into more thoughtful, socially conscious territory in the 1990s, but his initial style remains the most influential, paving the way for countless dancehall toasters to follow. He remained quiet through most of the 2000s before mounting a comeback with 2019’s
No More War.

Jake Pardee, trio
2026-08-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Rockport’s Illumination Night Enjoy an evening of live music and Rockport’s Illumination Night in the relaxed, lounge-like setting of Upstairs on Main, where great music meets a casual atmosphere with the bar open throughout the event. Boston-based guitarist and singer Jake Pardee along with his trio bring a soulful, acoustic blend of roots, Americana, blues, and reggae to the stage. With a warm, expressive sound and an engaging presence, this trio reimagines songs by artists such as Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Taj Mahal, and Bob Marley—offering a mix of timeless classics and personal interpretation. A versatile musician, Pardee has performed with the Naples Philharmonic, appeared in the Broadway production Mean Girls, and toured extensively with renowned reggae artists. He is also an accomplished recording engineer and owner of Maritime Music Studio, where he has worked with artists including Timo Shanko and contributed to projects for Discovery Channel. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Pardee is an active educator, teaching at Gordon College and completing a Master’s in Music Education at the University of Florida. Whether on stage or in the studio, his work reflects a deep commitment to musical storytelling, creativity, and connection—making for an intimate and memorable live experience.

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-08-08 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-07 19:00 - 22:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Enjoy the weekend in style at Sunset Sessions. An evening of vibrant energy, coastal glamour, and unforgettable harbor front views at Beauport Hotel’s Birdseye Rooftop.
Join us during our 10th year by the sea, every Friday and Saturday evening for a lively celebration featuring DJ entertainment from The 617 Event Group. Dance as the sun sets over Gloucester Harbor, sip handcrafted cocktails, and soak in the atmosphere high above the water. Feeling bold? Bring your suit and take a dip in the pool or hot tub. This event is for guests 21+.
General Admission starts at $30 and does not include food or beverage.
VIP Premium Lounge Tables are $300 and include entry and premium seating for four. For a more elevated experience, reserve one of our VIP Premium Lounge Tables on the Harbor View side of the rooftop. These exclusive tables include a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label (inclusive of tax and gratuity)—perfect for toasting the night in style.
Tickets are non-refundable. This event is rain or shine unless the rooftop is closed due to inclement weather, as determined by Beauport management by 2PM on the day of the event. Guests will be notified via email.

Manchester Summer Chamber Music at the Barn at Crane Estate
2026-08-08 19:00 - 21:00 | The Crane Estate, 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Manchester Summer Chamber Music (“MSCM”) celebrates its 15th season with four stunning programs and six performances of world class chamber music this summer between August 8-22.
Combining the magic of warm summer nights with dynamic interpretations of chamber music gems and vibrant new music, MSCM offers performances that welcome audiences of all backgrounds and ages.
Founded in 2009 by Manchester native Sage Cole and Andover native Lorna Tsai, MSCM is dedicated to sharing classical music of the highest caliber with the communities of the North Shore. Seventeen musicians from around the world will come together throughout August to create the joyful, engaging concerts that audiences have come to expect from MSCM.
As the resident chamber music series of the Barn at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA, MSCM will present three Saturday night concerts. In addition, MSCM will present its annual house concerts with pianist Dr. Ryo Yanagitani at the residence of Stephen and Isabella Bates in Manchester, MA, and will also perform the house concert program at Gathr Work in downtown Ipswich, MA.
August 8, 7 PM: Treblemakers is the first of the three concerts at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. The concert features two Four Seasons: Antonio Vivaldi’s magnum opus as well as Astor Piazzolla’s inventive tribute to Vivaldi.
August 12 and 13, 7 PM: Café Music will be performed at the residence of Stephen and Isabella Bates, 2 Masconomo Street, Manchester, MA. Dr. Ryo Yanagitani will lead a narrative performance centering on Paul Schoenfield’s delightful Café Music.
August 14, 7 PM: Café Music will be presented at Gathr Work, 42 Market Street, Ipswich, MA.
August 15, 7 PM: Red Sky is the second concert at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. This evening of movements from beloved string quartets begins with the storm of Beethoven’s Serioso Quartet, finds its way to calmer waters with the tranquility of Caroline Shaw’s “Orangery”, and then heads back into the tempest of Mendelssohn’s String Quartet Op. 80.
August 22, 7 PM: Starry Night is the last concert of the season and the third concert at the Barn at the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA. A celebration of the beauty of late summer with music that wraps us in the warm, nostalgic embrace of an August night, Starry Night features the complete Brahms String Sextet No. 1 as well as movements from Borodin, Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Paul Wiancko string quartets.
Before each concert at the Barn at Crane Estate, audience members are invited to arrive early with a picnic and relax in the walled garden in front of the Barn. Please note that our liquor license permits only alcohol purchased from our vendor, Harbor Tap Trailer, while on the premises.
All concerts are $50 at the door and $45 in advance. Members of the Trustees pay $45 at any time for all Barn concerts. Tickets online and at the door are subject to availability; advance purchase is highly recommended as our venues have limited capacity. Youth under 18 are free at all three Barn at Crane Estate concerts.
For directions, tickets, and more information, please visit: www.manchestersummerchambermusic.org or call (978) 312-2062.

Windhover Center for the Performing Arts presents NYC Contemporary Dance Double Bill: Alison Cook Beatty and Nattie Trogdon + Hollis Bartlett
2026-08-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 257R Granite St, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
What do we choose to carry forward and what do we leave behind? This special double bill performance of New York City-based dance artists celebrates the breadth of ways in which legacy informs contemporary dance. Join us for this thought-provoking and viscerally moving performance before heading to the Illumination Night fireworks!

Fishermen's Memorial Service in Gloucester
2026-08-08 17:00 - 18:30 | MA
Fishermen’s Memorial Service
The annual Fishermen’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 8th at 5:00 PM . This Service is to remember and honor all of those who have lost their lives in the long history of Gloucester’s fishing industry. The Service starts with a procession from the American Legion, down Middle Street and onto Stacy Boulevard. Everyone is invited to join the procession. It is led by a line of drummers and many of those walking carry flowers to toss into the sea at the end of the ceremony to remember loved ones or hold boat oars carrying the names of Gloucester fishing boats, past and present.
Please join the Fishermen’s Memorial Service Committee in remembering those who lost their lives fishing from America’s oldest seaport.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet
2026-08-08 17:00 - 18:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet brings his celebrated elegance and interpretive insight to an all-French program featuring the music of Debussy and others. Renowned for his refined artistry and wide-ranging creative vision, Thibaudet offers performances of luminous color, nuance, and unmistakable style. Program DEBUSSY: Préludes, Book 1 Intermission DEBUSSY: Préludes, Book 2 “…every note he fashions is a pearl … the joy, brilliance and musicality of his performance could not be missed.” -The New York Times ABOUT THE ARTIST Through elegant musicality and an insightful approach to contemporary and established repertoire, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest pianists. He is especially known for his diverse interests beyond the classical world, including numerous collaborations in film, fashion, and visual art. He is the first-ever Artist-in-Residence at the Colburn School, which awards several scholarships in his name. This season, Thibaudet appears in concerts and recitals around the world in works ranging from Gershwin’s Concerto in F to Saint-Saëns’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Bernstein’s Symphony No. 2, “Age of Anxiety,” Scriabin’s Prometheus, and Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie. A major champion of Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto, Thibaudet performs the piece with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and New York Philharmonic. In addition to his orchestral dates, Thibaudet joins violinist Lisa Batiashvili and cellist Gautier Capuçon on a fall trio tour, with stops throughout western Europe. He also continues his multi-season focus on Debussy’s Préludes, performing both books in their entirety at recitals around the world. A prolific recording artist, Thibaudet has appeared on more than 70 albums and six film scores; his extensive catalog has received two Grammy nominations, two ECHO Awards, the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, the Diapason d’Or, the CHOC du Monde de la Musique, the Edison Prize, and Gramophone awards. Recent recordings include Khachaturian, a celebration of the Armenian composer including his Piano Concerto and several solo piano pieces; and Gershwin Rhapsody, a selection of Gershwin pieces recorded with Michael Feinstein, including four newly-discovered ones. He is the soloist on Dario Marianelli’s recently reissued score for Pride & Prejudice, which was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2025; his playing can also be head on Marianelli’s score for Atonement, Alexandre Desplat’s scores for The French Dispatch and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and Aaron Zigman’s score for Wakefield. His concert wardrobe is designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood.

Beverly400+ Garden Party
2026-08-08 12:00 - 17:00 | Beverly Common, 31 Dane Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Join us at Beverly Common for our first-ever Garden Party to celebrate our namesake, the Garden City! This family-friendly event will transform our Common into a living art space, and will feature live music all day, local art installations, food, entertainment, local makers, and a Champagne Chateau! Your finest garden party attire is encouraged. We hope to see you there!

Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Mini Tour – Tax Free Weekend
2026-08-08 11:00 - 18:00 | MA
Event Title: Cape Ann Artisans Summer One-Day Open Studio Mini-TourEvent Description: Join five local artists opening their studio doors for a one-day-only summer mini-tour across Gloucester and Rockport, MA. This special event coincides with the Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend, allowing visitors to purchase unique, handmade local art and retail items valued at $2,500 or less without paying state sales tax. Participating artists include John Bassett (recycled glass sculpture), Cynthia Curtis (stoneware pottery), Cindy Efinger (mosaic & sculpture), Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco (sea glass jewelry & hair accessories), and Nina Goodick (functional pottery). Visitors can look for the bright pink “Cape Ann Studio Tour” banners at each location.Event Date: August 8, 2026Event Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PMCost: FreeEvent Category: Summer / Arts & Culture. https://capeannartisans.com/media-advisory-cape-ann-artisans-open-doors-on-tax-free-weekend/

Windhover Center for the Performing Arts presents Quarry Dance 2026
2026-08-08 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-07 13:30 - 15:30 | Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 257R Granite St, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Art meets nature at this special free event! Join us as New York City-based Alison Cook Beatty Dance performs a site-specific dance sure to inspire wonder.
Quarry Dance is Windhover’s signature summer project, the vision of Windhover’s founder, the late Ina Hahn. Her vision marries the art of modern dance with the pristine landscapes of the quarries on Cape Ann. Utilizing the natural amphitheaters of these quarries opens up a world where art and nature can co-mingle.
Three performances offered:
Friday, August 7 from 1:30-3:30pm
Saturday, August 8 from 10:30am-12:30 pm
Sunday, August 9 from 1:30-3:30pm
Times include shuttle service to and from Windhover.
This year’s Quarry Dance will take place at a private quarry in Lanesville. A shuttle will transport you from the Windhover parking lot to the performance and return you afterward. No parking is available at the performance site. Shuttle service from Windhover runs from 1:30-1:50pm on Friday and Sunday and 10:30-10:50am on Saturday. Please arrive at the Windhover Parking lot located near 247 Granite Street (by the Windhover sign).
Quarry Dance admission (including shuttle service) is FREE. No advance RSVP required. Donations are most welcome!
In the event of rain, Quarry Dance is subject to cancellation. Please check our website for updates or call 978-546-3611 where a pre-recorded message will state if the quarry dance is cancelled due to rain.
Our thanks to the Rockport and Gloucester Cultural Councils for their support of Quarry Dance 2026.

Marblehead Free Days at the North Shore Children's Museum!
2026-08-08 09:00 - 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 August 8-9 and August 15-16!
With the generous support of Marblehead Cultural Council and Mass 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 at 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
Dates:
Saturday, August 8: 9am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, & 2pm-4pm
Sunday, August 9: 12pm-2pm & 2pm-4pm
Saturday, August 15: 9am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, & 2pm-4pm
Sunday, August 16: 12pm-2pm & 2pm-4pm

Larry McCray
2026-08-07 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Experience the raw power and soul of the blues with Larry McCray, a true Rust Belt blues shouter and fiery guitar slinger whose music hits straight from the heart. “‘Blues Without You’ is a career defining song, that could arguably rival ‘The Thrill is Gone’ or other Blues classics.” — Blues Rock Review Born in Magnolia, Arkansas and raised on a farm, McCray found his voice through the guitar, inspired by the legendary “Three Kings” — B.B., Freddie, and Albert. By the late 1980s, his electrifying style caught the attention of Virgin Records, launching a career that helped shape modern blues rock. With decades of nonstop touring, searing live performances, and collaborations with icons like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Joe Bonamassa, Larry McCray’s shows are equal parts grit, groove, and emotional fire.

Gloucester Block Party #2
2026-08-07 18:00 - 22:00 | Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
Friday, August 7, 2026
5 PM Streets closed off to traffic & parking
6 PM: Balloon Artist at Center & Main
6 PM Music Stages Open (x3)
6:15 PM ALAKAZAM at Hancock & Main
7:00 PM Cape Ann Dancers at Hancock & Main
8:00 PM ALAKAZAM at Hancock & Main
Main Street, Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off and we have live music, street performers, non-profits, food vendors and more
Many of our shops and businesses on Main Street will be open for business and will welcome partygoers. Other Gloucester businesses and non-profits will be represented on the Street as well. We can promise a night full of Live music, great food, and fun activities with lots of local flavor!
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
NON-PROFITS
FOOD VENDORS
Crepe du Jour
Lobster Roller
Meat & Sweet
Three Gingers Jerky
Whoopie Wagon

RED: A Gloucester Stage Benefit
2026-08-07 17:30 - 21:30 | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
You know Mark Rothko’s artwork; now witness a pivotal moment in his career in this exclusive staged reading of John Logan’s Tony Award-winning play RED at Gloucester Stage. Directed by internationally acclaimed theatre and opera director Kate Cherry, RED is set in Rothko’s studio in the late 1950’s as the artist grapples with a commission to create a series of murals for NYC’s Four Seasons restaurant. Conflicted by the commission and at odds with his conscience, Rothko makes a decision that is still discussed in art circles today.
Gourmet Offerings and Complimentary Bar
Reading will take place Friday, August 7th from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Natti-Willsky Performance Center – 267 East Main Street, Gloucester.

Falconry & the Medieval World: A Live Bird Presentation
2026-08-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Wingmasters’ Birds of Prey returns to the Hammond Castle Museum!
Falconry is the sport of hunting with a trained bird of prey. It is also the demanding art of training a predatory bird that is by nature wary of people to hunt cooperatively with a human partner. While the sport has a 4,000-year history, its glory days were indisputably in the medieval period. While this presentation centers around live birds used in falconry, it is not a flight demonstration but a history-rich look at an ancient sport. Focusing on the medieval period, it explains the characteristics of the birds of prey used, how the sport reflected the lifestyle of the time, and the historical reasons behind falconry’s rise and fall.
Please note: This program is only intended for ages 8 and up. Tickets for this event are $20 adults, $10 kids. This ticket grants you access to the Falconry & the Medieval World: A Live Bird Presentation, which will be held in a tent on the ocean-facing lawn, as well as access to the Museum Shop. A separate tour ticket will be required to enter beyond the Museum Shop for a guided or self-guided tour. Ticket holders may purchase Self-Guided Tour tickets in the Museum Shop at a 20% discount.
About WINGMASTERS:
Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed wildlife rehabilitators based in Massachusetts and are dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Together they care for injured birds of prey at their private center in Leverett, Massachusetts. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases, the birds are left permanently handicapped. Julie and Jim are further licensed to provide a home for these non-releasable raptors and to use them for educational programs. Since 1994, WINGMASTERS has presented over 10,000 programs at schools, libraries, and museums throughout New England.
All proceeds from this educational program support additional educational programs and ongoing Museum restorations. Museum member savings apply!

Neal Francis
2026-08-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
The latest album from Neal Francis, Return To Zero, emerged from the kind of visionary fever dream that only the most masterful and inventive artists are capable of bringing to life. Amid a grueling tour schedule that found him playing nearly 400 shows from 2021 to 2024, the Chicago-based singer/songwriter/pianist immersed himself in creating a beautifully strange entangling of timeless rock & roll and ’70s-era dance music, merging supremely heavy guitar riffs with lush and pulsating grooves—all constructed sans digital programming, in keeping with his devotion to all things analog. Worlds away from the glitzy fantasia of archetypal disco, Return To Zero inhabits a far moodier atmosphere and ultimately makes for the most thrilling manifestation of Francis’ peerless musicality yet.

Elizabeth Winthrop at The Bookstore of Gloucester
2026-08-06 18:30 - 20:00 | The Bookstore of Gloucester, 61 Main Street, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
We are excited to welcome North Shore author Elizabeth Winthrop to The Bookstore on Thursday August 6th from 6:30pm-8pm! She’ll be discussing & signing copies of her new novel CONVICTION.
Books can be found at The Bookstore before & during the event. No registration is required!

Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight at Hammond Castle Museum
2026-08-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
From John Hays Hammond Jr.’s attempts to communicate with supernatural entities using a Faraday Cage to Irene Fenton Hammond’s extensive astrological writings under a mysterious pen name, this 55-minute, fully-guided specialty tour sets the stage for a fun and informative seasonal experience unlike any other. The dramatic, Gothic-inspired architecture of the Museum and the twilight atmosphere are enhanced by the light of handheld electronic lanterns throughout your tour.
New in 2026: Extended Hours and Midnight Tours
For the first time, Hammond Castle Museum is offering its popular Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight during extended late-night hours–including a midnight tour–on October 22nd and 29th—a one-of-a-kind experience for those celebrating the Halloween season on the North Shore!
Admission:
July, August, & September: $27.50.
October: $35.
Museum Member savings apply.
Please be mindful when processing your reservation to select the correct reservation date and corresponding admission price.

Birdseye Rooftop Live Music Access
2026-08-06 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-05 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-04 18:00 - 21:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Bringing live music every Sunday-Thursday on the Birdseye Rooftop at Beauport Hotel with craft cocktails and unbeatable views.
Elevate your weeknight above Gloucester Harbor. Join us on the Birdseye Rooftop for live music by Dis N Dat Band, handcrafted cocktails, and golden hour views stretching from the working waterfront to downtown Gloucester, all paired with relaxed rooftop vibes and a sunset soundtrack to carry you into the evening. Slip into the pool or unwind in the hot tub as the sun sets and the evening settles in. This is your midweek moment, six stories above it all.
Rooftop Evening Pass begins at 6:00PM. Swimsuits encouraged.
This event is 21+ adults only. General Admission starts at $20 and does not include food and beverage. *Complimentary to hotel guests
Tickets are non-refundable. Events are rain or shine unless the rooftop closes due to inclement weather. Any closure decisions are made by Beauport management at 2:00PM the day of the event; guests will be notified by email.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-08-06 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.

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-08-06 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.

En Plein Air Sketch Classes with Sue Wheeler
2026-08-06 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!

Bubbles & Books Storytime
2026-08-05 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.

Wicked For Good
2026-08-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Wicked: For Good continues the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda, exploring how their friendship is tested as they fully embrace their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Set in the land of Oz, the film delves into the cost of choices, loyalty, and what it truly means to be “good.”
