North of Boston

Birdseye Rooftop Live Music Access
2026-08-12 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-10 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-09 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Family Concert: Mister G
2026-08-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Get ready for a high-energy, feel-good concert the whole family will love! **Ben Gundersheimer—known onstage as MISTER G—**is a Latin GRAMMY Award–winning artist, author, and educator whose joyful, interactive performances invite kids and grown-ups alike to sing, dance, and laugh together. Called “a bilingual rock star” by The Washington Post, MISTER G creates concerts that feel like a celebration—full of music, movement, and connection.
MISTER G’s journey began in the classroom, where he earned his nickname from his own students while pursuing a Master of Education degree. Inspired by his 4th-grade class, he began writing songs that blended learning, storytelling, and fun—music that eventually launched a career now spanning more than fifteen years. A graduate of Amherst College and the first recipient of a songwriting scholarship from Berklee College of Music, Ben’s work is rooted in creativity, curiosity, and heart.
Today, MISTER G has released 14 albums of original, multicultural music and earned numerous honors, including a Latin GRAMMY Award and five Parents’ Choice Gold Awards. He performs for families around the world at theaters, festivals, and performing arts centers, with concerts that move effortlessly between English and Spanish and feature a wide range of musical styles.
Families may also recognize MISTER G as the author of four bilingual picture books with Penguin Random House, including the beloved Señorita Mariposa, now in its 18th printing. His songs and stories often draw inspiration from nature, kindness, and community, encouraging children to care for the world and one another.
Whether singing in English, Spanish, Hebrew, or Yiddish, MISTER G creates a welcoming space where everyone belongs—making each concert a joyful, unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Bubbles & Books Storytime
2026-08-12 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.

Rakish
2026-08-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Rooted in tradition with an ear toward the future, contemporary folk duo Rakish embodies earnest musical exploration and demonstrates an infectious playfulness on stage. In their sound together, it is evident the two friends share an unbridled love for the traditional sounds of Celtic and American music, and the tight ensemble of a group with years of collaboration under their belt.
Enjoy an evening of live music in the relaxed, lounge-like setting of Upstairs on Main, where great music meets a casual atmosphere with the bar open throughout the event.
Location: Shalin Liu Performance Center Third Floor Lounge
“Lush arrangements… deliver an intimate but bold sound.” -Dan Neely, The Irish Echo
Strings Magazine says: “Explorative and versatile, the duo draws evident inspiration from not just the deep and wide history of Scottish and Irish Celtic composition, but also the precision-focused structures of classical chamber music and a whole array of improvisational styles.”
Known for her toneful and award-winning fiddle playing in the Celtic music world, Maura Shawn Scanlin grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Maura is a 2-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Competition in Scotland. Her clawhammer banjo playing and songwriting, also featured in the duo, hold the regional music of her homeland close. Maura finds her niche combining influences from a widespread musical journey with the sounds she grew up around.
Steeped in the Irish music communities of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD where he was raised, acclaimed guitarist Conor Hearn developed a keen interest in literary theory and poetry, a unique well of material from which he draws unending musical inspiration. His settings of modernist poems, like James Joyce’s Chamber Music, epitomize the duo’s approach: the dexterous alchemy of the old and the new into something wholly Rakish. A keenly sought-after collaborative guitarist, Conor performs with many of the most renowned names in Celtic music today. His guitar style combines bass and rhythm for a uniquely powerful and precise sound.
Rakish, embracing the unconventional connotation of their namesake, create and perform music with verve. Recent highlights of their travels include performances at the Library of Congress, Celtic Colours International Music Festival, Prince Edward Island’s Festival of Small Halls, the Corvallis Celtic Festival, and Official Showcases at Folk Alliance International. They have taught at esteemed fiddle camps across the country including Alasdair Fraser’s Sierra Fiddle Camp, Folk College, Katie McNally’s Boston States Fiddle Camp, and Hanneke Cassel’s Pure Dead Brilliant Fiddle Weekend.
On Now, O Now, the duo’s sophomore release (out October 11, 2024) it is clear Rakish cannot be pigeonholed into one genre and is most comfortable occupying the in-between. Together they journey through Celtic and Americana styles, deftly showcasing how to bring forth something new from the deep well of tradition. They are touring their new album across the country throughout the fall of 2024 and into 2025.

Cinderella's Enchanted Garden Party
2026-08-11 16:30 - 18:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Step into a fairy tale at Cinderella’s Enchanted Garden Party, a magical celebration set on the breathtaking seaside lawn at the Hammond Castle Museum.
Begin your adventure at the drawbridge into a world of storybook wonder. Walk around the Castle grounds to the seaside lawn where our Cinderella, played by the beloved Carole Finn of Parties by Carole, will greet you. Enjoy sing-alongs and a lively garden party fit for young royals. Children can show off their favorite princess or prince attire as they stroll through our festive outdoor space, filled with bubbles, music, and dancing.
We encourage little ones to come dressed in their favorite crown, cape, or whatever makes them feel magical!
– Music & dancing on the lawn
– Bubbles, LED light wands & temporary tattoos
– Storytelling & photo ops
– Refreshments & sweet treats
Doors open at 4:30 pm.
Rain or Shine. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be moved into the Great Hall.
About the Evening at the Museum:
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. Please note that strollers are not allowed on the Museum grounds.
Aside from access to the interior for the bathrooms, the Museum will be closed during this event. If you wish to tour the Museum before this program, ticket holders may purchase Self-Guided Tour tickets in the Museum Shop at a 20% discount prior to 2:45 pm. Little ones 4 and under enjoy FREE admission to guided and self-guided tours!
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. All attendees need an admission ticket. All proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the Museum.

Salem Biz Town Hall
2026-08-11 08:30 - 11:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
If you run a business in Salem, you’re invited to a morning of networking and resource-sharing at the Peabody Essex Museum!
The first Salem Biz Town Hall at PEM welcomes makers and restaurants, retailers and real estate, institutions and city officials for a morning of coffee and conversation. Meet fellow business owners and take the opportunity to ask questions.
This gathering aims to foster stronger communication, fewer friction points and a clearer path to getting things done for Salem’s businesses and organizations. Join us to build relationships and discuss our shared goals.
Schedule:
8:30–9:30 am: Networking, coffee and a Connect-the-Dots board (“what you have, what you need, what you offer”)
9:30–10:30 am: Updates from the hosting organizations and Q&A drawn from questions submitted by registered attendees
10:30–11 AM: Open tabling and follow-up conversations
Please reach out to John Andrews and Creative Collective (john@creativecollectivema.com) with any questions.

Ray Chen, violin Chelsea Wang, piano
2026-08-09 17:00 - 18:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Violinist Ray Chen redefines the classical artist for the 21st century, combining extraordinary musicianship with global digital reach. A major international soloist and prizewinner, Chen connects millions worldwide through performances marked by virtuosity, warmth, and a deep commitment to engaging new audiences.
PROGRAM
MOZART: Violin Sonata in B-flat Major, K. 454
GRIEG: Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor, Op. 45
Intermission
J.S. BACH: Preludio – Loure – Gavotte en Rondeau from Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006
SARASATE: Playera, Op. 23 No. 1
SARASATE: Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25
“Ray Chen can do pretty much anything he wants on the violin.” — The Washington Post
Chelsea Wang, piano
Praised by The New York Times as an “excellent young pianist,” Chelsea Wang has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician across North America, Europe, and Asia, performing at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner.
A prizewinner in numerous international competitions, she made her orchestral debut at age six and has since performed with orchestras including the Fort Worth Symphony and Des Moines Symphony.
An active chamber musician, Wang has appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and at festivals such as Music@Menlo, Ravinia, and Music Academy of the West. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, she studied with Meng-Chieh Liu and Ignat Solzhenitsyn and received the Sergei Rachmaninoff Award. She also holds degrees from Peabody Conservatory and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Northwestern University.

Marblehead Art Association Solo Exhibits Opening Reception
2026-08-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, M, 01945, United States
Discover inspiring artworks at Marblehead Arts Association’s Opening Reception on Sunday August 9 in these Solo Exhibits by Juried Artists – Lucia Balinbin, Annette Sykes, Jessica Murdock, Christen Mailler, and Richard Honan, as well as “The Spirit of ‘76” themed Artist Members exhibit. Admission is free and complimentary refreshments will be served, with opportunities to view the exhibits and meet the artists.
This show includes abstract work by Balinbin using acrylics, collage and graphite in “Unbound Abstractions”. Sykes uses pastel, watercolor, and oil to tell stories of “Antique Hunting with Bob”. In “Expression of Gravity”, Murdock explores the human form in pastels and chalk, and Mailler deconstructs water, light and land in “Shorelines”, while Honan creates intricate pieces with gifts from the sea in “Driftwood Art”.
“The Spirit of ‘76” is a special exhibit celebrating this country’s 250th anniversary. Channeling the 1876 classic painting by Archibald Willard, this curated collection of artwork by MAA Artist Members broadly explores themes such as patriotism, resilience and legacy in various art forms.
These exhibits run thru Saturday September 19 and galleries are open Wednesday to Sunday 12-5pm. Donations gratefully received.

Windhover Center for the Performing Arts presents Quarry Dance 2026
2026-08-09 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-08 10:30 - 12:30 | 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!
2026-08-09 12:00 - 16:00, 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

Vintage Base Ball
2026-08-09 11:00 - 17:00 | Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Littles Lane, Newbury, M, 01951, United States
It’s Base Ball, 1864 style at Spencer Peirce Little Farm! These fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching without gloves. A ball bounced once and caught is an out! Snacks, baseballs, and cards are available for purchase. Come and see for yourself how “America’s favorite pastime” was played in the 1860s. The teams competing are based on actual nineteenth-century baseball clubs from New England.
The Essex Base Ball Organization is a nonprofit “vintage base ball” group that plays the game as it was played in the 1860s. They are based out of Newbury, Massachusetts, and have four teams. They teach the history of baseball through games and demonstrations, offering youth clinics and lectures on baseball history at historical societies, libraries, and other civic organizations.
See HNE website for first pitch times; triple headers start at 11 AM, doubles at noon.

Peach & Sunflower Festival
2026-08-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-08 08:00 - 17:00 | 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 | M
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 | M
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/

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
