North of Boston

Marblehead Free Days at the North Shore Children's Museum!
2026-08-15 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-09 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Peach & Sunflower Festival
2026-08-15 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!

Dead to the Core - August Show
2026-08-14 20:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Premium Seating with cocktail service: $34.50 + $6.95 service fee
Standard Seating with cocktail service: $29.50 + $6.95 service fee
GA Standing: $15 + $6.95 service fee
+ $5 Day of Show
Dead to the Core is Sam Bouve (Bass), Sean Galbraith (Guitar), John Spurr (Drums), Phil Todisco (Guitar), and Scotty King (Keys). This collective of North Shore original artists, songwriters, and producers came together in 2020 to honor the timeless catalog of the Grateful Dead with a fresh and innovative approach. Dead to the Core celebrates the Dead’s spirit with inspired playing, infused with unrestrained improvisations, and a real good time.
Dead To The Core is The Cut’s 2026 Resident Band – they will play a show every month in 2026, culminating with a New Years Eve show on 12/31/26. Don’t forget to bring your punch card and get a stamp for each show you attend. Collect them all (Feb-Nov) and get free tickets to the NYE show!

Dan Tyminski Band
2026-08-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Fourteen-time GRAMMY Award winner Dan Tyminski brings the power and passion of modern bluegrass to the stage with a voice that has become iconic across genres. From his unforgettable performance of “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” in O Brother, Where Art Thou? to his billion-streaming global hit “Hey Brother” with Avicii, Tyminski has left an indelible mark on contemporary music while remaining deeply rooted in bluegrass tradition.
A longtime member of Alison Krauss and Union Station, Tyminski has spent more than three decades shaping the sound of modern acoustic music. His solo career has produced acclaimed albums including Carry Me Across the Mountain, Wheels, the genre-bending Southern Gothic, the Tony Rice tribute One More Time Before You Go, and the Billboard #1 bluegrass release God Fearing Heathen. His Grammy-nominated live album, Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman, captures the electricity and heart of his performances.
With the Dan Tyminski Band, he delivers high-energy shows marked by masterful musicianship, tight harmonies, and deeply felt songwriting. Blending tradition with innovation, Tyminski continues to honor bluegrass roots while pushing the music forward—bringing authenticity, soul, and unmistakable vocal power to every performance.

Gloucester Stage Company presents DALLOWAY: FIRST LOVE by Lindsay Joelle
2026-08-14 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
From the playwright behind last season’s The Garbologists comes an unlikely world premiere of feminine proportions. Clarissa Perry is a tree climbing, combat boot wearing goth with no interest in entertaining the slew of suitors found by her money-strapped father. The pressure is on Clarissa to find a husband and save her family’s estate when she receives a visit from an unapologetic, care-free suffragette who could convince Clarissa that she might want to forge a new path for herself. Experience a modern, coming-of-age story in this stand-alone prequel to Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway.
Written by Lindsay Joelle and directed by Rebecca Bradshawº, this world premiere production runs August 13 to August 29. All performances are at the Natti-Willsky Performance Center – 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, with matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 2:00pm.

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-08-14 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.

Windhover Center for the Performing Arts Presents the Limón Dance Company
2026-08-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 257R Granite St, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Windhover Center for the Performing Arts presents the world-renowned Limón Dance Company on its outdoor stage in August. The storied Company will perform repertory favorites choreographed by company founder José Limón, as well as a new work by Aszure Barton. This rare opportunity for North Shore audiences includes live musical accompaniment by violinist Scott Moore.

Bella Rayne Band
2026-08-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
At just 18, Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound is quickly turning heads across the country. Born in the mountains of North Carolina and raised along the rugged coast of Mendocino, California, she blends rock and Americana with the improvisational spirit of the jam-band tradition—creating a sound that feels both timeless and strikingly new, bridging generations of listeners. Her journey began during the pandemic, when she pulled an old Stratocaster from her garage, fixed it up, and taught herself to play by ear—unlocking a voice and style entirely her own. She has since formed Bella Rayne Band, a high-energy, guitar-driven ensemble that has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising acts on the live circuit. Led by a young lineup of seasoned musicians, the band has surged from small rooms to coast-to-coast stages and festival lineups in a remarkably short time, with crowds growing at every stop. Their sets are explosive and ever- evolving—blending soulful Southern rock, modern Americana, and improvisational jam with bold reinterpretations of Grateful Dead classics alongside Bella’s own originals. The result is a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably new, often described as the next generation of Tedeschi Trucks Band with an alternative edge and a 70s vibe. With demand building nationwide, the band recently completed recording singles for an upcoming EP slated for release in 2026—marking the next step in a trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite her young age, Bella has already shared the stage with seasoned artists and respected bands: appearances alongside Allman Betts Family Revival, Melvin Seals & JGB, ALO, Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge, and members of Terrapin Family have all added to her early résumé and she was touted as “one to watch” by her idol, Susan Tedeschi in a 2025 Guitar World Magazine interview. In addition, she has been invited to iconic stages nationwide including The Fillmore SF, The Orpheum LA, Sweetwater Music Hall, The Hamilton, and even celebrated her 18th birthday with a set on the Prudential stage at Bottlerock Napa festival. One of the most iconic moments of her rising career: she was entrusted to play the legendary guitar known as “Alligator” — once wielded by Jerry Garcia. That honor, courtesy of Grateful Guitars Foundation, has become a defining chapter in Bella’s journey and Guitar Player magazine recently recognized her as one of the players “keeping the Dead alive” alongside Jeff Mason (Dark Star Orchestra) and Tom Hamilton (JRAD) in an article from May 2025.

Noam Pikelny & Stuart Duncan
2026-08-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Banjo virtuoso Noam Pikelny joins forces with master fiddler Stuart Duncan for a dazzling evening of bluegrass and acoustic music, blending jaw-dropping technique, inventive arrangements, and deep roots tradition from two of the genre’s most celebrated artists.
NOAM PIKELNY
NOAM PIKELNY is widely recognized as the preeminent banjoist of his generation. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as the “pros’ top banjo picker,” Noam is a founding member of Punch Brothers, a string ensemble which The Boston Globe calls “a virtuosic revelation” and The New Yorker describes as “wide-ranging and restlessly imaginative.” Pikelny was awarded the first annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass and is a two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Banjo Player of the Year. In 2019, Noam was awarded the “Best Folk Album” Grammy for the Punch Brothers’ release, All Ashore. Noam also performs with the GRAMMY nominated bluegrass band, Mighty Poplar, and co-hosts The Energy Curfew Music Hour, a Chris Thile and Punch Brothers musical variety podcast released by Audible in Fall of 2024. Season 1 was nominated for a Webby Award in the Podcast: Features, Experimental & Innovation category; it also won Most Innovative Audio Experience, Best Live Podcast Recording, and Best Sound Design in the Listener’s Choice category of the 2025 Signal Awards. Also in2025, Pikelny was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame under the Five-String Performance category.
STUART DUNCAN
Stuart Duncan could easily be called America’s favorite fiddler. Raised in Southern California, Stuart took up the fiddle at age seven. Since then, he has chalked up a career that includes four Grammys, a slew of Academy of Country Music Awards, and nine titles as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddle Player of the Year. Now a multi-instrumentalist with a staggering command of not only the fiddle but also the banjo, the guitar, and the mandolin, Stuart Duncan has built upon his bluegrass roots to become an artist that defies categorization and surpasses the limits of any specific genre.
The consummate sideman, Duncan has lent his taste and tone to countless artists and projects. Whether trading dizzying instrumental licks with the likes of Béla Fleck and Jerry Douglas or adding complimentary fills for vocalists Alan Jackson and Barbara Streisand, Duncan is known for his astute, improvisational style that sparkles without upstaging. He’s performed with Plant Krauss, Diana Krall, Lyle Lovett, Béla Fleck, Steven Tyler, and Elvis Costello. Though no one has a true count of how many recordings feature Stuart Duncan, the current estimate nears 900. Notable recordings include his collaboration with Dolly Parton on her bluegrass albums The Grass is Blue and Little Sparrow, Bela Fleck’s Bluegrass Heart, and the Grammy-winning O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack. The most provocative evidence of Duncan’s cross-genre expansion may be his collaboration with Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer and Yo-Yo Ma on Grammy-winning The Goat Rodeo Sessions and Not Our First Goat Rodeo.
Despite the awards and accolades, Stuart Duncan remains one of the humblest men in the music business. A father of three, he spends his time off rebuilding rare instruments and making music with his wife of 35 years, Dieta.

Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight at Hammond Castle Museum
2026-08-13 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
2026-08-13 18:00 - 21:00, 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 | 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
2026-08-13 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
2026-08-13 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.

Rocky Neck Art Colony presents Making an Impression: Traditional Techniques, Contemporary Vision
2026-08-13 12:00 - 17:00 | MA
Gloucester, MA — Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is pleased to present Making an Impression: Traditional Techniques, Contemporary Vision, an exhibition featuring the work of 19 artists from Cape Ann and beyond exploring the rich and varied language of printmaking. Through both traditional and contemporary approaches, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of techniques, offering a thoughtfully curated selection that reflects the vitality and creative possibilities of the medium today.
For centuries, artists have developed innovative methods for creating multiple original impressions from a single matrix. In Making an Impression, participating artists employ a variety of printmaking processes, often combining techniques or incorporating additional materials to expand the expressive potential of their work. Together, these prints highlight the versatility, craftsmanship, and enduring relevance of printmaking as a contemporary art form.
The exhibition invites visitors to discover the many ways artists continue to push the boundaries of this historic medium while honoring its rich traditions.
The public is warmly invited to attend the Artists’ Reception on Sunday, August 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to view the exhibition, meet the participating artists, and enjoy light refreshments in the gallery.
Exhibiting Artists: Lisa Barthelson (Boston area), Christine Beneman (Portland, ME), CoCo Berkman (Gloucester), David Brown (Rockport), Sandra Cardillo (Boston area), David Covert (Gloucester), David Curcio (Salem), Leslie Ann Eliet (Gloucester), Deborah Epstein (Cape Ann/Boston), Nina Fletcher (Cape Ann), Don Gorvett (Cape Ann), Barbara Grad (Boston area), Jane Keddy (Cape Ann), Catherine Kernan (Boston area), Denise Manseau (New Hampshire), Mary Rhinelander (Cape Ann), Julia Talcott (Cape Ann), Dorothea Van Camp (Boston area), Constance Vallis (Cape Ann).
About the Rocky Neck Art Colony
Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, nurtures excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, residencies and vibrant cultural events for its members and the public. On picturesque Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three exhibition spaces, open to the public for free: The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street); The Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.), a partnership gallery and café; and Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.), open seasonally in the former gallery of local artists Gordon and Judith Goetemann. Check the website www.rockyneckartcolony.org for hours, openings and special events. For more information, see the website or call 978-515-7004.

Allen Stone
2026-08-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Allen Stone, a soul/R&B luminary, has enraptured global audiences with his electrifying performances and soulful melodies, embodying the essence of classic soul legends. His genre-defying style, blending funk, gospel, folk-rock, and soul, has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following.
Stone’s journey to musical stardom commenced in Chewelah, Washington, where his upbringing immersed him in gospel music as a pastor’s son. Relocating to Seattle, he tirelessly toured the West Coast in his ’87 Buick, swiftly gaining acclaim for his dynamic live shows, often playing up to 200 dates annually alongside luminaries such as Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Dave Matthews Band, Erykah Badu, and Gary Clark Jr. Notably, and Chris Stapleton, further solidifying his status as a tour de force in the music industry. Alongside his prolific touring schedule, Stone has graced national television screens, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Today show, and a Celebrity Mentor on ABC’s American Idol. Stone continues to garner critical acclaim with his latest body of work, Mystery, featuring the title track in collaboration with PJ Morton. This release brings infectious rhythms and emotional depth, solidifying Stone’s place as a powerful voice in modern soul music. You can see on the road this summer with Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson on the Great American Road Show.

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 | 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.

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.
