North of Boston

Culture Splash Returns to Rocky Neck for Its Sixth Season of Summer Arts Celebration
2026-07-23 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Los Lobos
2026-07-22 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
It’s a matter of time. 50 years to be exact. And in that time Los Lobos have created an unprecedented body of work, a legacy of greatness. The numbers are staggering: 100+ gigs a year for five decades running, crossing millions of miles to rock millions of fans. And that’s just at the live shows. In between they’ve recorded 17 studio albums, 7 live LPs, 3 compilations, 2 EPs, 2 DVDs, and contributed 40+ guest appearances on their friends’ recordings—all garnering 4 Grammys, an Austin City Limits Hall of Fame induction, the ALMA Ritchie Valens Pioneer Award, NEA and Hispanic Heritage Foundation Honors, Congressional recognitions, plus countless “Keys to the City” and “Los Lobos Day” celebrations. And those are just a few of the highlights. But beyond all the hoopla and applause (and the source of it all, really) is the tremendous heart. Rather, hearts. Cinco corazones. Five blood brothers who have dedicated their off-stage time to helping others, working for peace and justice, penning some of the most literate and important music of their time, transforming the hard cries from the East L.A. barrio into songs of hope, tales of common folk finding ways to endure. The young wolves were weaned on late-night radio’s soul, R&B, and doo-wop. Were cured through the African-American currents of the blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll. An amalgam. As proud Chicanos, their songs have always glistened with the distillation from their Mexican and Latin American roots— nourished by Norteña and rancheras, buoyed by bolero and cumbias, soaring on the rhythms of son huasteco and son jarocho. Los Lobos have helped spread the rich diversity of cultures across every continent, throughout the global community. Kids in Antwerp now know about Aztlán. Residents of Luxor and Ghana are crooning Lalo Guerrero. People from Laos and Bulgaria are belting “La Bamba”—all thanks
to The Wolves as cultural ambassadors. Talk about a living legacy. Talk about a productive half century. And in the true rebel spirit, they did it all on their own terms, against formula. For the ages. To our delight. Quite simply, they are one of the tightest, one of the best, one of the most prolific bands ever. And, amazingly, with the original founding members as the pack the entire time. Unprecedented. As their liner notes put it, quite simply: “Los Lobos still are David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez, Jr., Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, Steve Berlin.”

Birdseye Rooftop Live Music Access
2026-07-22 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-21 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-20 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-19 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.

Businesswomen's Mixer at The Emerson Inn 2026
2026-07-22 17:00 - 19:00 | The Emerson Inn, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Join us for a summer networking gathering with light refreshments on the beautiful deck of the Emerson Inn. *Limited attendance – please register early to secure your spot.

Bubbles & Books Storytime
2026-07-22 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.

The Clements Brothers
2026-07-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
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.
The Clements Brothers are George and Charles Clements, identical twins from New England. They’ve been playing and writing music together for as long as they can remember and ‘The Clements Brothers’ marks their first project together since playing in the internationally touring grass-roots band, ‘The Lonely Heartstring Band’ with whom they put out two albums on Rounder Records.
“Dandelion Breeze is an album that unassumingly and softly seeps into your soul and stakes its claim as one of the year’s best debuts.” – Mike Davies, KLOF Magazine
With roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, George (on guitar) and Charles (on bass) aim to capture their singer-songwriter sensibilities in a unique blended voice, at once enthralling and intimate, groovy and serene. Their first album ‘Dandelion Breeze’ was released in 2023 on Plow Man Records and their sophomore record is set to be released in the Fall of 2026. The duo is a fusion of each brother’s unique musical journey, and the result is music all its own, filled with vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, and a genuine love of song.

Essex Shipbuilding Summer Steam Youth Programs in the Story Shipyard
2026-07-21 08:00 - 12:00 | Story Shipyard, 66 MAIN ST, ESSEX, MA, 01929, United States
What happens when you give kids tools, a shipyard, and a little freedom to experiment?
This summer we’re turning the Essex waterfront into a laboratory for curious minds. Join us for hands on STEAM adventures exploring citizen science, boat design, woodworking, engineering, creativity, and a healthy amount of controlled chaos.
🦀 Crab Lab
🔨 Shipyard Shenanigans: Building Basics
🚤 Will It Float?
⚙️ Shipyard Rube Goldberg Machines
Designed for curious kids who love to build, create, test, and explore.
Space is limited. Registration is now open.
Hands on STEAM programs for youths 11-15 years old.
#EssexShipbuilding #STEAMEducation #HandsOnLearning #NorthShoreKids #EssexMA

Essex Shipbuilding Museum Adult Workshops
2026-07-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Story Shipyard, 66 MAIN ST, ESSEX, MA, 01929, United States
Learn something you can’t learn on the internet.
This season, the Essex Shipbuilding Museum is offering a full lineup of hands on workshops for adults, from traditional maritime crafts and woodworking to citizen science and folk art.
Stitch a ditty bag. Carve a bird. Explore the marsh during Crab Lab. Make something with your hands and spend time in one of the most unique classrooms around: a working shipyard on the Essex River.
To make participation easier, many workshops are being offered twice, with both Monday morning and Thursday evening sessions available.
No experience necessary. Just curiosity.
Registration is now open.
#EssexShipbuilding #AdultEducation #MaritimeHeritage #HandsOnLearning #EssexMA

As You Like it Live Performance at Windhover
2026-07-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-18 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
As You Like It, a play by William Shakespeare, directed & adapted by M. Graham Smith
July 10–August 2, 2026
Windhover Performing Arts Center
257R Granite St, Rockport, MA 01966

“Rosalind and her cousin escape into the forest and find Orlando, Rosalind’s love. Disguised as a boy shepherd, Rosalind has Orlando woo her under the guise of “curing” him of his love for Rosalind. Rosalind reveals she is a girl and marries Orlando during a group wedding at the end of the play.”
– Shakespeare birthplace trust

Naturally 7
2026-07-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Certain experiences burn themselves in your memory from the very first encounter. The jaw-dropping audio pyrotechnics that Naturally 7 put on display every night absolutely belong in that category. “A capella group” so vastly underplays what they create onstage that they had to coin a phrase – “Vocal Play” – to more accurately depict what they do. Naturally 7 is more than a tightly orchestrated collection of great singers.
“The Best A Cappella Group in the World”– Quincy Jones
They transform their voices into actual human instruments, effortlessly producing music of any genre. Their vocal choreography is so perfectly interwoven that they compelled the musical maestro himself, Quincy Jones, to declare that “Naturally 7 is the future of vocal music!!” Their sonic mastery was on full display in a series of unforgettable performances on “The World’s Best” TV show, which premiered on CBS immediately following Super Bowl LIII. Hosted by comedian and “Car Karaoke” collaborator, James Corden, Naturally 7 reigned supreme as the world’s “Best Group”, and cemented their singular status among the planet’s musical elite.
This was only icing on the cake of a still-vibrant 20-year career, which includes 3 world tours – nearly 500 shows – with the incomparable Michael Bublé, shared billing with global phenomenon Coldplay – including a sold out show at the Barclays Center – and owned the spotlight in a pair of national Cheerios commercials. In addition to Bublé, Naturally 7 has shared the stage with numerous icons, including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Sarah Connor, Lionel Richie, Ludacris, The Roots, and more. Counted among their world-famous fans are President Barack Obama, Will.I.Am., Ellen DeGeneres, Craig Ferguson, Bill and Melinda Gates, Jay Leno, Allan Titchmarsh, Mo’Nique, Jools Holland, and Arsenio Hall, along with countless others.
With the release of their latest project, 20/20, Naturally 7 comes full circle, adding a fresh spin on 20 fan favorites, hand selected by fans the world over. This, their eleventh studio album, celebrates their 20th anniversary in the music industry, giving music lovers all they could hope for, and then some. For the members of Naturally 7 – “Ricky“ Lee Ricardo Cort, Rod Eldridge, N’namdi Bryant, Sean Simmonds, Dwight Stewart, Roger Thomas, and Warren Thomas – it’s a privilege to do what they love and bring so much joy to the hearts of their fans each and every night. It’s exactly what you would expect. When something is pure magic it’s destined to withstand the test of time. Naturally…Naturally 7.

Make, Move, Celebrate: Korean Masks
2026-07-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Discover the vibrant world of Korean traditional Tal (mask) dance with Insun Park & Generals. This interactive program invites audiences of all ages to explore Korean culture through hands-on creativity, movement and music. Participants will begin by creating their own colorful Tal masks inspired by traditional Korean designs, then learn the basics of Tal dance through fun and engaging movement activities led by Insun Park, one of the few woman masters of the Gangnyeong Mask Dance. The experience concludes with a lively performance by the band, blending Korean traditional music with modern rock influences and inviting everyone to dance together.
PEM Presents seeks to surprise and delight audiences with world-class artistry in music, theater, dance, film and more. This series allows audiences to learn about the artistic process and supports the development of artists with local, regional, national and global perspectives. PEM Presents further activates the museum as a global center for art, culture and creativity with artist residencies, live performances, lecture series, symposia and conferences. PEM Presents is a collaboration between Learning and Community Engagement and the Present Tense initiative.
PEM Presents is made possible by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.

Midsummer Night's Dream
2026-07-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-18 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
The North Shore Players, a community theater in Danvers, invites you to bring a blanket or chair to outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Performances are July 10, in Danvers, July 11, 12 in Beverly, and July 17, 18, 19 in Danvers. Tickets are $15-$20. Tickets, locations, driving directions and show times are at www.northshoreplayersma.org. The North Shore Players is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and has been on the North Shore since 1957.

Newburyport 250 Declaration of Independence Day: The Die Is Cast
2026-07-19 13:30 - 17:30 | MA
Commemoration of the 250th anniversary of NBPT’s first reading of the Declaration of Independence, with readings, music, reenactors and more
Newburyport, MA: The Museum of Old Newbury, in partnership with the Custom House Maritime Museum, Lowell’s Boat Shop, the First Religious Society, Theater in the Open, the City of Newburyport, the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and many more community partners, will present Newburyport 250 Declaration of Independence Day: The Die Is Cast on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Market Square, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Newburyport.
Sponsored in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) as part of the statewide MA250 campaign.
At a glance
What: A public commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Newburyport’s first reading of the Declaration of Independence, with readings, music, reenactors, family-friendly activities, a waterfront salute by two schooners, and more.
When: Sunday, July 19, 2026; 1:45 p.m. procession, 2:00 p.m. program
Where: Brown Square to Market Square, with a stop at FRS UU Church, followed by a waterfront observance and family friendly activities.
Includes: Community readings, Revolutionary soldiers, sailors, and colonial-era townspeople, ceremonial music and salutes, the arrival of two schooners honored by privateers on board, public access to the schooners until 5:30 p.m., and activities for families.
On July 19, 1776, the people of Newburyport assembled at the Meetinghouse then standing in Market Square to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time. In the aftermath of that extraordinary moment, patriot and future Senator Tristram Dalton wrote to Elbridge Gerry, “The die is cast. All is at stake. The way is made plain.”
That plain way was not peace, comfort, or certainty. It was sacrifice. War had already touched Newburyport for more than a year, but the Declaration transformed resistance into resolve. It proclaimed before the world that Americans were entitled to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” and most Newburyporters were prepared to defend those rights at any cost.
Two hundred and fifty years later, Newburyport will gather again to remember that turning point in the life of the town and the nation. The day will begin at 1:45 p.m. with a procession from Brown Square to Market Square, including a stop at FRS UU Church, before the public commemoration begins at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown. This anniversary observance invites the public to stand where earlier generations stood and to hear once more the words that changed the course of our history.
The program will bring together neighbors and friends, past and present, along with Revolutionary soldiers, sailors, colonial-era townsfolk, and special guests, for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. With music, salutes, and ceremonial observances, the event will honor those who, in 1776, pledged to each other their “Lives, Fortunes, and sacred Honor” in the defense of liberty.
Following the Market Square program, participants will proceed to the waterfront to greet the arrival of the Schooner Ardelle and the Schooner Isabella. There, the commemoration will continue with salutes by privateers on board, recalling the maritime world in which Newburyport lived, fought, and sacrificed during the Revolution. The schooners will remain in port and available to the public until 5:30 p.m.
As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, Newburyport 250 Declaration of Independence Day: The Die Is Cast offers a chance not only to remember the past, but to renew a shared civic promise. It is a day to reflect on the cost of freedom, the courage of those who declared it, and the enduring obligation to defend the rights and principles for which they risked everything.
Event is free, donations appreciated!

Vintage Base Ball
2026-07-19 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.

Blueberry & Flower Festival (July 18-19 & 25-26)
2026-07-19 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Mark your calendars for Cider Hill’s celebration of all things berries and blooms! The multi-weekend event will feature free live music, hard cider bars, family-friendly activities, hayrides, food truck, blueberry treats, pop-ups & cut-your-own flowers and berry picking. General admission is free. RSVP now and buy pick-your-own tickets upon arrival at the farm or online at www.ciderhill.com/tickets.

Zane Christopher & The Alchemists
2026-07-18 20:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Zane Christopher & The Alchemists return to The Cut for the third time — this time in the heart of New England summer.
After nearly two sold out shows, fans asked for one thing: a summer night to sing along to Zane’s New England anthems.
Join Zane Christopher & The Alchemists on July 18 for a special hometown-style celebration featuring favorites like Road Song, Bounce Babe, and Young — plus songs from Zane’s debut album releasing that very week.
Expect a night of indie rock, Americana, stories, summer nostalgia, and the kind of songs that feel like driving with the windows down on the North Shore.
One night only.

Martin Sexton
2026-07-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Martin Sexton tours in support of the 25th anniversary of Live Wide Open, his critically acclaimed double-vinyl live album. The show features fan favorites alongside new material and surprise covers. From The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, Sexton has influenced a generation of artists, with songs featured in Scrubs, Parenthood, Masters of Sex, and numerous films—though it’s his incendiary live performances, honest songwriting, and powerful vocals that keep fans coming back for more.
“Master of dynamics, reducing a room to silence with his blustering baritone, then teasing that silence with a fluttering falsetto.” —Acoustic Guitar

Sunset Sessions at the Birdseye Rooftop
2026-07-18 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.

Blackburn Brew Fest 2026
2026-07-18 17:30 - 20:30 | Stage Fort Park, 24 Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber is pleased to announce the return of the Blackburn Brew Festival on Saturday, July 18th (RAIN or SHINE) at Stage Fort Park! Over 20 breweries will be convening from Cape Ann, the North Shore, and across New England to showcase their best brews to attendees from far and wide. The event will also offer live music, local food trucks and lawn games all while located at Gloucester’s historic waterfront park.
The event will also be supporting a good cause as a portion of the proceeds will support local non-profits through the Cape Ann Community Foundation, an organization established by the Chamber to award grants for projects supporting educational, social service, recreational and economic initiatives throughout the Cape Ann Community.
PLEASE NOTE: This event is 21+
For breweries interested in participating, please contact Sam Bevins at sam@capeannchamber.com.
The current list of sponsors is:
Growler
Discover Gloucester
Ocean Breeze Cultivators
Reverie 73
Renewal by Andersen
Cape Ann Savings
Pint
BankGloucester
Cape Ann Motor Inn
Flight
Burgin Platner Insurance
Cape Ann Lanes/Laneside Pub & Brewery
In Kind
Streamography
Brooks Gibson Company

Newburyport’s Revolution: From High Street to the Waterfront
2026-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Follow Newburyport’s road to revolution through merchant mansions, taverns, privateering, shipmasters, and Market Square.
Join noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth for a walk from the 1808 Cushing House down State Street into the commercial and maritime heart of Newburyport. Hear how taverns, merchant mansions, privateering fortunes, shipmasters, and public spaces helped shape the city during the American Revolution. Along the way, discover women’s roles in supporting the Revolution, and explore Tristram and Ruth Dalton, Patrick and Nathaniel Tracy, the Wolfe Tavern, the Marine Society, and Market Square, while tracing how later fires, urban renewal, and preservation reshaped the streets where Revolutionary Newburyport unfolded.

En Plein Air Sketch Classes with Sue Wheeler
2026-07-18 09:30 - 11:30 | 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!

11th Annual Military Service Day at Patton Homestead
2026-07-18 | Patton Family Archives – Patton Homestead, 650 Asbury Street, Hamilton, M, 01982, United States
The 2026 Military Service Day celebrates its on July 18th from 10 am to 4 pm at the historic Patton Homestead in Hamilton, MA. The 11th anniversary event is a free and family-friendly and will be held this year in conjunction with the nation’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the birthday of the United States Army.
The event features military exhibits, military reenactors, helicopters, vintage military vehicles, tributes to veterans and educational programming for families. The day promotes education and awareness of American military history while bringing the community together in celebration of service and sacrifice. Click here for more information: https://apgardnerposthamilton.org/military-day/

Black Picnic
2026-07-18 | Salem Willows Bandstand, 165 Fort Avenue, Robert Hayes Band Stand at Salem Willows, M, 01970, United States
Please join us for the 2026 Annual Historic Black Picnic. Full day of music and fun, cookout kid games and tournaments.. DJs and live performances.

Dead to the Core - July Show
2026-07-17 20:00 - 22:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
21+, Positive I.D. Required
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!
