North of Boston

Kids Photo Op at Witch Pix
2026-05-09 10:30 - 16:30, 2026-05-08 10:30 - 16:30, 2026-05-07 10:30 - 16:30, 2026-05-04 10:30 - 16:30, 2026-05-03 10:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Witch Pix, 172 Essex St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
A kid-only witchy portrait session offering four fun styles for a quick, imaginative Salem experience. For a limited time, young visitors can enjoy a brief witchy portrait designed for vacation fun in Salem. Children pick one of four signature styles—Graveyard Magic, Crystal Ball Witchery, 1692 Glamour, or Earth Witch—and step into character with simple costume pieces. The session blends creativity, history, and play, producing a small gallery of expressive images.

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

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

En Plein Air Sketch Classes with Sue Wheeler
2026-05-09 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!

Tulip Fest at Cider Hill Farm (May 2-3 & 9-10)
2026-05-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Enjoy blooming orchard walks, hard cider bars, free live music, food truck and fitness events, family activities, pop-up events and cut-your-own tulips. Important: Pre-purchased online tickets required for cut-your-own tulips. Limited tickets are available for the best possible experience for all. Tickets will go live in late April or early May as we monitor the field. See FAQs: https://www.ciderhill.com/tulipfest

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
2026-05-08 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, 356 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Salem State theatre celebrates 50 years of theatrical excellence with its production of Stephen Sondheim’s dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge.
Sweeney Todd has become a bloody, worldwide success since being awarded eight Tony’s, (including Best Musical), for its Broadway premiere. Stephen Sondheim’s and Hugh Wheeler’s (A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures) tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences across the world.
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun!
FOR MATURE AUDIENCES
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Directed by Peter Sampieri
April 17, 7:30 pm
April 18, 7:30 pm
April 19, 2 pm
April 24, 7:30 pm
April 25, 7:30 pm
April 26, 2 pm
TICKETS
$15 general/$10 seniors/free for all students with student ID and under 18.
Friday, April 24 is SALEM NIGHT. Free admission for Salem residents. This event takes place in our mainstage theater, no advance reservation required.
Tickets are available at: https://salemstatetickets.universitytickets.com/w/
For access and accommodation information, visit https://www.salemstate.edu/access or email access@salemstate.edu.

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

THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams
2026-05-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
Through Tom’s cinematic eyes, his family’s life isn’t the dream he imagined. In a rundown St. Louis apartment the matriarch, Amanda Wingfield, is desperately clinging to a past of parties and endless callers. Her adult children, Tom and Laura, become victims of her delusions as she pushes for Tom to provide for the struggling family and Laura to find a husband. The two seek solace in ways of escaping their mother and their own misery until a visit from a gentleman caller presents the possibility of new opportunities.
Renowned playwright Tennessee Williams opens the 2025 Season with this classic drama, directed by Doug Lockwood. Running from June 5 to 28, all performances are at Gloucester Stage’s Theater 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm, and matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 3:00pm.

Latin Night! Learn Salsa
2026-05-07 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Get ready to spice up your dance moves at our Latin Night! Learn Salsa Dance Class Series!
TUESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHTS ——NEXT 6-WEEK SERIES STARTS APR 7 & 9!
Max 22 students per class. No Drop Ins or Single Classes.
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$114 for the 6-week series
TUESDAY NIGHTS: April 7 to May 12
THURSDAY NIGHTS: Apr 9 to May 14
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Join experienced dance instructors for Latin Night at the Larcom Theatre, where you’ll learn the vibrant rhythms of Salsa. Known for its passion and sensuality, salsa is a lively fusion of Latin American and Caribbean dance styles enjoyed around the world.
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BEGINNER 1A: Tuesdays, 6:30 PM Or Thursdays, 8:40 PM
This class is open to everyone! Whether you’re new to Salsa, have never tried it before, or are transitioning from On 1 to On 2 timing, this Beginner Class is perfect for you. The focus is on mastering basic dance steps, understanding salsa timing, building connections and frame, exploring partnering elements, and learning the basic moves for patterns, including left and right turns, and the cross-body lead. No previous experience is necessary.
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BEGINNER 1B: Tuesdays 7:40 Pm or Thursdays, 6:20 PM
This class builds directly on the Beginner 1A series and is ideal for dancers who have learned the fundamentals and are ready to gain confidence and consistency. There will also be a FOCUS on the ‘Leads’ for proper footwork and leading techniques, to become a better leader, needed to lead more advance moves in the future. You’ll continue developing On 2 timing, strengthen partner connection, and expand on basic patterns including turns and cross-body lead variations with proper techniques. The focus is on smoother transitions, musicality, and dancing with greater ease and control. Completion of the Beginner 1A class is required before enrolling in this class.
ADVANCED BEGINNER 1C: Thursdays (7:30)
This class is designed for dancers who already know the basics and are ready to refine and gain salsa skills. Participants must be comfortable dancing ON TIME with the ON2 Rhythm, and able to lead or follow left turns, right turns, and the cross-body lead. To enroll in this advanced class, you should have completed Beginner Class 1A & 1B or have equivalent formal training or experience. Please note: if you currently dance only On 1, you’ll need to start with the Beginner 1A class.
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No partner is required for any class.
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​​We extend a special invitation for ‘leads’ to join, as their participation will help ensure a robust presence of potential partner leads. ​
For questions about the class, email: donnie@thelarcom.org
LARCOM THEATRE, 13 Wallis St, Beverly MA

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

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

The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings
2026-05-07 12:00 - 20:00 | Cabot House, 117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing it.
Historic Beverly proudly presents The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of artworks commissioned to illustrate Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Sr.’s landmark book.
These paintings are featured in Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary The American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display at the Cabot House from September 6, 2025 to July 4, 2026. Tickets are free and open to the public

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

Rockport Music Presents Bre Kennedy
2026-05-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Bre Kennedy is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter acclaimed for her introspective storytelling and evocative performances. Her work has been praised by Billboard, Paste, American Songwriter, and featured on key Spotify playlists including New Music Friday and Today’s Singer-Songwriters.
Known for her powerful live shows, she has headlined sold-out performances at Nashville staples like Exit/In, The Basement East, The Blue Room, and supported artists such as NEEDTOBREATHE, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Paper Kites, Joy Oladokun and Sheryl Crow at the Ryman Auditorium. As a songwriter, she has collaborated with industry standouts including Jake Wesley Rogers and Lori McKenna, with whom she co-wrote the acclaimed track “Before I Have a Daughter.” Her forthcoming fourth studio album, The Alchemist, released on January 30th 2026 marks a new creative chapter—an unflinchingly honest and artfully crafted body of work shaped by personal growth, emotional clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Created in collaboration with trusted co-writers including Melissa Fuller, Ben West, Michigander, Hadley Kennary, Micah Tawlks, Cheyenna Rose, Spencer Rabin, Collin Pastore, Jake Finch, Wilson Bcbeath and John Stark, the album is more than a collection of songs; it’s an intentionally crafted map home. Bre threads hope through the darker moments, writing with the conviction of someone who knows that beauty can bloom from the hardest places. “I want to encourage people with my songs to see the flowers through the concrete,” she says — and it’s this sentiment that’s the heartbeat of the album.
Bre has cemented herself as an artist to watch and one of the brightest voices out of the New Nashville music scene both on stage and in the writing room, recently securing cuts with artists such as Lily Meola, Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson, Joy Oladokun, Lori McKenna, GAYLE, Britney Spencer and Billy Raffoul.

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

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

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

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

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

Seasonal Saturday Tours!
2026-05-02 11:00 - 16:00 | Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Guided tours of the Museum of Old Newbury’s 1808 Federal-style home, offered Saturdays this winter. History comes alive on every floor!
NEW! Fall and Winter Guided Tours at the Museum of Old Newbury
Beginning in mid-October, 2025, the Museum of Old Newbury will open its doors for guided tours every Saturday. Tours begin on the hour from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last tour departs at 3:00 p.m.). Please note: certain dates are excluded, and tours are weather permitting.
Step back in time as your knowledgeable guide leads you through two floors of our 1808 brick Federal-style home, where every room is filled with objects, stories, and memories of Old Newbury. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of the families who lived here, discover treasures from our collection, and gain new insight into the rich history of Newburyport and the surrounding area.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, this is your chance to experience the museum in a whole new way—through a carefully curated, guided experience designed to bring history to life.
