Festival

Trails & Sails

Explore the North Shore with over 150 Free Events in Essex National Heritage Area's Trails & Sails celebration in Massachusetts.

Essex National Heritage Area sites will offer over 150 free family fun events from September 15-24, 2023 for the annual celebration of TRAILS & SAILS. Discover special places in your backyard and be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in cultural experiences of all kinds. Find what makes Essex County like nowhere else during Trails & Sails! It’s all FREE and it’s all located within the 34 cities and towns of Essex County.

When: 
Daily, September 15-24, 2023
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Museum
Festival
Discovery
Sailing
Outdoor Activity
Boat
Sail
Activity
Trails & Sails 2023

Lowell's Boat Shop: A Step Back in Time

Learn about Lowell's Boat Shop in Amesbury Massachusetts on this guided Trails and Sails Tour

Step back in time with a visit to Lowell’s Boat Shop  in Amesbury Massachusetts during Trails & Sails! Established in 1793, LBS is the oldest continuously operating boat shop in the United States and birthplace of the legendary fishing dory. Now a working museum, the sights, smells and sounds that greet you bring to life centuries of boatbuilding as skilled craftsmen continue to build the dories and skiffs that were once the mainstay of the fishing industry in NE. Declared a National Landmark in 1990, LBS remains dedicated to perpetuating the art and craft of wooden boat building.

When: 
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 11am-3pm
Thursday, September 21, 2023 11am-3pm
Location: 
Lowell’s Boat Shop
Amesbury
Festival
History
Boats
Maritime
Trails & Sails 2023

Step Aboard the Friendship of Salem

Permission to come aboard the Friendship of Salem is granted at Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!

Explore the FRIENDSHIP OF SALEM, a replica tall ship based on a 1796 Salem vessel at Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Learn about the voyages of the original FRIENDSHIP and the lives of the crewmembers onboard. The two-decked, three-masted, square-rigged, 342-ton vessel represents New England’s influential role in the development of global and domestic maritime trade. Part of Trails & Sails

When: 
Saturdays, September 16 & 23, 2023 Noon-3pm
Sundays, September 17 & 24, 2023 Noon-3pm
Location: 
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem
Exploration
Demonstration
Presentation
Festival
History
Discovery
Live Music
Maritime
Heritage
Trails & Sails 2023

Maritime History Walking Tour

Learn about 400 Years of Maritime History on a walking tour at Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!

Join the Salem Maritime National Historic Site for a 30-minute walking tour on the grounds of Salem Maritime National Historic Site. During the tour, learn about Salem’s rich maritime history, from its earliest days as a fishing village to the height of its global trade empire. Explore the historic wharves and buildings along Salem Harbor. Part of Trails & Sails.

When: 
Saturdays, September 16 & 23, 2023 10:30-11am
Sundays, September 17 & 24, 2023 10:30-11am
Location: 
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem
Exploration
Demonstration
Presentation
Festival
History
Discovery
Live Music
Maritime
Heritage
Trails & Sails 2023

Peabody International Festival & Kid's Day

Celebrate Peabody's Cultural Diversity at the International Festival in Peabody Massachusetts

Come celebrate all of the cultures and people that make our area so unique at the City of Peabody's signature event! Every year the International Festival attracts thousands of people with live music, artists, and food inspired from around the world lining the streets from Main down to the Square. Kids activities will happening at East End Veterans Memorial Park on Walnut Street with music, activities, games, and more.

When: 
Sunday, September 10, 2023 11:30am - 5:30pm
Location: 
Peabody Square
Peabody
Food
Demonstration
Festival
Games
Rides
Live Music
Art

Gloucester Harvest Music Festival

Enjoy a day of live music on the waterfront at the Gloucester Harvest Music Festival

The GLOUCESTER HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL blends art and music in one of the country’s most unique and rich artist communities. We invite you to experience the beauty and friendliness of Gloucester through a day long festival showcasing music, arts and culture.To honor Cape Ann’s first responders, frontline medical personnel and emergency workers, this year’s Gloucester Harvest Music Festival will be free with donations requested. All proceeds will be donated to those whose dedication and sacrifice has kept us safe. Great music. Local Food & Drink. Fun for everyone!

When: 
Saturday, September 9, 2023 11am-8pm
Location: 
Gloucester Harbor Walk
Gloucester
Live Music
Festival
Outdoor Activity
Performance
Concert
Dance

Fishing Festival at Harold Parker State Forest

Come to Harold Parker State Forest's Sudden Pond in North Reading Massachusetts for a full day of fishing fun!

Come to Sudden Pond for a day of fishing for all ages! This event is perfect for anglers of any experience level. Cast a line, learn about the fish in our waters, safety, and equipment. MassWildlife Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be on hand to assist. Equipment is provided. No license required. The Friends of Harold Parker State Forest will be providing a barbecue for the hungry fisher people.

When: 
Saturday, September 9, 2023 10am-2pm
Location: 
Harold Parker State Forest
North Andover
Festival
Fishing
Outdoor Activity
DCR

Beverly Harbor Fest

Families are invited to the Beverly Harbor Fest for an afternoon of family fun at lynch park iun Beverly Massachusetts

The 12th annual Harbor Fest is a lively family celebration on the water hosted by Beverly Harbor Management Authority. Join us for games on the lawn, food trucks, music in the shell, and a beer garden at the Carriage House. Mark your calendar NOW and follow more specifics of the event on Facebook - #beverlyharborfest2023 or search “Beverly Harbor Fest 2023”. We hope to see you there to celebrate Beverly’s beautiful waterfront that we can all enjoy!

When: 
Sunday, September 10, 2023 2-5pm
Location: 
Lynch Park
Beverly
Food
Festival
Live Music
Magic
Outdoor Activity

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Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

Todd Farm Market
Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
Where: Todd Farm Market
5:00 am to 3:00 pm
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StoryWalk Series at Maudslay
When Spring Comes Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts!
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes is the subject of this STORYWALK Series.  Watch the world transform when Spring comes!Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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Tulip Festival at Cider Hill Farm
Come cut your own tulips at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury Massachusetts
Enjoy free live music, self-guided orchard walks, hard cider, food trucks, fitness n' family activities AND pick-your-tulips! Festival entrance is free but PRE-PURCHASED tickets for tulip picking REQUIRED. Tulip picking tickets will go live late April-early May as we monitor fields.
Where: Cider Hill Farm
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
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Step up for Colleen 5k
The Step up for Colleen 5k is a memorial fundraiser in memory of Colleen Ritzer a beloved North Shore Lacal Teacher.
The friends and family of Colleen Ritzer have created this 5K walk/run to celebrate Colleen’s life and her commitment to help and inspire others. Through the Step Up for Colleen event, organizers hope to enhance a sense of community and overall goodwill as we come together to honor Colleen and the...
Where: The Park at Andover Town Offices
8:30 am
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Newburyport Farmers' Market
Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
Where: Tannery Marketplace
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Beverly Library Spring Book Sale
Beverly Library in Massachusetts hosts hosts their annual book sale and fundraiser. Image is AI generated.
Our annual Friends' Spring Book Sale takes place daily at the main library from Saturday, Saturday May 4 through May 11. The sale will be open daily during regular library hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9AM-9PM; Fri.
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate
Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Interpretation Station at Maudslay

Learn about the bloom cycles at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Join the park interpreter and discover more about the bloom cycle at Maudslay. View the beautiful varieties featrued throughout the park, and peak bloom locations through the growing season.Check the bulletin board in the parking lot for the Interpetation Station location each day.
Where: Maudslay State Park
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield
Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
10:00 am to 6:59 pm
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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden
Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 3:59 pm
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Befriend the Barnyard
Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard experience at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Discover our special barnyard animals! Our Angora rabbits Violet, Mabel, Oiver and Charles; Nubian goats Maeve, Morgana, and Mordred; dairy cows Gray, Jasmine, their calves Gigi and Joanie and our friendly flock of heritage chickens will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique...
Where: Appleton Farms
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Planting Program at North Shore Children's Museum
North Shore, North Shore Childrens Museum in Peabody MA
Join volunteers from Newhall Fields for a very special planting program. Kids will get a chance to plant seeds, learn more about the anatomy of seeds and plants, color, and dress up.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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Drop-in Seed Planting at North Shore Children's Museum
Seed planting workshop at North Shore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts
Come to the museum to join volunteers from Newhall Fields for a very special planting program. Kids will get a chance to plant seeds, learn more about the anatomy of seeds and plants, color, and dress up. This program is drop in from 1-3PM, and included with your admission to the 12-2PM or 2-4PM...
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
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Marblehead Junior Class Carnival

The Marblehead Carnival is a fundraiser for the Marblehead High School junior class in Massachusetts!
Come join the annual Marblehead Carnival sponsored by Junior Class at Devereaux Beach. Each year this carnival serves as a major fundraiser.  You'll find rides, games, and great food!
Where: Devereux Beach
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
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Saturday, May 11

Music Together of the North Shore - Saturday
Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® of the North Shore is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes...
Where: Grace Episcopal Church in Salem
9:15 am to 11:15 am
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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden
Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 3:59 pm
♦ Read More →

Sing & Dance with the Music Man
Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham
10:00 am to 10:45 am
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2024 Salem Living Green Expo
Salem Living Green Expo at Derby Square in Salem Massachusetts
The Salem Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem Department of Sustainability and Resiliency are collaborating to co-host a Living Green Expo downtown! Come explore the Living Green Expo at Old Town Hall on Sat, May 11th (10AM - 1PM)!! Lots of great North Shore businesses and community organizations...
Where: Derby Square
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield
Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
10:00 am to 6:59 pm
♦ Read More →

Newburyport Kitchen Tour

The Annual Newburyport Kitchen Tour features sensational kitchens in a variety of period style homes in this historic riverside coastal community.
The Annual Newburyport Kitchen Tour features You’re  sensational kitchens showcasing craftsmanship and design. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind exploration of historic and charming homes in our seaside and riverside community, featuring a variety of complimentary tastings from exceptional restaurants,...
Where: Downtown Newburyport
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate
Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Kids Con New England 2024
Kids Con New England Concord NH cosplay comic superhero princess Star Wars convention
Kids Con New England is the first and only comic book convention just for kids in New England! Kids Con New England® is New England’s first and largest kids-focused comic con & children’s book event! Inspiring art education, literacy and creativity through family-friendly comics, children’s...
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Salamander Meander
What kind of Salamanders will we find at Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary? Photo: Mass Audubon
April is the month when frogs, toads, and salamanders return to wetlands and lay their eggs. We'll search the sanctuary's vernal pools, ponds, and woodlands for a variety of amphibians that are the on the move. If we're lucky, we might see Wood Frog and Spotted Salamander eggs and catch a few...
Where: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
10:00 am to 11:30 am
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CraneExplorer: Mother's Day Coastal Crafts
Make a Mother's Day gift from nature the Trustees of Reservations Castle Hill in Ipswich Massachusetts!
This Mother’s day, give a gift from the sea! From seaweed pressings to shell collages, beach treasures make beautiful greetings and keepsakes. Join this workshop to make a gift for Mom, OR bring Mom along for a fun coastal art-making outing! This program will start with a beach walk to collect...
Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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