Charity

Barktoberfest | Sweet Paws Rescue

Sweet Paws Rescue Barktoberfest in Newbury Massachusetts helps raise funds for this unique shelterless pet matching organization

We invite the entire Sweet Paws Rescue community to enjoy this fun-filled day of music, activities, and local food & drink in celebration of our southern team’s amazing efforts and dedication. You won't want to miss this opportunity to learn more about our organization and meet some of our adoptable pets! Bring your family and enjoy lots of free kid-friendly activities! Well behaved, leashed pups are welcome! If you've adopted through us, this event is a great way to show your thanks and you may even have a chance to connect with your rescuer(s)!

When:

Saturday, October 18, 2025 12-5pm

Location:

Spencer Peirce Little Farm

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Topsfield Fall Foliage Race

Fall Foliage Classic 5k and 5 mile race in Topsfield Massachusetts

The annual Topsfield Fall Foliage Classic Road Race offers a 5 Miler and 5K that loop through beautiful Topsfield, MA. Each has one hilly section at the beginning but course is mostly flat. The race features prizes for the top 3 finishers on each course, as well as raffles and finish line food and fun!

When:

Sunday, October 19, 2025 10:45am

Location:

Proctor Elementary School

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Jan's Pitch for Breast Cancer and the Arts

Come to a vintage baseball match that raises funds for breast cancer research at Spencer Peirce Little Farm in Newbury

Join Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm and the Essex Base Ball Association for a day of vintage base ball as we celebrate the 20th season of this partnership! The four teams of Essex Base Ball, the Newburyport Clamdiggers, Lowell Base Ball Club, Portsmouth Rockingham's, and the Lynn Live Oaks, play using 1864 rules. At these fun, historically accurate games, gloves are not allowed, players pitch underhand, and a ball bounced once and caught is an out. Bring a picnic or partake in beer and hot dogs from our friends at Ipswich Ale!

When:

Sunday, October 5, 2025 11am-3pm

Location:

Spencer Peirce Little Farm

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Walk Against Domestic Violence

The Walk Against Domestic Violence is hosted by Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center in Newburyport, Massachusetts. We walk because it could be your best friend, your younger sister, the man who works in the office next to you, your child's best friend, or the teenage girl who works in the local coffee shop. We walk because domestic violence doesn't have a face, because it could happen to anyone, at any time. Walk with us as we advocate for change and raise awareness for domestic violence.

When:

Sunday, October 5, 2025 9-12pm

Location:

Waterfront Park

Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center

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GNOCA 5K Run/Walk

GNOCA's 5K Run/Walk in Honor of Jackie Poor & Paula Holm is a 5k Run or Family Friendly Stroll through Scenic Newburyport starting & ending at Michael's Harborside. Tee Shirts will be given to the First 100 Registrants. All participating runners will be assigned numbers and timed. Great Prizes for Age Category Winners!

When:

Sunday, September 28, 2025 8AM-1PM

Location:

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ECTA Run for the Trails

Annual Run for the Trails Essex County Trail Association ECTA

Sign up for the 20th Annual Run for the Trails! Don't miss out on this great course over some of the North Shore's best trails! Men's and Women's 29 and under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. T-shirts guaranteed for first 100 registrants. Prizes: awarded to 1st and 2nd place overall and in each division! Check the website frequently for more updated information.

When:

Saturday, September 20, 2025 9am-noon

Location:

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Plumfest 2025

Plumfest is an annual celebration of music and community on Plum Island in Newburyport

PlumFest is a non-profit volunteer-run organization incorporated as a Charitable Foundation to bring local musicians, island residents and visitors together to showcase the natural beauty and artistry that make Plum Island such a special place. As an early participant in the “porch-fest” movement that is gaining popularity nation-wide, PlumFest brings our own unique flavor to the mix, with an event that is sure to please.

When:

Saturday, September 13, 2025 12-6pm

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Doggy Maze Daze at Marini Farm

Marini Farm in Ipswich is teaming up with the Ipswich Humane Group to host a Doggy Maze Daze Fundraiser.

The Ipswich Humane Group is teaming up with Marini Farm in Ipswich to host a Doggy Maze Daze Fundraiser to support the Ipswich animal shelter. One weekend only Marini Farm will open the corn maze for pet owners and their four legged friends! Guests can bring their canine companions and get lost in the maze!

When:

Saturday, September 6, 2025 10am-6pm

Sunday, September 7, 2025 10am-6pm

Location:

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Movies on the Common | Toy Story

Come see Toy Story at under the stars on the Common in Salem Massachusetts!

Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy a family-friendly movie. The Salem Common Neighborhood Association will host this screening of the beloved film Toy Story.

When:

Friday, August 6, 2025 Dusk to 10pm

Location:

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Beverly Yankee Homecoming 5k

Come to Lynch Park for the Beverly Homecoming 5k hosted by the North Shore YMCA

Don't miss this historic Beverly Homecoming 5K Road Race The neighbors line the streets to cheer you on along this flat course that stretches through ocean side suburbs and ends with a fast, picturesque finish. It’s Homecoming!

When:

Thursday, August 7, 2025 6:30-8pm

Location:

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Superbowl of Birding 2026

The Superbowl of Birding is a unique competition conducted in Rockingham County, NH, and Essex County, MA. During a 12-hour period, teams of birders of all ages and abilities seek to amass the greatest number of avian species, to earn the most points based on the rarity of the birds recorded. Teams...

Where: Joppa Flats Education Center

5:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Nice n' Easy Hike at Breakheart Reservation

Join the Park Interpreter for this weekly guided hike! Each trip will highlight natural and historic features unique to Breakheart. Hikes are moderately paced and range from 2-3 miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain. Best for ages 8 years and up. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Where: Breakheart Reservation

9:30 am to 11:30 am

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CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Animal Tracks | Family Nature Series

This event with North Shore Nature Programs is geared toward families of all ages who would like to learn about the signs and tracks that animals leave behind! We will explore outdoors and look at tracks, chewed sticks, scat, nests, beaver constructions and more! Waterproof and warm...

10:00 am to 11:30 am

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CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

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Wednesday, February 4

Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum

Mini Movers is an engaging dance and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by experienced instructors, the program introduces young children to the world of dance in a safe and nurturing environment.

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

10:00 am to 11:00 am

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Thursday, February 5

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Friday, February 6

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Salem's So Sweet Festival

Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber of Commerce invite you to come enjoy the annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival – a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping! Now in its 24th year, Salem’s So Sweet has become...

Where: Downtown Salem

9:00 am to 10:00 pm

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Winter Family Field Trip: Raptor Road Trip

With radios in hand, we will carpool to Bald Eagle viewing spots along the Merrimack River and walk short distances to spot eagles with our binoculars and birding scopes. We will be watch for fishing, and courtship displays. Stay warm and active with small group activities that feature raptor sound...

Where: Joppa Flats Education Center

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Where: Breakheart Reservation

10:30 am to 11:30 am

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Family Owl Prowl

Experience the excitement of an owl prowl as we take a hike under the light of the moon to look and listen for Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-Owls. Before we head out on our nocturnal adventure, we will learn fun owl facts in our cozy barn using real owl feathers, skulls, and...

Where: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

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