Performance

Live Action CLUE for Families

Was it the butler in the pantry with the pipe wrench?  Come find out at the Crane Estate Family CLUE party!

Was it the butler in the pantry with the pipe wrench?  Come find out at the Crane Estate! You've been invited to Miss Florence Crane's birthday party in 1928. Everyone is having a good time until someone dies. Can you figure out who did it, in what room, and with which weapon?

When: 
Saturday, March 28, 2020 1-3pm

Lobster Trap Tree Lighting

Lobster Trap Tree Lighting Party in at Cape Ann Art Haven in Gloucester Massachusetts

The annual Middle Street Walk 2024 wraps up every year with the lighting of the lobster trap Christmas tree in Gloucester Massachusetts! Stop by Cape Ann Art Haven for a Holiday Party with hot chocolate, sweet treats, kids' crafts, holiday photos, face painting live music. Caroling starts at 4:30pm, followed by the tree lighting across the street at 5pm. Come find your buoy hanging on the tree, enjoy caroling, seeing the star put on the tree join us for the countdown and celebrate the season with the lighting of our Lobster Trap Tree!

When: 
Saturday, December 14, 2019 4-6pm

Holiday Adventures of the Misfit Toys | Matinee

Holiday Adventures of the Misfit Toys performed by Jaoppa Dance Company at the Firehousecenter for the Arts

Firehouse Center for the Arts hosts Joppa Dance Company as they present 'The Holiday Adventures of the Misfit Toys', an original dance-theater production that centers around three unlikely friends. One, a stuffed animal that doesn’t fit into any particular species; the second, a doll that prefers an alternative punky-gothic style to the usual pink frills; the third, a Barbie who rejects the normal attire for…men’s suits? Yes!

When: 
Friday, December 6, 2019 8pm
Saturday, December 7, 2019 2 & 8pm
Sunday, December 8, 2019 2pm

The Nutcracker & Gala Reception at the Firehouse Center

The Nutcracker performed by the Methuen Ballet is a perrenial favorite at the Firehouse Center for the Performing Arts after a Gala Reception in the Lobby!

Long a traditional favorite, Methuen Ballet Ensemble brings the holiday classic, "The Nutcracker" to Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Join us for this very special production of Methuen Ballet Ensemble's The Nutcracker.  Methuen Ballet Ensemble, an established local ballet company under the artistic direction of Vanessa Rae Voter, has staged The Nutcracker for over twenty-five years.  

When: 
Gala Reception and Show: Saturday, November 30, 2019 6pm
Saturday, November 30, 2019 3pm
Sunday, December 1, 2019 1pm

TitO presents Poe in Salem

Theater in the Open presents the works of Edgar Allen Poe at Gedney and Cox Houses in Salem Massachusetts!

Join Theater in the Open for a special presentation of Poe! Using music, movement and macabre pageantry, Theater in the Open will explore the emotional tension and otherworldly atmosphere that underscore the work of Edgar Allan Poe. Your favorite fearful Poe poems and stories — including The Raven and The Fall of the House of Usher — come to life at this all-ages show. We'll perform by lantern light in the historic GEDNEY HOUSE at 21 High Street, Salem.

When: 
Friday, October 4, 2019 7-8:30pm or 9-10:30PM
Location: 

TitO presents Poe

Theater in the Open presents the works of Edgar Allen Poe at Oak Hill Cemetary in Newburyport Massachusetts

Join Theater in the Open for a special encore presentation of Poe in The Ellen T. Brown Memorial Chapel at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Newburyport. Using music, macabre pageantry and shadow puppetry, Theater in the Open’s ensemble will explore the emotional tension and otherworldly atmosphere that underscore Poe’s works.

When: 
Friday-Sunday, September 20-29, 2019 6-7:30pm

Family Hour in the Open

Come Enjoy Family Hour in the Open by Theater in the Open at Maudlsay State Park

Bring the kids, the dog and the picnic blanket out to beautiful Maudslay State Park! One Saturday of every warm-weather month, we will be joined by many of our good friends in the community to present storytelling, song, dance, fairytale-theater and a fun group activity, all right here in the park and all entirely free! Come make a friend, sing a song, take in some sun and get to know your park better.

When: 
Saturday, August 17, 2019 11am-12pm

Peter Pan Panto

Theater in the Open presents a Peter Pan Panto at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts

Join us for the official kickoff of the Theater in the Open 40th Anniversary Season! Edward Speck and Joshua Shack know that we need a spring panto to celebrate the change in seasons at Maudslay State Park. This year, they’ll collaborate to create another completely original panto based on a beloved story, Peter Pan. Pirates, fairies and Lost Boys will abound in this whimsically goofy take on the J. M. Barrie classic.

When: 
August 18, 2019 1-3pm

The Wizard of Oz - Matinee

Ipswich Middle School performs James and the Wizard of Oz at the Ipswich Performing Arts Center

The Ipswich Middle School theatre department hits the yellow brick road to celebrate the 80th anniversary of this beloved classic musical, presented to you by award winning Ipswich Middle School Theatre Company. These shows have sold out to the walls the last two years! This full length musical featuring a cast of 60 accompanied by a live orchestra, brilliant light and sound engineering, and vivid set pieces will surely make you feel like you aren't in Kansas anymore!

When: 
Friday, March 15, 2019 7pm
Saturday, March 16, 2019 7pm
Sunday, March 17, 2019 2:30pm

The Wizard of Oz

Ipswich Middle School performs James and the Wizard of Oz at the Ipswich Performing Arts Center

The Ipswich Middle School theatre department hits the yellow brick road to celebrate the 80th anniversary of this beloved classic musical, presented to you by award winning Ipswich Middle School Theatre Company. These shows have sold out to the walls the last two years! This full length musical featuring a cast of 60 accompanied by a live orchestra, brilliant light and sound engineering, and vivid set pieces will surely make you feel like you aren't in Kansas anymore!

When: 
Friday, March 15, 2019 7pm
Saturday, March 16, 2019 7pm
Sunday, March 17, 2019 2:30pm

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Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 16th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, Massachusetts .
8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Crescent Farm Corn Maze

Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Step Inside the Historic Custom House

Take in the views of this prominent building where Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked and the U.S. Custom Service operated. This Custom House was built in 1819 and housed offices for the officers of the U.S. Customs Service, as well as an attached warehouse, the Public Stores, used for the storage of...
9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

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.
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

A Spiritual Quest Weekend at Hilldale Cemetery

Hilldale Cemetary in Haverhill Massachusetts is one of the North Shore's most active paranormal spots!
Do you believe in Ghosts? If you do then join the Essex County Ghost Project and Witches Wonder fort a spooktacular evening of haunts and fun . The gates open at 6:30 pm and hunt starts at 7pm . We are exploring one of New England’s most Haunted historical sites . There have been reports of full...
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Paddle Around Historic Rockport Harbor

Paddle around Rockport Massachusetts Harbor for FREE as part of Trails and Sails
Come join North Shore Adventures and Outdoor Center for some fun on the water! No experience necessary. Depart from our private beach in one of our safe, stable kayaks or paddle boards and paddle around the historic Rockport Harbor for 30 mins. See lobster boats, Motif #1, the Rockport Break water...
10:30 pm

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 14-29, 2024 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...
7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Sunday, September 28

Marini Farm Corn Maze

The 2025 Marini Farm Corn Maze in Ipswich Massachusetts is themed for The Wizard of Oz
Come to Marini Farm for a fun journey through our corn maze! The Maze Park, corn maze, farm stand, bakery and other attractions provide a great destination for kids birthday parties, school trips, corporate team building, scout outings, and family activities. Marini Farm is located in beautiful...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

North Andover Farmers' Market

North Andover Farmers Market every Sunday Through October 2, 2022
The North Andover Farmers Market is the perfect destination for anyone living in the Merrimack Valley or the North Shore to shop and enjoy locally-sourced products. The market will take place in the center of town at the intersection of First Street and Main Street. The market has become known for...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

CoastSweep: Stage Fort Park

Damaged and lost fishing gear is a major source of coastal trash, like this lobster pot washed onto the shore by a storm. CoastSweep Cleanup Gloucester Massachusetts
As part of COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to come to Stage Fort Park to help in the statewide effort to keep our coastline clean al
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Ride the Rail Trail to New Hampshire

Bike the Rail Trail from the Merrimack river in Salisbury Massachusetts to the New Hampshire border.
Join us on a scenic bike ride starting at the Graf Rink lot on Low St. in Newburyport. We’ll go along the Clipper City Trail and it’s impressive trail art. We will then go over the Merrimac River to Salisbury, past salt marshes as we make our way to the NH border. Along the way, David Read will...
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

COASTSWEEP Cleanup | Short Beach Nahant

CoastSweep shoreline beach cleanup at Short Beach in Nahant, Massachusetts!
As part of COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to come to Short Beach, Nahant (located opposite the corner of Nahant Road and Castle Road) to help in the statewide effort to keep our coastline clean along the shore in Lynn and Nahant Massachusetts. Special two hour permits will be...
11:00 am

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Vintage BaseBall at Spencer-Peirce Little Farm

Come see how baseball used to be played at Spencer Pierce Little Farm. Photo: Matthew Muise Photography
It’s Base Ball, 1864 style at Spencer Peirce Little Farm! These fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching and no gloves are allowed. A ball bounced once and caught is an out! Snacks, baseballs, and cards are available for purchase. Come and see for yourself how this game was...
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Brocklebank Museum Open House

Explore the Brocklebank Museum in Georgetown Massachusetts as part of Trails and Sails!
Visit the Brocklebank Museum, built in the late 1600s, with ties to the abolitionist movement and the famous Beecher family. tep back in time to the birth of our Nation. The Revolutionary War era in Essex County. Stop by and visit the Georgetown Historical Society in our tavern room at the...
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

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.
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm
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