Outdoor Activity

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

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Beverly Harbor Fest

The 12^th 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:

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Live Well Amesbury | A Feel Good Festival

"Live Well Amesbury" is a community health and wellness event for all ages in downtown Amesbury Massachusetts

"Live Well Amesbury" is a community health and wellness event for all ages! Join us for music, dancing, face paining, rock painting, yoga, reiki, family photos . . . and more!

When:

Saturday, September 9, 2023 8am-2pm

Location:

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Drop in Station | Explore the Pond at Bradley Palmer

Here is your chance to go inside the Willowdale Mansion (willowdaleestate.com) for a unique guided tour. Now an event and wedding venue, this over 100 years-old Arts and Crafts style home has been beautifully restored. The second floor is not accessible. Best for ages 8 years & up.

What kinds of fascinating creatures live in or visit the ponds? Come and visit with the Park Interpreter to see if any creatures are stirring, and if any plants are flowering. Best for ages pre-K and up. This is a great family activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

When:

Fridays through October 6, 2023 9-11am

Location:

Bradley Palmer State Park

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Gloucester Schooner Festival 2023

The Gloucester Schooner Festival celebrates maritime, sailing and fishing heritage of Cape Ann Massachusetts

The Gloucester Schooner Festival is a wonderful celebration of Gloucester's fishing and maritime history during labor day weekend. This year's festival, hosted by Maritime Gloucester, is Gloucester’s major marine event, with participating vessels coming from ports along the Eastern seaboard and beyond. There will be both large and small vessels—ranging from 19 feet to over 100 feet in length. You will see new boats and old boats, from newly built (Ardelle - launched 2011) to over 100 years old!

When:

Labor Day Weekend, August 31-September 4, 2023

Location:

Downtown Gloucester

Gloucester Harbor

Gloucester Harbor Walk

Gloucester Schooner Festival

Schooner

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Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park

Come enjoy a Summer evening sea-side concert at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester Massachusetts! The weekly Thursday night concerts will be held at Stage Fort Park’s Antonio Gentile Bandstand Starting at 7pm during July and 6:30pm in August. Check out the 2023 program line-up:

When:

Sundays through August 27, 2023 6:30pm

Saturday, August 19, 2023 6:30pm

Location:

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Fairy House Festival at Veasey Park

Walk the trails to see the handcrafted houses at this year’s enchanted Fairy House Festival. Cast your People’s Choice Award vote for your favorite Fairy House. Stay awhile for magical fun, arts and crafts, food, raffles, live music, and more. Rain or shine. Anyone is welcome to submit a house. Donations collected at the Festival are reinvested back into the Park.

When:

Saturday, September 16, 2023 10am – 4pm

Sunday, September 17, 2023 10am – 4pm

Location:

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History Rises from the Ruins

Kids will learn about the secret history of Maudslay State Park at this presenta

Join the Maudslay State Park interpreter on a tour of the former Moseley Family estate to view the house sites, gardens and farm complex area and talk about their historical significance.

When:

Saturday, September 23, 2023 2-3:30pm

Location:

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Paddle the Great Marsh

Paddle the waters of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on this ranger guided tour.

What’s the secret to exploring the magic of the Great Marsh? Getting out on the water! Join park rangers from the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and paddling guides along the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge water trail to experience this unique habitat and the species that call it home. This program is free and all gear will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own equipment!

When:

Saturday, September 16, 2023 Noon-2:30pm

Location:

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

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Castle Hill Picnic Concert - Orville Giddings Band

Orville Giddings brings boogie blues music to Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in this Thursday evening concert. Photo ©David Stone

Part of the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, this is a great way to get together and have fun with the whole family in an exclusive setting. You can pack a picnic dinner, bring the kids, and get ready to dance the night away under the stars on the Grand Allée. Explore the landscaped grounds and the family "Eye Spy."

When:

Thursday, August 31, 2023 6:30-8:30pm

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Ipswich

Concert

Trustees of Reservations

Picnic

Outdoor Activity

Live Performance

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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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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

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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All Family Field Trip: Spring in the Tide Pools

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors....

Where: Sandy Point State Reservation

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Faerie Houses in the Gardens

Explore the gardens in a fun and magical way! Moonrise Fae have made faerie houses and nestled them in to corners of the garden. Join us to explore and let your imagination lead you on an adventure among the flowers.

Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

10:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

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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Sing & Dance with the Music Man

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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Ipswich Homegrown Market

Every Thursday through the Summer, you will find fresh local produce and other foods from local vendors at the Middle Green in Ipswich Massachusetts! Come enjoy this weekly community event featuring local growers, makers, artists, and dreamers.

Where: Middle Green Ipswich MA

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

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Evening Stroll at Maudslay

Join the park interpreter for a moderately paced walk to view different areas of the park and experience the seasonal changes at Maudslay.

Where: Maudslay State Park

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

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STOMP at Lynn Auditorium

After 29 years and 11,475 performances, STOMP closed in New York City on January 8, 2023, and went on tour. STOMP - a live experience of dance, rhythm and percussion is coming to Lynn Massachusetts!

Where: Lynn Auditorium

8:00 pm

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Sunday, June 9

Long Hill Garden Tours

The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants it’s most known for. In addition to learning about what plants are in bloom as well as the rare and unique species in our collection, you...

Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

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CraneOutdoors: Kayak Historic Fox Creek

The Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England—is not only brimming with fascinating natural history, it is also home to a rich cultural history. Nowhere is this more evident than in the meandering waters of Fox Creek. Connecting the tidal estuaries of the Essex River basin and...

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

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Summer Concert Series at Lynch Park

Enjoy free concerts this Summer at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts! Families are encourages to grab a chair and a blank and head to the park for a free concert at Lynch Park's ampitheater.

Where: Lynch Park

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

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Monday, June 10

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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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

10:00 am to 3:59 pm

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Sing & Dance with the Music Man

Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham

10:00 am to 10:45 am

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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

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 →

Faerie Houses in the Gardens

Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

10:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Beverly Farmers' Market

The Beverly Farmers’ Market supports local agriculture while making healthy food available to all members of the Beverly community at affordable prices; the market promotes sustainable living practices and fosters community connections through our vendors, free activities and events. The market...

Where: Odell Park

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

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