The Topsfield Fair is a perennial favorite for us. We're not the biggest fans of the midway, although it is always worth a walkthrough and a ride or two. We love fruits and vegetables, and are always on the lookout for the winning 'biggest pumpkin'. Another favorite is checking out the pigs and other farm animals, as well as the interesting variety of guinea pigs and rabbits.
The 38th Annual Essex ClamFest is back! Although the highlight of the day is the Chowder Tasting Competition - come taste Cape Ann’s finest chowders- there is a great variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site! There is no fee to enter the Festival. There is a $10 fee to Taste the Chowders. Rain date: Sunday, October 23rd. For more info call 978-283-1601. Sponsored by the Essex Division of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Head over to the Essex Shipbuilding Museum Shipyard. Fill your empty bags and baskets with veggies, eggs, flowers, crafts and other goodies. Grab a quick dinner from the Shipyard Grille and enjoy the evening by the water.
Essex River Cruises hosts a narrated sightseeing tour that winds down the beautiful Essex River aboard Essex River Queen, a pontoon boat. We’ll cruise up close to Hog/Choate Island to get a view of the area's magnificent dark spruce forest. See the leaves change into brilliant hues of yellow and orange. Enjoy complimentary hot cider and donuts from Russell Orchard of Ipswich. Don’t miss this magnificent opportunity to view some of New England’s most spectacular fall foliage.
Developed by students from Manchester Essex Regional High School, Dungeons and Dragons - Essex uses elements of fantasy to explore the real life history of a small town with a big culture. Come give it a try at Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum or watch the students demonstrate gameplay. Dungeon Master’s Manuals will be kept at the Library and in the Historical Society Archives for enjoyment far into the future!
Experience the beautiful scenery, crisp air and changing and vibrant colors of Appleton Farms in the fall as you enjoy a hayride across ths idyllic property. Rides will depart every twenty minutes between 12-4pm on weekends and 4-7pm on Fridays. Space is limited, pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Kids come trick-or-treating with Mayor Driscoll. We will trick-or-treat up and down the pedestrian mall, through the shops at Witch City Mall and beyond. Trick-or-Treat Bags will be provided. Costumes are encouraged. Check salem.com for more information.
Join in the fun for the Annual 5k & Fun Run event – an awesome team effort that brings together all five Beverly elementary schools for a day of running fun!! Each year we are thrilled with our community’s commitment and participation and we’re hoping for another repeat at Lynch Park!
Come enjoy beautiful ocean views as you run along the scenic coastline on Cape Ann and race towards our huge finish line arch! The Twin Lights Half Marathon offers a spectacular course with the seashore visible for much of the race's 13.1-mile route. Runners will also enjoy an up-close look at many of the sights that have deep roots in the nation's maritime history.
Spend a day with the Trustees of Reservations in celebration of Choate Island – the crown jewel of the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Here deer and foxes roam through fields that once housed herds of sheep, and osprey fly over breathtaking views of Essex Bay. The island was first home to indigenous farmers and fishers, then to generations of the Choate family, and was later a retreat for Cornelius and Mine Crane, who loved the place so much they decided to be buried at the summit.
