Festival

Postponed to Raindate June 21, 2023! Essex River Day was created to celebrate one of our most valued resources - the Essex River. This simple idea has grown into an annual event to kick-off the start of summer! Head down to Memorial Park at 24 Martin Street next to Essex Town Hall on Saturday, June 17th from 5pm-9pm (Rain Date: Sunday, June 18th) for live music by Brick House, games by Ipswich Family YMCA, 5 Star Phresh Phood truck, brews from our own Great Marsh Brewery and a bonfire lit at dusk. Special thanks to Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Essex Lions Club for their event support.

The Saint Peter's Fiesta is an annual festival in Gloucester, Massachusetts celebrating the city's fishing heritage, close-knit families, community, and religious traditions.  The five-day celebration includes a carnival, live entertainment, and unique traditional events like the infamous 'Greasy Pole' contest and classic seine boat races. The festival is proudly sponsored by the Italian-American fishing community of Gloucester, and has all kinds of family-oriented activities and events, making it a great early Summer destination weekend event.

Celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States! The third Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration is presented by the North Shore Juneteenth Association and CAM’s Community Engagement Committee Member, Toni Waldron, who hosted the first Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration in 2021. Learn about the Juneteenth Holiday and its connection to Cape Ann history while celebrating Black history through music, dance and food.  

Strawberry Festival is Swampscott's Annual Summer Kick-off Party! Parade down Humphrey Street, eat delicious strawberry shortcake and enjoy a live concert with Brian Maes. Kids area, vendors, food trucks, and more!