Ipswich Illumination

Come to Ipswich Massachusetts as points along the Ipswich River are illuminated!

The Town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, proudly presents 2025 Ipswich Illumination. This year we are celebrating harvest, hearth, & home, and our maritime history, heritage & culture.

Ipswich Illumination 2025

Ipswich Illumination features a collection of interactive art installations, live music, poetry, projection, bonfires, and more along the Ipswich River. Each evening, Bonfires will blaze on the Ipswich River, which runs through the heart of our downtown & community. Enjoy installations and performances on the first weekend at the Ipswich Riverwalk Mural, and on the second weekend at the Town Wharf. Special thanks to all of our musician friends, content creators, performers, the bonfire tenders, and the Town & people of Ipswich, Massachusetts.Schedule

Check the website for a full schedule of events and more information!

When: 
Friday, October 17, 2025 5:30-9:30pm
Saturday, October 18, 2025 11am-9:30pm
Sunday, October 19, 2025 2-5pm
Saturdays, November 1, 2025 2:30am-9pm
Sunday, November 2, 2025 9-10:15am
Location: 
Downtown Ipswich
Prices: 
FREE
Phone: 
978.375.0324
Email: 
kerrieb@ipswich-ma.gov
Link(s): 
Ipswich Illumination
Ipswich
All Ages
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Brookwood School Summer Program for kids Pre-K through 9 in Manchester Massachusetts

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Tuesday, February 3

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms
Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
Where: Appleton Farms
10:30 am to 11:30 am
♦ Read More →

Wednesday, February 4

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum
Things to do for children in Peabody MA
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
♦ Read More →

Thursday, February 5

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Friday, February 6

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Salem's So Sweet Festival

Salem Massachusetts' retailers have some sweet surprises in store during the Salem's So Sweet Weekend 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
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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
Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
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
Join a Family Owl Prowl at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Scott Santino
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
♦ Read More →