Essex Arts & Culture Festival

Come join in this vibrant celebration of Essex Massachusetts' culture, heritage and artistic spirit.

Celebrate creativity at the Essex Arts and Culture Festival, brought to you by the Essex River Cultural District and hosted at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum. Enjoy a day of art, culture and family fun! Come join in this vibrant celebration of Essex's culture, heritage and artistic spirit.

You'll find:

  • Artist Demos
  • Shipbuilding
  • Kid's Fun
  • Exhibitions
  • Food
  • Music
When: 
Saturday, June 22, 2024 11am-6pm

Historic Beverly Scavenger Hunt at Lynch Park

Historic Beverly April Vacation Scavenger Hunt at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts

It’s Homecoming Week and we have history for you! Drop-in at Independence Park for a scavenger hunt in the park! We will provide the scavenger hunt, clipboards, pencils, and prizes, you bring the smiles and your keen attention to detail and let’s have some fun! Prizes for everyone who completes the hunt. $10; free for Card to Culture and Historic Beverly members at the Family level and above. No registration required; HB members please bring your membership cards. Meet at the middle park bench along Lothrop Street. For more information please visit historicbeverly.net

When: 
Thursday, August 8, 2024 9-11am
Location: 

Community Day at Hammond Castle

Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation

We are celebrating the start of our 49th consecutive season and our visionary founder, John Hays Hammond Jr., whose pioneering scientific achievements continue to shape modern technology! Born 137 years ago on April 13th, 1888, Hammond’s enduring influence transcends time, and we’re commemorating his extraordinary legacy. As our special gift to you, join us for free entrance into the Eric Pape, Gertrude Cawein At Hammond Castle Museum fine art exhibit. Let’s celebrate Hammond’s remarkable life together!

When: 
Saturday, April 13, 2024 10am-4pm

April Vacation at PEM 2024

PEM has a great lineup for kids and families during April Vacation 2024

Looking for things to do during your April Vacation on the North Shore? Peabody Essex Museum has a fabulous line-up of fun activities, performances, and tours for kids and families. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cultural exchange project that brought Yin Yu Tang to Peabody Essex Museum !

For this school vacation week, travel across the world without leaving Salem by learning traditional Chinese paper cutting with local guest artist Zhonghe (Elena) Li on Monday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons. Join us for film screenings in Morse Auditorium on Friday, and challenge yourself all three days with a museum-wide dragon scavenger hunt!

When: 
Monday, April 15, 2024 - Friday, April 19, 2024 10am - 4pm

North Shore Collectibles Show

North Shore Collectibles Show
The North Shore Collectibles Show is the largest and most exciting sports and TCG collectibles show on the North Shore! 
With over 100 tables and located in the Grand Ballroom of the DoubleTree Hotel in Danvers MA, The North Shore Collectibles Show is a family-friendly event for all ages! 
Vendors specializing in all different sports cards and memorabilia as well as TCG cards and collectibles!  We have something for everyone! 
When: 
Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Cool Collage with Annisquam Arts

Summer Art and Photography Program for Kids on Cape Ann, Annisquam Arts, Gloucester MA

Ignite your imagination this summer at Annisquam Arts

Crazy Cool Collage
Clip, cut, collect, compose, and collage creative constructions and assemblages made from a variety of materials. Student creations will include wall-sized drawings, sculptures with wood and found objects, as well as a combination of printmaking, photography, and magazine collage. We will look at the mixed mediums of Robert Rauschenberg, the cutting-edge pieces by the Twentieth Century’s greatest master of collage, Kurt Schwitters, and the crazy upside-down world of Julian Schnabel as we make and manipulate an artful array of free associations.

Monday, July 29 to Thursday, August 1; 9 AM - 1 PM

Location: 

Book Making with Annisquam Arts

Summer Art and Photography Program for Kids on Cape Ann, Annisquam Arts, Gloucester MA

Ignite your imagination this summer at Annisquam Arts

Do you keep a diary? Do you record your dreams? Do you write notes to your friends and family? Do you sketch and doodle or write stories? This week, students will construct their own ornate books from cover to cover! Students will learn the art of traditional binding while experimenting to add their unique touches. We’ll use our imaginations to incorporate painting, printing, drawing, and collage techniques to make our books pop with personality.

Monday, July 1 to Friday, July 5; 9 AM - 1 PM - No Class on July 4th.

Location: 

North Shore Children’s Museum’s Grown-Ups Gala

North Shore Children’s Museum’s first official Grown-Ups Gala

Join us for North Shore Children’s Museum’s first official Grown-Ups Gala on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Black Box Theater in Peabody. This special evening is the signature fundraising event for our newly created 501c3, Friends of North Shore Children’s Museum, which provides critical funding for the museum’s income-based admission prices, educational exhibits, and robust and accessible program offerings. 

When: 
Friday, May 17, 2024 at 6 PM

Family Portraits at the North Shore Children’s Museum

Portraits at the North Shore Children’s Museum

Capture the beauty of the season with a family photo session at the North Shore Children’s Museum in Peabody! This event features photography by Tracey Westgate Photography and a stunning backdrop and art installation by local artist Linda Mullen of Grace & Diggs, adding a touch of creativity and charm to your photos.

When: 
Sunday, April 28, 2024 from 1:30 - 4:30

Pages

Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 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

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

The Lady of Salem: Maritime Art

Learn about the history of Salem Massachusetts through this unique public art installation self-guided tour!
Discover Salem’s Golden Age of Sail as you uncover clues! Celebrate America’s Maritime History! The Ladies of Salem will have you looking up at whimsical and beautifully designed figureheads gracing lampposts downtown. “What is a figurehead ?” you may ask? It’s a large carved wooden decorative...
8:00 am to 10:00 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 15th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, MA. Pingree . The exhibit will open in early September with more than 50 temporary works on display in addition to the 20 pieces in the permanent collection of Pingree School. The exhibit ...
8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Annual Ravenswood Trail Race

Race the trails at Ravenswood Park during the height of Cape Ann foliage season
Run the trails of Ravenswood Park during the height of foliage season this year at the Ravenswood Trails Race! This 4.1-mile trail race provides a beautiful overview of Ravenswood Park at the height of fall color, from rugged trails and boardwalks to carriage roads and stunning vistas.
9:00 am

Corn MAiZE and Haunted Attractions at Connors Farm - Danvers

Corn MAiZE, Maze and Haunted Attractions at Connors Farm - Danvers, Massachusetts
Come to Connors Farm to find your way through this year's maze and enjoy many family fun activities! After completing the maze, stay and have some fun around the farm. Children enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and most of all, visiting the barnyard animals.
9:00 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

The Apple Harvest Run

Apple Harvest Run is a 5 Mile, 5k and kid's fun run in Weste Newbury Massachusetts!
The Apple Harvest Run is one of the best autumn races in the region; situated in the pastoral town of West Newbury, MA, just 10 minutes from beautiful downtown Newburyport. The race includes a USATF certified 5-mile & 5K and a children’s 1-mile fun run and has become a family fun event for...
9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Marini Farm Corn Maze

The 2023 Marini Farm Corn Maze in Ipswich Massachusetts is themed for Alice in Wonderland!
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

Trick or Treating Hayrides at Marini Farm

Trick or Treating by hayride at Marini Farm in Ipswich Massachusetts is Safe and Fun!
Come to Marini Farm for our most popular event of the year. Take a Hayride around our 7 acre corn maze. Your hayride driver will make some special stops along the way. Favorite costumed characters await the wagon to hand out Tricks and Treats. Hayrides run continuously from 10am to 4pm.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Haunted Happenings Marketplace

The Haunted Happenings Marketplace runs Thursdays-Sundays during October in Salem Massachusetts
The Haunted Happenings Merchant Marketplace is coming this October! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza throughout Historic (and some say haunted) Downtown Salem!
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Kids Fun Fest on Salem Common

Salem Common Neighborhood Association invites families to the Common for an afternoon of fun for the whole family!
There's nothing like October in Salem and the Salem Common Neighborhood Association is thrilled to host two weekends of our annual Kids Fun Fest on the Common including rides, face painting, slides and family fun! There is no admission fee to enter the Fun Fest.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Swampscott Farmer's Market

The Swampscott Farmers Market happens every Sunday through October.
Rain or shine, the Swampscott Farmers’ Market features a wide variety of produce, meats, fish, breads, flowers and crafts from farmers, food producers, and artisans from around Massachusetts and nearby New England states. Anchoring the market, Swampscott will have Clark Farm providing a large...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

CraneExplorer: Animals in the Estuary

Families are invited to join us for an exploration of the Castle Hill grounds in Ipswich Massachusetts
Take in beautiful views of the Crane Wildlife Refuge while learning about estuary flora and fauna and environmental conditions at the Crane Boat Dock. Families will conduct measurements of water quality and weather, census native vs. Non-native crabs, collect and observe plankton using field...
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Kimball Farm Corn Maze

Kimball Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
At the Kimball Farm Corn Maze all are welcome to come and enjoy the challenge of finding your way through the winding corn field maze. Our originally designed CORN MAZE  is full of Crazy angles and is sure to be a fun challenge. Have no fear, there will be clues along the way.  Be daring and try...
10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Cat's Meow at the Crane Estate

Kids will have a blast exploring the Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!
Our imagination is one of our greatest assets. Imagine living in 1929 and visiting the Crane family at their summer home in Ipswich. The house is so big and Mrs. Crane’s kitty, Ptolemy, has gone missing just before the party! Can you help a family servant find our mischievous Siamese? Once he’s...
10:30 am to 11:30 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

Topsfield Fall Foliage Race

Fall Foliage Classic 5k and 5 mile race in Topsfield Massachusetts
The annual Topsfield Fall Foliage Classic Road Race offers a 5 Miler and 5K that loop through beautiful Topsfield, MA. Each has one hilly section at the beginning but course is mostly flat. The race features prizes for the top 3 finishers on each course, as well as raffles and finish line food and...
11:00 am

Georgia Made This: Scavenger Coin Hunt

Georgia Wrenn was born and is being raised in the Witch City of Salem, Massachusetts, where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year.
Are you quick enough to find one of Salem's rarest keepsakes of 2024? Join the search for hidden gold coins designed by 13-year-old resident Georgia Wrenn in the city's 6th annual coin hunt! Georgia’s Salem-centric brand Georgia Made This features her artwork and celebrates all things spooky and...
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Salem Arts Artoberfest

Salem Arts ArtOberFest showcases local artists and explores Salem's history with witchcraft, religion and Haloween.
Salem Arts Association celebrates October in Salem each year with this seminal exhibition.  This year, we ask our members and the artist community at large to take a deep dive into the season and into Salem’s history, exploring the themes of witchcraft, the occult, autumn, and Halloween.  This op
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Hallowed Harvest Salem

The Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth returns to Salem Massachusetts for Halloween month!
Salem's only Jack-O'-Lantern festival, known as "Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth", returns for its 4th season with even more Jack-O'-Lantern magic than ever before! Prepare to be blown away by hundreds of intricately carved Jack-o'-Lanterns, an epic spider web tunnel, hands-on pumpkin carving,...
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes

Hiking the Dunes at the Crane Wildlife refuge with the Trustees of Reservations.
While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes, maritime...
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Fall Foliage Cider & Donut Cruises

Take a guided tour of the Essex Massachusetts Marshes with Essex River Cruises this Autumn
Essex River Cruises hosts a narrated sightseeing tour that winds down the beautiful Essex River aboard Essex River Queen, a pontoon boat.
1:00 pm to 3:00 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

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2024 | Danvers

Healthy Kids Running Series at Endicott Park in Danvers Massachusetts.
Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids...
3:00 pm

Halloween on the Hill

The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Thursday, October 24

Haunted Happenings Marketplace

The Haunted Happenings Marketplace runs Thursdays-Sundays during October in Salem Massachusetts
The Haunted Happenings Merchant Marketplace is coming this October! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza throughout Historic (and some say haunted) Downtown Salem!
10:00 am to 6:00 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

Hallowed Harvest Salem

The Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth returns to Salem Massachusetts for Halloween month!
Salem's only Jack-O'-Lantern festival, known as "Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth", returns for its 4th season with even more Jack-O'-Lantern magic than ever before! Prepare to be blown away by hundreds of intricately carved Jack-o'-Lanterns, an epic spider web tunnel, hands-on pumpkin carving,...
12:00 pm to 10:00 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

Cow Connection at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for Cow Connection in Ipswich Massachusetts
Immerse your family in the heartwarming experience of being up close and personal with one of our favorite farm animals – cows! Cuddle, brush, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms. Visit our scenic and historic farm and enjoy Family Cow Connection session with our two Jersey Dairy...
4:00 pm to 4:45 pm

Halloween on the Hill

The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The Terror of Abbadia Mare

Experience a macabre promenade theatre performancre at Hammond Castle Musuem in Gloucester Massachusetts
Prepare yourselves, honored guests, for an adventure unlike any other, as the late John Hays Hammond Jr. comes to life for a gathering of his dearest friends and respected colleagues. Within the medieval walls of Hammond’s castle home, secrets and curiosities await.
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Friday, October 25

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

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

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 15th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, MA. Pingree . The exhibit will open in early September with more than 50 temporary works on display in addition to the 20 pieces in the permanent collection of Pingree School. The exhibit ...
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
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