Things to do
- talks, walks, concerts, markets, museum free days and family programs. “Free” means the listing says so; some suggest a donation
- story times, farm programs, shows, festivals and more. Each event page shows the ages it’s for
- 5Ks, half marathons, trail runs and kids’ fun runs, each with a link to register
- guided walks and hikes, birding, farm visits, boat trips, paddling and sports programs
- Council on Aging programs, chair exercise, tai chi, walks and social afternoons, open to older adults across Cape Ann
- Live music 101concerts at the Shalin Liu, The Cabot and The Larcom, jazz and blues jams, tribute bands and music in pubs and breweries
- museum shows, gallery openings and receptions, open studios and art walks in one of America’s oldest art colonies
- plays and musicals, stand-up and improv, and film screenings
- house and castle tours, walking tours, lectures, author talks and book groups
- art and craft workshops, cooking and wine classes, and hands-on programs to sign up for
- weekly trivia and music bingo, open mics, karaoke and game nights
- yoga, tai chi, meditation, sound baths and drop-in fitness
- galas, benefit dinners, raffles and charity nights for local causes
- town festivals, craft fairs, farmers and makers markets, and food and drink events
- shows, museums, talks, classes and family programs under a roof, for rainy days and winter
By season
- haunted tours, trick-or-treating, costume parties, harvest festivals, Oktoberfests and corn mazes
- tree lightings, Christmas strolls and holiday markets, The Nutcracker and holiday shows, Santa visits, Thanksgiving races and New Year’s Eve
- winter walks and markets, skating, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, maple sugaring and more
Eat & drink
- harborside decks, oceanfront patios and outdoor tables
- fried clams in Essex, lobster rolls in Rockport and fresh fish off the boats in Gloucester
- Pizza 33pizzerias, pizza-and-roast-beef shops and wood-fired spots
- coffee, pastries, bagels, donuts and breakfast spots
- taprooms, tasting rooms and brewery kitchens
- Bars & pubs 19neighborhood pubs, taverns, sports bars and cocktail bars
- ice cream stands (many seasonal), fudge, chocolate and candy shops
Out & about
- every event Friday to Sunday, by day
- parking, dogs, facilities and tides for every beach
- today’s forecast, tide times for every harbor, water temperature and trains
- this weekend’s events for your towns, free every Thursday