13 minute read
Calendar
MAY 2021
The start of festival season 1–31 Save Motif No. 1 Day
JUNE 2021
3 Cape Ann Farmers’ Market
(every Thu. through Oct. 14) 3–13 Essex Art in the Barn (on the web) 5 & 6 Cape Ann Artisans Spring Studio Tour 26 Rockport Farmers’ Market
(every Sat. through Oct. 16)
JANUARY 2022
Begin the New Year with a peaceful weekend retreat and write your resolutions while enjoying Cape Ann’s natural beauty, warm pubs and winter recreation
FEBRUARY 2022
Plan a romantic getaway at one of Cape Ann’s many wonderful inns and lodges. Winter is also a sea birding paradise!
MARCH 2022
An invigorating time for hiking, beach-walking, exploring shops, quiet dining and enjoying a spring fling getaway
APRIL 2022
The buoys are back—boats are going in, spring is here, a beautiful time of year with the flowers in bloom
JULY 2021
July–Sep. Rockport Chamber Music Festival 3 & 4 Independence Day Celebrations 10 Gloucester Garden Tour 11 Antonio F. Gentile Bandstand Summer Concert Series, Gloucester
(every Sun. 7 p.m. through Aug. 29) 11 Concerts at the Bandstand,
Rockport (every Sun. through Aug. 29) 17 Blackburn Challenge 17 Gloucester Block Party 31 Annisquam Sea Fair
July 29–
Aug. 1 Rockport Jazz Festival
AUGUST 2021
5–7 Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar 7 Festival by the Sea 12–14 Annisquam Village Players present Nothing to Hyde 13–15 Rockport Illuminations 14 Artisan Summer Mini-Tour 14 Gloucester Block Party 14 Gloucester Blues Festival 20–22 Rockport Chamber Celtic Festival 21 & 22 Gloucester Waterfront Festival
SEPTEMBER 2021
2–6 Gloucester Schooner Festival 3 Gloucester Block Party 17–26 Trails & Sails 18 Kite Day, Cogswell’s Grant, Essex
OCTOBER 2021
2 Essex River Race 3–11 Cape Ann Plein Air 9 Essex Vintage Fair, Cogswell’s Grant, Essex 9 & 10 Annisquam Arts & Crafts Show 9 & 10 Cape Ann Artisans Fall Studio Tour 16 Rockport HarvestFest 23 Essex ClamFest
DECEMBER 2021
1–31 Celebrate the Holidays on Cape Ann 4 Annual Annisquam Christmas Fair 31 Rockport New Year’s Eve 1926
A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
Experience Living History!
Public Sails • Dockside Tours and Events Education Programs • Private and Corporate Charters
AT HARRIET WEBSTER PIER · HARBOR LOOP · MARITIME GLOUCESTER 978-281-8079 OR INFO@SCHOONER-ADVENTURE.ORG WWW.SCHOONER-ADVENTURE.ORG
CALENDAR
of FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Downtown Block Party in Gloucester.
MAY 2021 Save Motif No. 1 Day
Celebrate Rockport’s history and culture all month long with Save Motif No. 1 Day. The month includes various collaboratives, initiatives, observations and celebrations. u Downtown Rockport, rockportexchange.org
JUNE 3–OCTOBER 14, 2021 Cape Ann Farmers’ Market
The Cape Ann Farmers Market is a thriving local food and educational community event. Eligible Cape Ann Farmers Market vendors accept HIP, SNAP/EBT, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Coupons. u Harbor Loop, Gloucester, Thursdays 3–6:30 p.m., capeannfarmersmarket.org
Visit 14 juried artisan studios and meet 15 of Cape Ann’s most established makers during the 38th Bi-Annual Cape Ann Artisan Open Studios self-guided tour on Saturday and Sunday. Map your visit following the magenta symbols on the Cape Ann Chamber map, the Artisans downloadable map on their website and the large pink flags near each location in Gloucester and Rockport. Enjoy pottery, painting, sculpture, mixed media, mosaics, quilting, weaving, sea glass and fine jewelry art. Visit individual artist websites for year-round hours and appointments. u Various locations in Gloucester and Rockport, (978) 546-6186, daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., capeannartisans.com
JUNE 23–27, 2021
St. Peter’s Fiesta—CANCELED
In accordance with state guidelines and regulations, this year’s Fiesta has been canceled. Each June Gloucester celebrates the patron saint of fishermen, St. Peter. Music is played every evening; Sunday morning there is an open-air mass; and Sunday afternoon is the blessing of the fishing fleet. A small carnival creates a festive experience. Sporting events are held each day, including the Greasy Pole and Seine Boat Races. A long-standing Gloucester tradition. u St. Peter’s Square, Gloucester, stpetersfiesta.org
The Rockport Farmers’ Market provides fresh surprises with its roster of vendors offering small-batch, locally produced food at each week’s outdoor market, taking place in the heart of downtown Rockport. Produce and locally grown and farm-made products can be purchased on-site. Just stop by, follow their protocols and buy fresh food directly from farmers and food producers. u Rockport Music Parking Lot, 16 Main St., rockportexchange.org
JULY–SEPTEMBER Rockport Chamber Music Festival
Experience outstanding performances by world-renowned classical musicians in a variety of musical and educational events for people of all ages. Due to state restrictions, please check Rockport Music’s website for current status of hosting live concerts. u Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, rockportmusic.org
JULY 3 & 4, 2021 Independence Day Celebrations
Cape Ann celebrates Independence Day with fireworks, parades, bonfires, concerts and more.
July 3
5:30 p.m.—Concert on the Boulevard, Gloucester 5:30 p.m.—Concert on Singing Beach, Manchester 6 p.m.—Gloucester Horribles Parade 9:30 p.m.—Grand Fireworks Display over Gloucester Harbor 9:30 p.m.—Fireworks over Singing Beach, Manchester
July 4
10 a.m.—Manchester-by-the-Sea Independence Day Parade 6 p.m.—Rockport Firemen’s Parade 8:30 p.m.—Rockport Legion Band Concert, Back Beach 9 p.m.—Rockport Bonfire, Back Beach All celebrations dependent on COVID-19 restrictions and regulations. Safety protocols will be in place: masks and physical distancing will be required by all attendees.
JULY 10, 2021 Generous Gardeners Annual Gloucester Garden Tour
Explore gorgeous private gardens in Gloucester’s Mount Pleasant Avenue neighborhood and enjoy many “gardeners’ gardens” and views of Smith Cove and Gloucester Harbor. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased the day of the tour at the Harbor Room tent, 8 Norwood Court, Gloucester, or in advance online. Rain or shine. For more information, contact Susan Kelly susan@generousgardeners.org or (781) 346-1363. u 10 a.m.–4 p.m., generousgardeners.org
Exceptional music overlooking beautiful Gloucester Harbor. Free parking, handicap accessible. Rain date: Wednesday evening 7 p.m. Concerts feature Big Band, Beatles, Broadway, Country, and more. All programs subject to change. u Hough Avenue, Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, Sunday evenings, 7 p.m., free, (978) 281-2286, David Benjamin, Director, davidlbenjamin.com
JULY 11–AUGUST 29, 2021 Rockport Legion Band Summer Concert Series
Rockport Legion Band’s 87th free, outdoor concert series at beautiful Back Beach in Rockport. A family-friendly repertoire featuring concert pieces, Disney, marches, dixie-land, musicals, movie soundtracks and pop tunes. Say hello to new music director Bob Rick. Bring chairs or blankets and enjoy the best popcorn on the North Shore! Musicians are always encouraged to join. Contact therockportlegionband@gmail.com. u Back Beach, Rockport, Sundays, 7 p.m., rockportlegionband.wordpress.com
JULY 17, 2021 Blackburn Challenge
A 20+ mile open water circumnavigation of Cape Ann, open to all seaworthy oar or paddle-powered craft. There is no rain date. Alternative courses will be in place for rough weather conditions or dense fog. Row it/paddle it if you can, then join the party afterwards. Sponsored by the Cape Ann Rowing Club. Visit website to participate and/or volunteer. u Gloucester, blackburnchallenge.com
JULY 17, 2021 Downtown Block Party
The Gloucester Block parties are fun, festive events that bring downtown to life! A portion of Main Street is closed off from 5 to 10 p.m., allowing for live music from local bands, street performers, al fresco dining, children’s activities and more. This family-friendly event truly has something for everyone. u Gloucester, 6–10 p.m., capeannchamber.com
JULY 29–AUGUST 1, 2021 Rockport Jazz Festival
A weekend of great jazz in the intimate setting of the seaside Shalin Liu Performance Center. Due to state restrictions, please check Rockport Music’s website for current status of hosting live concerts. u Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, rockportmusic.org
JULY 31, 2021 Annisquam Village Sea Fair
Celebrate summer at this annual all-day family event featuring children’s games and activities, used book table, an art gallery, home-baked goods, a white elephant table, luncheon offerings and more, including its “not-to-be-missed” famous Wax Works Show presented at
11 a.m., noon, 2 and 5 p.m. u Annisquam Village Green, 10 a.m.–3 p.m, rain or shine
AUGUST 5–7, 2021 Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar
Now celebrating its 63rd year, the Sidewalk Bazaar takes place on Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Enjoy more than 120 vendors, street food, live music and children’s activities. u Main Street, Gloucester
AUGUST 7, 2021 Festival by the Sea
Festival by the Sea is a celebration of the things that are synonymous with Cape Ann in the summertime: art, music and food! Booths will be spread throughout downtown Manchester. Your senses will be inspired by the beautiful art, extraordinary live music and the aromas of delicious, local foods. u Downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., capeannchamber.com
AUGUST 12–14, 2021 Annisquam Village Players
This year’s annual production by the Annisquam Village Players is Nothing to Hyde. u Annisquam Village Hall, nightly at 7:30 p.m., annisquamvillageplayers.com
AUGUST 13–15, 2021 Rockport Illuminations
Visit Rockport for a weekend long celebration of Lobstas and Lights, celebrating the history and importance of lobstering in this seaside community. u Rockport
AUGUST 14, 2021 Cape Ann Artisan Summer Mini-Tour
Enjoy visiting many of the Cape Ann Artisans mid-summer for a one-day-only tour. Special hours to beat the summer heat. This year’s summer tour will include nine of the Artisans. The participating studios will display the magenta flags in and around their locations. u Various locations in Gloucester and Rockport, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., (978) 546-6186, capeannartisans.com
AUGUST 14, 2021 Downtown Block Party
The Gloucester Block parties are fun, festive events that bring downtown to life! A portion of Main Street is closed off from 5 to 10 p.m., allowing for live music from local bands, street performers, al fresco dining, children’s activities and more. This familyfriendly event truly has something for everyone. u Gloucester, 6–10 p.m., capeannchamber.com
AUGUST 14, 2021 Gloucester Blues Festival
This 10th annual event brings blues lovers from far and wide to Gloucester. World-class blues music will reverberate throughout the park with some of the nation’s finest blues musicians. Rain or shine. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the gate. Reserved seats $50. Advance tickets are also available online. City onsite parking is $15. u Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, gloucesterbluesfestival.com
AUGUST 20–22, 2021 Rockport Celtic Festival
Enjoy a weekend of Celtic music curated and hosted by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan and Maeve Gilchrist. Due to state restrictions, please check Rockport Music’s website for current status of hosting live concerts. u Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, rockportmusic.org
More than 200 booths featuring juried artists and craftsmen from throughout the U.S. will display their unique creations. Live music and delicious food, including a Lobster Bake on Saturday. Family-style entertainment free throughout the day. Friendly pets on leashes are welcome. Free admission (fee to park). u Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m., capeannvacations.com
SEPTEMBER 2–6, 2021 Gloucester Schooner Festival
The 37th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival is a city-wide event on Labor Day weekend. This fun-filled, historic gathering of wooden schooners celebrates the history of Gloucester’s fishing fleet. Something for everyone! Interactive demonstrations, art show, book a charter aboard a schooner, dockside tours and dory races. Experience the Parade of Sail, the Mayor’s Cup Race, Maritime Heritage Day and more. u Gloucester Harbor and Maritime Gloucester, gloucesterschoonerfestival. net, maritimegloucester.org
SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Downtown Block Party
The Gloucester Block parties are fun, festive events that bring downtown to life! A portion of Main Street is closed off from 5 to 10 p.m., allowing for live music from local bands, street performers, al fresco dining, children’s activities and more. This family-friendly event truly has something for everyone. u Gloucester, 6–10 p.m., capeannchamber.com
SEPTEMBER 17–26, 2021 Trails & Sails: 10 days of exploring heritage in Essex County
Experience a taste of Essex County’s historic, cultural and natural sites during the 20th annual Trails & Sails event series—10 days of free, in-person, DIY and virtual heritage events. Connect with the spectacular places and stories that define the Essex National Heritage Area. u Various locations in Essex County, trailsandsails.org
OCTOBER 2, 2021 Essex River Race
The Essex River Race is a 5.5+ mile open water event from the Essex River at Route 133 in Essex, out behind the barrier beaches of Ipswich and back. Participants row or paddle small boats through one of the most scenic tidal areas in New England. Sponsored by
the Cape Ann Rowing Club. Please visit the website to participate and/ or volunteer. u Essex, blackburnchallenge.com
OCTOBER 3–11, 2021 5th Annual Cape Ann Plein Air
Experience the largest outdoor painting competition in New England! Cape Ann Plein Air (CAPA) celebrates the region’s unparalleled arts legacy as the birthplace of plein air, and supports its several hundred working artists and cultural organizations. Preeminent artists from around the country will be painting all week, with many demonstrations open to the public, and the gala art sale will be held on Saturday, October 9. u Various locations around Cape Ann, capeannpleinair.com
Visit 14 juried artisan studios and meet 15 of Cape Ann’s most established makers during the 38th Bi-Annual Cape Ann Artisan Open Studios self-guided tour on Saturday and Sunday. Map your visit following the magenta symbols on the Cape Ann Chamber map, the Artisans downloadable map on their website and the large pink flags near each location in Gloucester and Rockport. Enjoy pottery, painting, sculpture, mixed media, mosaics, quilting, weaving, sea glass and fine jewelry art. Visit individual artist websites for year-round hours and appointments. u Various locations in Gloucester and Rockport, daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., (978) 546-6186, capeannartisans.com
OCTOBER 9 & 10, 2021 Annual Annisquam Arts & Crafts Show
Celebrating its 37th year, this curated show features 40 talented Cape Ann artisans working in textiles, blown glass, ceramics and pottery, silver, gold, wood, paper and sea glass. They also offer handcrafted jewelry, clothing and accessories, vintage items, artisanal oils and vinegars, candy and jams. The Gal-
Festival by the Sea.
lery showcases a wide selection of local paintings and photography. u Annisquam Village Hall, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., annisquamartsandcraftsshow.org
OCTOBER 16, 2021 Rockport Harvestfest
The annual Rockport Harvestfest features food and entertainment under big tents on one of Rockport’s historic working wharves, and celebrates the best of local food with a farmer’s market, local meats, seafood, produce, craft beer, wine, local sodas and more. Harvestfest showcases live music, cooking demos, shopping specials and family activities. u Downtown Rockport, T-Wharf and Harvey Park, rockportexchange.org
OCTOBER 23, 2021 Essex ClamFest
At the Annual Essex ClamFest, taste Cape Ann’s finest chowders and experience the Chowder Tasting Competition, along with a variety of activities for the whole family. Enjoy arts and craft vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food. u Shepard Memorial Park, Essex, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., capeannchamber.com
DECEMBER 1–31, 2021 Celebrate the Holidays on Cape Ann
Cape Ann sparkles with holiday cheer— parades, tree lightings, concerts, gallery strolls, open houses, theater, New Year’s Eve events and much more. All supervised by everyone’s favorite elf—Santa! u Various locations, capeannvacations.com
DECEMBER 4, 2021 Annual Annisquam Christmas Fair
Featuring holiday greens, hand- decorated wreaths, centerpieces, gourmet home-baked goods, handicrafts and more. Proceeds benefit Cape Ann community programs. u Annisquam Village Hall, 8:30 a.m.–noon
JANUARY 2022
Begin the New Year with a peaceful weekend retreat and write your resolutions while enjoying Cape Ann’s natural beauty.
FEBRUARY 2022
Plan a romantic getaway at one of Cape Ann’s many wonderful inns and lodges. Winter is also a sea birding paradise!
MARCH 2022
An invigorating time for hiking, beach-walking, exploring shops and enjoying quiet dining.
APRIL 2022
The buoys are back, boats are going in— spring is here! A beautiful time to visit.
For year round event details, visit capeannvacations.com
