Main Street is closing down and coming alive for Gloucester Block Party #3! 🥳 Bring your crew, your dancing shoes, and your appetite for a jam-packed night of live music, incredible street performers, and local flavor.
✨ WHEN: Friday, September 4 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Streets close at 5 PM) 📍 WHERE: Main Street, Downtown Gloucester, MA 🎟️ ADMISSION: Completely FREE!
🎸 3 STAGES OF LIVE MUSIC (Starting at 6 PM):
The West End: Toni & the Treblemakers (6 PM) | Allen Estes (8 PM)
Cape Ann Savings Park: Dogtown (6 PM) | Jim ‘N Tonic (8 PM)
The East End: In the Pocket (6 PM) | Tony Kaczynski (8 PM)
🎪 FAMILY FUN & SPECIAL GUESTS:
Live performances by The Real McCoy (6:15 & 7:30 PM)
Meet the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team Reptiles 🐍
Face Painting by Miss Wendy 🎨
Sword Play with Captain Jack 🏴☠️
Dozens of your favorite downtown shops, local restaurants, food vendors, and artisans will be open late with special block party deals! 🛍️🍔
Don’t miss the ultimate celebration on Cape Ann. Tap the link below to view the full lineup and RSVP!
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back Rockport’s Harvest Fest, a cherished community event! We invite you to join us by the shore for a unique blend of fall festivities and coastal charm, where the crisp sea breeze meets the warmth of community spirit. Come enjoy Rockport’s local charm and bountiful harvest while you explore the scenic downtown and immerse yourself in festive seasonal activities. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, this is the perfect way to experience the magic of autumn by the sea. So, grab your sweater and your loved ones, and join us for a day of seaside celebration!
Kick off your summer with the free annual Festival by the Sea in downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea on Saturday, August 1, from 10 AM to 4 PM (rain or shine). Explore Masconomo, Reed, and Town Hall Parks, which will be packed with over 90 local artisans, crafters, unique makers, non-profits, and food vendors. In addition, local downtown retailers will be offering special sales throughout the day.
Enjoy a full day of live music on the Masconomo Park Bandstand featuring Corey Wrinn, Jim ‘n’ Tonic, and Rob Banks and The Money Makers, with acoustic performances at Town Hall Park. Indulge in local eats from vendors like The Lobster Roller, Crepe du Jour, and the Whoopie Wagon. Explore Manchester’s downtown for special shopping deals, library book sales, fish printing at the museum, and more.
Take advantage of free shuttle service from the Manchester-Essex Regional High School lower parking lot to easily experience all the festivities. Don’t miss this perfect coastal summer day on Cape Ann!
MASCO Park Music Schedule:
10 AM -12 PM: Corey Wrinn
12 PM -2 PM: Jim n’ Tonic
2 PM -4 PM: Rob Banks and the Moneymakers
TOWN HALL Music Schedule:
10 AM -12 PM: Liam Anastasia-Murphy
12 PM -3 PM: Matt Rich & Gil Clark
Additional Music:
10 – 11 AM: The Music Man @ The Manchester Public Library
12 – 2 PM: Woodland Spark Trio @ Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum
Date and Time: Saturday Jul 18, 2026 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT
Location: Stage Fort Park 24 Hough Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930
Fees/Admission: Advance Purchase General Admission – $45 At the Door General Admission – $50 Designated Driver – $10 Click here to purchase tickets: blackburnbrewfest.com
Website: blackburnbrewfest.com
Contact Information: Call 978-283-1601 Send Email
Blackburn Brew Fest 2026: The current list of sponsors is:
Growler:
Discover Gloucester
Ocean Breeze Cultivators
Reverie 73
Renewal by Andersen
Cape Ann Savings
Pint:
BankGloucester
Cape Ann Motor Inn
Flight
Burgin Platner Insurance
Cape Ann Lanes/Laneside Pub & Brewery
In Kind:
Streamography
Brooks Gibson Company
Description: The Greater Cape Ann Chamber is pleased to announce the return of the Blackburn Brew Festival on Saturday, July 18th (RAIN or SHINE) at Stage Fort Park! Over 20 breweries will be convening from Cape Ann, the North Shore, and across New England to showcase their best brews to attendees from far and wide. The event will also offer live music, local food trucks and lawn games all while located at Gloucester’s historic waterfront park.
The event will also be supporting a good cause as a portion of the proceeds will support local non-profits through the Cape Ann Community Foundation, an organization established by the Chamber to award grants for projects supporting educational, social service, recreational and economic initiatives throughout the Cape Ann Community.
PLEASE NOTE: This event is 21+
For breweries interested in participating, please contact Sam Bevins at sam@capeannchamber.com.
Date and Time Saturday Jul 11, 2026 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
EVENT TIMELINE: 5 PM: Streets closed off to traffic & parking 6 PM: Music Stages Open (See below) 6:15 PM: The Red Trousers 7:10 PM: Cape Ann Dancers at Hancock & Main 8:00 PM: The Red Trousers
MUSIC PERFORMANCES BY STAGE:
The West End: Sponsored by Institution for Savings 6 PM: TBD 7 PM: TBD 8 PM: TBD
Cape Ann Savings Bank Stage: Sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank 6 PM: TBD 8 PM: TBD
The East End: Sponsored by BankGloucester 6 PM: TBD 7:30 PM: TBD
Location: Main Street (Closed from Pleasant St to Washington St) Gloucester, MA
1-160 Main Street Gloucester MA 01930
Fees/Admission: FREE for the Public to attend *Registration required for participating Businesses and Non-Profits
Main Street, Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off and we have live music, street performers, non-profits, food vendors, and more! A fun night for young and old alike!
Many of the shops and businesses on Main Street will be open and welcoming partygoers. Other Gloucester businesses and local non-profits also will be represented on the Street. It will be a night full of live music, great food, and fun activities with lots of local flavor!
Entertainment: Headline Act: The Red Trousers Captain Jack Cape Ann Dance Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team Face Paint by Miss Wendy Food Vendors & Restaurants Bravo by the Sea Crepe du Jour Meat & Sweet Foods The Lobster Roller Three Ginger’s Jerky Whoopie Wagon
Built by Fishermen, Named by Artists, Loved by All
Join us for Motif No. 1 Day as we celebrate Rockport’s unique identity as both a historic fishing village and a vibrant artist destination. Centered around the iconic red fishing shack—long a favorite subject for painters and photographers—this beloved annual event brings together the very spirit of Rockport: coastal beauty, creative energy, and community pride.
Stroll through town as artists set up along the harbor capturing Motif No. 1 and Rockport’s stunning waterfront in real time. Enjoy live music, street performances, family-friendly art activities, and pop-up experiences that unfold throughout the day. From Dock Square to Bearskin Neck and beyond, there’s always something happening just around the corner.
Explore galleries, discover local shops, and experience the charm that has inspired generations of artists. Whether you’re watching a painting come to life, enjoying a performance, or simply taking in the view, Motif No. 1 Day invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect with what makes Rockport so special.
Kick off the season in festive Rockport style! Join us for Holiday Shopping Night and enjoy an evening of cheerful lights, local treasures, and holiday spirit. Start at Dock Square, where shoppers can pick up a free Christmas in Rockport tote bag filled with a list of participating businesses, special coupons valid all season long, and a bonus raffle ticket. As you explore Rockport’s charming shops, you’ll find festive treats and refreshments offered by many local retailers and be serenaded by strolling musicians bringing holiday magic to the streets. Every purchase at a participating store earns you an extra raffle ticket for a chance to win one of three exciting prizes. End the evening at the after party and live raffle drawing at Brackett’s Oceanview Restaurant where the celebration continues with good company, great prizes, and plenty of holiday cheer!
Essex CLAMFEST returns on Saturday, OCTOBER 25th(RAIN OR SHINE!)
On Saturday, October 25, the 40th Annual Essex ClamFest and Clam Chowder Competition will return. This beloved fall event will feature over 40 Artist and Vendor booths, plus 15 Non-Profit Booths, a K-9 demonstration, Kids’ Activities, including the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, and Face Painting by Miss Wendy, live music, food vendors, Rockport Brewing Company, 90+ Cellars Wine Cellars and, of course, the ever-popular Clam Chowder Competition. The festival is free to attend and will take place at Shepard Memorial Park in Essex from 11 AM to 4 PM.
The clam chowder competition runs from Noon to 1 PM (or while supplies last). The cost is $15.00 for adults and $10 for children under 10 to enter the chowder tasting area. Over 1,000 people are expected to participate and taste the best of the best. Each chowder taster will have the opportunity to choose his or her favorite for the People’s Choice Award, while nine esteemed judges will vote to select the winner of the Judges’ Award. This year, there are eight competitors: 35 Beach (Manchester), Addison Gilbert Hospital/ Sodexo (Gloucester), Castle Manor Inn (Gloucester), CK Pearl (Essex), Seaport Grille (Gloucester), The Farm Bar & Grille (Essex), The James Restaurant (Essex), and Woodman’s (Essex).
Essex Clamfest is produced by the Essex Division of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. BankGloucester is our Presenting sponsor; Brookline Bank is our Gold sponsor; Applied Materials is our silver sponsor, and Hiltz Disposal is our supporting sponsor.
The rain Location for the festival is at the Essex Elementary School, on the same date.
Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to present Manchester’s annual ‘Festival by the Sea’, a Cape Ann Classic, in partnership with the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea and downtown businesses. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, from 10 AM to 4 PM in three Manchester-by-the-Sea town parks: Town Hall, Reed, and Masconomo.
Over 90 artisans, food vendors, and non-profits will be on hand, offering original artwork, handmade goods, tasty treats, and more. This family-friendly event includes live outdoor entertainment, restaurants, food trucks, and fun activities for kids, including Face Painting by Miss Wendy and “reptile fun” from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team!
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN DEALS AT THE ‘SALE BY THE SEA’
While exploring the festival, don’t miss the ‘Sale by the Sea’ sidewalk sales featuring Manchester’s charming downtown retailers. Local boutiques and specialty shops will showcase unique treasures, coastal-inspired goods, and festival-exclusive discounts right on the sidewalks. The walkable downtown setting makes it easy to hop between festival activities and shopping, while the free shuttle service connects all locations for a full day of entertainment and discovery. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and take home a special piece of Manchester-by-the-Sea’s distinctive charm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THREE LOCATIONS
We are pleased to announce live music performances at three locations: the Masco Bandstand, Town Hall Park, and the lot at 7 Summer Street. The music in Masco Park is sponsored by Kelly Auto.
Masco Bandstand Schedule:
10 AM: Livin’ on Luck
12 PM: Joe Wilkins and Friends
2 PM: Rob Banks and the Money Makers
Town Hall Park Schedule:
11 AM: Liam Anastasia-Murphy
12:15 PM: Pete Lindberg
1 PM: Matt Rich
2:15 PM: Brother Toaster
7 Summer Street:
11 AM to 2 PM: Acoustic guitarist Chris J. Carter
FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
A free shuttle service, sponsored by Beauport Ambulance, will run between the High School lower parking lot and downtown Manchester from 10 AM to 4 PM. Shuttle stops will be made at Masco Park, Town Hall Park, Reed Park, the Manchester Public Library, and 7 Summer Street. The last pick-up of the day will be at 4 PM at Masco Park.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Chamber wishes to acknowledge and thank the Manchester Board of Selectmen, the Manchester Fire & Police Departments and Manchester Parks & Recreation for their support and assistance in bringing this festival to life!
We also thank the many business sponsors and downtown merchants for their support in helping to make this year’s Festival-by-the-Sea possible. A listing of the sponsors is provided below:
Gold Sponsors: Applied Materials & Rite Window
Music Stage Sponsor: Kelly Automotive Group (Masco Bandstand)
Shuttle Sponsor: Beauport Ambulance Service
Supporting Sponsors: Cape Ann Savings Bank, Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, & Sullco, Inc.
Cape Ann Community 