World-Class Recognition in Your Own Backyard –Have you visited lately?
Earlier this month, Hammond Castle Museum was honored with three BONS Reader’s Choice awards, including Reader’s Choice for Best Museum. And just last week, we were named among the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide by TripAdvisor, based entirely on guest reviews.
Our August special events lineup includes something for everyone and as always, we’re open daily from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM(last entrance at 2:45 PM).
And don’t forget about Gloucester Gratis Days, our free admission program for Gloucester residents. It’s our way of giving back to the community that has supported us for nearly a century, and it makes visiting the Museum easier than ever.
Have you explored our new websiteyet or dropped by to see what’s happening in your own backyard? There’s real momentum at the Museum right now. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your first time in years, we invite you to take a look at all the exciting programs underway.
Our non-profit receiving free-will donations for the evening will be HAWC, Healing Abuse/Working for Change, which provides an essential lifeline of safety and support to women and children at risk from domestic abuse, related injustice and economic peril. Please consider giving generously when the donation box goes around! Meat & Sweet will be the food service for the evening serving up delicious and savory smoked meats and baked goods for all to enjoy!
Music on Meetinghouse Green presents ‘What Time is it, Mr. Fox?’ at 6:00pm on Friday, August 22nd performing on the stage overlooking Meetinghouse Green in front of the UU Church. Well known in Boston’s underground cabaret scene, ‘What Time Is It Mr. Fox?’ has earned a loyal following with frequent performances in New York City and tours across the United States. Their original songs feature rich lyrical imagery that explore love, spirituality, sexuality, and identity, and their performances are infused with energy, honesty, and emotional authenticity.
Their unique brand of music and performance art has been adopted by popular singers, filmmakers, and repertory theaters. Band members include: Brian King, voice, piano, and acoustic guitar; Nathan Cohen, violin, trumpet, voice; Dennis Monagle, drums; Renee Dupuis, voice, keys, and melodica; and Joe Cardoza, upright bass.
On August 15, Hye Fusion will return to perform on the stage overlooking Meetinghouse Green in front of the UU Church. Hye Fusion is a trio of classically trained musicians blending Western jazz favorites with the irresistible rhythms and melodies of their Middle Eastern backgrounds for a thrilling evening of East-meets-West fusion. Get ready for an unforgettable evening as these three virtuoso musicians take you on a unique musical journey that will get you up and line-dancing in a flash!
This evenings non-profit will be the Grace Center. The Grace Center offers essential services to those in need of a safe environment providing meals, case management, and referrals to partner agencies for behavioral health services, substance abuse treatment, medical care, job training, and housing. Founded on principles of acceptance, hospitality, and opportunity, it serves as a day resource center that connects individuals to the support they need to thrive in the community. Crepes Du Jour will be our food vendor for the evening offering delicious sweet and savory crepes! Don’t forget to bring your folding chair to enjoy the music from the green!
Please join us on Friday, August 8th in front of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church 50 Middle Street for Gloucester’s Willie ‘Loco’ Alexander as he shares his legendary talent as a singer, songwriter and keyboardist. With his roots in Boston’s punk rock scene of the 70’s and 80’s, Willie’s musical career has flourished for more than 50 years. Whether as a band member with the Lost, Bagatelle, Grass Menagerie and the post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground, or as front man for his own series of bands, Willie’s enduring popularity is a reflection of his unique musical voice and artistic vision. A true artist, Willie has expanded his work to other mediums including soundtracks for local filmmaker Henry Ferrini, collage and painting.
The non-profit for this event is The Open Door, who works directly in the Cape Ann community and who alleviates the impact of hunger in our community by connecting people to good food, advocating on behalf of those in need, and engaging others in the work of building food security. Our food vendor for the night will be the Lobster Roller, serving up delicious lobster rolls and seafood for all to enjoy.
Friday, August 1st at 6:00pm marks the return of our fantastic local band, Goddesses in front of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church 50 Middle Street! Tony and Samantha Goddess, with their great band, always rock the Meetinghouse outdoor stage with popular favorites. Goddesses repertoire spans the roots of rock to its pinnacle and beyond to deliver a non-stop performance that will have you on your feet, singing along, and wanting more. Headlined by powerhouse couple Tony and Samantha Goddess on vocals and electric guitar, the Goddesses features Dave Sag on bass, Steve Chaggaris on drums, and John Cameron on keys.
This will be a perfect evening for you to enjoy Goddesses delivering a non-stop performance that will have you on your feet, singing along, and wanting more.
Tonight your free-will donations will go to support The Gloucester Education Foundation. GEF drives innovation, encourages creativity, expands student opportunities and empowers educators to strengthen teaching and learning in the Gloucester Public School District.
Meat & Sweet returns with delicious treats for your picnicking delight so bring a folding chair, blanket and some extra cash for when the buckets go around to raise money for GEF.
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.
Rhiannon Hurst & Friends Music on Meetinghouse Green, July 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Cape Ann couldn’t be more proud of these rising stars who will share their exceptional talent as a quartet in an evening of unforgettable Jazz in front of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church 50 Middle Street.
Rhiannon Hurst earned some serious respect in the Jazz world even before she graduated high school. She was one of four graduating seniors to receive the Excellence in Music Award from the Massachusetts Music Educators Association. She was also the recipient of a prestigious 2021 National Young Arts Foundation award in Jazz voice for her caliber of artistic achievement. Her professional engagements have ranged from Boston’s Symphony Hall and the State Room to the North Shore’s favorite restaurants. Join us for this incredible performance by Rhiannon Hurst and friends!
Your free-will donations tonight will benefit Pathways for Children, who nurtures children and supports families impacted by economic and social inequity through programs that educate, enrich, empower and motivate. The evening’s food vendor will be Crepes Du Jour, offering sweet and savory crepes for all to enjoy! Please bring folding chairs, blankets and extra cash for when the donation buckets go by!
Dear Friends of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation,
Please join us on July 18th at 6:00pm for music by Headlands, a favorite local band who brings an eclectic range of instruments for all to enjoy! Headlands, with their exciting three-part vocals that put their stamp on whichever musical genre they choose, whether an acoustic trio or a full-blown rock band with percussion, fiddle and horns, Headlands treats their audiences to thrilling harmonies, tight arrangements, and humor! Please join us for this spectacular Music on Meetinghouse Green event! Backyard Growers will be our local non-profit joining us for this event, Backyard Growers cultivates healthy, connected, resilient communities and fights for food sovereignty by empowering people to grow their own food. They increase equitable access to vegetable gardens and the resources people and communities need to grow their own food. Our food vendor for the evening will be the Lobster Roller, serving up delicious seafood for the Cape Ann community! Please bring folding chairs, blankets and extra cash for when the donation buckets go by! Located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets.
FULL SUMMER SCHEDULE
DATE MUSIC NON-PROFIT
July 18 Headlands Backyard Growers
July 25 Rhiannon Hurst & Friends Pathways for Children
August 1 Goddesses Gloucester Education Foundation
August 8 Willie Alexander The Open Door
August 15 Hye Fusion Grace Center
August 22 What Time is it, Mr. Fox Action, Inc.
August 29 Jim n’ Tonic HAWC
Sept 5 Cape Ann Big Band Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation
Doors: 10 am Stories begin about 10:20 am. Join us every Wednesday morning in July & August for Bubbles and Books on our seaside lawn. Fairytales do come true at castles by the sea!
Start the morning with a bubble party featuring music, crafts, and a light snack. Around 10:20 am, we’ll gather on the ocean-facing lawn for storytime—bring a cozy blanket for your little one to cuddle up on while we enjoy tales by the sea.
This season, our Storybook Authors theme brings special guest readers whenever possible! Some of the wonderful guest readers this season include Rick Doucette on July 23rd. After storytime, we’ll enjoy more bubbles and end the morning with a scavenger hunt around the grounds. We encourage little ones to come dressed in their favorite crown, cape, or whatever makes them feel magical!
Cape Ann Community 