Colby Farm Sunflowers – End of Summer Fun!

What will you discover?

Visit the Sunflower Field & the Market!

The Colby Farm Sunflowers in Newbury, MA have become an annual end of summer tradition for many. Opening day for the 2026 sunflower season will kick-off on Thursday, August 27 at 10am. Colby Farm plans to stay open daily through Sunday September 6, where visitors can cut their own sunflowers as a closing day activity, as well as attend a special closing day party taking place at 4pm. The hours are from 9 am – 6 pm Monday – Saturday and from 10 am – 6 pm on Sundays. There is no event/ticket cost, simply a $10 cash only parking fee.

This cherished annual event is an amazing opportunity to experience the natural beauty of this wonderful family run farm. Make sure to visit the farmstand after your trip to the sunflower field. Pick up fresh vegetables locally grown by Colby Farm and explore the many exceptional locally sourced products available in the market. If you enjoy supporting local small businesses, you can feel great about any purchase you make at Colby Farm!

Colby Farm and its farm stand are located just a few minutes from downtown Newburyport at 50 Scotland Road in Newbury, MA. Here they sell many of their own freshly grown fruits and vegetables as well as locally sourced meats, dairy products, grains, and many wonderful sweet treats! The most important thing to know, is that Colby Farm is a leader amongst local farms, helping promote the importance of buying from local farms and other small business who work hard to provide top quality local consumables. Not only does Colby Farm sell many of their own products but they are an important supporter to other local small businesses who depend on Colby Farm to help provide awareness and generate sales for their locally made products.

In addition to the highly popular sunflower field and farmstand Colby Farm has tremendous experience in the hay business since 1960. Colby Farm harvests over 200 acres of hay annually and has become known as as a leading provider of quality hay for local farm animals.

Colby Farm is open from May, through December 24, when they sell Christmas trees, wreaths, baked goods and other seasonal items.

*Professional pictures courtesy of Jaimie Cuddire & Colby Farm

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PlumFest is without a doubt one of the best days of the year for live music fans and an exceptional example of teamwork, volunteerism and community-wide coordination, for all to enjoy. Plum Island’s free annual music festival returns on Saturday, September 12th from 12 – 6 pm. PlumFest will feature an outstanding line-up of local and regional bands, proudly transforming local porches on the island into stages for small concerts. PlumFest is a grassroots community operation completely run by volunteers, from hosts to musicians to organizers.

An early participant in the “porch-fest” movement, PlumFest relies on local Plum Island residents to share their yards, porches, and parking lots with an exceptional group of musicians eager to perform for visitors. Growing in numbers each year, this North Shore, MA music festival PlumFest FREE Shuttle Bus All Day features over 100 performers at 50 locations, including residential homes and local island businesses such as: RipTide Cafe & Bar, The Sunset Club, Mad Martha’s and The Cottage.

So what’s the best way to experience this popular music festival? Organizers urge attendees to skip cars and to walk, ride bikes, and bring strollers. Non-island residents, are encouraged to park at the the Plum Island Airport and to carpool as much as possible. PlumFest will have FREE shuttles that will run from the Plum Island Airport parking lot to destinations throughout plum Island. Hop on and off the bus all day as you explore Plum Island while listening to greayon and off of all day to visit different venues and to get to and from your car. The shuttle will run from 11 am – 7 pm giving folks plenty of time to check out their favorite bands and make it back to their cars before the shuttle stops.

With so many amazing bands, how can you find your favorites and discover new ones too? Check out the PlumFest 2026 Schedule in order to view the list of bands, times and locations as well as the shuttle bus stops. Note – the 2026 schedule is still being finalized but it will be posted here as soon as it is released. If you prefer not to be tied to a schedule… just ride the shuttle and hop off when you hear something you like!

Expect a broad range of music, from full bands to acoustic performances, from bluegrass to classic rock and rap. Performances are scattered all over the island with hot spots like Northern Boulevard, Southern Boulevard on the South End, and Old Point Road. Check out the amazing 2026 lineup.

While there will be a few food trucks out and about, organizers hope that visitors will give back PlumFest, Plum Island MA Dune Dogs Band to the community by popping into local establishments to grab some food and drinks. And if you love a band, purchase a t-shirt or book them for your next event!

Each year PlumFest picks a cause to raise money for. While the festival is entirely free, red buckets are set up at the performers’ locations to collect donations. This year, funds will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley and club members will be volunteering during the event by staffing the welcome table and supervising the airport parking lot. Donations will enable the expansion of the music curriculum by adding instruction in recording technology, studio engineering and sound management. Over the past four years, PlumFest has donated $25,000 to various causes.

For more fun happenings in Newburyport, be sure to check out our full Events Calendar!

PlumFest 2022: RevelUp

PlumFest 2022: Lynne Taylor Music at The Plum Island Beachcoma

PlumFest 2022: Peter Lavenson & Brother Gary Shane & Slivertones & Friends at the Plum Island Grille

Plum Island Light – Newburyport Harbor Light

Guide Us Through the Channel

The Historic Plum Island Lighthouse

The Plum Island Light also know as the Plum Island Lighthouse and the Newburyport Harbor Light, was the 13th lighthouse to be constructed in the U.S. and is an essential component of Newburyport’s maritime history. The Newburyport Harbor Light was critical for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Merrimack River at the entry point to the Newburyport Harbor. If you are looking for fun things to do in Newburyport, and interested in the city’s rich maritime history, a tour of the Plum Island Lighthouse is highly recommended on the Newburyport VIP list of fun Things To Do! Scroll down to view the 2026 Newburyport Harbor Light tour schedule and register for a tour.

The Newburyport Harbor was important to the U.S. for whaling, fishing, shipbuilding, and trade, thus creating a strong need for the Plum Island Light. There were many ships coming in and out of Newburyport Harbor. Before the lighthouse was built, fires on the beach in Plum Island were used to guide mariners. It was the business people of Newburyport in the 1780s that paid to build the Plum Island Lighthouse. President George Washington appointed the first keeper of the Plum Island Lighthouse, Abner Lowell and three generations of Lowells served as lighthouse keepers at the Plum Island Lighthouse.

Severe storms and shifting sands caused the original Plum Island Lighthouse to be moved several times. The current lighthouse dates from 1898. The Newburyport Harbor Light was first lit in 1788 with a lantern burning whale oil and has been powered by electricity since 1927. The last keeper left the Lighthouse in 1951 when the light was automated. Today the lighthouse flashes a green light to guide boaters. It is still very important to have this lighthouse in operation to guide boats safely through the turbulent area where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Well known for its strong currents and significant fluctuation in tide levels and direction, the area where the Atlantic Ocean meets the lower Merrimack River is known today as the Mouth of the Merrimack River.The Plum Island Lighthouse is located across from the Plum Island playground at the northern point of Plum Island.

Today the lighthouse is owned by the City of Newburyport. Friends of Plum Island Light lease it from the City and care for it. The grounds are open to the public. The Friends of Plum Island Light offer periodic public tours inside the Plum Island Lighthouse.

The picture perfect Plum Island Lighthouse is one of the great lighthouses to visit in New England and the North Shore. It’s a “must see” for any lighthouse enthusiast and worth the visit if you are in the Greater Newburyport area. For more general information on Plum Island attractions visit our Plum Island Beach page and check out our Plum Island Parking article for parking lot information.

Directions:

From the Newburyport Harbor Range Lights on Water Street in downtown Newburyport, continue east on Water Street for 1.3 miles, where Water Street will become Plum Island Turnpike. Follow the turnpike for 1.8 miles to Plum Island, and then turn left on Northern Boulevard. Continue on Northern Boulevard for 1.3 miles to the northern end of the island, where you will see the lighthouse on your left.

Plum Island Light House

263 Northern Boulevard
Newburyport, MA 01950
FriendsofPILight@gmail.com

The Friends of Plum Island Light maintain the lighthouse and host lighthouse tours.

2026 Plum Island Light Tours:

Visit the Friends of Plum Island Light Tours to Reserve a 15 minute time slot between 10 am – 1 pm and to view more details.

May 30th
June 20th
July 18th
August 22nd
September 19th
October 3rd

Each 15 minute time slot is limited to 5 people and only one person in the group needs to sign up. Reserve a time in advance and be aware that there aren’t any rain dates. All attendees must be a minimum of 5 years old and at least 42 inches high, and be wearing sturdy shoes.

A suggested donation of $5 per person is greatly appreciated to help care for the Plum Island Lighthouse. If tours are fully booked, sometimes there might be opportunities to book a private tour, depending on various factors such as availability of volunteers.

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The US Coast Guard Birthday is August 4th and 2026 marks 236 years for the oldest branch of the US military. This annual celebration also aligns with the history of Newburyport’s local Coast Guard station as well. In 1873 the original lifesaving station was built on Plum Island at the mouth of the Merrimack River. A century later on August 4th, 1973 the current facility was built and officially dedicated as the US Coast Guard Station Merrimack River. This Newburyport landmark is a source of great pride for locals as is the city’s rich maritime history. The US Coast Guard Birthday is a perfect chance to celebrate not only the founding of the Coast Guard but to thank the dedicated local Coasties who protect our waters and perform life saving missions.

Did you know that first revenue cutter, USRC Massachusetts, was built in Newburyport? The vessel was the result of the Tariff Act, signed on August 4, 1790, that authorized a total of 10 cutters to be built and to enforce tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling. Today, the US Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for law enforcement, environmental protection and search and rescue. The Newburyport station, US Coast Guard Station Merrimack River, has the distinction of being one of only 19 surf stations in the country and only one of 4 along the entire East Coast. Surf stations are required in areas where there is the potential for extreme wave height and or high winds, more than a month out of the year.

Every year, during Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming celebration, US Coast Guard Station Merrimack River holds an Open House during which the public can tour the station and learn about boater safety. Summer months are the busiest time for the men and women of the Coast Guard and our own local waters, though beautiful, are some of the most unpredictable and can often be dangerous to navigate. You can hear about some of the hazards that the crew encounters, learn about the trainings they conduct and leave feeling more knowledgeable and safer for the next time you head out on the water.

Though always ready for any emergency 24/7, the crew at US Coast Guard Station Merrimack River will also take some time to relax and honor the Coast Guard Birthday in their own way. Some delicious food and friendly (or perhaps, fierce?) competition at the station’s own annual cornhole tournament sounds like the perfect way to unwind and celebrate this important date in history. We hope they will also know how truly appreciative we are of their hard work and dedication. Happy Birthday to the U.S.C.G.!

The 2026 Newburyport Bed Race will take place on Thursday, July 30th at 6 pm on Federal Street. This action-packed event is hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club and is one of the most popular local traditions hosted each year during the annual Yankee Homecoming celebration.

The Newburyport Bed Race is undeniably one of the most highly anticipated family-friendly events of the summer. If you’re not from the local area, you might ask, “what is Newburyport Bed Racing?” Although the answer may differ depending on who you ask, the Newburyport.com answer is, “a cherished tradition and exciting community event that boldly showcases the creativity and teamwork of local businesses and organizations while providing tremendously valuable, expansive brand recognition for all participating teams as they race their uniquely designed, homemade beds for a packed crowd of enthusiastic fans.”

Scroll down to view NewburyportVIP Prior Year Bed Race Videos 2015 – 2024

When is Bed Racing? If you ask a loyal fan, they are likely to say, “the Bed Race is always Thursday night of Yankee Homecoming, just before the Beatlejuice concert.” Although that is an accurate statement, the Newburyport.com official answer is, “see ya Thursday night on Federal Street at 6 pm sharp.” Unless mother nature brings severe weather, the Newburyport Lion’s Club Bed Race kicks off at the same time and same place every year!

Although most bed racing teams strive to cross the finish line first, speed is not the only way to win the Newburyport Bed Race. Teams also compete to impress judges and spectators by designing and building elaborate bed racing structures complemented by impressively coordinated team costumes. The Bed Race is definitely not a traditional race. If by chance you are a runner who discovered this article as you were trying to register for a road race, check out the Yankee Homecoming Road Race hosted annually by the Newburyport Lions Club on Tuesday night of Yankee Homecoming week.

Both the Bed Race and the Road Race are major annual events that take place during Yankee Homecoming week but they are actually hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club, as opposed to the Yankee Homecoming Committee. Although the Lions Club and Yankee Homecoming are separate groups, these two wonderful local organizations do an excellent job of behind the scenes coordination making this only noticeable in their individual branding on thier signs and volunteer t-shirts. These organizations set the standard for community events with close collaboration and cross promotion helping to significantly increase exposure for the the many local businesses and nonprofits participating in these events. Newburyport.com is proud to volunteer our services and local media platform providing broader more expansive awareness of these wonderful local traditions through our video highlights, feature articles and NewburyportVIP social media channel.

If you’re interested in participating, the registration fee is $40 per bed with a reduced cost of $30 for nonprofits. Visit the Lion’s Club website for Bed Race details and registration form. All 2026 participating Bed Racing teams are eligible for FREE Yankee Homecoming Parade registration in the 2026 Yankee Homecoming Parade. Contact NBPTlionsbedrace@gmail.com with questions.

Proceeds from Lion’s Club events benefit the Newburyport Lions Club local charities: eye exams, glasses for the needy, annual Thanksgiving dinner, visual aids for the blind, high school scholarships and local food pantries.

RELATED EVENTS

The 2026 Beatlejuice concert starts at 7:30 pm on the Waterfront Stage. This is part of the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert Series.

2026 BEER & BITES starts at 5:30 pm in the Newburyport Tannery parking lot.

If you want to grab a quick bite to eat before the start of the Bed Race, Newburyport.com recommends arriving early for the Newburyport Rotary Club annual Beer & Bites Fundraiser from 5:30 – 7:30 pm in the Tannery parking lot. Visit the Newburyport Events Calendar to view more details and download the free, Newburyport App for direct access to the calendar.

NewburyportVIP Prior Year Bed Race Videos 2015 – 2024

Are you ready for a day of outdoor fun, games, and entertainment? Get ready for Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday 2026! This year’s event will be held Sunday, July 26th from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. This is a classic Newburyport family event where children of all ages enjoy a fun and exciting array of activities. The setting for Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday is on Bartlet Mall, a picturesque area located at the intersection of Pond Street and High Street in Newburyport.

This event is an opportunity to kick off Yankee Homecoming week in Newburyport while making wonderful memories with family and friends. There are so many fun activities to enjoy. Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday begins with folks displaying their favorite pets on stage. There will be entertainers playing music and performing dances from the 1960s. This is a great opportunity for folks to wear clothing from the era, including bell-bottom pants and tie-dye shirts! For many families Olde Fashioned Sunday has become an annual tradition, along with Kids Day in the Park and Family Day.

Art on Bartlet Mall is another very popular event that takes place at the same time and location as Olde Fashioned Sunday. There will be regional artists displaying and selling their amazing original work on Bartlet Mall. You can enjoy Art on Bartlet Mall both Saturday, July 25th as well as Sunday, July 26th during Olde Fashioned Sunday. Art on Bartlet Mall runs from 10 AM – 4 PM each day.

Kids will love the free activities at the Family Midway event. Enjoy some old fashioned games as a family, such as the potato sack race and water balloon toss. Kids can take a pony ride, watch the pet show and enjoy train rides around the pond! There will also be a classic car display, swing dancing and many exciting competitions on the lower green. Events and activities are similar each year.

2026 Olde Fashioned Sunday Events Schedule

Roaming Railroad Rides & Pony Rides – 10:00am – 3:00pm
Down by the pond, make sure to take pictures of the kids’ smiling faces.

Midway Games – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Come enjoy some olde time fun and win prizes.

Vendor Row – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Enjoy some food, ice cream and activities

Pet Show sponsored by Bartlett’s Cove Pet Care – 10:30am
Registration at 10:00 visit Bartlett’s Cove Facebook page for more information

Antique and Classic Cars sponsored by Byfield Auto – 10:30am – 1:00pm
Step back in time and admire the classic stylings and muscle of years gone by, enjoy the vintage motorcycles too.

Beginners Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Reworld (cost $40 per team) – 11:00am
View registration information & check in at 10:30am

Opening Ceremonies and the Raising of the Flag – 11:30am
Main stage and the corner of High St and Pond St. The big start of the
week’s festivities.

Swing Dance lessons and entertainment- 12:30 – 1:30pm
Northshore swing dance will be teaching a lesson and North of Boston Swing Dance Society will also perform.

Music by Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus – 1:30 – 2:30pm
Enjoy some music from The Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus.

Family Fun Competition – 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Come enjoy some good olde fun, some friendly competition and win
some prizes too. Pre-register at volunteer table next to the Main stage 10am – 1pm.

Potato Sack Race
Hula Hoop
Water Balloon Toss

When you get hungry during Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday there will be plenty of vendors cooking up delicious snacks. There will also be old-fashioned candy and popcorn available for purchase. That’s right, there will be tasty candy and snacks. Enjoy the beginning of Yankee Homecoming week and all the fun events for people of all ages at Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday!

If you enjoy dining and shopping in our local community, you can support the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks by purchasing or renewing your Newburyport app and VIP Card. The VIP Program allows you to enjoy discounts at 130 restaurants and shops in the Greater Newburyport community and $10 of each purchase or renewal can be donated to the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Fund.

If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.

Apple/App Store: Download “Newburyport” for iOS/Apple

Android/Play Store: Download “Newburyport” for Android/Google

Do you like the idea of relaxing to amazing live music with picturesque water views? Get ready to enjoy some gorgeous Newburyport summer nights featuring awesome live music when you attend the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts. The 2026 concert series runs from Sunday, July 26th through Saturday, August 1st. Check the concert schedule and read more about your favorite bands below. You will find a few that everyone associates with the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts, and a couple of cool new surprises too. Grab your chairs and blankets and come experience the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts with your friends and family!

You can also enjoy live music from Market Square stage and Waterfront stage during the day. Check the Downtown Entertainment Schedule or view the Yankee Market Place article for Sidewalk Sales, Craft Show and other details. If you are looking for some fun things to do in Newburyport before the free live concerts we recommend a walk along the boardwalk, a visit to the Custom House Maritime Museum, and the Newburyport Art Association. Of course shopping is always a great choice! Downtown Newburyport features a wonderful selection of local boutiques so make sure to leave time to check out the Newburyport shops!

During Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts and throughout Yankee Homecoming there is delicious food to enjoy from vendors and a wide variety of superb restaurants in Newburyport. Enjoy the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts, a free live music series on the water, a Newburyport tradition!

Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert Lineup 2026

Sunday July 26th
7:30-9:00 PM – SCENES – A BILLY JOEL EXPERIENCE

Monday July 27th
7:30-9:00 PM – DESOLATION ANGELS

Tuesday July 28th
7:30-9:00 PM – RED SOLO CUP

Wednesday July 29th – CONCERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO FORECASTED RAIN
7:30-9:00 PM – 12 BARZ BAND

Thursday July 30th
7:30-9:00 PM – BEATLEJUICE

Friday July 31st
7:30-9:00 PM – FORTUNE

Saturday August 1st
7:15-9:15 PM – THE FAR

2026 Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts Bands

SCENES – A BILLY JOEL EXPERIENCE

Formerly known as Cold Spring Harbor, Scenes – A Billy Joel experience, has been performing throughout New England and beyond since 2013. Their mission from the beginning was never to play impersonator, but instead celebrate and recreate the music of Billy Joel to the highest and most authentic standard, bringing people the $400 Billy Joel concert experience, for a reasonable price that all fans can afford! Their almost ten-year journey has lead them to some amazing venues and events, most notably Touch of Texas in Binghamton, NY, and the Newburyport Yankee Homecoming celebration playing to more than 3500 people. From specific piano sounds that Billy uses himself, to the Billy Joel classic Ray Ban sunglasses, this show is not to be missed!

DESOLATION ANGELS

The musicians in Desolation Angels are seasoned veterans of the local music scene North of Boston. They came together in winter of 2021 to try to present the music of Bad Company and Paul Rodgers as authentically as possible. The band is comprised of Rick Reda on vocals, Duffy Bouchard on drums, Eric Hanson on keyboards, Adam Elliott on bass, and Brian Fernald and Kevin Meaney on guitars.

12 BARZ BAND – CONCERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO FORECASTED RAIN

12 Barz Band is a seven-piece classic R&B group combining soulful vocals, a solid rhythm section and dynamic horns to create an entertaining and dance-driven experience. The band’s sound is a masterful fusion of influences drawn from Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen and others. Whether they are reviving the horn-drenched tracks of the late 60s or delivering high-energy rock standards, the band ensures that the soul of rhythm and blues remains a living, breathing force on every stage they command.

BEATLEJUICE

For over 24 yrs. Beatlejuice has been faithfully reproducing some of the greatest Beatles songs ever written. Beatlejuice covers every era of the Beatles catalog and onto the solo careers of the boys from Liverpool. Renowned cover band Beatlejuice has been entertaining audiences with spot-on renditions of Beatles classics for more than two decades. Beatlejuice uses a cast of vocalists and arrangements that match the original recordings of the Fab Four note-for-note. Audiences can close their eyes and imagine John, Paul, George and Ringo playing some of the greatest and most influential songs ever written.

The band was formed in 1994 by the late Brad Delp, renowned vocalist for the band Boston, and drummer John Muzzy from the band Farrenheit. After Delp’s passing in 2007, band members Muzzy, Steve Baker, Joe Holaday, Dave Mitchell, Evan Gianoulis and Rich Bartlett continued to perform under the name Beatlejuice and Friends, beginning with memorial concerts for Delp at the Regent Theatre in Arlington. Those friends were a group of vocalists including Mike Girard of The Fools, Jimmy Rogers of Velvet Elvis, Buddy Bernard of Aces & Eights, and Bob Jennings.

FORTUNE

Fortune will fill the waterfront with music for Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport Massachusetts! For well over two decades, Fortune has regularly packed venues throughout New England. Hailing from Peabody, MA, this 6-piece band has long maintained a reputation for smooth three and four part vocal harmonies, dynamic and melodic textures of multiple guitars and keyboards, and a tight rhythm section.

THE FAR

The Far is a cover band from New England that delivers high energy performances that will keep the dance floor full and venues packed. The Far is a six-member band that has outstanding male and female vocalists, and a full complement of talented musicians and instruments that allow them to create a unique synergy. This synergy allows them to perform a range and diversity of music that most bands cannot match.

The FAR has earned a 5 star reputation from fans and other musicians alike for having excellent high energy live performances, engaging in community charity work, and dedication to professionalism.

Transcending the typical single genre that many other bands adhere to, The Far has a remarkably diverse range of music that spans genres and decades. Hits from the 70’s to current day, from Boston to Dua Lipa, Pop, Rock, Country and even some Rap Music.

The Yankee Homecoming Waiter and Waitress Race is absolutely one of the most exciting local events of the year! Come show your support for our local Newburyport & Plum Island restaurants and cheer for your favorite waiters and waitresses at the 2026 Yankee Homecoming Waiter & Waitress Race. On Monday, July 27th Liberty Street in Newburyport is where you will find Newburyport’s top restaurant contenders for the Waiter & Waitress Race. Serious competitors will be ready to speed-walk (not run) while balancing full trays of water on one hand.

Race fans should plan to arrive a little bit early as the race will start promptly at 4:30 pm.
Waiter & Waitress Race Registration opens at 3:30 pm and all racers should arrive in time to be registered by 4 pm.

The 1st place male and female servers will each receive a $450 cash prize and the 2nd place racers will be awarded a $200 cash prize. There are two rounds to this competition. The top place contestants from the 1st round will move on to the obstacle course round. The top two waiters and top two waitresses to cross the finish line with dry trays or very minimal spillage.

The restaurant with the best overall combination of race performance, team spirit, creativity and overall participation will win the Top Restaurant title, bragging rights and the traveling trophy, until next year’s competition.

The ultimate VIP judges tasked with holding the line on speed and masters of monitoring spillage—making the tough calls when every drop counts. The 2026 VIP Celebrity Judges: Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon, Yankee Homecoming General Chair Carole Appleton and 106.7 Morning Magic Co-Host and 8 time Gracie award winner Sue Tabb.

The Yankee Homecoming Waiter Waitress Races, created to showcase our amazing local restaurants and shine the spotlight on our favorite waiters a memorable dining experiences. The lineup of restaurants is guaranteed to impress and the 2026 judges are excited to recognize the winning restaurant and top waiters and waitresses!

Thinking about entering the race? Brush up on the rules and register here. Only waitstaff from local Newburyport and Plum Island restaurants may compete. Registration is free for the Yankee Homecoming Waiter and Waitress Race.

NEWBURYPORT.COM WAITER & WAITRESS RACE COVERAGE 2025 – 2019

2025 RACE HIGHLIGHS & WINNERS

Congratulations to all of our amazing local restaurants and thank you to all who have participated! Enjoy prior year NewburyportVIP videos and see winners lists below.

2025 Top Restaurant Winner – Michaels Harborside

Congratulations to the 2025 overall top restaurant winner Michaels Harborside awarded based on combined factors of racing performance, team spirit, creativity and overall team participation.

2025 individual race winners.

1^stPlace Waitress – Sea Level Oyster Bar – Caroline Brothy #155
1^st Place Waiter – Michael’s Harborside – Josh Paige #955

2^nd Place Waitress – Brine Oyster Bar – Lily Pflam #162
2^nd Place Waiter – Michael’s Harborside – Colin Fafferty #956

Thank you to all 2024 participating Newburyport and Plum Island Restaurants: Anchor Pizza, Black Cow, BRINE, Grog, Loretta, Michael’s Harborside, Oregano, Port Tavern, Port Vida, RipTide Cafe & Bar, Sea Level Oyster Bar, and Starbucks.

2024 Top Restaurant Winner – Port Vida a Mexican Cantina

Congratulations to the 2024 overall top restaurant winner Port Vida a Mexican Cantina, awarded based on combined factors of racing performance, team spirit, creativity and overall team participation. Mayor Sean Reardon presented Port Vida with the trophy which travels each year to the top restaurant chosen by the Yankee Homecoming celebrity judges. Port Vida turned out with an impressive group of waiters and waitresses as well as the restaurant owners and staff providing support for their racers, and they also won 2nd place in the individual waiter category. Watch for the Port Vida racers wearing pink or white shirts with their tag line “Will Race for Tacos” in the video below, where NewburyportVIP captures the winning restaurant’s race highlights.

2024 Waiter & Waitress Race Highlights

2024 Waiter and Waitress Individual Winners

Amazing job by all of the local restaurant waiters and waitresses. 2024 offered plenty of excitement and unexpected twists and turns, including a decision to award co-1st place winners in the waiter category after reviewing instant replay. This was a late decision concluded by judges after announcements were made which is why only four racers were included in the individual race pictures and videos. Below are the 2024 individual race winners.

1^stPlace Waitress – Michael’s Harborside – Caitlin York
Co-1^stPlace Waiter – Loretta – Jed Groff
Co-1^st Place Waiter – Starbucks – Benjamin Hughes

2^nd Place Waitress – Sea Level – Lily Pflaum
2^ndPlace Waiter – Port Vida – Valentine Torres

2024 Waiter Co-1st place winners

After reviewing video instant replay, it was concluded that we had a tie for first place in the waiter category. This was decided after all the official photos and videos of the winners had already been taken. To rectify this, below is a photo of both co-winners, along with their names.

Co-1^stPlace Waiter – Loretta – Jed Groff
Co-1^st Place Waiter – Starbucks – Benjamin Hughes

Waiter & Waitress Race Tie for 1st Place Waiters

2024 Waiter and Waitress Race Obstacle Course Demonstration by Mayor Sean Reardon

2023 Top Restaurant Winner – Sea Level Oyster Bar

Congratulations to the 2023 overall restaurant winner voted to have the most spirit, Sea Level Oyster Bar! Amazing job by all of the racers. Below were the 2023 individual race winners.

Yankee Homecoming Waiter & Waitress Race Sea Level Team

2023 Waiter & Waitress Individual Winners

1^stAnchor Pizza – Leanne Paparella (4th time winning 1st place)
1^stSea Level Oyster Bar – Taylor Donovan

2^nd Port Tavern – Ruby Coppinger
2^ndSea Level Oyster Bar – Adam Michaud

2022 Top Restaurant Winner – Plum Island Beachcoma

Congratulations to the 2022 overall restaurant winner voted to have the most spirit, Plum Island Beachcoma! Amazing job by all of the racers. Below were the 2022 individual race winners.

Yankee Homecoming Waiter & Waitress Race 2022 Winners Waiter & Waitress Race Cup Winner, Plum Island Beachcoma

1^stAnchor Pizza – Leanne Paparella (3rd time winning 1st place)
1^stOregano – Gabriel Sambataro

2^nd Port Tavern – Olivia Coppinger
2^ndCarmine’s – JD Horne

2021 Top Restaurant Winner – Brick & Ash

2021 Waiter & Waitress Individual Winners
1^st Anchor – Leanne Paparella
1^st Bar 25 – Joey Nickerson

2^nd Michael’s – Erin Leary
2^nd Bar 25 – Andrew Vignati

3^rd Poynt – Cassie Harding
3^rd Michael’s – Chase Pantelis

2019 Top Restaurant Winner – Anchor Pizza

2019 Waiter & Waitress Winners:
1^st Anchor – Leanne Paparella
1^st Bob Lobster – Sam Fitzpatrick

2^nd Sea Level – Margaux Munick
2^nd Poynt – Chad Flinkman

2019 Yankee Homecoming Waiter & Waitress Video – Newburyport VIP

Check out 2019 Newburyport.com videos of Sea Level Oyster Bar and Oregano Ristorante waitstaff practicing for the big event!

2019 Sea Level Practice Video featuring Madeline Walsh (left) and Margaux Munick (right)

2019 Oregano Practice Video Featuring Gabriel Sambataro (left) and Lindsey Howland (right)

Cruisin’ the 50’s Newburyport 2026

Rev Your Engines For This Spectacular Display

Cruisin’ the 50’s Classic Cars Drive You Wild

Newburyport’s Cruisin’ the 50’s classic car show will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 4 – 7 PM. Once per year, downtown Newburyport steps back into a time of past, transforming our historic downtown into a beautiful pedestrian walkway, lined with impeccably maintained vintage automobiles proudly showcased at this exclusive invitational car show.

This premier classic car show features an exclusive group of 250 specially selected cars from collectors who are invited to participate in the show. In past years, Cruisin’ the 50’s has featured some high profile vehicles such as the DeLorean that brought us Back in Time from the classic Michael J. Fox movie “Back to the Future.” Another past favorite was the 1948 black Delahaye, hand built in Paris, France and owned by private collector Bruce Male of Swampscott, MA. The Cruisin’ the 50’s Car Show becomes more popular each year and local businesses enjoy being part of the fun! This prior year video features a live 50’s band performing in the Newburyport Bank parking lot as car enthusiasts admire the amazing display of classic cars.

Cruisin’ the 50’s will have you indulging in one gorgeous vintage vehicle after the next, as you walk the historic streets of downtown Newburyport. If you’re not able to make it to this exciting event, enjoy coverage from our Newburyport.com Live Web Cams.

Cruisin’ the 50’s is a free event open to all and hosted by the Newburyport Chamber. Enjoy beautiful classic cars in the picturesque historic downtown, of Newburyport, MA. State Street, Pleasant Street, and Inn Street will be open to pedestrians only and more stunning antique autos will be parked on surrounding streets as well.

Visit the Newburyport.com live webcams to enjoy this classic car event if you are unable to attend.

*Professional photography by Visual Storyteller and Documentary Photographer Ben Savoie.

Cruisin' the 50's 2015 - Video Production by UAV LOOK

Cruisin' the 50's Car Show 2022

Cruisin' the 50's Car Show 2017

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

Colby Farm Sunflowers, Sunflower Field, Newbury MA

Colby Farm Sunflowers – Experience the Joy!

The Sunflower field will be open for the 2026 season from Thursday, August 27th through Sunday, September 6th. Visit between 9 am - 6 pm Mon - Sat and 10 am - 6 pm on Sundays. There is no event/ticket cost, simply a $10 cash only parking fee.

Moving Wall Visits Plum Island Airport in Honor of Vietnam Veterans

The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. was on display at Plum Island Airport in Newbury, MA during Labor Day Weekend 2021, from

Dogs on the Beach – Plum Island & Newburyport Area Beaches

Taking your dogs on the beach in the Newburyport area is a great outdoor adventure for you and your furry sidekicks. While most area beaches welcome your pups for a

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™

Local kids will take to the stage to show off their skills at the 2026 Yankee Homecoming Kids Talent Show on Monday, July 27th 2026 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Newburyport waterfront stage located in Market Landing Park. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and help show your support for kids in our community.

From music to dance to poetry to magic, kids of all ages, ranging from grades 1 all the way through 12, are invited to register and perform their talents, whatever they may be, for a live audience on the Newburyport Waterfront. The Yankee Homecoming Kids Talent Show is a non-competitive performance designed to showcase all of the wonderful kids and rising stars that live right here in Newburyport and surrounding towns.

It’s so important to host the kids talent show so that we can involve people of all ages in Yankee Homecoming. With kids getting involved at a young age, they are more likely to participate in future Yankee Homecoming celebrations and perhaps one day even volunteer for the event,” says Lorraine Mazza, the 2019 Kids Talent Show Chair.

To register, the performers must submit the registration form and be accompanied by an adult if they are under the age of 16. There is no fee to register. While day-of-event-performers talent may be allowed to join the show, it is dependent on space and not guaranteed.

Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming celebration lasts an entire week, beginning Saturday, July 25th and ending with the annual parade on Sunday, August 2nd. To find even more ways to join in the celebrations, check out all of the events listed on our calendar.

The 2026 annual Yankee Homecoming Parade will march down High Street on Sunday, August 2nd at 12 PM, marking the final official event of Newburyport’s week-long celebration. The parade, which will cover a little over a mile, begins at the intersection of Moseley Avenue and Ferry Road and end at State Street.

Along with tons of fire trucks, police cruisers, motorcycles, and vintage cars, spectators will also enjoy floats from local businesses, musical performances, a juggler on a unicycle, and Chinese dragon dancers. Many participants in the Yankee Homecoming Parade also throw candy and other swag to children along the way.

The Yankee Homecoming 2026 theme is “Home Sweet Home,” celebrating how Newburyport is more than just a destination, but a place where memories are made, friendships are renewed, and generations gather together. Many floats and performances will represent this theme in the Yankee Homecoming Parade. Newburyport has been celebrating Yankee Homecoming every year since 1958 and although other cities and towns also host Yankee Homecoming festivities, Newburyport is the oldest and longest running continuous Yankee Homecoming in the country.

If you’re thinking about joining in the parade instead of watching from the sidelines, there is no fee if your float follows the theme. Nonprofit organizations may also join the Yankee Homecoming Parade free of charge. Businesses that would like to participate outside of the theme must pay an advertising fee. All registrations can be done online.

For locals and tourists that would like to enjoy watching the Yankee Homecoming Parade, it’s best to arrive early to find a spot on either side of High Street. Space fills up quickly and many locals even set up chairs days in advance to claim a larger area for groups.

The Yankee Homecoming Parade is a $15,000 operation, making it the second most expensive event of the week, after the Yankee Homecoming fireworks display.

Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming celebration lasts an entire week, beginning July 25th and ending with the annual Yankee Coming Parade. Find even more ways to join the celebration by visiting the Newburyport Events Calendar.

Video of 2018 Parade

Mark your calendar for Kids Day in the Park 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29th from 10 am – 2 pm in Atkinson Common Park. Kids Day is a popular family event hosted each year during Yankee Homecoming week by the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport. This free event is one of the highlights of Yankee Homecoming week for many kids, featuring all the best stuff from childhood. Kids Day in the Park in an opportunity to create lifelong memories with your children. For many families this event has become an annual tradition, along with Olde Fashioned Sunday and Family Day.

Kids Day in the Park starts with a parade for decorated bikes and doll carriages, with prizes for the best ones! After that, kids can get their faces painted by volunteers, experience Theater in the Open – featuring the famous giraffe! – relax with a story organized by the Newburyport Public Library, and watch a police department K9 demonstration. Kids Day in the Park also lets youngsters see what it feels like behind the wheel in official vehicles from the city public safety departments such as: fire, police and department of public works. There’s also food: an assortment of burgers and dogs and drinks starting at noon. Best of all, it’s all free!

Kids Day in the Park is hosted by the Newburyport Exchange Club, a service organization that has existed since 1976 and focuses on four service areas: youth services, preventing child abuse, honoring America and community service. Kids Day in the Park has been organized as part of the Yankee Homecoming events since 2005, and Exchange Club members enjoy working with other community organizations to make this special day lots of fun and free for families.

Maudslay Arts Center

http://youtu.be/_Pb6luEJjdw

Maudslay Arts Center – A Premier Outdoor Concerts Venue

The Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) in Newburyport, Massachusetts welcomes thousands of guests throughout the year who come to enjoy weddings, special events, and brilliant summer concerts under the stars.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maudslay State Park, the MAC has an amphitheater with stellar acoustics and a handful of restored buildings to make sure the show goes on, rain or shine.

From a seat on the patio to a blanket on the lawn, BYOB dinners accompanied by assorted cobblers, brownies and Hodgie’s ice cream for sale make for the perfect New England summer picnic.

You can view a complete Summer Concert Series schedule online, as well as purchase tickets via net or phone. Gift certificates are also available.

To help support the local artists and venue, as a 503 C-3 nonprofit, the MAC recognizes its volunteers as its lifeblood. Avid gardeners, or those with carpentry skills are encouraged to raise their hands. Sponsorships are also available, with donations helping to preserve these historic grounds and buildings.

2026 Summer Concert Schedule:

Sat, July 11 from 7 to 9:30 PM New Black Eagle Jazz Band
Sun, July 12 from 2 to 4 PM Bobby Keyes Trio
Sat, July 18 from 7 to 9:30 PM Gray Sargent, Marshall Wood (bass), Ben Cook (piano), George Darrah (drums)
Sun, July 19 from 2 to 4 PM Donna Byrne
Sat, July 25 from 7 to 9:30 PM Tom DiMenna’s Story Songs of the 70’s
Sat, Aug 1 from 7 to 9:30 PM Ken Clark Organ Trio
Sun, Aug 2 from 2 to 4 PM Chris Smither
Sat, Aug 8 from 7 to 9:30 PM Breakin’ Strings
Sun, Aug 9 from 2 to 4 PM The Mystix Unplugged
Sun, Aug 16 from 2 to 4 PM Alex Lee-Clark and the 8tet

Maudslay Art Center

95 Curzon Mill Road
Newburyport MA 01950

978.499.0050

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Newburyport VIPs

Receive VIP treatment at Best of Newburyport^™ restaurants, accommodations, shops & attractions.

Anchor Stone Deck Pizza

10% Off Food, Dine-In & Take-Out

Lively Kids

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Essex Street Inn

15% Off or 500 Extra Choice Rewards Privilege Points. Must mention offer when booking and show card at check-in. Valid thru 12/31/2026.

Actors Studio

$2 Off Per Ticket, Money Refunded at Box Office Upon Presenting VIP Card

Enjoy delicious, authentic Greek food at the 2026 Newburyport Greek Food Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church located at 7 Harris street in Newburyport. The Festival will run from 11:30 am – 8 pm on Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th as well as 11:30 am – 3 pm on Sunday, July 26th. There will be live Greek music brought to you by OPA entertainment, on Friday and Saturday eveningsfrom 4 – 8 pm.

I am certain that I’m not the only local resident who eats at the Newburyport Greek Food Festival three days in a row in order to try and satisfy my craving for this wonderful, homemade Greek food! Make sure to go early as certain items always sell out! You will be delighted by all the Greek entrees including: the famous Lamb Shanks, Moussaka, Pastichio, Chicken & Lamb Kabobs, Gyros, Loukaniko, Keftethes, Spinach Pie, Greek Salad, Stuffed Grape Leaves, and Fish “Plaki” (Friday Only). Coffee & Greek Pastries including Baklava, Galaktobouriko, Koulourakia, and more! Greek beer and wine are also available for purchase and of course wonderful Greek coffee, frappes and pastries for the perfect finish to this amazing Greek dining experience. A refreshing frappe (whipped up icy Greek coffee drink) has become very popular at Greek Food Festival!

You can purchase food to eat on the run, such as a Gyro, or you can take your time and sit down for a relaxing meal outside or inside the air-conditioned church hall. My recommendation to my fellow foodies, is not to wait until the last day of the Festival to visit, because some of the most popular items may be sold out!

For 2026, the Greek Food Festival will host a few Greek vendors including Taste & Art of Greece just inside the foyer of the church, a perfect place to find quality gifts. Shop for a variety of items such as: jewelry, handbags, home items, ceramics, candles, authentic Greek olive oil etc. made from Greek artisans.

Why is the food at Greek Food Festival consistently so delicious? The answer is certainly because it is prepared by a huge team of dedicated volunteers from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, including certain folks who invest countless hours carefully preparing foods as if they were serving a meal to their immediate families. Our community is fortunate to enjoy foods prepared from coveted recipes handed down from past generations. This annual event is a major undertaking and very important annual fundraiser for the church with participation from more than 100 volunteers. You can feel good knowing that all purchases help to support a wonderful local organization and are greatly appreciated.

While the Greek Food Festival is not an official Yankee Homecoming Event, it is absolutely a very popular tradition to kick off Yankee Homecoming week. How many times will you visit the Newburyport Greek Food Festival during Yankee Homecoming to enjoy Best of Newburyport homemade Greek food?

Visit Newburyport for Art on Bartlet Mall 2026, Saturday July 25th and Sunday the 26th from 10 am – 4 pm on the corner of High Street and Pond Street. Hosted in the picturesque outdoor setting of Bartlet Mall, this free Newburyport art exhibit has been a cherished Yankee Homecoming annual tradition since 1982. Featuring a broad range of works from local and regional artists, Art on Bartlet Mall contributes to Newburyport’s vibrant arts scene, by expanding broader awareness and discovery of Newburyport as a destination for art enthusiasts near and far. Relax and enjoy this fun summer art exhibit whether you prefer to browse, search for the perfect gift or purchase a new work of art for your home.

Art on Bartlet Mall demonstrates Yankee Homecoming’s commitment to supporting the local arts by: showcasing local artists, promoting cultural engagement and appreciation for the arts, and encouraging community collaboration through the expansive awareness opportunities and connections enabled from the diverse Yankee Homecoming attendees and numerous local businesses and organizations.

Sunday, the 2nd day of Art on Bartlet Mall coincides with another major Yankee Homecoming event, Olde Fashioned Sunday. This fun family event also takes place on Bartlet Mall but the event activities are spread out, leaving plenty of space for the art exhibit.

While experiencing Art on Bartlet Mall, take a stroll along the Bartlet Mall walking path, a highly photographed scenic spot surrounding the tranquil Frog Pond. If you’re a fan of history and or architecture, consider taking a tour of the stunning historic Superior Courthouse Building, built in 1805. This beautiful example of Newburyport historic architecture is one of the oldest active courthouses in the United States and is only open for public tours once per year, during Yankee Homecoming. Check the Newburyport Events Calendar on 7/26/26 and 8/1/26 for details.

If you work up an appetite after visiting Art on Bartlet Mall, a visit to the Greek Food Festival is an excellent choice or visit one of the the many wonderful restaurants in downtown Newburyport. If you are a live music fan make sure to stick around for the Sunday night Waterfront Concert.

If you appreciate dining and shopping in our local community, you can support the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks by purchasing or renewing your Newburyport VIP Card. The VIP Program allows you to enjoy discounts at many local restaurants and shops in the Greater Newburyport community and $10 of each purchase or renewal can be donated to the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Fund.

If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device. The Newburyport App includes a direct link to the Newburyport Events Calendar making it simple to stay in the know about events and happenings in Newburyport and surrounding towns.

Apple/App Store: Download “Newburyport” for iOS/Apple

Android/Play Store: Download “Newburyport” for Android/Google

The 66th Annual Yankee Homecoming Road Races hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club will be held Tuesday, July 28th 2026. The Yankee Homecoming 10 Mile and 5K races are a wonderful tradition in Newburyport. The 5K race starts at 6 pm and the 10 mile race starts at 6:10 pm, with the start and the finish of the races at Newburyport High School.

It’s hard to believe that the Yankee Homecoming Road Races started with 30 runners in 1960. It has grown drastically in popularity with thousands of runners participating each year! Early August can be toasty for runners and spectators. Be sure to hydrate well and stay hydrated! There are water stops along the courses and there are plenty of refreshments available in Newburyport before, during, and after the races. If race day is hot you will even find a few residents along the route offering the option for runners to cool off as the run through a refreshing hose mist. You’re certain to feel the adrenaline rush with the exceptional fan participation and thousands of competitive runners. The locals are out there every step of the course cheering and trying to spot friends and family as they speed by in the sea of color.

The Yankee Homecoming Road Races are an ideal opportunity for runners to challenge themselves, and to enjoy the beautiful Newburyport scenery! This event is a wonderful way for runners to enjoy the gorgeous historic neighborhoods and coastline of Newburyport. It’s known as one of the best road races in the region and offers family-friendly fun. The course takes runners along the ocean and through quintessential New England streets.

Information about the registration process, race pricing, and course maps for the Yankee Homecoming Road Races is available on the Lions Club website. The registration cost varies depending on date of registration and whether runners register for the 5K or the 10 mile. There are discounts offered for early registration and for runners who are age 16 and under. Everyone registered by July 1st will receive a personalized bib number with their name and a commemorative short-sleeve tech race shirt. After that date, shirts cannot be be guaranteed – register early!

If you are one of the first 2000 people to register you will receive a Yankee Homecoming Road Race T-Shirt. T-shirts are also available on race day for purchase. All finishers will receive a custom finisher medal with a sublimated neck ribbon. Proceeds from the races will go to support the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, which benefits eye research in innovative Massachusetts.

Contact the dedicated organizers of the Yankee Homecoming Road Races with any questions you may have about the races and check the Newburyport.com Events Calendar for details of all other Yankee Homecoming Events including the Newburyport Bed Racing, also hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club.

The 2026 Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Morning Workouts are back for another round of classes with amazing views of the Newburyport waterfront. These FREE classes, all hosted by local fitness businesses, are a great opportunity to try a variety of exercise styles all lead by Greater Newburyport’s top local instructors—there’s something for everyone and every fitness level. Sponsored by Newburyport’s own Anna Jaques Hospital, the waterfront workouts offer an entire week of wellness opportunities—a fitting match for a hospital that strives to keep its community healthy.

Located right off the Newburyport boardwalk on the lawn in front of Sea Level Oyster Bar, the Waterfront Morning Workouts take place each morning during Yankee Homecoming week. From bootcamp to yoga, there are a wide variety of classes offered to fit all ages and levels. Classes are free and open to the public, so sample and try as many as you would like. Love a class you take? Continue on your fitness journey by visiting the company’s local studio. The article image features a prior year waterfront workout class hosed by Sarah Oleson Yoga.

A big thank you to Yankee Homecoming for supporting local and organizing the waterfront workouts. This event helps to promote awareness for local fitness businesses and gives our community a chance to kick off their day with a FREE class that will energize them while enjoying the natural beauty of the Newburyport waterfront.

2026 Waterfront Workouts Sunday, July 26th – Sunday, August 2nd:

Sunday July 26th 6:00AM – TBA soon

Sunday July 26th 8:00AM –Align Step + Strength
Abs, Booty + Flow: A 50 minute strength and yoga flow class. The first 25 minutes will be focused on your lower body and core, where you’ll use bands and your own body weight to burn out your muscles. The final 25 minutes will include a vinyasa yoga flow into restorative postures and stretching. + Full Body Strength w/bands A 45 minute full body strength class where you’ll use bands and your own body weight to strengthen and tone. Get ready for amazing beats, good energy and a sweaty workout!

Sunday July 26th 9:15 AM – Sweat & Soul Yoga Studio
Find joy in movement, and cultivate a deeper connection with your mind, body and spirit. You will leave feeling invigorated and connected. Bring your own mat

Monday July 27th 6:00AM – Kin Fitness
Full Body Fit- A balanced, full body workout combining strength, cardio and core training in one efficient session. Functional exercises and expert coaching help participants build strength, improve endurance and train with confidence. Modifications are provided throughout making this class welcoming for all fitness levels. Please bring a mat and water.

Monday July 27th 8:00 AM – Repose Yoga
An all levels Vinyasa class that links breath to movement through creative, dynamic sequences. Build strength, flexibility, and focus at your own pace, with options offered throughout. Please bring a yoga may and water.

Monday July 27th 9:15 AM -Kaizen Martial Arts
Fitness kickboxing class. High energy cardio based class with music.

Tuesday July 28th 6:00AM -Sweat & Soul Yoga
Find joy in movement, and cultivate a deeper connection with your mind, body and spirit. You will leave feeling invigorated and connected. Bring your own mat

Tuesday July 28th 8:00 AM – Samie AL-Ziab Personal Training and Athletics
This 45 minute athletic fitness class combines a unique blend of mobility, jump training, and high intensity cardio. Please bring a mat, water and a positive attitude!

Tuesday July 28th 9:15AM – YWCA of Newburyport
Strength Fusion with Pam!This 45-minute class will be an interval style class with intervals of cardiovascular exercise, strength, balance & core. This multi-level class is appropriate for all fitness levels with modifications provided. Bring a mat. Ankle and therabands provided.

Wednesday July 29th 6:00AM – Kin Fitness
FULL BODY FIT – A balanced workout combining strength, cardio, and core training in one efficient session. Expect functional exercises and modifications that help every participant feel challenged and successful. Please bring a water and a mat.

Wednesday July 29th 8:00 AM – Eyes on Yoga
Morning stretch and movement with meditations

Wednesday July 29th 9:15 AM – Align & Strength
Abs, Booty + Flow – A 50 minute strength and yoga flow class. The first 25 minutes will be focused on your lower body and core, where you’ll use bands and your own body weight to burn out your muscles. The final 25 minutes will include a vinyasa yoga flow into restorative postures and stretching. Make sure to bring your mat and water.

Thursday July 30th 6:00AM – Momentum Fit Studio
Class: Community Run/Walk
Description: Momentum’s Run Club is a space where every pace belongs and movement is for everyone! Join us for a 1-3.5 mile run or walk along the Newburyport Rail Trail. Turn around points will be provided. Come alone or grab a friend. Strollers, bikes, kids, all welcome. We move together to celebrate strength, support each other and remind ourselves that movement is a gift.

Thursday July 30th 8:00 AM – YWCA
Strength Fusion with Ilene! This 45-minute class will be an interval style class with intervals of cardiovascular exercise, strength, balance & core. This multi-level class is appropriate for all fitness levels with modifications provided. Bring a mat. Ankle and therabands provided.

Thursday July 30th 9:15 AM –Daoist Gate Wudang Arts DBA Newburyport Tai Chi
Ready to find your flow? This class is a warm welcome to the gentle arts of Tai Chi and Qigong. Often called “meditation in motion,” our practice is all about moving slowly, breathing deeply, and letting go of the day’s stress. Whether you are looking to improve your balance, boost your energy, or simply find a moment of calm, you’ll find a supportive space here. Just bring yourself, some comfortable clothes, and a curious spirit. All are welcome!

Friday July 31st 6:00AM -Kin Fitness
Core & Circuit – Build strength, improve balance and boost endurance through a full body circuit class with stations featuring functional movement, bodyweight exercises and focused core training. With expert coaching and modifications throughout this class is designed to challenge and support participants of all fitness levels. Please bring mat and water.

Friday July 31st 8:00 AM – Fuel
Yankee Homecoming Band Workout Friday, July 31st | 8:00 AM | Waterfront Stage Get ready for a high-energy, music-pumping, can’t-miss workout led by Lisa Angelini! This 45-minute band workout blends core, cardio, and strength to the beat of the music for a fun, feel-good sweat session that will kick off your morning the right way. We supply the bands — just bring a mat or beach towel, water, and your summer energy. All levels welcome. Come one, come all. You don’t want to miss this! Let’s move, sweat, and celebrate Yankee Homecoming together!

Friday July 31st 9:15 AM – Pure Barre
Strength + Definition – Pure Barre Classic is our original barre class. Our proprietary technique is the fastest, most effective low-impact, full body barre workout using a ball, light hand weights and a resistance double tube. For 50 minutes you will be guided through a series of low impact, high intensity isometric movements designed to improve your flexibility while strengthening and toning your body.

Saturday August 1st 6:00AM – Motivate. Ⓡ Movement + Training Studios
Motive Core Buns Guns (CBG) is a client favorite. it is a high energy class that is designed to tone and tighten through various strength based and endurance-based exercises. This class will focus on core, lower and upper body, sculpting from head to toe! We’ll get your cardio on too. Modifications will be offered so we encourage all fitness levels to take in this fun and effective class. Bring your own mat.

Saturday August 1st 8:00 AM – Set Studio
Our energizing & empowering classes are designed to challenge your body and elevate your mind SET. Rooted in Pilates, Barre, Sculpt & Yoga our classes bring creativity, strength, and intention to every movement. Bring your own mat.

Saturday August 1st 9:15 AM – Precision Pilates
Join us for a total body Mat Pilates Sculpt class featuring a core-focused flow designed to tone muscles and boost your energy for the day ahead. This full-body workout targets every major muscle group while improving strength, stability, and control. All levels are welcome, and ankle weights are optional for an added challenge. Just bring your mat, a positive attitude, and get ready to move!

Sunday August 2nd 6:00AM – TBA soon

Sunday August 2nd 8:00 AM –Momentum Fit Studio
Low impact, high reward. This pilates and barre-inspired class sculpts, strengthens and stretches your body. Build deep core strength, improve flexibility and connect mind to movement. Perfect for all levels, especially those craving balance, energy and a deeper sense of body awareness.

Sunday August 2nd 9:15 AM – Align Step + Strength
Yoga Sculpt is a 50-minute energizing breath to movement vinyasa yoga sculpt class. You’ll use bands and body weight to strengthen and tone. Expect core work, balance challenges, and a dynamic flow. Designed to increase strength flexibility and mind-body awareness. Beginners and all levels welcome. Bring your own mat and water.

The waterfront morning workouts are just one part of a much larger celebration—Yankee Homecoming. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar to find all of the fun events happening all week long in Newburyport.

Thank you to Anna Jaques Hospital for Sponsoring the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Workouts. A true community health champion, the Anna Jaques Hospital sponsorship helps encourage everyone to find their optimal exercise program at no cost and provides free advertising/exposure for the participating local small business fitness companies.

The 2026 Yankee Homecoming Brewfest Kickoff Party will return to the Newburyport waterfront on Saturday, Jully 25^th from 5-9 pm featuring an expanded celebration with everyone’s favorite Brewfest traditions and exciting new activities at this family-friendly kick off party. Brewfest is hosted at Cashman Park providing picturesque shoreline views of the Merrimack River. In addition to being one of Newburyport’s top social events of the summer, Brewfest ticket sales are the primary source of revenue used to pay for our Yankee Homecoming Fireworks. Purchase Brewfest tickets and know that your contribution is helping support our cherished fireworks, hosted by Yankee Homecoming, a local nonprofit organization.

Yankee Homecoming Brewfest is the ideal opportunity to satisfy your curiosity about local craft beers, discover some new breweries or revisit some of your favorite brews! The event is host to an impressive list of local and regional breweries featuring an amazing selection of local craft beers and ciders. Come sample some new styles and varieties of craft beers and view the list of participating breweries below.

The following is the list of 2026 Yankee Homecoming Brewfest participants: Best Day Brewing, Captain Morgan Sliced, Censored Munky Brewing Company, Cisco, Golden Road Mango Cart, Jack’s Abby, Kona Big Wave, Loverboy, Masshole, Marble Ridge Winery, Mill 77 Brewing, Night Shift, Nutrl, Smirnoff Ice, SPKED’ade, Vermont Hard Seltzer, and Wormtown. Check back as the list of confirmed participants may still increase.

In addition to an excellent selection of beers, Brewfest offers tasty food options as well: Port Vida, Otto’s Pizza, YHC Food Booth serving hamburgers/cheeseburgers, The Cookie Wagon and Justine’s Baked Goods. In addition to the impressive lineup of breweries and tasty food truck choices, the Yankee Homecoming Kickoff Pary also features live music from Charlie & The Hustle, a professional cornhole tournament and fun activities for kids.

Although the Yankee Homecoming Kickoff Party is open to all ages, valid identification is required for everyone over the age of 21. Make sure to purchase tickets for Yankee Homecoming Brewfest as soon as possible because this popular event sells out every year. Note, that Brewfest will happen rain or shine. We like to assume that the weather will be perfect “glass half full”…. but check the forecast and be prepared to keep the party going…even if your umbrella becomes necessary.

If you enjoy dining and shopping in our local community, you can support the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks by purchasing or renewing your Newburyport VIP Card. The VIP Program allows you to enjoy discounts at 130 local restaurants and shops in the Greater Newburyport community and $10 of each purchase or renewal can be donated to the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Fund.

If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.

Apple/App Store: Download “Newburyport” for iOS/Apple

Android/Play Store: Download “Newburyport” for Android/Google

Image by Jenny Coyle of https://www.facebook.com/jennycoylephotography/

Whether you want to get competitive or play for fun, all are welcome to throw bags at the 2026 Yankee Homecoming Cornhole Tournament. Yankee Homecoming is partnering up with NBPT Cornhole to bring two tournaments to the festivities—one for beginners and one for players that regularly compete in local leagues.

The Beginners Tournament will take place on Sunday, July 26th promptly at 11 am (check in at 10:30 am), at the Bartlet Mall as part of Olde Fashion Sunday. $40 per team. The contest will consist of teams of two competing in a double-elimination tournament. All casual bags players are welcome to grab a partner and compete for bragging rights of Yankee Homecoming’s best beginner team and a cash payout for the top five finishers. If you’ve got a lucky set of bags you can bring your own or borrow a set from NBPT Cornhole.

Those competing in the Beginners Tournament are encouraged to download the free Scoreholio app to track their team’s progress and standing. The app will also notify teams when it is their turn to play. If you’ve taken your cornhole game out of the backyard and compete in a league, sign up for the Competitive Tournament at Cashman Park baseball field on Saturday, July 25th promptly at 4:00 pm. Each team must pay $50 to participate, due on the day of the event.

The Competitive Tournament will be held this year at the Yankee Homecoming Kickoff Party, a revamping of the beloved Brewfest that begins the week of Yankee Homecoming. Registering for the tournament includes a ticket to the event.

To participate, preregister here and pay the $40 team entry fee for the Beginners Tournament and $50 for the Competitive Tournament Day of the Yankee Homecoming Cornhole Tournament. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Yankee Homecoming Committee.

Want to take the leap from Beginner to Competitive for next year? Check out Newburyport’s very own bags league and partner for the tournaments, NBPT Cornhole.

The cornhole tournaments are part of Newburyport’s annual Yankee Homecoming celebration. For a full list of events happening throughout the week, check out our events calendar.

Family Day 2026 is a Yankee Homecoming tradition for many families. This popular event will be held at the Francis T. Bresnahan school on Saturday, August 1st from 10 am – 2 pm. It’s easy to see the appeal! Enjoy free games, crafts, live music, and discover new activities and organizations that support families within the community. When arriving, make sure to use the 31 N Atkinson street entrance.

Check out all the booths with free, fun activities. Along with the free entertainment, don’t miss out on the food truck, and make sure to experience the karate board breaking! From face paint to football, Family Day has a variety of activities to be enjoyed by families with all different interests.

Family Day 2026 Activities:

Obstacle course
Donkey/Mini Horse Visits
NHL Street Hockey
Flag Football Game
Dancing
Craft Stations
Karate Board Breaking

And many, many more! For a full list, you can visit Yankee Homecoming’s page on Family Day.

If you enjoy dining and shopping in our local community, you can support the Yankee Homecoming Firworks by purchasing or renewing your Newburyport App and VIP Card. The VIP Program allows you to enjoy discounts at 130 restaurants and shops in the Greater Newburyport community and $10 of each purchase or renewal can be donated to the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Fund.

If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.

Apple/App Store: Download “Newburyport” for iOS/Apple

Android/Play Store: Download “Newburyport” for Android/Google

4th of July weekend in Newburyport offers many fun things to do! Experience the best shopping and dining that the North Shore has to offer and relax on Plum Island Beach. Check the Newburyport Events Calendar for details. If you’re looking for great places to watch the 4th of July fireworks, view our Newburyport VIP recommendations below for exceptional North Shore and Seacoast, NH venues.

Why doesn’t Newburyport host fireworks on the 4th of July? For locals this is a simple question to answer. The Newburyport fireworks are launched each year during the annual Yankee Homecoming celebration. Mark your calendar for the 2026 Yankee Homecoming fireworks on Saturday, August 1st, and view our Newburyport VIP recommendations for 4th of July fireworks and displays.

Riverside Park, Haverhill, MA – 9:00 pm FRIDAY, 7/3

Making the trip to Haverhill to catch their fireworks display on Friday, July 3rd may be perfect for you if you are booked on the 4th! Riverside Park will have various food trucks as well as live music that begins a 6 pm, and don’t forget face painting for the kids. Haverhill’s fireworks are the perfect family friendly event for Independence Day festivities.

South Mill Pond-Portsmouth, NH – 9:15 pm FRIDAY, 7/3

If you have other plans on the 4th of July but enjoy a great celebration, traveling to Portsmouth, NH to catch their fireworks display on Friday, July 3rd may be perfect for you! Located just a few blocks from downtown Portsmouth, South Mill Pond, across from City Hall, is a lovely spot to watch the festivities. As in years past, the city is planning for a family friendly event and please take note that it is alcohol-free and dogs are not allowed. The rain day is Sunday, July 5th.

Woodsom Farm – Amesbury, MA – 9:00 pm SATURDAY, 7/4

Fireworks in Newburyport’s neighboring city, Amesbury, on the 4th of July are the finale for the annual weeklong celebration known as Amesbury Days. Arrive early with your blankets and chairs to enjoy live music and a selection of food vendors starting at 6 pm.

Hampton Beach, NH – 9:30 pm Thursday, 7/4

Fireworks are planned for the 4th of July on Hampton Beach. Fireworks are held all summer long on Hampton Beach but the display for the 4th is extra special. If you decide to go early, there is plenty to do and see along the busy boardwalk including many restaurants, shops and arcades. Live music at The Sea Shell Stage starts at 7 pm. You may also witness one of the area’s most stunning sunsets.

Haverhill, MA – 9:30 pm SATURDAY, 7/4

Fireworks are planned for the 4th of July on Hampton Beach. Fireworks are held all summer long on Hampton Beach but the display for the 4th is extra special. If you decide to go early, there is plenty to do and see along the busy boardwalk including many restaurants, shops, and arcades. Live music at The Sea Shell Stage starts at 7 pm. You may also witness one of the area’s most stunning sunsets.

Salisbury Beach, MA – 10:15 pm SATURDAY, 7/4

Visit Salisbury Beach, just across the Merrimack River from Newburyport, to enjoy live music by Scott Brown & The Diplomats at 7:30 pm and the fireworks display at 10:15 pm. If you’re an animal lover, make sure to check out the Salisbury Beach Pet Parade from 6-7 pm on the Broadway Loop, now postponed to July 11th due to the heat. The Salisbury Beach Fireworks are launched from a barge You can also enjoy a beautiful view of these fireworks from the North Point of Plum Island Beach. Note, Plum Island parking lots reach capacity quickly over the holiday weekend.

Newburyport and Plum Island Beach are an excellent choice for 4th of July weekend! In addition, to great shopping and dining, check out Newburyport Whale Watch or brush up on your maritime history at the Custom House Maritime Museum. Visit the Newburyport Art Association or just chill on Plum Island Beach. If you’re in search of picturesque places to stay, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re from the local area or planning a visit, consider downloading the Newburyport App for quick access to the Newburyport Events Calendar and Things to Do. Foodies and shoppers should check out the Newburyport VIP Discount Card for savings at many local restaurants, shops and places to stay.

2026 Salisbury Beach Concerts and Fireworks

Come Join in the Summer Fun on Salisbury Beach

Photos

2026 Salisbury Beach Concerts and Fireworks
Every Saturday Night

Enjoy beautiful Salisbury Beach concerts and fireworks every Saturday night from 7:30 – 10:30 pm during the summer. The fireworks generally start at 10:15 pm and finish around 10:30 pm. There are also some additional beach concerts on Wednesdays and Fridays, but there are no fireworks on these nights.

Just a 10-15 minute drive from Newburyport, Salisbury Beach plays host to summer-long family fun. Most Saturday nights throughout the summer, experience live music, fireworks, as well as great food and street vendors. Join in on a fun summertime tradition!

If you are a Newburyport App or VIP Card holder, catch an early dinner at Capri Seaside Italian Grille and enjoy $5 off a dinner entree before you settle on the beach with your blanket and popcorn!

2026 Schedule for Salisbury Beach Concerts and Fireworks
Saturdays 7:30 – 10:30 PM

All Summer Long – Musical Tribute to the Beach Boys
Sat, Jul 11 – starting at 7:30 PM

Something Else
Sat, Jul 18 – starting at 7:30 PM

Beatlejuice
Sat, Jul 25 – starting at 7:30 PM

The Merrimack Valley Concert Band
Sun, July 26 – 6:00 -8:00 PM

Desolation Angels
Sat, Aug 1 – starting 7:30 PM

Lisa Love Experience
Sat, Aug 8 – starting 7:30 PM

The Midtown Horns
Sat, Aug 15 – starting 7:30 PM

RiverFest Presented by 92.5 The River
Sat, Aug 22 – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Silver Springs – Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Sat, Aug 22 – Starting 7:30 PM

Country Beach Jam ft. Redneck Castaway Band
Sat, Aug 29 – Starting 6:00 PM

Other concert events at Salisbury Beach this summer:
Wednesdays and Fridays from June to August

2026 Christian Concert Series
Wednesday nights from July 1 to August 26 – starting at 6:30 PM until 9 PM

July 01 | We Like Wool + Eric Lee Brumley + Matthew Jones
July 08 | Granite United Worship
July 15 | Praise and Worship with Billy Ellis + Cadence Rose & the BCA Chapel Band + Hope Church Praise Band
July 22 | Jeff Bullis + Fireside Worship + Shelby Patterson
July 29 | Tenley Westbrook + Calvary Bible Worship Team + Centerpoint Worship Band
August 05 | Consumed by Fire (International Recording Artist)
August 12 | Dave Spaulding + Hailey Cahlifour + Groovy Grace
August 19 | Mark209 (Direct from Nashville)
August 26 | Jeff Bullis + He is Sufficient Christian Band + Kingston FCC Worship Team

DJ Beach Party with DJ Ralphie B
Friday nights from June 26 to August 28 – starting at 7:15 PM until 10 PM

Concerts + Fireworks

Live Performances
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Fireworks start at 10:15 PM (on dates: 7/4, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22)

4 Broadway
Salisbury Beach, MA

Questions: info@sbpi.org

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

Colby Farm Sunflowers – Experience the Joy!

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is a historic 231-acre property in Newbury with events and activities for you and your family to enjoy. Much of the land at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is still under active agriculture! Visit the expansive open land and tour the farmhouse to see what life was like in Newbury in the 1690s!

Newburyport on the Water, Newburyport MA

Newburyport Life On The Water

The weather has finally started to brighten and spring is in the air…and nowhere is that more apparent than in Downtown Newburyport on the water. The marina workers are busy

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™

Tickets for the 2026 BONS Event are a must! This prestigious annual North Shore event, hosted in recognition of BONS Award winners, will take place on Thursday, August 13th at the Danversport in Danvers, from 6:30 – 10 pm, with a 5:30 start for VIP ticket holders. BONS, Best of North Shore showcases exceptional local businesses and is the ultimate summer party for those with an appreciation for top quality food, drinks, entertainment, goods and services. Enjoy exceptional eats and drinks with friends, and rub elbows with owners from some of the North Shore’s top restaurant, shops, spas, salons and many other categories of BONS Award winners.

The BONS Event offers a chance to taste, sip, and indulge in the North Shore’s best cuisine, brews, cocktails, and wines under the stars, while enjoying live music and dancing at a stunning venue. Know as the North Shore’s best party of the summer, the Best of North Shore BONS Award Celebration is the premier red carpet event for the Boston area.

The Best of the North Shore/BONS Awards celebrates the magazine’s editors’ and readers’ picks for the North Shore’s best dining, nightlife, entertainment venues, shopping, spas, and services. Each year, local businesses are nominated and voted on by the editors and readers of Northshore. The 2026 BONS winners will be announced prior to the BONS Event in the mid-July issue of North Shore Magazine. Businesses owners from towns and cities across the North Shore are honored with prestigious BONS Awards including many Best of Newburyport VIP’s.

Do have a passion for exceptional food and drinks? Do you appreciate fine shopping, spas, salons and premier services? Purchase your tickets now for the BONS Event and celebrate with the 2026 BONS Award winners! Enjoy unlimited food, cocktails, wine, dancing and a night of excitement and fun in the stunning waterfront venue of the Danversport.

Riverfest 2026 – Riverfront Music Festival

Free Oceanfront Concerts – Salisbury Beach – Saturday, August 22nd

No Tickets Needed for this Waterfront Party

Riverfront Music Festival 2026, also referred to as Riverfest, will be hosted on the Salisbury Beach boardwalk on Saturday, August 22nd for a full day of free live concerts. Crowds will line Salisbury Beach to enjoy an impressive lineup of entertainment with picturesque ocean views. Salisbury Beach is the Greater Newburyport summer destination for outdoor concerts and the perfect spot for Riverfest 2026.

Thank you to 92.5 The River for bringing this top-notch group of musicians to Salisbury Beach for Riverfest 2026, the pinnacle oceanfront performance of the summer! Salisbury Beach, MA features a beautiful sandy beach, a great selection of restaurants, beach shops, and of course, Joe’s Playland, a classic arcade. A ride on the beautifully restored, historic carousel is a must! Pick your favorite horse inside the Newburyport Bank pavilion. The Salisbury Beach Partnership deserves special recognition for their ongoing dedication to providing exceptional entertainment, restaurants, shopping and fun things to do in Salisbury Beach. This local nonprofit organization has made Salisbury Beach a popular year round destination.

RiverFest will take place rain or shine, but in the event of extreme weather cancellations there will be information on the Salisbury Beach Partnership facebook page.

Afterwards, make sure to stick around for the weekly Salisbury Beachfront Fireworks show, starting at 10:15 PM!

2026 Riverfest Lineup:

Concert Schedule:
12:15 – 1:00 PM Gavin Marengi
1:30 – 2:30 PM Fantastic Cat
3:00- 4:00 PM Buffalo Tom
4:30 – 6:00 PM Spin Doctors

Date: Saturday, August 22nd, 2026

Time: 12 – 6 PM

Location: Salisbury Beach Boardwalk: Broadway Boardwalk, Salisbury, MA. Click here for the Festival Map, 2026.

Parking: Parking James Hunt Memorial Parking Lot 228 Beach Road, Salisbury, MA

Shuttle Service: View shuttle service details for Newburyport and Haverhill MeVa Transit.

FREE MEVA SHUTTLE!
You can get to Riverfest for FREE via MeVa Transit. Park for free at the Newburyport MBTA station and take MeVa’s free, air-conditioned #20 bus. In addition to regular hourly service starting at 7am, the #20 will leave the MBTA station approximately every 20 minutes from 11am-7pm. The route passes through downtown Newburyport, before heading straight to Riverfest at Salisbury Beach. In addition, MeVa’s #17 bus leaves on the hour starting at 7am from Haverhill via Amesbury direct to Salisbury Beach. To plan your trip and download timetables, visit, http://www.mevatransit.com

SALISBURY BEACH PARKING
On-site parking spots will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. The special event parking fee for Riverfest is $40 until 6 pm. The town of Salisbury has four zones to park in at Salisbury Beach. Learn more about the regulations and parking lot locations. Festival attendees are encouraged to rideshare/carpool to the event, use ride hailing services (Uber/Lyft/Taxi), take alternative transportation to the event, and utilize the free shuttle school bus service to/from Salisbury Beach State Reservation parking (see below) to the Salisbury Beach Broadway Boardwalk.

SHUTTLE BUS & SALISBURY BEACH STATE RESERVATION PARKING
The parking lots at the Salisbury Beach State Reservation will be serviced by one free shuttle bus, provided courtesy of 92.5 the River. The bus will leave every thirty minutes from 11am to 7pm on Saturday, August 24th, 2024. Parking is $14 per day for Massachusetts residents and $40 per day for non-Massachusetts residents. Credit and debit accepted for parking fee (no cash). More information about the Reservation parking lots here.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation Parking: 1 State Reservation Road , Salisbury, MA 01952 | 978-462-4481

PEDAL POWER
If you live nearby, why not leave the car at home and ride a bicycle to the festival? After all, riding a bike is good for your health, the environment, your wallet, and your soul!

BROADWAY BOARDWALK POLICIES
■ Help keep the Broadway Boardwalk and Salisbury Beach beautiful! Please do not leave behind cigarette butts, trash, food, etc. Put all trash/recycling in proper barrels.
■ Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Broadway Boardwalk, except within the designated age 21+ area specially permitted during this event.
■ Dogs and other pets must be on a leash at all times.

Enjoy prior year Riverfront Music Festival videos produced by local Newburyport videographer, Jim Reid.

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

Sandy Point State Reservation: Tips to Plan Your Trip

Sandy Point State Reservation, located at the southern point of Plum Island, offers beautiful views, a protected cove with calm waters, and an escape from overcrowded beaches. While Sandy Point

Tall Ships Visit Newburyport – Maritime Days 2017

Thanks to the Custom House Maritime Museum, the Greater Newburyport Community and curious visitors from near and far, we were fortunate to experience Newburyport’s maritime history through tours and events

Sandy Point State Reservation: Tips to Plan Your Trip

Sandy Point State Reservation, located at the southern point of Plum Island, offers beautiful views, a protected cove with calm waters, and an escape from overcrowded beaches. While Sandy Point

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™

2026 Yankee Homecoming Market Place

Experience the Yankee Homecoming Market Place in the heart of Newburyport’s historic downtown from 10 am to 8 pm daily from Saturday, July 25th – Sunday, August 2nd. Eat, shop and be entertained daily in Market Square, and surrounding streets. Follow the scent of outdoor grilling while exploring savory food choices, a variety of outdoor shopping, and daily entertainment on the Market Square stage. The featured image for this article taken by the official Yankee Homecoming photographers at Glenn Livermore Photography.

The Yankee Homecoming Market Place offers a wonderful variety of food options so you’re certain to find something for everyone. In addition to the standard outdoor vendor options of burgers, hot dogs, sausages, fries and pizza, you can also enjoy delicious eats from a selection of food trucks like Metzy’s Cantina, Anchor Pizzeria, and others as well. If you’re craving sweet treats, you’ll find plenty of choices in Market Square in addition to our favorite local ice cream, gelato, and smoothie shops.

Yankee Homecoming Entertainment Schedules

Grab a seat on one of the benches in Market Square and enjoy live entertainment from the Market Square stage or take a walk down to Waterfront Park to see what’s happening on the Waterfront Stage. It’s important to note that there are two separate entertainment schedules. The Downtown Entertainment schedule for Market Square Stage runs daily from mid morning – 6 pm, and in the evenings during Yankee Homecoming you can also enjoy the Waterfront Concert Schedule featuring the lineup for the Yankee Homecoming evening concerts on Waterfront Stage.

Yankee Homecoming Craft Show

As part of the Yankee Homecoming Market Place you can enjoy the Market Square Craft Day on Tuesday, July 28th from 10 am – 6 pm. Check the Newburyport.com Events Calendar for more details on these events.

Yankee Homecoming Sidewalk Sales

The Yankee Homecoming sidewalk sales are another great extension of the Yankee Homecoming Market Place. You will find tents with all sorts of great merchandise on the streets surrounding Market Square: State Street, Pleasant Street and Inn Street too. The 2026 sidewalk sales will take place on Thursday 7/30, Friday 7/31 and Saturday 8/1 and are the perfect opportunity to find summer steals while helping support our local retailers and find some great deals!

While downtown the kids can get get their face painted, play on the Inn Street Playground, or cool off at the Inn Street fountain! The Yankee Homecoming Market Place runs from 10 am – 8 pm daily in Market Square, Inn Street, and surrounding streets.

Yankee Homecoming VIP Card Fundraiser

Whether you’re from the local area or you visit Newburyport occasionally, consider purchasing a Newburyport VIP Card, to receive discounts at participating Greater Newburyport restaurants, shops and lodging businesses. Receive VIP Card discounts Each Time you shop or dine at participating businesses while helping support Yankee Homecoming Fireworks. Purchase one card for $25 or two for $40 and $10 of your purchase or renewal will help fund the annual Yankee Homecoming firework display. Choose if you would like a traditional Physical VIP Card valid until 12/31/26 or a login for Digital VIP Card display in the “Newburyport” App. The digital VIP Card is valid one year from purchase.

If you enjoy using Apps, type “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store and select “VIP Card Discounts” to view participating businesses and discounts. You can purchase directly through the App, for immediate activation, and make sure to select YANKEE HOMECOMING FIREWORKS to receive $10 of your purchase.

: Anchor Pizza

: Face Painting

: Face Painting

: Boston Chowda

: Chowder

: Viken Local Dominos Owner

: Get Your Cold Lemonade

: Market square Crowd

: Live Music in Market Square

: Newburyport High School Cheerleaders Selling VIP Cards

: Tokyo Joe’s

: Tokyo Joe’s

Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Blast Off Saturday Night

The 2026 Yankee Homecoming fireworks are set to make a bang Saturday, August 1st at 9:15 pm with their annual display over the Merrimack River. Pack up your lawn chairs, bring blankets and snacks and grab a spot in town to watch the sky light up at one of Yankee Homecoming’s biggest and brightest events of the week.

Launched from a barge on the Merrimack River, the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks offer many great places around town to catch an unobstructed view of this illuminating show. Get in on the excitement and grab a spot amongst the crowds on the boardwalk, Route 1 bridge or Salisbury shoreline to hear the cheers of crowds and the sounds of the boats honking. Or make a night of it and set up camp early to dance to the live music of the The Far, at the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert, beginning at 7:15 pm. Pop into one of downtown’s numerous restaurants to grab a bite to go or stroll through the food stands set up in the square and pick up dinner and treats to enjoy during or after the show.

If you have a boat, anchoring in the river is a great way to get up close to the show and avoid the crowds. But if you don’t have a boat of your own, you can still hit the open waters for the show. Many local companies offer up special Yankee Homecoming fireworks excursions, from party boats with live music to more low key family oriented atmospheres. Check out Captains Fishing Cruises and Parties and the Yankee Clipper Harbor Boat Tours to name a few.

Letting your little ones stay up late for this special event? Pack a picnic dinner and head to Cashman Park to set up your blanket and chairs along the river. Your tiny spectators can enjoy the playground with other excited kids up past their bedtime while waiting for the festivities to start.

No matter where you choose to watch, come early to claim your viewing spot and enjoy the buzzing downtown area on this special night filled with live music, entertainment, food, and shopping. Be sure to check our Events Calendar for any changes or updates do to weather.

If by chance you were searching for 4th of July fireworks, mark your calendar for Yankee Homecoming Fireworks and check out our Newburyport VIP recommendations for excellent firework displays and 4th of July festivities hosted by our local North Shore, MA and Seacoast, NH neighboring communities.

If you would like to support the Yankee Homecoming fireworks, consider purchasing a Newburyport VIP Card today. The VIP Card gives you discounts EVERY TIME you make purchases at participating local restaurants and shops and you can choose between a Digital VIP Card in the Newburyport App or a Physical VIP Card. Purchase one for $25 or two for $40 and donate $10 of your purchase to the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Fund. Support Local!

Yankee Homecoming Fireworks

Amesbury Days Summertime Community Traditions

Good Old Fashion Fun Since 1899

Amesbury Days Events, Massachusetts Summertime Traditions

Summer Memories in Amesbury

This year’s Amesbury Days festivities will take place from June 25, through July 4, 2026, with multiple exciting events each day. The current summertime tradition is passed down from a town festival in 1899 that manifested as a one day outing for the town’s mill workers. However, this popular and well-loved town tradition has now evolved into a multi-day, multi-event celebration for everyone, ending on the Fourth of July.

Ten days long, Amesbury Days boasts many different events spanning from the family friendly Pancakes at the Pines, to the 21+ Brewfest, with any range of community-based celebrations in between. These events culminate in a lively firework show on the Fourth of July, complete with live music and food vendors. For information about specific events, you can visit the Newburyport Events Calendar to learn more about the details of the impressive happenings that Amesbury Days features.

Amesbury Days successfully brings together the community in celebration, while also attracting visitors from nearby towns and cities, much like Newburyport’s own Yankee Homecoming in August does. These town traditions offer an exciting look into both communities.

Amesbury and Newburyport’s festivities also have in common the significant contribution of volunteers to make the events possible: a non-profit organization, Amesbury Days is brought to fruition by the hard work of their 100% volunteer workers, who put in the effort all year round to help deliver these affordable and exciting events to the community every summer. It is thanks to the effort of these volunteers that Amesbury is bursting with lively music, food, and fun all to enjoy.

If you are interested in helping out with Amesbury Days events, you can also become a volunteer, or if you are just looking for more information about these festivities in order to enjoy them with the community, you can visit the Amesbury Days website to learn more.

Newburyport.com Correspondent, Lilly Baumfeld

Amesbury Days 2026

Various Locations
Amesbury, MA
Contact with Questions
AmesburyDaysWebsite@gmail.com

June 25th – July 4th

View Event Details
Events Calendar

Thursday 6/25
10-1 Kids Day at the Park – Town Park
5-8 Chamber Block Party – Heritage Park

Friday 6/26
5:30-8:30 Brewfest 21+ – McInnis Parking Lot

Saturday 6/27
8-3 Citywide Yard Sale/Sidewalk Sales
10-12 Poets Popsicle Party @Whittier Home
10-2 Amesbury Treasures
10-3 Colonial Past @Macy Colby House
12-4 Exhibit @Amesbury Cultural Center
1-5 2nd Anniv. Party @Riseilience
1-5 Firefighters Local 1783 Fundraiser @Bare Wolf
6-9 Driving Through History Roaring Gala

Sunday 6/28
8-11 Pancakes at the Pines
10-12 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk
10-3 Colonial Blast from the Past
12-4 Lasting Impressions Exhibit
1-3 Amesbury Pride Event
1-3 Railroad Histotry on the Riverwalk

Monday 6/29
11-1 Employee Appr’n. Lunch
6-7 Line Dancing
7-8:30 Studio Two Beatles Tribute Band

Tuesday 6/30
5-8 Cruise Night
5:30-7:30 Kids Night in the Millyard

Wednesday 7/1
12-5 Family Day
4 Signup Game of Skate Night

Thursday 7/2
6-8 Summer Series Live Music
8-10 Comedy Night

Friday 7/3
8-6 Cherry Festival
10 Outdoors Lake Gardner Paddle

Volunteer to help with Amesbury Days!

Things to Do

Check out Things to Do in Newburyport: Attractions, Entertainment, Family Activities, Historic Tours, Shopping, Restaurants and much more!

Art on Bartlet Mall – The Premier Yankee Homecoming Art Show

Visit Newburyport for Art on Bartlet Mall 2026, Saturday July 25th and Sunday the 26th from 10 am – 4 pm on the corner of High Street and Pond Street.

Sculpture at Maudslay Showcases Local Artists in a Picturesque Setting

Sculpture at Maudslay 2024 returns to Newburyport for visitors to enjoy from Sunday, September 8th through Sunday, September 29th at 2 pm when the show closes. The event features the

Kids Day in the Park 2026 – An Exchange Club Family Event

Mark your calendar for Kids Day in the Park 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29th from 10 am – 2 pm in Atkinson Common Park. Kids Day is a popular

The 2026 Newburyport Lantern Festival, will be held on Saturday, June 27th at the Bartlet Mall, Frog Pond in support of GNOCA, Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awareness. This special event starts at 6:30 pm with lantern decorating, the ceremony begins at 8:15 pm and lanterns float at 8:30 pm, just prior to dusk.

Lantern Festival is open to everyone who would like to experience this peaceful tradition. This well-attended ceremony is in the Asian tradition of remembering family and friends and making wishes for the future. Come decorate, light, and float lanterns on the Frog Pond. Decorating materials and calligraphers will be available. Lanterns can be purchased at the event for a suggested donation of $10 and there are lots of markers and stencils available to help decorate. Lanterns can also be purchased in advance at Greetings by Design.

Over the years, Newburyport Lantern Festival participation has grown significantly from approximately 100 participants the first year to more than 2,000 participants in subsequent years. All are welcome to attend this special ceremony and encouraged to bring: blankets, chairs and picnics to experience this collective reflection as lit lanterns freely float along the water in the twilight.

GNOCA, a volunteer organization, was founded in 2011. Its mission is to honor and improve women’s lives by promoting earlier detection, enhanced recovery and greater survival rates for ovarian cancer. GNOCA (www.ocawareness.org) seeks to increase awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, to provide support services for women and families affected by ovarian cancer within the Greater Newburyport area, and to help fund ovarian cancer research.

Aside from direct assistance to local patients and their families, proceeds from GNOCA events go to Ovations for the Cure (ovationsforthecure.org), a nonprofit organization, in their promotion of knowledge of the disease, concrete hope and support for those already diagnosed, and significant scientific advancements leading to the cure. Each year, over 19,500 women in America are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but with a keener awareness of the subtle, earliest symptoms of this insidious disease, a 93 percent five-year survival rate can be achieved. If you would like to help support GNOCA, donations are greatly appreciated.

Another important GNOCA 2026 event is the September 27th run/walk in honor of Jackie Poor and Paula Holm. Register now or sponsor a runner/walker. For questions about events, or to learn more about GNOCA, please call Deb Green, at Greetings by Design, 978-225-6700, or email info@ocawareness.org.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary urgency or frequency
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Fatigue and/or fever
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Unexplained changes in bowel habits

UAV Look Drone Video of the 2015 Newburyport Lantern Festival

The 2026 Reggae Fest at Newburyport Brewing Company will take place on Saturday, August 15th from 1 – 9 PM at 4 New Pasture Road. Bring your friends family to experience the reggae vibe at this amazing annual outdoor festival. Reggae Fest is guaranteed fun regardless of the weather. Nothing can put a damper on the fun so be prepared for a good time, rain or shine! Newburyport Brewing Company welcomes all ages and well behaved pets too! Sample NBPT Brew Company’s selection of craft beers, tour the brewery, dance to live reggae music, and eat food from delicious local restaurants and food trucks. The event will also features various outdoor games/activities.

The 2026 Reggae Fest line-up includes:

CARIBBEAN JERMAINE
BOSSTOWN HEAVY
DUB APOCALYPSE

Tickets can be purchased in advance online for this very popular event. If tickets are still available you may purchase them at the event. Tickets are $15 for people 21+ and kids attend free! Mark your calendars for family friendly Reggae Fest at Newburyport Brewing Company!

Newburyport.com is proud to help promote awareness of Newburyport Brewing Company events and we appreciate their support of our Best of Newburyport VIP Program. If you enjoy dining and shopping in our local community make sure to download the Newburyport App for your Apple or Android device. Enjoy discounts EVERY TIME you visit the 130 participating local restaurants and shops. The cost is $25 per year and $10 of your purchase can be donated to one of our many local nonprofit partner organizations. The Newburyport App also gives you direct access to the Newburyport.com Events Calendar, Live Web Cams, Local Real Estate Searches and more.

We hope you enjoy our Newburyport.com video coverage of past year’s Reggae Fest. Click to view other cool local videos.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the 2026 Newburyport Chocolate Tour, a mouthwatering event filled with chocolaty treats from local retailers. On Saturday, October 3rd from 12 – 4 pm, over 30 shops in downtown Newburyport will be offering up sweet treats to patrons with a chocolate tour ticket. This wonderful annual event in its 22nd year, is made possible by participation from over 150 local volunteers and 100% of the NET proceeds are used to support local nonprofits. Volunteers are critical to the success of this event and greatly appreciated! Sign up to volunteer on the tour!

The Newburyport Chocolate Tour is a great way to experience and explore downtown while also indulging in chocolate! From specialty stores to bakeries, this divine event offers a great variety of participants, allowing you to shop your way through town while embarking on the chocolate tour.

Chocolate Tour at Gelato, Amy & Alexa Warchol

Purchase tickets for this delicious event that helps to promote awareness of our local Newburyport small businesses! Tickets sell out quickly for this event so we encourage you to purchase tickets early. Tickets are non-refundable but if you are unable to attend, you can gift them to family or friends.

Kick off the fun at the Newburyport Chocolate Tour starting point, the Unitarian Universalist Church, 26 Pleasant Street, where you will get a map of all the tasty stops and a bag to collect what you manage to not eat immediately! There will also be some chocolate themed baskets for raffle, so grab some tickets to try your luck when you pick up your map.

The Chocolate Tour motto, “Eat Chocolate. Have Fun. Do Good.” sums up this delicious tour as 100% of net proceeds are donated to local nonprofit organizations. This year’s proceeds go to 3 Local Community Groups: Community Service of Newburyport Inc, Greenstone Gives, and the General Charitable Society of Newburyport. View more about these wonderful local organizations below. You can truly feel happy eating chocolate AND donating to great causes.

The Chocolate Tour needs and greatly appreciates volunteers interested in helping run this wonderful event. If you are available to be surrounded by smiles and sweet treats, visit the website to sign up.

For more fun happenings in Newburyport, be sure to check out our full events calendar!

2026 Chocolate Tour Benefactors:

Community Service of Newburyport, Inc

A privately funded 501(c) (3) social service agency that was established in 1912. Our mission is to improve the quality of life by providing economic and social support for residents of Newbury, Newburyport, and West Newbury. Specifically, CSN addresses issues of homelessness, financial insecurity and crisis, social isolation among seniors, and youth development.

Greenstone Gives

Greenstone Gives is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding children in local communities who are facing health and economic challenges through volunteer efforts.

The General Charitable Society of Newburyport

A philanthropic organization originally established in 1850 by a group of Newburyport women interested in supporting their neighbors in need. The charity’s mission was “to lend a helping hand to those who are struggling through poverty and discouragements…” The organization has a long-standing history in the community of quietly supporting the needs of Newburyport residents to help them maintain financial stability and independence.

The Yankee Homecoming Sidewalk Sales are an annual Newburyport shopping event that take place each year from Thursday – Saturday of Yankee Homecoming week. The 2026 Sidewalk Sales are scheduled for: Thursday, 7/30 – Saturday 8/1 from 11 AM – 6 PM. It is important to note that the Sidewalk Sales hours represent a general guideline and that hours for each business are different. Some may close at 5 PM and others will choose to stay open until 8 or 9 PM. There are also a few shops that continue their Sidewalk Sales on Sunday as well.

While you’re shopping and visiting our Newburyport retailers and restaurants between July 25th and August 2nd, make sure to save your Newburyport shopping and restaurant receipts over $20 so that you can enter the Yankee Homecoming Support Local Content! Take a picture of your receipt and and use the Yankee Homecoming Submission Form and enter the following details: your full name, mailing address and the name of the Newburyport business you would like a gift card from, if you are selected as a winner. Three winners will be randomly drawn on August 12th to receive a $100 gift certificate and there is no limit to how many times you can enter.

If you dine and shop frequently in the Greater Newburyport area, you should consider purchasing/renewing or renewing your Newburyport VIP Discount Card and $10 of your purchase can be donated to the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Fund. Choose a traditional Physical VIP Card or the Digital VIP Card inside of the Newburyport App and enjoy discounts EACH TIME you use it at participating businesses. Local restaurants and retailers offer discounts as way to encourage folks to shop and dine locally and to build loyalty towards supporting local businesses.

Whether you live locally or you’re just planning a visit, this is the perfect opportunity to find great end of the summer deals, all while helping Support Local retailers! The Newburyport downtown shopping area offers a broad range of shops, from clothing and accessories to home decor, children’s fashions, specialty foods, sporting goods and much more. If you’re from the area maybe the Sidewalk Sales can be the inspiration that gets you downtown to discover new shops that you weren’t previously aware of and if you’re visiting from outside of the area, we welcome you and thank you for choosing to visit Newburyport!

Whether you have a little Coast Guard in training at home, or you would like to meet the men and women that protect our city, the US Coast Guard Open House has something for everyone. The Merrimack River Coast Guard Station, located in downtown Newburyport at 65B Water Street, will be opening its doors to the public Thursday, July 30th, from 10 am to 2 pm, for a special day of tours and information.

As part of the town’s Yankee Homecoming celebrations, The US Coast Guard Open House offers a special opportunity for locals and tourists to step inside this iconic station. Visitors are welcome to explore the different areas within, all which will be manned by crew members offering information and taking questions. And perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the visit, is the opportunity to step aboard some of the US Coast Guard boats. While the boats will remain at the station, boat enthusiasts will be allowed to explore the decks while learning about special features. Make sure to bring your cameras and snap a pic in the Captain’s seat!

A special boating safety stand will also be set up at the station, offering up information and tips on how to navigate a boat safely. Learn about some of the challenges our local waters present, the hazards of the Merrimack River entrance, and life saving techniques.

For those visiting with little sea farers in tow, the Coast Guard Open House will also have Coastie on hand. The Coast Guard’s robot boat is equipped with navigation, searchlights, a rotating beacon, siren and air horn, sure to impress the little ones. Coastie will interact with young boaters and teach safety rules like “always swim with a buddy in a supervised area”. Watch out though, Coastie is also equipped with a squirt gun that he is known to use to get a laugh from the kids, so don’t be surprised if you get a little wet.

Newburyport, designated one of only 21 Coast Guard cities, is the birthplace of the Coast Guard. The Merrimack River Coast Guard Station is the home to the men and women protecting our waters with search, rescue, and law enforcement. This Coast Guard Open House is a great opportunity to meet and interact with the crew of our local station and thank them for their hard work.

For a full list of events happening during Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming week visit the Newburyport Events Calendar and consider supporting the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks fund by purchasing a Newburyport VIP Discount Card.

Witches’ Night Out Newburyport has become known as one of the top Halloween events North of Boston, an annual tradition that connects friends for a fun evening of sipping, shopping and socializing dressed in their best witch attire. So grab your broomstick and pointy hat and fly over to Witches’ Night Out 2026 on Friday, October 16th from 6 – 9 pm. Witches and warlocks are invited to haunt the streets of downtown Newburyport and the Tannery and group or theme costumes are always enjoyed and encouraged. Plan a wicked girl’s or guy’s night out or have a scary fun date night and paint the town orange for this Halloween celebration.

During Witches’ Night Out, costumed revelers are invited to stroll through town and pop into participating shops that stay open late for tricks and treats. Many stores get creative with eerie decorations and offer up spooktacular snacks and drinks. And while all of town will be frighteningly exciting, there are a few shops that always outdo themselves. The Newburyport VIP top three must visit destinations are: Design of Mine at 53 Pleasant Street, Simply Sweet at 12 Inn Street and Partridge in a Bear Tree at 17 Market Square.

Design of Mine, Owner Melissa Tarr knows how to get the party started! Be warned, she will grab your attention with live window dancers and funky tunes. Many witches report being lured into this shop with an uncontrollable desire to dance while sipping and shopping the night away and feeling mesmerized by amazing fashions and must have accessories. Warlocks should also beware as Design of Mine is known to capture them in an enticing area of the shop featuring Best of Newburyport Warlock fashions.

In recent years, Simply Sweet has become one of the must-visit stops during Witches’ Night Out. Just outside the shop on Inn Street, crowds gather as witches dance and sing along to the lively tunes of Soundbridge Union—a talented duo featuring Wendy’s cousin Karen Kearley on vocals and Bernadette Curran on keyboard. Owner Wendy Smith, known throughout the community for her hand-crafted chocolates and welcoming spirit, first invited her cousin’s band to join the festivities a few years ago, and it’s since become popular highlight. While the music keeps the energy high outside, don’t miss the chance to step inside Simply Sweet to sample Wendy’s decadent creations and experience the local charm that makes this stop so special.

When you think of Halloween in Newburyport and Holiday shopping events, Partridge in a Bear Tree has been a retail shop leader for decades, inspiring the expansion of these cherished traditions in both Newburyport and Salem. The late owner of Partridge in a Bear Tree, Kevin Riley will always be remembered for his strong commitment to community, and for motivating other local business owners to participate in Newburyport’s shopping events. Kevin got genuinely excited for Witches’ Night Out greeting guests in front of the shop wearing his Halloween best amongst his many spooky decorations. Kevin worked hard to stock Partridge in a Bear Tree with unique novelty items and of course you could always count on an alluring selection of fashionable witch hats!

In addition to being a highly respected local small business owner, Kevin had a substantial following of loyal customers who prioritized Partridge in a Bear Tree as a top Newburyport shopping destination. Kevin didn’t need witch spells to mesmerize customers, connections were natural to a shop owner who’s passion for the holidays began as a childhood dream inspired by his Mother.

There are so many local Newburyport shop owners who enjoy this fun Newburyport tradition. Make sure to visit as many as you can! Although costumes are not required, all witches, warlocks and anything else that goes bump in the night, are encouraged to attend Witches Night Out in their best Halloween attire!

To find even more fun events happening this Halloween season, visit our Newburyport EVENTS CALENDAR.

The 2026 Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Hosted by the Newburyport Rotary Club is scheduled for Sunday, November 29th, offering all the holiday cheer that’s to be expected of a downtown yuletide celebration – but there’s a twist. In this most nautical of cities, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat. Honoring the Clipper City’s heritage as the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard, Santa and Mrs. Claus make their first local appearance waving from a Coast Guard boat on the Merrimack River before docking at the boardwalk for a joyful procession through the downtown area to the traditional tree lighting in Market Square.

Kids and families gather on the Newburyport waterfront to await the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus followed by a short parade that ends in Market Square with caroling and the Christmas tree lighting. To kick off the official ceremony, the Mayor gives Santa the key to the City, which is closely guarded and held at The Brass Lyon. The caroling is jointly led by the Newburyport and Triton High School Bands and Chorus with spirited participation from locals capped with Santa hats as they usher in the holiday season. It is important to know that the start time for this event is approximate as the Merrimack River tides can impact the arrival time of Santa & Mrs. Claus. We always recommend arriving early because once our VIP guests’ board their sleigh, this magical event proceeds quickly. Although the official event time posted on the Newburyport Rotary Club website is from 3 – 5:30 pm., they have provided us with more details. Santa & Mrs. Claus are expected to depart on the Coast Guard boat at 3:30 pm. The boat will go up the River towards Michael’s Harborside so that folks can get a glimpse of our VIP’s on the water. The parade start time is expected to be 3:45 – 4 pm by the time everyone is lined up and ready to go and it will take approximately 15 minutes for them to reach Market Square and another 15 minutes for caroling. The tree should be lit between 4:15 – 4:30.

Traditionally held on the Sunday afternoon immediately after Thanksgiving, the Newburyport Santa Parade & Tree Lighting is the much-anticipated kickoff of the area’s official holiday season.

Over the next few weeks Santa will pop up at a host of public events in the area, including a series of tours by firetruck (in Byfield, Newburyport, and Salisbury), and a wide variety of story times’ and parties at local libraries and recreational farms.

In early December in Newburyport, Santa takes up residence at Santa’s Workshop which is festively decorated by the Newburyport Horticultural Society, offering visits and photos with the kids in December. Check the Newburyport.com Events Calendar for the specific days and times.

The Newburyport Santa Parade & Tree Lighting is great example of teamwork and event collaboration for the benefit of the community. This special annual event is Hosted and organized by a large group of local volunteers from the Newburyport Rotary Club with help from the Merrimack River Coast Guard Station, providing transportation for our special VIP’s and the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce who provides the Market Square Christmas tree and our other beautiful downtown Newburyport decorations.

As part of the Chamber’s beautification program, they are in charge of all of the holiday decorations for our city as well as the beautiful hanging flowers you may notice during the Spring and Summer months. When purchasing one of our Newburyport VIP Cards you are able to donate a part of the proceeds directly to the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, these funds are allocated specifically to the beautification program.

2021 Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Enjoy this fun video from UAV Look.

Mark your calendars because Santa Claus is coming to town aboard a fire truck at the 2025 annual Santa Claus parade Saturday, December 20th starting at 4:00 pm. With Christmas just days away, Santa will cruise through town waving to all the good little boys and girls of Newburyport spreading holiday cheer.

The Santa Claus parade—sponsored by the Newburyport Fire Department, Newburyport Police Department, The Newburyport Teachers Association, Simply Sweet and Domino’s. Santa and his crew plan to depart the Firehouse Station on Greenleaf Street at 4:00 pm. The parade route will roll through the South End making its way to the downtown area via Water Street. It goes up State Street, turns onto High Street heading towards Famous Pizza and then all the way to the Turkey Hill neighborhood. View the full 2025 parade route to find your nearest spot to shout hello to the big man in red aboard his red fire engine escort. The route is typically the same each and we will attach the route right here as soon as it is released.

Santa always makes sure he gives a jolly “ho ho ho” to all the residents of Newburyport, meaning the entire procession can last up to two hours. So while the Santa Claus parade begins at 4 pm, Jolly Old Saint Nick may not drive into your neighborhood for quite a while depending on where it lies on the route. For this reason, revelers are encouraged to bundle up, dress warmly, and bring along some hot cocoa and treats to stay warm and pass the time.

Many neighbors gather at meeting spots as a group to celebrate the Santa Claus parade together in the spirit of the upcoming holiday. Jingle bells, festive music, and holiday attire are all welcome!

The annual Santa Claus parade has been a Newburyport tradition for over 50 years thanks to the support of many local businesses and organizations that have sponsored the event over the years and the Newburyport Fire Department for loaning Santa his fire truck ride each parade.

To find even more ways to celebrate the holidays in festive Newburyport, be sure to check the events calendar.

Santa’s Workshop, a very special “Local Shop” is ready for customers in downtown Newburyport, owned and operated by Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself. This festive shed is hosted by the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce a highly connected local business organization that was able to secure visits from everyone’s favorite VIP, Santa for three weekends in the very busy month of December.

Santa’s Workshop will be open to the public for visits daily through Christmas, with special appearances from Santa scheduled for the first three weekends of December. If you want a chance to say hello to the big man in red, he will be ho ho ho’ing in his workshop on any of the following days/times. Children can bring their list and snap a pic, and even drop a letter off in Santa’s “official” mailbox.

Santa’s Workshop Special Appearances by Santa
Patrick Tracey Square – 27-29 Pleasant Street, Newburyport

Saturdays 11 am – 2 pm Dec. 6th 13th & 20th
Sundays 11am – 2 pm Dec. 7th, 14th & 21st

Need some letter writing inspiration? Pop into Greetings by Design before you visit Santa’s Workshop and pick up some magical stationery created specifically for VIP letters to St. Nick. The pack even includes some thank you notes for post-holiday.

And even when Santa isn’t hard at work, you can still swing by for a visit! In fact—on days Santa is off at the North Pole, visitors are welcome to actually enter Santa’s Workshop and peek around inside. Make sure to bring your cameras to grab some family pictures with the amazing decorations inside and out.

If you are interested in more Newburyport holiday events and fun things to do check the Newburyport Events Calendar.

All are invited to attend annual Menorah lightings in Newburyport and Amesbury, a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community to share the joy of Hanukkah traditions. The 2025 Festival of Lights begins this year at sunset on Sunday, December 14th and ends at sunset on Monday, December 22nd. Each year Newburyport and Amesbury illuminate their respective downtowns with festive menorah lightings during Chanukah. These public celebrations are open to all and enable our local Jewish communities to celebrate and share their cherished Hanukkah traditions with all who would like to attend.

Newburyport’s Congregation Ahavas Achim honors Chanukah tradition annually with the lighting of a signature 6-foot-tall electric menorah in Market Menorah Lighting, Market Square Newburyport Square. Sunset on the first night of Hanukkah is always a special evening in Newburyport with prayers, songs and the lighting of the first candle, led by Rabbi, Alex Matthews. The 2025 Newburyport Menorah lightings will begin each night at 5:30 pm, except for Friday the 19th which starts at 4 pm. These gatherings are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

Come light the menorah in Amesbury at the picturesque gazebo, in front of the Amesbury Public Library. All are welcome to join the Amesbury community for this annual Hanukkah tradition. The 2025 Grand Menorah Lighting is scheduled for 5 pm on Wednesday, December 17th. The Amesbury’s menorah lightings are led by Anshe Sholom Chabad of greater Haverhill and traditionally include storytelling, songs, jelly doughnuts, and gelt (chocolate coins) for the children.

Community menorah lightings are an annual tradition that is relatively new to the Newburyport and Amesbury area welcoming all to experience the Hanukkah tradition. Newburyport began its public menorah lightings in Market Square in 2012. Amesbury followed up with its own nightly celebrations in 2013. In 2019 when Hanukkah fell close to Christmas, Newburyport celebrated with an interfaith candle lighting service lead by: Rabbi Alex Matthews from Congregation Ahavas Achim, Reverend Rebecca Bryan from the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Church and Reverend Chris Nay from the Central Congregational Church.

Congregation Ahavas Achim, founded in 1896, is a welcoming and diverse spiritual community whose goal is to educate and inspire individuals and families to actively participate in Jewish Life, Torah study, prayer, acts of kindness. The congregation welcomes families and individuals from all backgrounds.

The 2025 Newburyport Veterans’ Day Ceremony is being moved to the upstairs auditorium inside of City Hall due to forecasted high winds and cold temperatures. The ceremony will begin at the regularly scheduled time of 11 am.

Newburyport will honor veterans’ and their families at the annual Veterans’ Day Commemorations on Tuesday, November 11th 2025. Residents and visitors are invited to join honored guests for a ceremony and parade in observance of the holiday. Folks participating in the parade will gather in the CVS parking lot on Pond Street at 10:30 and prepare to march. The procession will start on Pond Street, turn left on High Street, turn right on Green Street and continue down Green Street to City Hall. The ceremony will start at 11 am in front of City Hall and last approximately 30 – 45 minutes. Upon conclusion of the City Hall portion of the ceremony it is tradition for the parade to continue marching through Market Square to Veterans’ Cemetery.

Ceremony at City Hall – Ceremony Moved Inside

All are welcome to gather outside in front of City Hall at 11 am for a formal Veterans’ Day ceremony. Captain Jon-Erik Berkhoudt of Newburyport Salvation Army will give with the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by local scouts. The National Anthem will be preformed by the Newburyport High School Marching Band under the direction of Director, Steve Cohen. Mayor Sean Reardon will recite the names of recently departed veterans with Memorial Bells and Kevin Hunt, Veteran Agent will pay honor with memories and remembrances. The City Hall portion of the ceremony will conclude with patriotic music from the Newburyport High School Marching Band under the direction of Steve Cohen. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move into the City Hall’s auditorium.

Cemetery Observance
All are welcome to attend the 2025 Veteran’s Day Ceremony inside of City Hall Auditorium. The procession and Cemetery observance have been cancelled due to forecasted high winds and cold tempetatures.

After the ceremony at City Hall, the parade will continue on to Market Square, marching up State Street to Veterans’ Cemetery where Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon will place a memorial wreath at the monument, Amazing Grace will be played by Newburyport High School Band and the Benediction will be given by Captain Jon-Erik Berkhoudt of the Newburyport Salvation Army. The observance will end with Taps as a final salute to veterans’.

2025 Newburyport Veterans’ Parade & Ceremony Schedule

10:30 to 11:00 am
Procession from Pond St. to City Hall – will start on Pond Street, across from CVS and proceed down Green Street to City Hall.

11 to 11:45 am (Approx.) Commemorations in front of City Hall
Invocation – Captain, Jon-Erik Berkhoudt, Newburyport Salvation Army
Pledge of Allegiance – local scouts
National Anthem – Newburyport High School Marching Band under the direction of Director, Steve Cohen
Recitation of the names of recently departed veterans’ –Mayor Sean Reardon Memorial Bells
Veterans’ Memories and Remembrances – Kevin Hunt Newburyport Veteran Agent
Patriotic Music – Newburyport High School Marching Band under the direction of Director, Steve Cohen

11:45 to 12:15 pm (Approx.) The 2025 procession to Veterans’ Cemetery has been cancelled due to weather.
Procession from City Hall to Veterans Cemetery – will leave City Hall and march around Market Square, up State Street to Veterans’ Cemetery at the base of Pond Street
Memorial Wreath at Monument – Mayor Reardon places Memorial wreath at monument
Amazing Grace – Newburyport High School Band
Benediction – Captain Jon-Erik Berkhoudt, Newburyport Salvation Army
Taps – Conclusion of Ceremony

Additional Veterans’ Events and Special Offers

Visit the Newburyport Events Calendar to find details for additional events honoring local Veterans’ in Newburyport and surrounding cities and towns. You’ll also find special offers from local businesses, thoughtfully provided to honor and thank veterans for their service.

Annual Newburyport Field of Honor

Each year in September, the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport is host to a special tribute called the Field of Honor. This moving commemoration honors and remembers many Veterans’ as well as active-duty military members, first responders, and those who have sacrificed in service to the nation. Hundreds of American flags are displayed in a solemn formation, each dedicated to an individual or group in recognition of their courage and dedication. This powerful display offers the community a place to reflect and express gratitude for the service and sacrifices of these remarkable individuals.

Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial – Special 2021 Ceremony

Back in 2021 our community was fortunate to have the Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial, come to the Plum Island Airport in honor of our local Vietnam Veterans’. This inspirational Veterans’ tribute took 10 years of planning by the lead organizer, Dennis Palazzo and a small group of other local Veterans’. If you didn’t get to visit the memorial, we encourage folks to read article and view pictures and videos from this very special memorial.

The Annual Café Sarina & Nunan’s 2025 Fall Festival, a popular North Shore, MA tradition, will be hosted on Sunday, October 19th, from 11 am to 2 pm, featuring fall-themed activities for the kids — including a special visit from Curious Creatures — as well as fun times for all ages.

Café Sarina and Nunan’s Garden Center — a family-owned and operated, community-focused small business — welcome you to this favorite fall tradition that brings people together to celebrate the beauty of the season. Enjoy live music by Mike Costanzo, artisan craft vendors, and delicious fall-flavored foods and treats. View the full list of activities below.

Nunan’s Garden Center has an amazing selection of fall flowers and home décor items such as mums, pumpkins, cornstalks, and a large variety of unique decorative pieces. All Scott Products are now 50% off now through the end of the month of October in celebration of Fall Festival. This sale includes: grass seed, fertilizers and spreaders. also kicks off.

Fall Festival Schedule 11 am – 2 pm
Balloon Twisting 11am – 1 pm
Curious Creatures 12 – 2 pm
Seasonal Kids Crafts
Face Painting
Inflatable Obstacle Course
Live Music by, Mike Costanzo
Delicious Lunch Specials

Gather friends and family to experience fall festival traditions at Café Sarina, a delightful spot for exceptional farm-to-table dining. Arrive early for a delicious breakfast, indulge in lunch or an ice cream treat, or pick up freshly baked goodies — including gluten-free options — and then unwind by the firepit with a drink as you soak in the beauty of the season.

The Fall Festival is a great time to enjoy a game of mini golf with the kids, but this beautifully landscaped course isn’t just for them. Putt your way to victory on state-of-the-art 18-hole miniature golf course, and maybe your score will land you on their leaderboard! At the end of the season, the top scores compete for bragging rights, a free ice cream, and a trophy.

The Nunan’s/Café Sarina Fall Festival is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the joy and beauty of autumn while spending quality time with family and friends. Visit this amazing family-owned and operated, community-focused small business, located at 269 Central Street in Georgetown.

Downtown Trick or Treat is an exciting annual event that transforms the city of Newburyport into a Halloween wonderland. From 4 to 5 pm on Friday, October 24th, 2025, the streets will come alive with the laughter of children dressed in a creative array of costumes. Local business owners put in extra effort to make the evening special, some decorating their storefronts with spooky decorations and many wearing Halloween costumes and attire to join in the fun. This is a night when the whole community comes together, proud to collectively create lasting memories from this timeless tradition. Newburyport is also host to a couple of additional trick or treat events hosted by the City of Newburyport. Find details in the lower part of this article or check the Newburyport Events Calendar for a an extensive summary of events in Newburyport and surrounding towns.

The anticipation of downtown trick or treat is about more than just candy. This pre-Halloween event gives kids a chance to run into friends and proudly showcase their costume before the big night! You’ll see tiny ghosts, enchanting fairies, and even the latest trending characters from popular movies and television series. The streets are a kaleidoscope of colors, fabrics, and masks, each revealing the unique personalities of those beneath the costumes. Parents often join in the fun, either by wearing costumes or participating in themed ensembles with their children. It’s a heartwarming sight to witness, as entire families embrace the spirit of Halloween, a holiday that celebrates togetherness, creative imagination, and the thrill of the unknown.

The allure of Downtown Trick or Treat is undeniable, so make sure to arrive early. The event lasts for just one hour, from 4 to 5 pm, making it all the more cherished and exciting. Families are encouraged to allow for adequate time to find parking and to consider enjoying a delicious meal at one of Newburyport’s amazing family friendly restaurants after the event.

Newburyport’s Downtown Trick or Treat is more than just a Halloween event; it’s a tradition that binds the community, celebrating the essence of the season, creativity, and the joy of childhood. So, mark your calendars to be part of the excitement that transforms Newburyport’s downtown into a spooktacular wonderland. It’s an event that promises to create cherished memories for families and leave visitors with a lasting impression of the warm and welcoming spirit of our picturesque coastal community.

As always, the official Newburyport Trick or Treat will take place on Halloween, Friday October 31st from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. There are many additional Halloween events for kids as well as adults hosted throughout the community. Make sure to download the Newburyport App, and select Events Calendar to easily view local events throughout the community.

Newburyport Trick or Treat Summary:
Downtown Trick or Treat: Friday, 10/24 from 4 – 5 pm
Official Trick or Treat: Friday, October 31st from 5:30 – 7:30 pm

NewburyportVIP Downtown Trick or Treat Video – 2018

NewburyportVIP Downtown Trick or Treat Slideshow

Experience Autumn Fest 2025 referred to in recent years as Newburyport Fall Fest on Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th from 10 am – 4 pm in downtown Newburyport. In the spirit of autumn traditions, we come together for Fall Fest a community-wide celebration of gratitude and appreciation that welcomes visitors to share in the excitement of our local fall festivities.

In addition to Fall Fest activities, we encourage everyone to explore downtown Newburyport’s amazing retail shops. Featuring a wide variety of clothing boutiques, home décor, jewelry stores, art galleries and artisan goods, you are certain to Fall in Love with Shopping Local in Newburyport! As part of a collective local effort, many shops accept the Newburyport VIP Discount Card to encourage Loyalty to Shopping Local!

Downtown Newburyport offers many options for arts & entertainment, interesting attractions as well as excellent shopping and restaurants. As you are strolling around town during Fall Fest, make sure to check out the scarecrows, created by local businesses and organizations. If you’re in need of a hotel room in Newburyport, make sure to reserve a room or suite in advance.

Fall Fest is about enjoying the outdoors and appreciation for the beauty of the Fall season in New England. Autumn is one of the most picturesque times of the year to experience the Newburyport Waterfront and all that downtown Newburyport has to offer. Make sure to take a stroll on the boardwalk and enjoy the fall foliage. If you are looking for information regarding local events, download the Newburyport App for direct access to the Newburyport Events Calendar and make sure to check out Things to Do for interesting places to explore.

Hosted by the Newburyport Chamber, Autumn Fest is the official name for Newburyport’s 2025 Fall celebration, yet both the name of the event and the associated activities have evolved over the years. Fall Festival, Fall Harvest Festival, Octoberfest and October Festival are all prior year names for what is now being referred to as Newburyport Autunm Fest. If you enjoy attending outdoor events during the fall season, we highly recommend the annual Fall Festival in Georgetown, hosted by Nunan’s and Cafe Sarina.

Newburyport.com Video from Fall Fest 2022

The 2025 annual NEF Lighthouse Auction will be held on Saturday, November 8th from 6 – 9:30 pm at Newburyport City Hall. The most important fundraiser of the year for the Newburyport public schools, the NEF Auction consistently raises over $100,000 allocated to supporting critical learning initiatives throughout the Newburyport educational system and in 2024 exceeded $150,000. Live Auction guests are invited to arrive at 6 pm to enjoy cocktails, tasty bites and live music by, Better Things Band and bidding on 20 exclusive items will begin at 8 pm. Please note that the auction event bar will accept chash and Venmo only.

The success of this community-wide fundraiser can be attributed to its broad participation from a huge quantity of individuals and businesses. Always an exciting evening, the NEF Auction is made possible by the collective effort of many volunteers who generously donated their time, services. The NEF invites everyone be join in this critical community wide effort, “Bid for the Kids.”

The NEF Auction is really a wonderful opportunity to Shop Local! Auction items are donated mostly by local businesses and individuals passionate about supporting our local schools. The NEF Lighthouse Auction features an amazing selection of over 200 silent auction items, whether your looking to treat yourself to something special or need a unique gift, we highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the auction items. Online bidding for the silent auction opens at 6 pm on November 1st and closes on November 8th at 8 pm.

If you’re planning to attend the live auction make sure to purchase live auction tickets in advance. The Lighthouse Auction will be hosting a large silent auction that both party attendees, as well as those that can not make the actual event, can bid online.

Did they say VIP….Support Local and kick off the 2025 NEF Lighthouse Auction as an NEF VIP! Purchase a VIP Package which includes: one ticket to the live auction, one exclusive NEF wine glass, a Farm+Sea candle, a split of wine, a speciality olive oil or vinegar from Affamata, two drink vouchers, an assortment of Swiss chocolates and one raffle ticket for the MK Benatti Shopping Spree.

Local jeweler and exceptionally generous NEF Auction Sponsor, M.K. Benatti will once again be host a raffle drawing for a shopping spree at their downtown store. The first prize winner will be treated to a $3,500 shopping spree, with second and third prize winners getting $1,000 and $500 to shop for their jewels. M.K. Benatti raffle tickets can be purchased online. The drawing will be held at 5 pm on Sunday, November 9th at M.K. Benatti and winners will be notified after the drawing.

The Newburyport Education Foundation is a non-profit organization created to offset the financial pressures put on the Newburyport School System. These pressures include rising operating costs because of government mandates, technology needs and rising special education costs.

Please enjoy some of our photos and videos from prior years live auction events.

Beatlejuice in September…Oh Yeah! After this summer’s Thursday night Yankee Homecoming concert was rained out, “Here Comes the Sun” — and with it, Newburyport’s favorite Beatles tribute band returns to the Waterfront Stage for a special concert on Sunday, September 28, from 10 am – 6 pm.

This all-day event will feature food, crafts, vendors, raffles, and plenty of live music. Beatlejuice takes the stage at 3 pm to bring you an unforgettable Beatles tribute performance — the perfect chance for everyone to “Come Together” for music and community.

This special show came about thanks to Dennis Palazzo — longtime Yankee Homecoming board member and volunteer — who saw a chance to turn “Yesterday’s” rainout into “Something” positive. With his efforts, and “with a little help from my friends” in the community, the Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor’s Fund stepped in as host and beneficiary, raising awareness for motorcycle safety and supporting riders helping riders.

A big shout-out to Dennis and all the local sponsors who pitched in to make this happen. It may have felt like “A Hard Day’s Night” to pull together another Waterfront concert during such a busy season, but the result is an exciting encore appearance by Beatlejuice.

So “Don’t Let Me Down” — bring your lawn chairs or blankets, enjoy a day full of music, food, and fun, and take part in the 50/50 raffle and pass-the-bucket in support of a great cause.

“Let It Be” a day to remember!

The 2025 Newburyport Invitation Nights will take place on Friday evenings, December 5th, 12th, and 19th from 6–9 pm. These beloved holiday shopping events are a win/win for everyone—supporting Newburyport’s local retail and restaurant community while offering shoppers a top-tier festive experience. Once you arrive, you’ll find Newburyport’s charming downtown district perfectly walkable, with shops, galleries, and restaurants located close together, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing night out or even a weekend getaway at one of the city’s historic inns.

What is an Invitation Night—and do you need a formal invitation to attend? The answers are simple. Newburyport-area residents and visitors seeking the ultimate holiday shopping experience skip the malls in favor of Newburyport Invitation Nights—a series of “Shop Local” evenings where downtown retailers stay open late, offering light refreshments, merchant hospitality, and festive cheer. Spirited crowds fill the streets, enjoying live entertainment, twinkling lights, and all that this vibrant waterfront city has to offer.

Throughout December, Newburyport sparkles with holiday magic. From the beautifully decorated homes on High Street to the loyal downtown shops and restaurants all decked out for the season, the city captures the warmth and charm of a classic New England holiday. The towering Christmas tree in the center of Market Square shines brightly, complemented by festive wreaths and lights adorning the street lamps. During Invitation Nights, visitors often enjoy holiday music, carolers, instrumentalists, and children’s choirs adding even more joy to the experience. Check the Newburyport Events Calendar for special concerts, plays, and other seasonal highlights from the city’s vibrant arts community.

Newburyport consistently encourages residents to shop local throughout the year—and we warmly welcome participation from visitors as well. Every local purchase makes a meaningful impact and helps sustain our small business owners. As you create your holiday shopping list, pause before ordering online and try shopping local first! Many local retailers now offer online stores or phone orders, making it easy to support Newburyport businesses wherever you are.

If you’re planning a visit or live nearby, download the free Newburyport App to access the Events Calendar and discover upcoming holiday shopping events and other fun things to do. The app also features live webcam views and helpful guides to area attractions, dining, and entertainment.

For those who love supporting local, consider purchasing the Newburyport VIP Loyalty Card, which offers discounts at participating local shops, restaurants, and businesses. This community-wide program brings together small discounts from many merchants into one convenient card, providing substantial annual savings while strengthening customer loyalty. The VIP Card perfectly complements the spirit of Invitation Nights, celebrating community, connection, and the joy of shopping local.

Yankee Homecoming Battle of the Bands 2025

Support Local Musicians

Yankee Homecoming Battle of the Bands

2025 High School Battle of the Bands

High School Battle of the Bands is an exciting annual Yankee Homecoming event that provides strong opportunity for increased exposure and recognition for aspiring young local musicians. Each year local high school students from Newburyport and surrounding towns help kick off Yankee Homecoming week as they compete in the annual Battle of the Bands competition. The 2025 concert competition will take place on Saturday, July 26th starting at 6 pm. Bands perform on the Waterfront Park stage competing for cash prizes and a variety of high visibility and paid performance opportunities including the chance to be the opening act, during one evening of the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert Series.

Battle of the Bands has grown over the years both in terms of band participation as well as fan following and concert attendance. Thank you to Ben Eramo for his outstanding job as the Yankee Homecoming Chair for Battle of the Bands. Ben is also a highly respected musician from “Scenes – A Billy Joel Experience.”

Come cheer for and support these up-and-coming local bands as they compete for the High School Battle of the Bands title.

Yankee Homecoming is fortunate to have VIP Judges: Rob Macy, Liz Mish, and Gina McKeown bringing tremendous experience and leadership to our up-and-coming musicians. View more information about the 2025 Yankee Homecoming Battle of the Bands Judges.

If you’re interested in participating, applications must be received by midnight on July 19th. View the 2025 registration form for complete Yankee Homecoming Committee rules and regulations. View the 2025 Battle of the Bands prize details below.

As part of the Battle of the Bands competition rules, one band is accepted on a first-come first-served basis from bands whose members attend school or live in the following cities/towns: Amesbury, Groveland, Merrimack, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and West Newbury. Bands and solo acts from outside of the local community are eligible to apply after June 27th, up to a maximum of 10 bands/solo acts.

2025 BATTLE OF THE BANDS PRIZES:

First Prize Bands:
Featured opening act at a Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert
$100 Cash
Paid performance – Yankee Homecoming Parade, Sunday August 3rd

Second Prize Bands:
$100 Cash
Paid performance – Market Square Stage, Saturday August 2nd

Third Prize Bands:
$100 Cash

First Prize Acoustic Solo/Duet:
$100 Cash
Paid performance – Market Square Stage, Saturday August 2nd

Second Prize Acoustic Solo/Duet:
$100 Cash

2023 Battle of the Bands Highlights

Battle of the Bands 2023 showcased 10 bands all with exceptional talent and supportive fans, family and friends who braved a severe wind and rain storm. It was an amazing evening despite the weather!

2023 Band Winners:
1st: Catching Arrows @catchingarrowsband
2nd: Hyperdrive @hyperdrive_newburyport
3rd: Stagecraft @letsplaymusicnh

2023 Solo/Duet Acoustic Winners:
1st: Eloise Kirkpatrick @eloisekirkpatrick
2nd: Trisha & Thara @trishaandthara

1st Place Band – Catching Arrows @catchingarrowsband

2nd Place Band – Hyperdrive @hyperdrive_newburyport

3rd Place Band – Stagecraft @letsplaymusicnh

1st Place Solo Acoustic – Eloise Kirkpatrick @eloisekirkpatrick

2nd Place Duet Acoustic – Trisha & Thara @trishaandthara

2022 Battle of the Bands Highlights

2022 Band Winners:
1st: Vibe Check
2nd: Dune Dogs
3rd: Catching Arrows

2022 Solo Acoustic Winners:
1st: Georgia Siegfried
2nd: PC Walker & Charlie Grossman

2022 High School Battle of the Bands 1st Place Winner – Vibe Check

2022 High School Battle of the Bands in the Yankee Homecoming Parade

2021 High School Battle of the Bands in the Yankee Homecoming Parade

Circus Smirkus, The 2025 Big Top Tour: Game On! will be hosted during The 2025 Yankee Homecoming Festival. Get your tickets for the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour, in Newbury, MA. There will be four shows: Friday, August 1st at 2:00 and 7:00 pm and Saturday, August 2nd at 1:00 and 6:00 pm. This exciting event is held under the big top at Spencer Peirce Little Farm and is the largest annual fundraiser supporting Theater in the Open. Don’t miss this amazing performance! The talent of these young performers is exceptional, and the storyline is fun and entertaining for both kids and adults.

Every summer, Circus Smirkus kids ages 10 to 18, go on the road preforming 70 shows in 7 weeks, for sell-out crowds in a 750 seat European-style one-ring big top tent. It is amazing to watch the determination, dedication and passion of these kids. Although they all work very hard to achieve their ambitious goals, it is apparent that they are loving every minute of what they do, and developing strong friendships and team building skills that will carry them far in life.

Each year brings a new Circus Smirkus storyline and original full-length show combining the best in traditional and contemporary circus styles. Come experience this highly anticipated big top show. The hilarious clowns are guaranteed to keep you laughing, and you’ll be in awe of the astonishing aerialists, wondrous wirewalkers, mystifying magicians, and jovial jugglers. Make sure to purchase tickets early as many shows do sell out.

Circus Smirkus performances run 2 hours in length including the intermission. There is plenty of seating for Circus Smirkus, but tickets do not have assigned seat numbers so we recommend showing up at least 30-45 minutes prior to the show, especially if you are a large group looking to sit together. At the end of the show you may want to account for an extra 10 – 15 minutes, as there is opportunity to meet the stars and even get a few autographs.

Ticket Prices:
Adults (13+): $40
Child (2-12): $25
There is an online service fee per ticket.
All sales are final – no refunds

Circus Smirkus is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization helping youth engage in life changing adventures while promoting the circus arts. If you would like to support Circus Smirkus efforts there are many ways you can help all of which are greatly appreciated.

Theater in the Open has been a vital part of the Northshore’s cultural landscape since 1979 bringing theater performances to the public, at no cost, in the beauty of Maudslay State Park and connecting children with art and nature through our beloved youth arts education programs. Please consider supporting Theater in the Open and helping to strengthen the local arts for young aspiring actors in Greater Newburyport.

The Newburyport Road to Revolution parade and ceremony was held on Saturday, June 28^th to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and to honor Newburyport’s historic significance in the Revolutionary War. Locals and visitors lined the streets of Newburyport for the Revolutionary War procession that included the bold presence of the National Lancers, one of the oldest horse cavalry organizations in the United States and the sound of musket shots fired from historically significant locations by the Lexington Minute Men and the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts. Patriotic music was provided by the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums provided patriotic music as they marched through Newburyport and honored military branches with traditional songs during the ceremony in Market Square.

The parade and ceremony lead by Board Chairperson of the Custom House Maritime Museum, Captain Robert Cronin wrapped through the city of Newburyport leading participants and spectators to gather in historic Market Square for inspirational speeches that recognized the many significant Newburyport contributions and sacrifices during the Revolutionary War.

Honorary Co-Chairs: Governor Maura Healey, Mayor Sean Reardon followed by Custom House Maritime Museum Intern Parker Jackman as US Congressman Seth Moulton, State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative Dawne Shand and Museum of Old Newbury Executive Director Bethany Groff-Dorau.

The Road to Revolution celebration was an exceptional example of collaboration at its best combining the resources, knowledge, and experience of the Custom House Maritime Museum and the Museum of Old Newbury to create a series of events highlighting the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War and Newburyport’s own road to revolution and involvement in these pivotal events that shaped US history.

While 2025 sees the important anniversaries of the founding of the military branches of the Army, Navy, and Marines coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War in 1775, next year the country will celebrate the efforts of the war as its 250th birthday in 2026 will commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This year’s events in Newburyport, however, are centered around the city’s revolutionary history.

If you are interested in other events surrounding the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Newburyport, then check the Newburyport Events Calendar for more details.

Newburyport Road to Revolution Speeches
Videos are listed in the order in which they were delivered. More videos will be posted tomorrow.

Governor Maura Healey – Governor of Massachusetts

Parker Jackman – Custom House Maritime Museum Intern & Newburyport High School Student

Representative Dawne Shand – MA State Representative 1st Essex

Bethany Groff-Dorau – Executive Director, Museum of Old Newbury

Road to Revolution Parade Participants:
The Lexington Minute Men
Colonial Navy of Mass.
Middlesex County VolunteerNational Lancers
Parade Chairman Capt. Robert Cronin
City of Newburyport
Amesbury Carriage Museum
Brig. Gen. James Brickett-Old Newbury, NSDAR
Boys & Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley
Central Congregational Church
Derek Hines / Jordan Shay Veterans’ District
Firehouse Center for the Arts
Friends of Plum Island Light
Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce
Lowell’s Boat Shop
Nbpt. Preservation Trust
Old South / First Presbyterian Church
River Valley Charter School
Sons & Daughters of First Settlers of Newbury
U.S. Coast Guard

Newburyport’s Road to Revolution parade and ceremony represent the cities strong historic

The 2025 Newburyport Garden Tour hosted by the Museum of Old Newbury will take place on the weekend of June 7 & 8 from 10 am – 4 pm. If you have an appreciation for beautiful homes and outdoor entertaining, the Garden Tour is a must! Explore stunning gardens ranging from formal homes with professionally landscaped gardens to downtown homes transformed by beautiful floral designs into tranquil urban settings. The Garden Tour is an extremely popular annual event so make sure to purchase tickets early! You may also want to consider purchasing a Museum of Old Newbury membership to receive discounts on many amazing events throughout the year.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance and they are available for purchase the day of the event at the Museum of Old Newbury located at 98 High Street in Newburyport. Start your tour at the Museum to pick up your tour guide book or use the digital guide which will be sent via email for online ticket purchases.

Private gardens, including the Museum’s own Cushing Garden, will be on the Garden Tour, all within a short drive throughout Newburyport, Newbury, and surrounding towns. Stops on the Garden Tour will showcase sweeping landscapes, views of the Merrimack River, creative features, and wide varieties of plants and flowers. Along with beautiful landscaping, tour-goers will also be treated to various artists and musicians at work in different gardens.

The Garden Tour is a major annual fundraiser used to help support the Museum of Old Newbury and made possible through the collective effort of generous sponsors and many volunteers. Thank you to the Exclusive Real Estate Sponsor, Bentley’s The RE/MAX Collection, the Media Sponsor New England Home Magazine and the Program Book Sponsor, Harborside Printing.

In addition to the Cushing Garden, The historic Cushing House will also be open to tour free of charge. This historic ship captain’s home is filled with 400 years of local history. The Museum of Old Newbury, founded in 1877, preserves and interprets the history of “Old Newbury” from pre-settlement to the present. All proceeds from the event benefit the Museum’s education programs and preservation projects.

If you are visiting Newburyport from outside the area, view Newburyport.com recommendations for places to stay and consider purchasing a Newburyport VIP Card to receive discounts at Places to: Eat, Shop, Stay and Experience. Download the free, Newburyport App for access to the Newburyport Events Calendar and suggestions for a diverse selection of interesting Things To Do!

2023 Garden Tour

2019 Newburyport Garden Tour – Paul Goldberg & Joe Bell

Newburyport ArtWalk 2025 – Explore Step by Step

A Self-Guided Art Adventure Through Newburyport’s Vibrant Artist Community

Discover Your Path to Artistic Inspiration

Newburyport ArtWalk Valerie's Gallery The Newburyport ArtWalk is a FREE, self-guided tour that enables art enthusiasts to easily discover and explore Newburyport’s many wonderful art galleries. This interactive art tour guides participants on an art adventure through Newburyport’s Historic District and also includes a few hidden gems just beyond downtown. In conjunction with the self-guided tour, many local galleries showcase special exhibitions, host engaging art discussions and live demonstrations of techniques. The 2025 ArtWalk will be held on Saturday, May 3rd and Saturday, October 4th from 10 am – 5 pm.

Newburyport ArtWalk History

Established in 2002 by a group of independent art gallery owners, the ArtWalk has showcased original fine art cherished locally and respected throughout the national and international artist communities. The Newburyport ArtWalk features a broad range of art types and styles ranging from painting, printmaking and sculpture to artisan creations, photography and ceramics. Whether you’re an artist, a collector of fine art or an individual intrigued by art exploration, this highly regarded event is a wonderful opportunity to interact with and support the local artist community and discover new-found inspiration.

A Glimpse Inside the ArtWalk Experience
Artist Lorenzo Minoli at the Gallery on Federal

Discover Newburyport

While you’re visiting the local art galleries make sure to explore Newburyport’s many wonderful retail shops and relax at one of our many excellent local Newburyport restaurants. If you’re planning a visit from outside the area, consider booking a room in one of our wonderful local Inn’s.

Support Local Artists

The Newburyport ArtWalk events are funded by annual dues from participating local art galleries. Please help support the local artist community by attending this fan-favorite art event, telling friends and family and by sharing on your social media pages. Support Local!

2025 Map

Use the ArtWalk Map to plan your gallery visits. The numbers on the map corelate to the numbers on the 2025 galleries list.

ArtWalk 2025 Galleries

ArtWalk Social

Visit Newburyport ArtWalk Website

Follow Newburyport ArtWalk on facebook

Follow @NbptArtWalk on Instagram

Follow @NbptArtWalk on X

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

4th of July in Newburyport and Best Fireworks Displays

4th of July weekend in Newburyport offers many fun things to do! Experience the best shopping and dining that the North Shore has to offer and relax on Plum Island

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Clipper City Rail Trail

Whether you live local to the Newburyport area or you are just coming for a visit, the Clipper City Rail Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. The path runs from MBTA Commuter Rail Station over to the Merrrimack River and provides a picturesque spot to exercise or just enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™

New Year’s Eve Happenings

Greater Newburyport Suggestions to Ring in the New Year 2025

New Year's Eve 2022 Newburyport

Parties and Dining to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Newburyport

Looking for New Year’s Eve fun in Greater Newburyport? From countdowns to dining experiences, there are plenty of options to ring in the New Year—VIP Style! Whether you’re looking to dress up for a formal party, join friends at your favorite local bar or enjoy a relaxing early dinner, Newburyport VIP has plenty of New Year’s Eve suggestions!

For revelers hoping to stay out late for a countdown to midnight celebrating into 2025 with champagne toasts, and ready to hit the dance floor: Bar25, The Joy Nest & Newburyport Brewing Company are great choices for guaranteed fun. There are many places featuring live music including a concert at Blue Ocean. Quite a few restaurants are featuring special New Year’s Eve menus and staying open for guests to celebrate 2025. Find a list of New Year’s Eve suggestions and if you are looking for information or ticket purchase links on any of the featured New Year’s Events, check the summary of VIP suggestions below or the Newburyport Events Calendar.

If you’re hoping to grab a nice dinner earlier in the night on New Year’s Eve and be home in time to watch the ball drop from the comfort of your couch—there are many wonderful restaurant options open for business and serving up delicious meals worthy of a 2024 send off. Call ahead to check on special menu options and if they will be accepting reservations.

Ring in the New Year 12/31/24:
Bar25– 8-1, Masquerade themed with complimentary Champagne, Tarot Readings, Passed Hors D’oeuvres, New Year’s Countdown, and a DJ! Purchase tickets!
Blue Ocean– 6:30-12:30, dinner buffet, live music from The Fools & Psychedelic Relics, champagne toast & balloon drop. Purchase tickets!
Joy Nest – 8-12, Celebrate NYE with live music by Boston’s Toni Lynn Washington, delicious bites & sips, & champagne toast. (978) 572-1615
Newburyport Brewing – 8-12, only $10 including a free beer NYE toast at midnight and live music from Massive Prophet.

VIP Recommendations for NYE Afternoon & Dinner Celebrations 12/31/24:
Capri – 4-9, for dinner and the bar open until 10 or later. Enjoy Chef Specials & regular menu.
Mission Oak Grill – 4-10 for dinner and bar will be open later.
Ristorante Molise – 3-9, enjoy a delicious dinner and desserts with friends and family. Reservations required (978) 388-4844.
Sea Level – 5-9 for NYE dinner and bar open later. Order takeout online or call for reservations. (978) 462-8862.

And when the confetti has all fallen and you wake up to your first day of 2025, keep the party going with a celebratory brunch at Seaglass. This restaurant will be pouring Bloody Mary’s and champagne with their brunch menu.

VIP New Year’s Day 2025 Brunch:
Seaglass – 10-2, New Year’s Jazz Brunch, enjoy glass of champagne, Bloody Mary and full brunch menu. Make a reservation by calling 978.462.5800 or online.

The restaurants highlighted in this article are suggestions from Newburyport.com. It features customer’s of ours who have provided us with information about their New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day happenings. This not a complete list of all restaurants open for New Year’s Eve. We encourage folks to support any of our local restaurants.

We encourage folks to support any of our local restaurants.

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Kick off Black Friday by Shopping Local in support of our Greater Newburyport retailers on Friday, November 29th! Many local businesses are running Black Friday Sales in order to incent shoppers to make as many local purchases as possible. Take advantage of local sales and promotions and feel good knowing that every local purchase is greatly appreciated by our small business owners. Newburyport.com is committed to promoting SHOP LOCAL throughout the year and is asking everyone to please visit our local shops before making major online purchases. “Collectively, we can help make a difference!” If everyone in our community makes just a few more local purchases this holiday season, we can make a significant positive impact for our local small business owners. Plus there are many new local businesses that you’re likely to discover!

In addition to Black Friday, many local retailers are also featuring holiday shopping sales on Small Business Saturday as well. Below is a list of local area businesses running Black Friday 2024 sales. All promotions listed here are available in stores only unless specified otherwise, they are valid only for Black Friday 2024 and can not be applied to past or future purchases. We encourage folks to check back for additional shop promotions and to visit social media pages and websites of local businesses for additional information.

Many local retailers have decided to take part in the Newburyport Holiday Shopping Spree in leiu of creating seperate Black Friday promotions. Participating local shops have donated gift cards giving shoppers the chance to win giftcards. The goal is to get a stamp which shopping at 10 of the 20 ptartcipating shops for a chance to win one of three great prizes.

Newburyport Holiday Shopping Spree Prizes

1st Prize – $1,000 worth of gift cards from particpating busineesses
2nd Prize – $500 worth of gift cards from participating businesses
3rd Prize $250 worth of gift cards frpm partscipati

Greater Newburyport 2024 Black Friday Deals:

Amy Williams – pull coupon for 30%, 40%, 50% off one full price item in store
BC Essentials – Newburyport Holiday Shopping Spree
Design of Mine – 20% off Entire Store & Free Fluttershaw w/$150 purchase
Ganesh Imports – 20% off all jewelry in Newburyport & Portsmouth
Life is Good Newburyport – 20% off storewide + an extra 10% off sale items
Lively Kids – Newburyport Holiday Shopping Spree
Pretty Poppy – 30% off Scout Bag
Smitten – 25% off anything black
Soak Shoreline – Newburyport Holiday Shopping Spree
Wild Clover – free $10 gift cards for every $100 spent, $20 clearance rack plus music, cookies & cocoa!

If you discover a shop that isn’t offering a Black Friday promotion, the VIP Discount Card can be used at participating VIP Businesses. Black Friday Sales Soak Shoreline, Newburyport MA The foundation of this community based loyalty program is to reward customers with small discounts as a thank you for shopping local throughout the year! Participating businesses have the flexibility to choose their own discount, in order to ensure that the offer works with their margins, helping to drive profitable business and encourages customer loyalty. VIP Card Discounts offered by each participating business are meant to be small because card holders have the opportunity to receive substantial savings if they use their card at multiple businesses throughout the course of the year. VIP Card Discounts are not able to be combined with other discounts or promotions so if you prefer to take advantage of a Black Friday Sale, you can’t use the VIP Card discount on that same purchase.

In addition to Black Friday Sales, many local retailers are also running great promotions and sales on Small Business Saturday. Check out the, “Keep it Local” promotions.

If you’re a fan of shopping events, make sure to visit Newburyport for the annual holiday shopping Invitation Nights on Fridays in December. Although the Newburyport downtown shopping is very popular during the holiday season, make sure visit the Tannery Marketplace as well as our great local retailers in the shopping center and industrial park areas. You are certain to find Black Friday Sales at retailers in downtown Amesbury, Salisbury and many other local towns and cities surrounding Newburyport as well. Support Local throughout the Community!

Small Business Saturday 2024 falls on Saturday 11/30 and is the perfect time to show your loyalty to Shopping Local! Imagine the positive impact for our local small business community if each of us were to make just a few more local purchases this holiday season. Newburyport.com is dedicated to providing free ongoing media services for our approximately 150 local small business and nonprofit customers as part of a community-wide campaign designed to reward customers for shopping local. The Newburyport VIP Card Program encourages folks to Shop Local throughout the year and we are proud to volunteer our media platform and services in order to help make Small Business Saturday a huge success! VIP Card Discounts can not be combined with other promotional offers but they can be used on Small Business Saturday at participating VIP Card businesses, if the shop is not running a Small Business Saturday promotion.

With so many businesses offering Shop Local incentives on Small Business Saturday, we have compiled a list of local promotions and we are using the NewburyportVIP social media platform to help broadcast the information. Newburyport.com is proud to help raise awareness of Small Business Saturday promotions as we are committed to all campaigns that help support our local small business community. All promotions listed here are available in stores only unless specified otherwise and they are available for use only on Small Business Saturday unless other days are noted.

2024 Small Business Saturday Promotions:

Amy Williams – pull coupon for 30%, 40%, 50% off one full price item in store, today
Children’s Orchard Amesbury – 20% off everything
Design of Mine – Keep IT Local
Ganesh Imports – 20% off All Jewelry in Newburyport & Portsmouth
Lively Kids – Keep it Local
Pretty Poppy – 30% off Scout Bags
Salt & Grove – Keep it Local
Smitten – Keep It Local
Soak Shoreline – Keep It Local
Wild Clover – $10 gift card w/every $100 spent, $20 clearance rack, music, cookies & cocoa!

Before making purchases from major online retailers, please consider whether you might be able to find that same gift locally. “Collectively we can help make a difference” for our local small business owners. In addition to the Small Business Saturday promotions listed above, many local retailers are participating in, “Keep it Local.”

2024 Keep It Local Giveaway:

Local Newburyport retailer, Salt & Grove, is excited to host the 6th annual Keep it Local giveaway, a collaborative small business effort that has strong support from local business owners and is very popular with local shoppers. Customers arrive downtown early on Small Business Saturday ready to shop and excited for the Keep it Local promotions. Participating businesses provide giveaways for their first 10 customers and a special, Keep It Local, tote bag that can be used to score discounts around town . View the list of participating businesses and promotions: Affamata, Banter, Baran Home, BC Essentials, Candy Man, Charleston & Coco, Edit Style & Lounge, Face Food Skincare, Green House Goods, Leallo, Lively Kids, Love & Flour, Nalu Surfhouse, Salt & Greove, Shine, SMITTEN, Soak & Shoreline, Solemates, Vaalbara, and Wheat Newburyport.

Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to get our there and show gratitude to our small business owners. We encourage everyone to help make our local business owners feel appreciated by Shopping Local and thanking them for these generous sales promotions.

Although the focus for many people is traditional clothing and accessory type retailers, keep in mind that Small Business Saturday promotions are being offered by a very broad scope of business types. Don’t forget to support your favorite home related businesses or service oriented retailers. We wish everyone a happy holiday shopping season and please remember that, “Every Local Purchase Helps Make a Difference!”

In addition to Black Friday and Small Business Saturday sales, Newburyport is host to many holiday events. Make sure to check the Greater Newburyport Community Events Calendar for fun Things to do this holiday season! If you’re a fan of shopping events, make sure to visit Newburyport for the annual holiday shopping Invitation Nights on Fridays in December.

Have you seen the 2024 Newburyport Haunted House? Although there are others….many say that the home of Bruce Page is without question one of the top scary homes North of Boston attracting visitors from Shore, MA and Seacoast, NH. If you’re looking for a good scare this Halloween season, look no further than the home of local Newburyport residents, the Pages, at 13 Tilton Street. With hundreds of realistic looking characters and decorations, lights, props, and sounds, this Newburyport haunted house is a big time operation.

Visit October 1st – 31st

Many fans enjoy watching the creation of the entire project each year visiting 13 Tilton Street frequently throughout the month of October. Lights turn on at dusk and stay on until 8:30 pm Sunday – Thursday night’s and until 10 pm Friday and Saturday evenings if you’re brave enough to drive or walk by, but the real screams and shrieks will happen on Halloween night when this Newburyport haunted house gets even more realistic with the addition of ten people in costume. While they promise to take it easy on any little monsters that dare to visit, 13 Tilton Street is not for the faint of heart and parents may want to visit without the little kiddos. The Pages don’t keep track of foot traffic, but popularity has grown each year, and one neighbor says she gave out 800 pieces of candy to trick-or-treaters last year.

13 Tilton Street Haunted History

Bruce Page, a family man and detective for the Exeter Police by day, is the mastermind of this spooktacular experience and has been adding to his collection for over 20 years. The haunted house began with a single eerie butler in the window back in 2001 and has since grown to include over 100 characters, 40 skeletons and 100 light up pumpkins, among other things. A curator of all things spooky, Page tries to add to his collection each year by shopping in Halloween stores, making his own homemade creations and has even taken on inventory of a friend who retired from the haunting business. The 13 Tilton Street haunted display takes careful planning and is segmented into carefully designed sections including: clowns, zombies, pirates, spiders, skeletons, grave yard, toxic waste and the butcher shop.

The house at 13 Tilton Street is a family home owned by Bruce’s parents and grandparents before his own family, but that’s not where his passion for Halloween stems from. In fact, Page says his parents weren’t really into the holiday at all. However, just across the street, neighbor Richard Cook was stirring up scares and inspiring a young Bruce back in the day. Page says Cook use to dress up in costume and chase trick-or-treaters with a pretend chainsaw on Halloween.

Thankful for Haunted Helpers

Bruce Page is the mastermind behind this impressive Haunted House and he wants everyone to know that the success of this major operation is made possible with help from loyal family and friends. Daughters Maddie and Faith have grown up helping their dad and they continue to be great helpers while also celebrating this fun tradition with their friends. One friend in particular, Emma Beard has joined the girls wearing the ghost face scream costumes, elevating the scare with the mix of real people. Although wife Nicole is not a Halloween fanatic, she enjoys seeing the excitement that this annual Halloween tradition provides for Halloween enthusiasts.

Brother in-law, Steve Leonard has been on the frontline assisting with many important details including the corn stalks that decorate the fence line all the way around the property. Family friend, Nick Dole takes charge of wrapping the house with lights and the very popular skeleton tree. Tim Kerber and Pete Tilton have also helped with this major team effort and if you caught

Watch Out for Scary 2024 New Additions

This year, if you have the guts to visit this Newburyport haunted house, be on the lookout for Page’s 2024 new additions, the plague doctor, wolf dog, giant rat, and the skeleton dog! If you aren’t too scared, say a hello to local VIP Bruce Page throughout the month of October or on Halloween night. Bruce who loves to hang out and watch the fun unfold, doesn’t dress up in costume.

Whether you’re planning on driving by on your way to a Newburyport Halloween Event or visiting on the big night, make sure you get there before October ends, come November 1st, the lights are out!

Best of Newburyport & Beyond Haunted House 2024 – will be posted here.

Newburyport Haunted House 2022

2021 Bruce Page Masterpiece Haunted House

2020 visit to 13 Tilton Street Newburyport…If You Dare

2018 Best of Newburyport Haunted House

Local banks will join forces for their annual Build A Bed team-building initiative, an inspiring example of collaboration and teamwork helping to build beds for children in our community and communities throughout Massachusetts. On Friday, September 13, 2024 Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank and Institution for Savings will reconvene in the Newburyport Bank, State Street parking lot from 1-3 pm combining efforts to achieve their shared Build A Bed mission, to help give every child a place to dream.

What began in 2022 with Newburyport Bank and Institution for Savings as a friendly bed-building competition with a shared goal to help make a difference in the lives of children, developed into a teamed approach. Pentucket Bank, who merged with Newburyport Bank under the name River Run Bancorp MHC, joined the team in 2023 strengthening this critical community-wide initiative. These three local banks worked together, encouraging volunteers to create mixed teams to include employees from the other banks. In 2023, the Build A Bed teams successfully built 30 beds in support the goal, to provide A Bed for Every Child.

While this event takes place in September, throughout the entire month of August 2024, there will be a bedding and stuffed animal drive, where members of the community are encouraged to drop off NEW stuffed animals and twin-sized bedding at any Newburyport Bank or Pentucket Bank location to accompany the beds being donated.

There are many children in Massachusetts who don’t have the luxury of having their own bed. They are sharing with siblings or parents and in some cases, children are sleeping on couches, air mattresses, floors and beds that they have outgrown or are Build A Bed Donations, Teamwork, Newburyport Bank broken. With sleep being an essential element to physical and mental health, the Build A Bed mission has been recognized by many as a critical necessity.

The afternoon will kick off with lunch served by Michael’s Harborside to the volunteers, giving bank employees a chance to say “hi” to friends and meet new ones as a warm-up for this amazing team-building activity.

The 2024 Build A Bed will come on the heels of a rewarding drive in 2023, where instead of cars, the Newburyport Bank parking lot was filled with employees, materials, and tools that volunteers used to build beds. It was inspiring to see the mixed teams — blue shirts representing Newburyport Bank/Pentucket Bank and the green shirts representing Institution for Savings — and it was inspiring to watch businesses that could be categorized as friendly competitors unite for the greater good, putting competition aside and instead prioritizing the Build A Bed mission to help ensure that every child has a place to dream.

In 2024, we are looking forward to another beneficial day of building beds for the children of this community.

Build A Bed, Newburyport Bank Teamwork Initiative

The 2024 Newburyport Holiday House Tour, a fundraiser supporting the Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association is this Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 4pm. Purchase tickets on-line or purchase tickets in-person (cash or check accepted) at the Anna Jaques Hospital Gift Shop or Chococoa Baking Co. & Café at The Tannery Marketplace. Pick up your tour book at the Newburyport Senior Center at 331 High Street, where a Holiday Gift Market and Winter Wreath auction will be in full swing with live music and refreshments. The self-guided tour allows you to enjoy the full range of homes and outdoor décor in whatever order you choose.

The Holiday House Tour is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with family or friends. This uplifting tour highlights history and other interesting details and stories for each of the beautifully decorated homes from High Street to High Road and beyond. Groupings in the North and South End highlight Newburyport’s signature Federalist and Greek Revival houses, plus architectural reproductions and contemporary updates to re-invigorate ideas of gracious living.

A beloved highlight of the Advent season, the Holiday House Tour is an occasion for friends and family to gather inspiration for winter entertaining of their own. The creativity of local florists and decorators displays the myriad of ways a home can be dressed up and decked out. From house to house, the panorama of bejeweled trees and festive greenery offers a glimpse of personalized traditions. Holiday tables are brimming with cheer before any meal is served, and there’s a sense that the stage is set for joyful get-togethers all over town.

Back at Newburyport’s spacious Senior Center, The Holiday Market and Wreath Auction offers gift ideas ranging from gingerbread to jewelry and many more. Enjoy this wonderful holiday shopping experience and preview the registered vendors, offering shoppers a variety of retailers and artisans representing many wonderful “finds” in one place.

Each year, the generosity of Newburyport’s homeowners and countless volunteers make the Holiday House Tour possible, all to benefit the Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association. The welcome of Holiday House Tour visitors throughout the community also helps support the well-being of our cherished community hospital.

Oktoberfest 2024 in Newburyport & Amesbury!

Cheers to Fall with Great Tasting Beer!

German Style Beer, Live Music & Good Times

BareWolf Brewing Oktoberfest, Amesbury, MA Oktoberfest events are the perfect way to celebrate the fall season in Greater Newburyport and throughout North Shore MA. Plan your social calendar with our Newburyport VIP feature summary highlighting upcoming local celebrations happening in the Newburyport and Amesbury community. The events featured are hosted by amazing local small businesses and organizations and they are referenced in chronological order for reader convenience. Enjoy fun times at Oktoberfest 2024 events and feel good about supporting local! Check the Newburyport Events Calendar for more specific event details and download the “Newburyport” App to easily access the Events Calendar.

Oktoberfest History

Local celebrations take inspiration from the original Oktoberfest traditions which originated in Munich back in 1810 and continue to grown in popularity each year. German Oktoberfest features traditional lager beers, traveling carnivals and German foods. These Celebrations typically run for 16-18 days from mid to late September and conclude by the first Sunday in October.

Brewery Silvaticus, September 7th

Kick off the 2024 Oktoberfest season at the Brewery Silvaticus on Saturday, 9/7 from from 11 am – 10 pm and help celebrate 7 years of lagering success! Enjoy traditional oompah music, steins, merch, brats from Karl’s Sausage and new beer releases including: Rex Czech Pale Lager and Continental Black new Czech Dark Lager.

BareWolf Brewing, September 14th

Mark your calendar for the biggest party of the year at the BareWolf Brewing on Saturday, 9/14 from from 12 – 10 pm with the release of the Märzen Retrograde Lager and many German-style beers on tap, as well as food trucks, live music, temporary tattoos, lawns sports, arcade games and positive festival vibes!

Amesbury Chamber Oktoberfest Opening Night, September 20th
Amesbury Chamber Oktoberfest Events, September 20th – October 6th

Make sure to check out Amesbury Oktoberfest, 17 days of events hosted by the Amesbury Chamber and numerous local businesses from 9/20 – 10/6. The opening night will kick off with an Oktoberfest celebration in the Upper Millyard Amphitheater on Friday, 9/20 from 5-8 pm featuring a beer garden with beer from local breweries including Mill 77 Brewing and Outrider Beer Company as well as the highly regarded TubaFrau Hofbrau Band playing German, Swiss, Austrian and Bavarian music. Visit the Newburyport Events Calendar for details for all of the Amesbury Oktoberfest celebrations featured here in this article but make sure to visit the Amesbury Chamber facebook Events page for the complete listing of events and details during this 17 day celebration.

RiverWalk Brewing, September 21st

On Saturday, 9/21 from 12 – 7 pm, RiverWalk Brewing in Newburyport will host their annual Oktoberfest with beers, brats and live music from Oberlaender Hofbrau Band. Located next to the Newburyport rail trail, RiverWalk has a wonderful outdoor area, offering plenty of space for the kids to play.

Mill 77 Brewing, September 28th

On Saturday, 9/28 from 1 – 9 pm, Mill 77 Brewing in Amesbury will celebrate with traditional Oktoberfest beers, delicious eats by Blue Smoke BBQ, as well as live music and friendly competitions. Make sure to check out the Carriagetown Car Show featuring stunning classic cars throughout downtown Amesbury prior to heading over to Mill 77, but make sure you don’t miss the beer stein competition starting at 4 pm and stay for live music by David Corson starting at 6 pm.

Outrider Beer Company, October 5th

On Saturday, 10/5 from 12 – 10 pm, Outrider Beer Company in Amesbury will transform the brew pub into a German style beer hall, featuring traditional Bavarian foods and a selection of beers including a German style leather lager. Traditional Oktoberfest attire is encouraged but not required for this Oktoberfest celebration.

Newburyport Oktoberfest Hosted by The Wolfe Club of Newburyport, October 12th

Celebrate the final Oktoberfest event of the 2024 season on Saturday, 10/12 from 12 – 4 pm on the Newburyport waterfront. Hosted by the Wolfe Club of Newburyport, the 13th annual Newburyport Oktoberfest offers free admission and all proceeds will be donated to help support the Friends of Newburyport Youth Services. All are welcome to attend this family friendly, pet friendly event featuring German and American style beers from Rockport Brewing with glass steins available for purchase and plenty of vendors selling brats and pretzels. Enjoy live music from Sons of Solstice from 12 – 2 and DJ Christopher Carr will be playing a mix of classic German songs and popular crowd favorites from 2-4 pm. The competitions lineup sounds like guaranteed fun for both participants and spectators featuring: Stein Hoisting, Stein Race “no spill”, Hobby Horse Racing, Best Dressed Lederhosen, Best Dressed Dirndl, Best Dressed Pet, Best Chicken Dance, Best German Slap Dance (Schuplattler) and other surprises expected! The Wolfe Club Oktoberfest is being hosted during the Newburyport Chamber annual Fall Fest which will feature many vendors as well.

Newburyport Brewing Company Prior Year Oktoberfest

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

Newburyport Haunted House – Visit 13 Tilton Street if You Dare!

Have you seen the 2024 Newburyport Haunted House? Although there are others….many say that the home of Bruce Page is without question one of the top scary homes North of

Moving Wall Visits Plum Island Airport in Honor of Vietnam Veterans

The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. was on display at Plum Island Airport in Newbury, MA during Labor Day Weekend 2021, from

Nature School Land & Sea Learning, Newburyport

Nature School Land and Sea Learning at Merrohawke

An opportunity for kids to learn about marine and wildlife, as well as build community relationships all while enjoying nature.

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™

Grab that old toaster that’s lacking heat or wristwatch that has you constantly running late and pay a visit to the handy team of skilled repair volunteers at the Repair Café on Saturday, September 27th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Newburyport Community Senior Center. The last repairs for the day start at 1:30 pm in order to ensure that repairs are finished before the event ends. This pop-up event offers a wide variety of simplistic repair services for customer’s in need of assistance. Overall the Repair Cafe helps repair many different types of broken treasurers but it is important to note that the type of items eligible for repair change at each Repair Cafe depending upon availability of specific repairers.

Repair Café is a free service, matching up volunteer repairers with those in need of a service to troubleshoot the problem together. Although repairs are typically free for most items, in some instances there may be a charge to cover the cost of parts necessary to fix an item. Repairers attempt to keep each repair to a maximum of 20 minutes in order to have a positive impact for as many individuals as possible. Visitors can bring up to three small, clean items and watch as they are being repaired.

The following is a list of the types of repairs that will be available at the September 27th Repair Cafe: knit and woven items, clock repairs, lamp repairs, textile repairs, stuffed animal repairs, small appliances and wooden items. There will also be a canning demonstration where Repair Cafe attendees are invited to watch and learn how to cane a chair. Here is a full list of repair stations being offered at the upcoming event.

Organized by The Time Trade Network of Newburyport and Toward Zero Waste Newburyport, this will be the fourth Repair Café held in Newburyport. Over 250 Visitors with more than 350 items visited the Cafés last year.

With the slogan “Don’t ditch it, fix it,” organizers and participants donate their time in an effort to reduce the volume of materials waste, contributing to Newburyport’s zero waste goal. Repairers encourage visitors to watch and ask questions so they can not only take home a working end product but also take home some knowledge of how to fix something similar on their own.

It’s important to note that Repair Café does not offer any guarantees that they can fix your item nor are they held responsible if an item has any additional damage or stops working at home. Whether you come in for jewelry repairs or electronics repairs, if the problem turns out to be more complicated then a short session with a volunteer, Repair Café can refer you out to a specialist for more complicated or time-consuming repairs.

Think you have a skill to share? Whether you’re a tinker, bike expert, computer pro, or master seamstress—Repair Café can use your help! Email RepairCafeNBPT@gmail.com or call 978-225-3440 to sign up and donate your time.

If you’re in need of repairs but can’t make this Repair Café, follow their official facebook page to stay up to date on the next event.

Sculpture at Maudslay 2024 returns to Newburyport for visitors to enjoy from Sunday, September 8th through Sunday, September 29th at 2 pm when the show closes. The event features the work of up to 50 local North Shore artists—all displayed in a picturesque outdoor setting. The application deadline is May 29th, so make sure to submit your application ASAP if you are inspired to participate in the 2024 outdoor exhibit. Maudslay State Park offers stunning views of the Merrimack Rivers, hiking trails, beautiful gardens and meadows, and more.

The show’s 2024 theme is “Thread.” Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay organizers point out that it’s a word that has many possible meanings and artists are invited to let the word inspire their creations. This show is site-specific—meaning the sculptures on display are designed specifically for the site they are installed at. So participating artists are also encouraged to use the beauty of the location as inspiration.

Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay is a free event open to visitors of all ages. Stroll the park in search of exhibits on your own, or if you’re looking for a specific sculpture, bring your phone to use the Maudslay sculpture app which includes a map of each artist’s location. While the event is free, regular Maudslay parking fees still apply.

An Artist Appreciation Celebration will be hosted at Riverwalk Brewing Company, located at 40 Parker Street, Newburyport on Saturday, September 14th at 6 pm, as well as a reception and self-guided tour on the following day of Sunday, September 15th at 2 pm.

The Maudslay sculpture show is in its 25th year and has featured over 250 area artists who have created over 700 sculptures. The program is supported in part by grants from the Amesbury, Georgetown, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, and West Newbury Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Sponsors of the event are mentioned in both the app and on a signboard at Maudsley as a thank you.

The Annual Beach Dog Halloween Costume Contest gives a broad community of dog lovers the chance to connect with this amazing group of local dogs. The Beach Dog is thankful for the opportunity to care for and love these dogs as part of the Beach Dog family and they are proud to share pictures and extend voting for the Beach Dog canine contest to a broader group of dog lovers.

Showcasing a broad range of dog breeds dressed in their Halloween best, this annual canine costume contest is certain to capture the attention of local dog enthusiasts. This Halloween costume contest features creative costumes, worn by some of the coolest dogs in our community. What’s better than people in Halloween costumes? Dogs in Halloween costumes, of course!

If you’re a dog lover and a fan of Halloween, mark your calendar to visit The Beach Dog Facebook page on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 30th to view pictures and cast your vote. We encourage dog fans to wait until all contestant pictures have been posted before voting in order to allow the Beach Dog staff to to photograph all of the dogs and post all pictures, as well. Everyone is welcome to vote a total of two times: once for a BIG Dog and once for a little Dog. The Beach Dog Halloween Costume Contest. Voting ends October 31 at 10:00 AM. The pooch with the most likes wins!

The 23rd annual Newburyport Art Association Art Auction and Party will take place in the NAA galleries and under a spacious tent adjacent to the Sculpture Garden on Saturday, September 21st 2024 from 5:30 – 10 pm. The NAA auction is the largest fundraiser of the year and has grown in popularity causing organizers to expand preparations and bidding options for this exciting annual event. The NAA auction is a wonderful opportunity to help support a critical organization that serves as the foundation and inspiration for Greater Newburyport’s passionate community of artists and art lovers. Come view and bid on works by local artists, while enjoying delicious food and drinks at one of Newburyport’s top annual social events. Purchase tickets now!

The 2024 NAA Art Auction features two additional pre-auction events that are both free and open to the public. The Auction Exhibition Opening Reception will take place on Friday, August 30th from 5 – 7 pm to preview auction artwork, meet the artists including featured artist Rick Hamilton who will have a solo show in the Hills Gallery. An NAA Special Event on Friday, September 13th from 5 – 7 pm will feature artist talks and refreshments.

The Newburyport Art Association art auction and party is a great way to discover beautiful local art. Plan your bids ahead of time by previewing artwork in advance. Visit the NAA to preview auction artwork in the NAA galleries from Friday, August 30th through Tuesday, September 17th, during regular business hours. From 5 pm on the 17th until the auction opens on Saturday the 21st, the NAA gallery exhibition will be closed in preparation for the auction. The online galleries will remain open during this time giving everyone a chance to preview art and plan bids. Visit the Live Auction Online Gallery and the Online Silent Auction Gallery today.

The NAA Auction is always an exciting evening and a wonderful opportunity to highlight the amazing artwork of the NAA artist members! The Silent Auction, featuring works of art and experience packages will take place from 5:30-7:15 along with the art preview for the live auction, live painting by artist, Alan Bull as well as cocktails and cuisine. The Live Auction, featuring works of art and the raffle drawing will take place from 7:30 – 10 and cocktails and dessert will be available during this time. The 2024 NAA Art Auction will feature more than 55 works of art between the silent and live auctions.

5:30 – 7:15 Live Auction Preview & Silent Auction/Works of Art & Experience Packages | Cocktails & Cuisine
5:30 – 7:15 Live Painting by Artist Alan Bull | Alan’s painting will be for sale during the Live Auction
7:30 – 10 Live Auction/Works of Art & Raffle Drawings | Cocktails & Dessert

In addition to the 55 works of art being featured in the Silent and Live Auctions and the many experience packages, raffle tickets are available for purchase in person at the NAA, featuring a chance to win two tickets to the Boston Celtics at the Cross Insurance Boardroom. The raffle ticket drawing will done during the live auction.

Purchase tickets in advance, as the Newburyport Art Association art auction and party is a sell out every year! Tickets will be sold at the door the night of the Art Auction if they are still available.

Video from 2018 NAA Art Auction & Party

SeaFestival of Trees & Seaside Ice 2024

Experience the Magic of the Season at Blue Ocean Event Center

Sea Festival of Trees Ocean Views, Salisbury Beach MA

Spreading Holiday Cheer!

The 2024 annual SeaFestival of Trees fundraiser lights up the seacoast to kick off the holiday season with the Sprit of Christmas Gala featuring the Grand Tree Lighting, dancing and cocktails on Friday, November 22nd and the general festivities will open to the public on Saturday, November 23rd and close on Sunday, December 8th. View the specific dates and times under the heading, Hours & Admission. The Sea Festival of Trees is the perfect family outing. Make it part of your family holiday tradition!

Experience the magic of the holiday season with stunning oceanfront views as Sea Festival of Trees Candy Cane Forest, Salisbury MA the backdrop for a maze of more than 100 beautiful sparkling trees with 50,000 twinkling lights. The 2024 SeaFestival of Trees welcomes guests with a breathtaking, giant Sand Sculpture display of Santa’s North Pole castle, created free-hand with 8,000 pounds of sand, by local NH resident Greg Grady.

Make sure to check out the candy cane forest, and take a walk through Santa’s workshop to get a peek inside his toy filled cabinets and toy testing station where kids can play with classic toys such as: Etch A Sketch and Jester Jack in the Box! Meet Elsa the Ice Queen in front of the castle gates and keep an eye out for the Grinch as his curiosity just might lure him out of the Grinch Tree to explore the festival. If you’re looking to meet the Event VIP’s: Santa, Elsa and The Grinch, check the Sea Festival of Trees website for the daily schedule.

sea Festival of Trees Seaside Ice Rink Salisbury Beach MA Remember to bring your skates for ice skating at Seaside Ice, a beautiful indoor rink surrounded by holiday cheer! The cost of skating is included in the Sea Festival admission and skate rentals are available for $5.

Purchase raffle tickets in person only, for a chance to win one of the Sea Festival of Trees stunning themed trees. There are two types of tickets available for purchase: White Raffle Tickets are $5 for a sheet of 25 tickets and Red Raffle Tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20, The red tickets are for the showcase trees and prizes valued at $1,000 – $4,500. Purchase tickets using cash or a credit card and put your tickets in the dispensers in front of the trees that you would like to win. IMPORTANT Note! Make sure to provide a phone number where you can be reached on Sunday, December 8th between between 5:30 – 9 pm. Tree winners must respond to the festival contact within one hour in order to accept their tree, otherwise another winner will be selected.

This fun holiday family tradition is made possible through a collective effort Sea Festival of Trees View Next to the Rink, Salisbury Beach MA of volunteers and donations from businesses and individuals throughout the community. Donations from the Sea Festival of Trees event benefit the Salisbury Beach Partnership’s fund to bring back the historic carousel. Thank you to Newburyport Bank, the Presenting Sponsor and all of the Sea Festival of Trees sponsors for helping fund this wonderful holiday event cherished by the local Salisbury community as well as families throughout the North Shore of MA and Southern Seacoast of NH.

The Sea Festival of Trees is a great place to Shop Local for holiday gifts. Enjoy shopping at Santa’s Tree Top Gift Shoppe, while the kids check out the extra cool, 7 foot tall teddy bear!

Seaglass and Capri are always wonderful dining options however, if you’re looking for something quick and easy to make the kids happy, try the North Pole Café amongst the displays of trees. The Café is located on the second floor at the Blue Sky Lounge. Enjoy “Buddy’s Favorites” from house made Papa Elf pizza to Mac & Cheese Buddy Bites and full bar service is also available.

Parking is available in the lot next to Blue Ocean for a small fee. You can also park for free on the street or in the Salisbury Municipal Parking Lot just a couple of blocks from the venue.

In addition to the Sea Festival of Trees festivities, Blue Ocean Event Center is also host to fun holiday Special Events as well. Check the Newburyport Events Calendar to find details for these events as well as other festive holiday happenings in the local areas.

Special Events

Friday 11/22 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm Sea Festival of Trees Eiffel Tower, Salisbury Beach MA
Spirit of Christmas Gala & Grand Tree Lighting –
purchase tickets

Sunday, 11/24 from 11:30 – 4:30
Holiday Dance Shows – included in admission

Tuesday, 11/26 from – 5:00 – 8:00
Triton Night – special VIP pricing

Sunday, 12/1 from 12 – 2 pm
Elf Day – included in admission

Thursday, 12/5 from 5 – 8 pm
Sippin Santa – included in admission

Friday, 12/6 from 5 – 8 pm
Blades the Bruin – included in admission

Saturday, 12/7 from 10:30 – 11:45 am
Polar Express PJ Party – purchase tickets

Sunday, 12/8 from 10 am – 12 pm –
Santa & the Grinch Brunch – purchase tickets
Santa Arrives Via Firetruck

Tickets for special events are available for purchase at the Blue Ocean Box Office only, 978-462-5888.

Location

Blue Ocean Event Center
4 Ocean Front North
Salisbury, MA 01952
978-462-2512

Hours & Admission

Saturday 11/23 from 11am – 8pm
Sunday 11/24 from 11am – 5pm
Tuesday 11/26 from 5 – 8pm
Friday 11/29 from 11am – 8pm
Saturday 11/30 from 11am – 8pm
Sunday 12/1 from 11 am – 5 pm
Thursday 12/5 from 5pm – 8pm
Friday 12/6 from 5pm – 8pm
Saturday 12/7 from 11am – 8pm
Sunday 12/8 from 11am – 5pm

$10 for Adults
$5 Children Ages 5 and Under

General Admission Sea Festival of Trees tickets are ONLY available at the door. There is not an online/advance ticket purchase option.

Raffle Tickets

Support Local by purchasing raffle tickets to win one of the beautifully decorated trees. There are two types of raffle tickets available for purchase. White Raffle Tickets are $5 for a sheet of 25 tickets. Red Raffle Tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. The red tickets are for the showcase trees and prizes valued at $1,000 – $4,500. Tickets are only available for purchase in person at the Sea Festival of Trees.

Place your tickets in the dispensers located in front of the trees that you would like to win. Make sure to include a phone number where you can be reached on Sunday, December 8th between 5:30 – 9 pm when the tree winners are called. Tree winners must respond to the festival contact within one hour, otherwise another winner will be selected.

Santa, Elsa & The Grinch

Visit Santa, Elsa and the Grinch during the final SeaFestival of Trees weekend!
Santa
Thursday 12/5 from 5-8 pm
Friday 12/6 from 5-8 pm
Saturday 12/7 from 12-7 pm
Sunday 12/8 from 12-4 pm
Elsa
Friday 12/6 from 5:30-7:30 pm
Saturday 12/7 from 12-4 pm
Sunday 12/8 from 12-4 pm
Grinch
Thursday 12/5 from 5-8 pm
Friday 12/6 from 5-8 pm
Saturday 12/7 from 2-7 pm
Sunday 12/8 from 2-4 pm

Special Events

Are you looking for special holiday events? Scroll down to the bottom of the article for the dates and times of special events and visit the Newburyport Events Calendar for more details and ticket information.

Things to Do

Check out Things to Do in Newburyport: Attractions, Entertainment, Family Activities, Historic Tours, Shopping, Restaurants and much more!

Newburyport Bed Race 2026 – A Local Summer Tradition

The 2026 Newburyport Bed Race will take place on Thursday, July 30th at 6 pm on Federal Street. This action-packed event is hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club and is

Market Square Historic District – View Exceptional Video

Showcasing Federal-style brick buildings and museums, Market Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spanish Tall Ship Nao Santa Maria Sails into Newburyport

In the Spring of 2019, crowds gathered along coastlines from Plum Island to Salisbury to watch the 200-ton Spanish tall ship, Nao Santa Maria, sail into Newburyport. The Custom House

Seaside Ice 2024

Skate Indoors – No Hats or Gloves Required

Seaside Ice at Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury Beach

Seaside Ice, hosted each year during the annual Sea Festival of Trees is a great choice if your looking for fun, affordable family activities during the holiday season. The ice skating rink is located inside of the Blue Ocean Event Center on the 2nd floor amongst the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Plan a time to visit this local winter wonderland and experience the beauty of the season.

For the 2024 Seaside Ice skating season, the rink is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the Sea Festival of Trees, November 23rd – December 8th. The cost to skate is included in the admission price for the Sea Festival Trees. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 5 and under. You can bring your own skates or rent skates for a cost of $5.

Glide around the indoor ice rink as you skate to festive music, surrounded by sparkling snowflakes, gleaming decorations, and Seaside Ice, Blades the Bruin, Salisbury Beach, MA breathtaking views of the ocean. No hats, gloves, or jackets required for this ice skating adventure! In addition to open skating during the Sea Festival of Trees, there are also a few special events you may want to check out, for example a chance to skate with Blades the Bruin or Elsa the Ice Princess. Make sure to check the Newburyport.com Events Calendar for Blue Ocean Special Holiday Events as well as other fun family events happening throughout the community.

Seaside Ice Hours | During Sea Festival of Trees
Saturday 11/23 from 11am – 8pm
Sunday 11/24 from 11am – 5pm
Tuesday 11/26 from 5 – 8 pm
Friday 11/29 from 11am – 8pm
Saturday 11/30 from 11am – 8pm
Sunday 12/1 from 11am – 5pm
Thursday 12/5 from 5pm – 8pm
Friday 12/6 from 5pm – 8pm
Saturday 12/7 from 11am – 8pm
Sunday 12/8 from 11am – 5pm

Call or email the Blue Ocean Event Center with questions, 978-462-2512 or email info@seaglassoceanside.com

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Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament – SOLD OUT

Three Strokes Under Par

Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament – GENO Open 2024

THE 2024 GENO GOLF TOURNAMENT IS SOLD OUT. The 2024 Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament, GENO Open will be held on Monday, July 29th at Ould Newbury Golf Club. The Tournament which is open to both men and women, kicks off at 8 AM with a shogun scramble. The raffle and silent auction will run throughout the Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament, GENO Open, followed by awarding of prizes with a cash bar cocktail hour. Be ready to play your best, as there is a $10,000 cash prize for getting a hole in one on the sixth hole!

After the Geno Open, participants and guests will proceed to the dock at Waterfront Park to board the Captains Lady at 4 PM for a dinner cruise hosted by the Starboard Galley Restaurant. The menu will include: Caesar Salad and pasta salad, Sirloin Steak Tips, Grilled Chicken and Shrimp, rolls & butter followed by Strawberry Shortcake.

The Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament is always a very popular tournament so it is important to register early. Contact Gary Greco at 978-462-1326 to reserve your spot. You can also reach out to Gary to sponsor a tee or donate a raffle prize.

The Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament, Geno Open Cost is $150 Per Person (Includes Carts, Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Harbor Cruise & Dinner.) Guest fee is $30 to bring a spouse or guest on the Harbor Cruise. NET proceeds for this event go to support the efforts of the Yankee Homecoming Committee. Use 305 Newburyport Turnpike in your GPS as the Address for Ould Newbury Golf Club.

Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament History

July 31st, 2014 was a day filled with birdies, bogies and pars for most, except Paul Mahoney. Unlike any other year, Paul played the 9-hole course with a crew of friends. Throughout the day they joked and laughed with each other about various ‘swings and misses,’ until there was nothing to joke about.

“A number 6 iron, he hit the ball, a perfect swing, it landed three feet before the hole and BOOM, hole in one!” said Paul’s friend and teammate. And to the victor goes the spoils, a $10,000 prize. According to Yankee Homecoming President Michael Volpone, this was the first hole-in-one in the tournament’s 30 year history.

On the hole Paul made the eagle, there was also a double your money raffle for landing a tee shot on the green in combination with being the closest shot to the pin. Given Paul’s hole in one, he also sank this award.

Paul, who’s been playing golf since he was a kid, says nowadays it’s more luck than anything. When asked what he plans to do with the money, Paul said he is soon to take his wife on a couple’s trip to Alaska.

FUN FACT about the Ould Newbury Golf Course

“Under the leadership of Benjamin Pearson, Dr. Charles S. Ingham and Joseph Dummer, 60 acres of land were leased from Governor Dummer Academy and in 1915, with a fund of $10,000 construction of the golf course began.”

Happy 100th Birthday Ted! Local Newburyport resident, Edward “Ted” Coburn, WWII Veteran turned 100 years young on May 6, 2024! On that same day, Ted competed in his 10th Senior Olympics and took home six Gold medals; 1 mile & 1/2 mile race walk, javelin, discus, softball & shot put throw. He bikes five miles and walks two miles every day. A life long sailor and racer and an avid horseback rider, (cantering on his 98th birthday), Ted Coburn is an inspiration to all!

On Saturday, June 15th at 1 pm all are invited to participate in a Birthday drive-by at 50 Tyng Street in Newburyport. Coordinated by Lt. Simmons of the Newburyport Police Department, don’t miss this 100th birthday tribute honoring Ted Coburn.

After high school Ted joined the U.S. Navy, stationed in the Pacific on the USS Steele, a destroyer escort. Ted graduated from Tri-State College in Indiana with a mechanical engineering degree, and went on to work for Warren Pumps as their New England district sales manager.

Ted raised his 4 daughters, where he grew up, in Weston, MA on the family’s 6th generation farm. He spent his retirement in West Falmouth and the last 10 years at Linden Ponds in Hingham, with his beloved, late wife of 37 years, Peggy Coburn. For Ted, it’s his love for his family, which includes six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren that inspires him to keep going.

For more details related to the Ted Coburn 100th Birthday celebration and other local area events, visit the Newburyport Events Calendar.

Newburyport Pride will feature a series of events starting on Wednesday, May 29th in addition to the Newburyport Pride Art Exhibit at the Peg Center for the Arts, a great opportunity for the city to show its true colors. All are invited to participate in these welcoming North Shore Pride Month festivities; a collective local effort designed to unite and expand the celebration far beyond the Newburyport community. In addition to the Newburyport Pride Events, many other local businesses and organizations are also hosting events throughout Pride Month.

For LGBTQ+ people, “community” might mean, at minimum, acceptance, inclusion, respect, and equality. In Newburyport, all people are valued, but Newburyport Pride in the Port goes beyond the mere minimums and truly celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community and welcomes visitors.

There is a plethora of ways that organizations and businesses are showing the love: restaurant events, dance parties, inspirational speakers, entertainment, store specials, music, teen activities, a parade, beach party, and even special NBPT Pride Merch. Newburyport Pride has something for everyone, so you can bring the kids, the grandparents, and even the pooches. Check out the Newburyport Pride events’ summary below and visit the Newburyport Events Calendar for more detailed information about these events.

Newburyport Pride Month 2024 Events:

NBPT Pride How to be a LGBTQ+ Ally Wed. 5/29 at Nock School from 7-8:30 pm
NBPT Pride Sunset Club kick-off Thurs. 5/30 from 5-8 pm
NBPT Pride City Hall Flag Raising Ceremony w/music and special guests Fri. 5/31 from 4-5:30 pm
NBPT Pride Big Gay Comedy Show at Phoenix Room, Fri. 5/31 from 8-10 pm – SOLD OUT
St. Paul’s Church Pride Prayers & Blessing of the Parade at St. Paul’s Sat. 6/1 from 10:30-11:30 am
NBPT Pride Parade thru NBPT & Festival in Brown Square on Sat. 6/1 from 12-4 pm
Paddle Inn Pride Parade After Party Fundraiser at The Paddle Inn, Supporting The Point Foundation, Sat. 6/1, from 1-5 pm
NBPT Pride Melissa Ferrick Concert at the Firehouse, Sat. 6/1 from 8-10 pm
NBPT Pride Workout with Fuel in Brown Square, Sun. 6/2 from 9-9:45 am
NBPT Pride Drag Brunch Show at Barewolf Brewing, Sun. 6/2, from 11-1:30 pm – SOLD OUT
NBPT Pride Pawrty Hosted by Sweet Paws Rescue at Riverwalk Brewing Sun. 6/2 from 12-4 pm
NBPT Pride Its Only Life After All” presented by NBPT DOCUFEST and the Screening Room, Sun. 6/2 from 7-8:30 pm
NBPT Pride Queer Here Art Exhibit at Peg Center for Art Activism from Fri. 6/7 at 11 am – Fri. 6/28 at 5 pm.
NBPT Pride Makerspace Meet-Up at Tinkerhaus, Thurs. 6/13 from 7-8:30 pm
Amesbury Community Theater presents, Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche – 6/13 & 6/14 at 7 pm and 6/15 at 2 pm & 7 pm
NBPT Pride Drag Queen Story Hour at the Peg Center for Art & Activism, Sat. 6/15 from 11 am – 12 pm
Pride in the Port – Sunset Cruise – hosted by REsurge CoWorking on the Merrimack River – Sat. 6/15 from 7-10 pm

For quick visibility to Newburyport Pride Events, download the Newburyport App and select, Events Calendar. Just search, “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store and download the free app. If you are unable to make it to Newburyport in person, you can view some of the festivities on the Newburyport.com Live Web Cams, also accessible through the Newburyport App.

Pride Month is meant to encourage LGBTQ+ people to be proud of who they are (in a world that can often make that difficult), and that’s certainly important, but the Pride in the Port event is also meant to show LGBTQ+ residents and visitors that Newburyport is proud to have them. As Mayor Sean Reardon said, “We are committed to being a city that is welcoming to all, and to creating…safe spaces and positive experiences for all…people.”

For more LGBTQ+ and Pride resources, check out: Newburyport Pride, Newburyport Public Library, Newburyport Youth Services, and NAGLY (North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth).

2023 Newburyport Pride Speech by Governor Maura Healey at the Flag Raising Ceremony

2022 Newburyport Pride in the Port Celebration

Newburyport’s Spring Fest 2024, is annual spring festival guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Stroll the streets of our coastal North Shore city on May 25th and May 26th from 10 – 4 pm and enjoy a day filled with delicious food, shopping, and entertainment. Check the Newburyport Events Calendar for other local upcoming events and download the, Newburyport App for direct access.

This year’s Spring Fest will be held behind the Firehouse on Waterfront Park. Swing by Waterfront Park both Saturday and Sunday for lots of fun entertainment and performances by local artists on the Waterfront Stage!

Newburyport, already a destination for exceptional restaurants, waterfront views and unique local stores, is a must visit for Spring Fest with the addition of local arts and crafts vendors along the waterfront as well as live entertainment geared toward all ages.

Grab a tasty snack on-the-go or relax at one of the many outdoor cafes like Sea Level, Brine, Paddle Inn and Oregano, to take in the bustle as you dine. Work off all that delicious food strolling the waterfront boardwalk, let the kids blow off some steam at the Inn Street playground, and then treat yourself to some gelato!

From clothing to one of a kind art work to home decor, if you’re looking for a special gift or simply something for yourself, Newburyport’s downtown shops, as well as the local vendors at this Spring festival, are bound to have what you’re looking for. And don’t forgot to take a walk over to the Tannery for even more local shopping.

This year’s Spring Fest is organized and hosted by the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with The Newburyport Arts Collective and Newburyport Art Association. The Chamber continuously works to promote the city and all the great things it has to offer, this event will not disappoint locals and tourists alike. Newburyport.com is a proud media partner to the Chamber and happy to help promote broad awareness of all major community events hosted by the Chamber.

In addition, during Spring Fest, you can purchase the Newburyport VIP Loyalty Card and $10 of your purchase will be donated to the Chamber Beautification Program. The Chamber Beautification Program is responsible for the beautiful hanging flower baskets around town, holiday decor, and other decorations around our beautiful city.

The Newburyport App/VIP Loyalty Card rewards card holders with discounts EACH TIME they make purchases at many Greater Newburyport participating Restaurants and Shops. Purchase one card for $25 or two for $40 and $10 of your purchase will be donated to the Chamber Beautification Program. You can purchase directly through the “Newburyport” App or purchase online. Choose between a Digital VIP Card in the Newburyport App or a Physical VIP Card.

We hope to see you at Spring Fest! If you can’t make it, check out the festivities on our Newburyport.com Live Web Cams.

Spring Fest 2018 Video

33rd Annual Maudslay Turkey Trot – Joppa Flatts

Lace-up those running shoes and begin Thanksgiving Day running in one of Massachusetts most picturesque state parks. Run or walk this 3.1 mile course with family and friends. Run starts at 8:20 am and estimated end time is 10:00 am. Award raffles prizes immediately following the race. Parking is free to runners on day of race. 100% of race profits to be donated to local charities.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving please bring a can of foo to help stock Salisbury Pettengill House Food Pantry.

Register here: https://www.runreg.com/newburyport-maudslay-turkey-trot-5k

Wild Turkey Trot – Winners Circle

Cool weather Fall running is back! This year the Winner’s Circle Running Club has moved their annual 5K to Salisbury! It will be run Thanksgiving morning November 23rd. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. and the race starts promptly at 8:30. We feature runner and family friendly trails and post race refreshments. Their new course which is primarily on a rail trail offers a fast and flat but scenic course! Pre-register to lock in the lowest rates! Race day registration will be available at $35.

The WCRC Wild Turkey Trot will be run from the start of the Salisbury “Ghost Trail” off of Rabbit Road. Pre-race bib pick up and shirt pick up is available at the Winner’s Circle Sports Bar on Wed, Nov 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Race day bib pick up and registration is available at 7 AM at the Winner’s Circle Sports Bar. The course is chip timed, results will be available immediately from iresults live.

Thank you for registering, we are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving morning with you! The weather looks great!

T shirts guaranteed to the first 200 pre-registered runners

Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=135757&eventId=764256

Questions: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Salisbury/WCRCWildTurkeyTrot5kRunWalk

For 2023, the Newburyport Lions Club will deliver many Thanksgiving dinners throughout the community in lieu of hosting the Lion's Club Thanksgiving Meal Prep annual Lions Club Thanksgiving meal at the Senior Center. The Lions Club will provide a free all-the-trimmings meal to: seniors, mobility challenged individuals and families unable to secure food. The menu will consist of Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Peas with Pearled Onions, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Rolls with Butter, and Assorted Desserts. Thank you to the 2023 Co-Chairs, Frank and Kathryn Bertolino and the many volunteers for helping make a difference in our community by touching the lives of families and individuals on Thanksgiving Day. Fun fact, Frank has been a Lion’s Club member for 44 years and has enjoyed helping with the Thanksgiving meal project for 38 years.

The amazing team of Lions Club volunteers prepares and delivers meals each year on Thanksgiving and has been increasing their delivery each year. In 2020 the team prepared and delivered 350 meals, in 2021, they delivered 503 meals in 2022 they delivered 600 meals for Thanksgiving. Meals will be delivered Thanksgiving morning to folks in: Newburyport, Newbury, Salisbury and other neighboring areas. If you would like to request a meal, please register as soon as possible by calling Frank Bertolino, at 781-412-4466. The Lions Club is still in needs more drivers/volunteers who are able to help deliver food on Thanksgiving morning. If you are available to volunteer contact, Don Carey, at 978-384-8931.

Lions Club Thanksgiving Meal, Newburyport MA The Newburyport Lions Club Thanksgiving meal is made possible by the collaboration of support from local businesses, organizations and individual volunteers throughout the community. If you are not able to donate your time, monetary donations are always greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to: Newburyport MA Lions Foundation, Inc. Mail to Newburyport Lions Club, PO Box 545, Newburyport, MA 01950.

The Lions Club has been committed to helping brighten Thanksgiving day for the Greater Newburyport Community for many years. Prior to 2020, it was tradition for the Lion’s Club volunteers to serve Thanksgiving Dinner in person at the Newburyport Senior Center. The hope is to bring folks back together for the meal with the option for delivery in future years but for 2023 it was decided to focus on delivery in order to try and keep everyone healthy. Below is Newburyport.com video from when the event was hosted in person.

Choosing a daycare or school for your child can feel like an overwhelming task, but Newburyport Youth Services is making it easier for families with their upcoming annual Early Education Fair. Visit Newburyport Senior Center Wednesday, November 8th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm to meet with over dozen early education schools and daycares from the surrounding areas, all in one place. The fair is free and open to the public.

Every family has different needs and priorities for their childcare, and researching your options can be incredibly time consuming… something all families can agree they are short on! The Early Education Fair, designed much like a college fair, gives parents the opportunity to move from table to table to learn about what each school or daycare has to offer. Teachers and representatives will be on hand to answer questions and offer information, ranging from flexible hours and costs to teaching techniques and philosophies, to help families select a school or daycare that matches their needs. Representatives from area Educational Foundations will also be available to answer questions about the local school districts.

Unsure of what exactly you’re looking for? The Newburyport Youth Services will be handing out folders with a suggested list of questions that parents may find helpful to ask the teachers and/or representatives from the schools. Come an socialize with other local families while planning your child’s future.

The Newburyport Youth Services is a municipal department that provides quality programs, events and services for families with young children in the Greater Newburyport area.

Mark your calendar for the Clark School Tours and Open House dates for the 2023 – 2024 school year. The Clark School, a coeducational private school located in Rowley, MA, offers rolling admissions, making any time of year the perfect time to schedule a private tour or attend an open house. Founded in 1978, The Clark School offers a stimulating learning environment for students Preschool – Grade 12 and is particularly appropriate for all types of students. Our goal is to encourage students to become lifelong learners who think deeply and embrace challenges that lie ahead.

Apply to Clark School

With Clark School’s rolling admissions, you can start on a new educational path today, in a school that better fits who you are as a learner and person. Prospective students and families may attend an open house or take a tour and apply for admission at any time throughout the year, there is no admissions deadline. At the Clark School, we strongly believe that if your current educational path is not working, it is never too late to make a change!

Visit Us!

Schedule a private tour of our beautiful Rowley, MA campus at any time by emailing our admissions department at admissions@clarkschool.com or call us at 978-777-4699 ext. 112.

Attend an Open House!

Clark School Open Houses and Admissions Events are excellent opportunities for prospective students and their families to learn more about our school, our approach to education, and most importantly to develop an understanding if Clark School is the right learning environment and experience for them. Due to our rolling admissions policy, we offer open houses through out the year.

2023/2024 Open House Dates:

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 Preschool/PreK | 5:30 pm

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Tour-us Tuesday | 10:30 am

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 HS Open House | 5:30 pm

Saturday, November 11, 2023 All School Open House | 9:00 am

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Tour-us Tuesday | 10:30 am

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 All School Open House | 5:30 pm

Learn more and register for an Open House or schedule a private tour!

Can’t make it to an Open House? The Clark School also offers private on-campus or virtual tour/meetings (clarkschool.com), so you can explore our beautiful campus, busy classrooms, and hear from students and staff, all from the comfort and convenience of your own home!

The annual Topsfield Fair is a cherished tradition for many local North Shore families and for fair goers who travel far distances to be part of this amazing fall event packed with activities and fun Things to Do. The 2023 Topsfield Fair runs from September 29th through October 9th with hundreds of vendors, rides, animals, shows, and special entertainment. Known as America’s oldest county fair, nearly half a million people flock to the festivities each year to enjoy a combination of traditional agricultural exhibits with classic fair fun.

Opened daily over ten days, the Topsfield Fair features a Midway section filled with rides, food, and games. Thrill-seekers can whirl and twirl Topsfield Fair, County Fair, Topsfield, MA on fast-paced rides while families with younger children can hit the kiddie section filled with pint-sized entertainment like small merry-go-rounds and driving cars. The Midway is also home to classic carnival games. Rides and games are not included in admission. You can purchase ride packs in advance for a discount or just pay as you go at the fair.

Fair-goers should also be sure to bring their appetites because the food vendors—situated in the Midway—will not disappoint. Topsfield Fair has everything from sandwiches to desserts, and many unique treats with a county fair twist. Try out some chocolate covered bacon, sample fried kool-aide, or indulge in some farm-fresh apple crisp.

Topsfield Fair, County Fair Topsfield, MA The Topsfield Fair was founded by the Essex County Agriculture Society back in 1818 so it comes as no surprise that farming and animals are a major part of this county fair. Visit with tiny piglets, sheep with their lambs, and other farm animals at the Farmyard tent and stop into the multiple barns throughout the fairgrounds that house cattle, goats, rabbits, chickens, and more. There is even a beekeeping exhibit with observation hives to watch the bees in action. Along with live animals, visitors can also shop fresh produce from local farmers and goods made by local artisans.

Perhaps one of the most famous exhibits at the Topsfield Fair is the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off—which is exactly what it sounds like. Farmers from all over compete to earn the title of the heaviest pumpkin and fair visitors get to check out these massive fruits on display. All pumpkins must weigh a minimum of 300 Lbs to enter and the heaviest to date weighed in at a whopping 1,689 Lbs!

Before planning out your day make sure to take a look at the Topsfield Fair daily calendar which is packed with live entertainment ranging from live musical performances to a demolition derby. There are also live events that go back to this county fair’s agricultural roots like an old fashion tractor pull and sheepdog trials. And if you plan on spending the whole day at the fair, stick around for the fairground parade scheduled for Tuesday, October 3rd from 5 – 6 pm.

Topsfield Fair Tickets:

Tickets to the Topsfield Fair, along with ride tickets and food vouchers, can be purchased online in advance at a discounted rate. Children under 8 are always free. All pictures used in this article are from the Topsfield Fair facebook page.

The Walking Tours of Plum Island, led by Bill Sargent of Plum Island Outdoors are wonderful way to explore and learn about this beautiful and fascinating barrier island. The 2023 tours will run every Sunday from 10 – 11:30 am from March through Memorial Day weekend. The summer schedule may have some modifications and will be released in May. These 90-minute walking tours, start at the North Point of the Island by the Plum Island Lighthouse, guide participants down to the South Jetty and return back to the North Point. The Walking Tours of Plum Island are held rain or shine so be prepared with rain gear if necessary. In the instance of cancellation due to severe weather, event changes will be communicated on the Plum Island Outdoors facebook page. Given the length and significant walking, this tour may not be appropriate for young children.

During these beautiful walks there is much to explore and discover. You will see horseshoe crabs, woolly mammoth, terns, and striped bass. Investigate the Coast Guard archaeology site and speculate on whether some of the artifacts could have been used to set U-boat nets across the Merrimack River.

Visit the Sand Machine where up to an acre of sand flows through natural weirs in the South Jetty during high course tides and view impacts of beach erosion and the dredging project that is being done to protect and restore the Reservation Terrace area of Plum Island and the Newburyport Harbor. Learn about ongoing collaborative efforts of: local residents, the Army Corps of Engineers, local nonprofits and politicians at all levels; as they have joined together to implement both short and long term solutions to rebuild and preserve this cherished beach and home.

Walking Tours of Plum Island participation cost is $10 per person cash at the start of the tour. Participants can park in the North Point Newburyport Beach parking lot. The weekend parking lot cost is $20 for non-residents and $12 for Newburyport residents with a valid Plum Island Beach Parking lot sticker. The What should you bring for the trip? We recommend a camera, sensible shoes and a keen sense of humor!

Bill Sargent is well respected as an authority on this beautiful area of Plum Island and has been featured by many local and regional publications. Bill is the author of over 20 books about science and the environment, including “Islands in the Storm”, “Plum Island 4000 Years on a Barrier Beach,” and “Plum Island 2016.”

Plum Island Aerial Video Views:

The Anna Jaques Hospital, AJH Community Health Foundation 32nd Annual Fore Your Health Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, August 14th 2023 at Haverhill Country Club. This premier golf classic is an important annual community fundraiser and as always, all funds raised locally remain local helping to support critical local health initiatives. There are many ways to participate in this greater Newburyport event: sign up to golf, consider sponsorship or volunteer your time for the 2023 golf tournament.

As always the For Your Health Golf tournament is a day fun filled day featuring friendly competition with contests, raffles, and great prizes. The golf tournament stats with a 7:30 am shot gun start and an afternoon round starting at 12:30 pm. Players can enjoy breakfast and lunch on the terrace and patios and dinner will be served in the club ballroom where awards will be announced and prizes presented. Prizes will be presented to each golfer in the winning foursome. You do not have to be present to win.

Whether you’re a sponsor or a golfer register early as the Fore Your Health Golf Tournament is a very popular Greater Newburyport community event that you don’t want to miss. View 2023 Sponsorship opportunities and if you aren’t not a golfer, sign up to volunteer. The success of this event is always a collective effort and volunteer participation is greatly appreciated.

About the AJH Community Health Foundation

Led by a volunteer Board of Trustees, the Anna Jaques Hospital Community Health Foundation works with the hospital and medical staff to provide the highest quality medical care to our patients and improve the health of our community. The Foundation supports these goals through community outreach and education, and seeks philanthropic support from grateful patients and community members, employees, foundations, and businesses through outright gifts, events, and planned giving, and works closely with the AJH Aid Association.

The 2023 Riverside Cycle Community Bike Swap will be held Sunday, April 30th from 10 am – 2 pm under the tent located in the Newburyport Tannery parking lot. Make sure to mark your mark your calendar for this amazing North Shore shopping event and fundraiser. This is the BEST opportunity of the year to pick up used bikes at very reasonable prices and you’ll find a large selection of styles and brands for the serious cyclist, the occasional rider and of course the little beginners too! If your interested in selling or donating bikes drop them off at Riverside Cycle between 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday, April 15th or Saturday the 29th. Whether you’re, buying, selling or donating, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund to help fight cancer and the Coastal Trails Coalition to help maintain and improve our local bike trails.

Here’s how it works; on April 30th between 1o am – 2 pm, head over to the Riverside Cycle tent and and browse the the amazing selection of Riverside Community Bike Swap, Newburyport Used Bike Sale used bikes. Newburyport.com recommends arriving early for the bike swap, as this is a very popular event and a line normally forms by 9:30 am! Pick out and pay for your favorite bike, and the friendly staff at Riverside Cycle will give it a quick safety check, and get you on your way.

If you’re interested in selling or donating used bikes make sure bring your bikes to Riverside Cycle between 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday, April 16th or Saturday the 29th. There are two payment options; take 80% of the purchase price in cash, or 100% as store credit at Riverside Cycle. Either way, 20% of the purchase price will be donated. If you choose to donate bikes, all proceeds will go to charity. Remember, donations are tax deductible! If you have questions about buying, selling or donating, call the shop at 978-465-5566.

Riverside Cycle Owner, Aaron Millett is proud of how this important annual community event and its growth in terms of awareness, volunteers and increased donations for the Jimmy Fund and the Coastal Trails Coalition. The goal of the bike swap is to raise money to help in the fight against cancer and support our local bike trails, while providing a venue for people to buy and or sell quality used bikes in good condition. About 75 percent of those taking part in past bike swap events, are customers who enjoy finding great deals and supporting our fundraising efforts. Many of the repeat event patrons are parents looking for gently used bikes for their children, or looking to part with older bikes their kids have outgrown. Some just stop by to donate bicycles. Regardless of the motive, it’s a great opportunity for customers and our fundraising efforts. “I think it’s a win-win.”

Have fun at the Riverside Bike Swap and when your finished make sure to visit some of the other wonderful shops and restaurants located in the Tannery Marketplace.

Newburyport is thrilled to host Restaurant Week 2023 from Sunday, March 12th through Sunday, March 26th, an amazing opportunity to experience exceptional food & drinks from top North Shore restaurants. Organized by the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, participating restaurants are featuring a selection of lunch and dinner prefix menus offering strong value with a range of price points. Reservations are highly recommended and we encourage folks to try at least a couple of new restaurants as you just might discover a new favorite place.

Menu Pricing Options:
Lunch Selections: $22, $26, $32
Dinner Selections: $36, $42, $46

Although this event is referred to as Restaurant Week, it is intentionally hosted for two full weeks giving folks plenty of time to make it to their favorite places and to experience a few new restaurants as well. Although most participating restaurants are located in Newburyport, this is a community wide event and we encourage folks to explore newer places such as such as sin•a•loa Tacos & Tequila in Salisbury Beach.

Restaurant week is the perfect reason to make plans with friends, or get out for an overdue date night. Reservations are not required but they are strongly encouraged for this very popular foodie event. Check participating restaurant websites and social media pages for menu offerings and reservation information. Click on participating restaurants name below for a direct links to the business facebook page and the Instagram handles and phone numbers are also listed for your convenience.

Participating Restaurants:

Bar25 @bar25nbpt 978-255-3322
Brine Oyster Bar @brineoysterbar 978-358-8479
Grog @thegrogrestaurant 978-465-8008
Joy Nest @thejoynest 978-572-1615
Loretta Restaurant @lorettarestaurant 978-463-0000
Mandarava @mandarava_kitchen 617-819-4381
Metzy’s Cantina @metzyscantina 978-255-7347
Michael’s Harborside @michaelsharborside 978-462-7785
Mission Oak Grill @missionoakgrill 978-463-9009
Nu Kitchen @nu_kitchen 978-954-3271
Oregano Pizzeria & Ristorante @oregano_ristorante 978-462-5013
Paddle Inn @thepaddleinn 978-572-1242
Poynt @poyntnewburyport 978-358-8501
Sea Level Oyster Bar @sealevel_nbpt 978-462-8862
Sin-A-Loa @sin_a_loa 978-961-7310
Starboard Galley @starboardgalleynbpt 978-462-1326
Tuscan Sea Grill @tuscanseagrill 978-465-2211

Although Restaurant Week is designed to highlight Greater Newburyport Restaurants, if your visiting Newburyport we encourage you to make time to experience Newburyport shopping, a wonderful mix of fashion, home decor and and artisan boutiques. In addition to participating restaurants, many Newburyport retailers are offering promotions in a collaborative effort to encourage folks to Shop Local in conjunction with their dining experience.

Take a stroll along the boardwalk and if you’re visiting Thursday – Sunday, Newburport.com recommends exploring Newburyport’s maritime history with a visit to the Custom House Maritime Museum. Just a short distance down the Clipper City Rail Trail you will find the Newburyport Art Association featuring amazing local art exhibitions inside the gallery and amazing creativity and design in the outdoor sculpture garden. The NAA is open Tuesday – Sunday. The Greater Newburyport areas offers many amazing local attractions for folks to explore along with your Greater Newburyport dining and shopping experience.

Relive U2 live with the Joshua Tree Blarney Bash, on March 10th, 2023 at Blue Ocean Music Hall. If U2 live concerts bring back memories of amazing times singing and dancing with friends to this classic band, here is your opportunity to revive that spirit locally with the electric energy of the Joshua Tree Premiere U2 Tribute.

Rally a group of friends and experience an incredible night of great music and fun, with easy parking and a short commute home. Blue Ocean Music Hall is a beautiful waterfront facility conveniently located on Salisbury Beach offering picturesque ocean views. Newburyport.com highly recommends making a dinner reservation to enjoy dinner and drinks before the show at either Sea Glass or Capri.

In addition to being an exhilarating night of fun, proceeds from this concert will be used to provide free fireworks and concerts on Salisbury Beach every Saturday night during the summer season. Your support helps provide the opportunity for everyone in the community to enjoy great free summer entertainment, not just those who can afford to purchase tickets. Help Blue Ocean Music Hall and the Salisbury Beach Partnership give back to our local community and enjoy an amazing night out!

The Joshua Tree is a local New England based band recognized for winning the 2008 Boston Music Awards best tribute act and is know for preforming all U2 songs with the same intensity and emotion. The Joshua Tree covers all phases of U2’s career from first album to most recent.

Experiencing a Blue Ocean concert is a must. In addition to great live music, you can enjoy food service at your table prior to the concert and into the beginning of the show. Order your favorite drinks and sample Jameson’s Caskmates, smooth Irish whiskey aged to perfection in craft beer barrels, a true taste of Ireland.

You deserve a fun night out and here is your great excuse! Get your tickets now for the Joshua Tree U2 live Tribute. Doors open at 7 and show starts at 8 PM. Purchase tickets online or by calling 978-462-5888.

The 2023 Fairy Gnome Discover Walk and Art Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th and Sunday, April 30th at Pettengill Farm from 11-3. Put on your best and brightest wings, sprinkle a little fairy dust and get ready for a magical stroll through the woods to search for nearly 200 fairy houses. This year the very popular Salisbury Art Stroll is being combined with the Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk. So mark your calendar (rain or shine) for this wonderful outdoor event at Pettengill Farm, 45 Ferry Rd., in Salisbury. Hosted by the Salisbury PTA, this event will transport your family to a pint sized world fit for Tinker Bell and all of her fairy friends. Cost for the event is $7 per person, you may purchase a ‘family bundle’ of four tickets for the discounted price of $25, children under 2 are free. Tickets are available at the ticket booth on the day of event, reminder that in person tickets are cash only. If you purchased tickets online, make sure to print and bring your Paypal receipt for entry.

You and your little fairies will frolic through a one mile path, discovering surprises along the way. Situated throughout the woods, children will delight at finding tiny fairy houses, some humble abodes with a small swing outside to sizable (for fairies of course) estates with numerous rooms, pools and more. Be on the lookout for a butterfly themed home, some bookworm fairies and a possible village! All of these enchanting creations are the work of talented professionals, families, school children, and local businesses.

While fairy houses may be very small, the Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk is a BIG day, complete with activities, entertainment, food and places to shop for special souvenirs. Spread your wings and dance to live music, enjoy free kids arts activities and experience the improv theater performances as fairy tales are read aloud in these magical woods. And when you’ve worked up an appetite from all the fun, as we’re sure you will, the Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk will also have delicious food from some of your favorite local food trucks.

Costumes and imaginations are strongly encouraged, so come dressed to impress in your fairy finest. There will be fairy inspired attire and accessories for purchase for those in need of a wardrobe update. Make sure to check out the Salisbury PTA’s stand, for tutus, wands, wings, gnome hats, snacks and more. Everything for purchase at their stand is very reasonably priced so you won’t break the bank! And yes, parents, you can also dress up. After all, fairies have moms and dads too!

The fairy house walk is hosted by the Salisbury PTA, who raise money throughout the year to put on special events as well as to fund field trips, assemblies, college scholarships and other activities that enrich the Salisbury Elementary curriculum.

Please note, the Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk will happen rain or shine.

The 2023 Newburyport Kitchen Tour & Tasting is a self-guided tour of exceptionally beautiful residential kitchens and craftsmanship and also includes delicious sweet and savory bites and drinks from local businesses. The 21th Annual Kitchen Tour & Tasting will take place on Saturday, May 13^th, from 10 am to 4 pm, and is a major Newburyport PTO fundraiser in support of the Newburyport public schools. The Newburyport Kitchen tour features innovative design, and the opportunity to view stunning cabinets, counters, flooring, lighting design, fixtures, soft furnishings, tableware, flatware, appliances, and other practical and decorative elements of kitchen design! The addition of select wine and beer tastings has been an attendee-favorite and offers another tasty dimension to a fun filled tour to explore.

Many Newburyport Kitchen Tour goers make a day of it, seeking inspiration and renovation resources or salivate at the thought of local culinary creations and thoughtfully created libations, a perfect activity for Mother’s Day weekend. Thank you to the many local businesses who have donated food and or drinks to help make the Kitchen Tour extra special!

All Newburyport Kitchen Tour proceeds help fund cultural experiences, books, field trips, science fairs, and other educational events for Newburyport public school students and classrooms. This wonderful annual fundraiser is organized and hosted by volunteers. The Newburyport PTO is grateful to folks who sign up to host a shift during the tour and they shows their appreciation by providing volunteers with free tickets to attend the Kitchen Tour.

Tickets for the Newburyport Kitchen Tour and Tasting are are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at the following locations between 4/14 and 5/13 or you can purchase tickets online. If buying online your ticket receipt must be redeemed for a tour brochure. Brochures can be picked up at the following locations prior to or day of this fabulous event:

B&G Cabinets – 253 Low Street
Buttermilk Baking Company – 9 Liberty Street
Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe – 50 Water Street/ The Tannery
Newburyport Lighting Co. – 38R Merrimac Street
Nu Kitchen – 19-23 Pleasant Street
William Raveis Real Estate – 12 Federal Street

If you enjoy dining and shopping in our local community, you can also support the Newburyport PTO by purchasing or renewing your Newburyport App and VIP Card. The VIP Program allows you to enjoy discounts at 130 restaurants and shops in the Greater Newburyport community and $10 of each purchase or renewal is donated to the Newburyport PTO.

If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.

Apple/App Store: Download “Newburyport” for iOS/Apple

Android/Play Store: Download “Newburyport” for Android/Google

Newburyport Kitchen Tour 2017

Newburyport’s 2022 Maritime Holiday Tree strung with life ring ornaments will light up the waterfront for the season beginning December 2nd at at the annual maritime tree lighting ceremony on the Custom House Maritime Museum lawn adjacent to the Newburyport boardwalk. Visitors can arrive before the tree lighting at 5:00pm to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a holiday treat and purchase a decorated life ring or a life ring to decorate yourself. Free small life rings will be available for kids to decorate while supplies last. The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 pm, at which time the Newburyport Choral Society, will lead everyone in caroling at this wonderful community event. The Choral Society will sing for approximately 15 – 20 minutes but the event will continue until 6:30 pm. Although the tree lighting is early in December, this stunning tree is kept up through the holidays for all to enjoy and life rings can be purchased and added to the Maritime Tree through 12/21/22.

Unlike the coastal town’s traditional evergreen, the Custom House Maritime Holiday Tree features a nautical theme in keeping with the rich history of our port. The “tree” itself will be made of rope riggings resembling a tall ship and the decorative ornaments are replica boating life rings of various sizes. Equally as unique as the tree design is that the ornaments are all individually decorated by local residences and businesses. The idea for the Maritime Holiday Tree was developed in 2020 as a way to connect the community during a time when many people were experiencing isolation and or loss. The Maritime Tree provided hope and the start of what is certain to be, a long term Newburyport holiday tradition and an important ongoing fundraiser helping to support the Custom House. Sponsorships from local businesses help fund this fun the Maritime Tree in addition to the purchase of life rings.

The life rings, which will be strung on the Maritime Holiday Tree to illustrate tying our close community together, can be purchased in advance online to be picked up in person at the museum or by simply dropping into the museum gift shop during regular operating hours. While you are there, the museum gift shop is also a great place to shop local and discover unique gifts for that hard to shop for person on your list! The Custom House Maritime Museum is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am – 5 pm and Sundays from 12 – 5 pm. In order to offer more flexible hours, folks are able to go to pick up life rings through Wednesday, 12/21. If you are picking up a life ring on a day that the Museum is closed, go to the back door and ring the doorbell. If you have a wreath to hang after the 21st, you are welcome to hang it on the tree.

Families, students, businesses, and nonprofits are encouraged to purchase and decorate their ornaments with anything that will sustain the weather and contribute to the festive Maritime Holiday Tree—creativity welcome! If you would like to have your life ring ornament returned to you, make sure to write your name on the back.

Along with the tree lighting ceremony, the Custom House Maritime Museum is also host to other events during the season and the Custom House Gift Shop is a wonderful place to Shop Local for unique holiday gifts. For a full list of all holiday events and dates make sure to check our Events Calendar. Special event or not, visitors are welcome to stroll past the tree nightly through the end of December to enjoy the lights and one-of-a-kind ornaments.

Newburyport Waterfront Movies

Best of Newburyport Free Family Entertainment Sponsored by Newburyport Bank

Waterfront Movies Showcasing Family Films

Hosted by the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, Newburyport Waterfront Movies provide free outdoor family fun in downtown Newburyport! When the sun goes down, a 40-foot outdoor movie screen goes up in Waterfront Park. Traditionally the Waterfront Movies have been hosted during the summer months but you will notice that the 2022 schedule features one movie per month from August through October. Movie start times are slated for 7:30 or once it is dark enough to start the films.

The Newburyport Waterfront Movie Series features family-friendly movies as a way to provide some classic fun for all to enjoy. These free events have become a must-do for many local families from Newburyport and surrounding towns. Thank you to Newburyport Bank for sponsoring this cherished tradition. Below are the 2022 movie dates.

2022 Movie Lineup:

Thursday, August 18th – Mulan
Thursday, September 15th – Soul
Thursday, October 13th – Karate Kid – CANCELLED

*Note, there was a last minute cancellation of Soul due to wind but the Chamber plans to reschedule. We will post the new date as soon as it is announced.

Claim your spot with your favorite chairs or blanket and make sure to pick up dinner from one of our great local Newburyport cafes or restaurants. If you have the Newburyport VIP Card you can enjoy discounts at many local Places to Eat! Below are a few suggestions for delicious take out options near Waterfront Park.

Anchor Stone Deck Pizza – 10% Off Food, Dine-In or Take-Out
Oregano Pizzeria & Ristorante – 10% Off Food
Stone Crust Pizza – 10% Off Dine-In or Take-Out

If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.

Apple/App Store: Download “Newburyport” for iOS/Apple

Android/Play Store: Download “Newburyport” for Android/Google

Enjoy the show!

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Check out Newburyport Parks Fest 2022 also known as the Americana Rhythm & Roots Festival at Waterfront Park on Saturday, July 2nd, from 12 – 6 PM. Bring your picnic blanket and experience the Americana Rhythm & Roots Festival for free, or purchase VIP tickets to experience Best of Newburyport live music. VIP ticket holders can sit on the balcony of the Firehouse Center for the Arts while enjoying free food, wine and beer or be front and center, dancing on the grass in front of of the stage. All proceeds support the Newburyport Parks.

Make sure to arrive early in downtown Newburyport for a free Pre-Concert Shopping & Brunch Event. Local retailers will be hosting complimentary brunch inside their shops from 10 am – 12 pm, an amazing kick off to Parks Fest 2022! Enjoy brunch and and feel good about Shopping Local in Newburyport!

Who’s playing at the 2022 Parks Fest – Americana Rhythm & Roots Festival, you ask? Check out the impressive line-up and if by chance you’re not familiar with these nationally know bands, check out their Youtube videos.

2022 Parks Fest Lineup:

12:00 pm Opening Remarks
12:15 p.m. Quentin Callewaert
1:00 p.m. Darin & Brooke Aldridge
2:10 p.m. Rosie Flores & The Talismen
3:15 p.m. Ward Hayden and The Outliers
4:00 p.m. NH Academy of Performing Arts Dance Act
4:30 p.m. HEADLINE: Amythyst Kiah

The Americana Rhythm & Roots Festival supports the Newburyport Parks Conservancy, which maintains several parks and playgrounds around Newburyport including Cashman Park, Mosely Woods and Atkinson Common, to name a few.

VIP Coverage from Prior Year Newburyport Parks Fest – Americana Rhythm & Roots Festival

Support Ukraine fundraisers have been hosted and will continue to take place in the Newburyport Community and throughout many North Shore cities and towns. It is uplifting to see the positive response and participation with hope that the combined efforts will help make a difference for the Ukrainian people. Many of these initiatives began as simple ideas and spiraled into incredibly successful campaigns due to the tremendous response from individuals, small business owners, student groups and local nonprofit organizations.

Newburyport.com helps increase awareness for our local nonprofit and small business customers, many of which have recently organized or contributed to local Ukraine fundraisers. This article is meant to promote awareness of upcoming efforts and it summarizes some of the recent local happenings with links to the the organizations providing direct humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian people. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and we encourage folks to visit Ipswich this upcoming weekend to take part in the Stand Strong with Ukraine efforts.

Upcoming Local Support Ukraine Efforts:

Join Ipswich residents of Ukraine heritage, local ministers, state representatives, select board members, musicians and citizens of the North Shore community for an inspirational, Stand with Ukraine Event and Fundraiser, Sunday, May 22nd from 11:45 am – 3:30 pm, in Ipswich. Organized by Ipswich Citizens in Partnership With the People of Ukraine, this is a grass roots effort that provides support directly to people in the Ukraine. View the schedule of events below and scroll down to watch a video of event organizer, Ipswich business owner and Ukraine native, Tanya Marshall, from her participation in Newburyport candlelight vigil. For more information in this event, you can also visit the facebook page.
- Program:
  - 11;45 Gather on Town Hill to join in an ecumenical prayer for peace led by Reverend Brad Clark, Ascension Memorial Church, and fellow Ipswich ministers;
  - Walk for Peace down Market Street, through the Pavilion terrace by the River;
  - 12;15 pm Rally at the Hall-Haskell House for LIVE STREAM with friends and families in Ukraine, and further a series of offerings designed to generate deeper and renewed care and compassion for the people of Ukraine in the struggle to retain their freedom, including:
  - A special live video link with friends in Ukraine Kyiv, Konotop, Dnipro
  - Tanya Marshall (Ipswich resident, born in Ukraine)
  - State Senator Bruce Tarr ,
  - State Representative Jamie Belsito
  - Ipswich Select board members
  - Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England
  - Music by Steve Kercher “ I need Ammunition Not a Ride”
  - Traditional Ukrainian food and songs

Past & Ongoing Support Ukraine Efforts:

The, We Stand With Ukraine Musical Benefit, was held on Saturday, April 9th from from 7-10 pm, at Belleville Congregational Church. Tickets were $30 per person, available for purchase at the door and proceeds were donated to the World Central Kitchen. Doors open at 6 pm and cash is appreciated as it will enable quicker entrance into the concert, but Venmo and Square are also available. The concert will featured musical performances by: James Paone, Marjorie Senet and the Broken Home Boys, Liz Frame and the Kickers, Way Up South.

Ganesh Imports Newburyport, Portsmouth & Exeter helped encourage folks to make donations in support of The World Kitchen by generously matching donations up to $5,000 during the week of March 7th – 13th. Salesforce Cares also made a matching donation for a total contribution of $14,821.12. Thank you Bill Bixby, Owner of Newburyport and Portsmouth and Kristin Poulin, Owner of Exeter. Thank you to Bill and Kristin, long term retailers in the community known for their ongoing support for many important nonprofit efforts. Featured picture taken by Henry VanderSpek Photo Art.

The Newburyport 4^th Grade Girls Bake Sale for Ukraine Refugees raised a total of $36,000.00! The first bake sale hosted on March 13th at 45 Bromfield Street was a huge success raising $12,000.00, motivating the girls to organize and prepare for Support Ukraine Part 2, April 3rd, with an even bigger bake sale and the addition of a market place, raising a total of $24,000.00. A thoughtful idea of three 4th grade girls transformed into a communitywide mission with baked goods donations from a huge list of bakeries in Newburyport and neighboring towns as well as individual baked goods donations. In addition, gift certificates were donated for the raffle by many local small businesses and numerous kids donated Ukrainian artisan crafts. This tremendous group effort was led by parents, Greg and Emily Kulowiec owners of local small business, Dolly + Bub. Funds were donated to two causes: bstrong and family in Przemysl, Poland. Donations can be made through Venmo @Emily-Kulowiec ( verification code, 1611) or the Go Fund Me link.

A Newburyport Candlelight Vigil was held on March 23rd in Market Square. The Vigil was organized by Alissa Christie of Bentley’s Real Estate offering an opportunity to reflect and or pray as a collective effort to show support. The Vigil was attended by a special guest, Tatyana Marshall, an Ipswich resident and small business owner of Twins Chic. Tanya, originally from the Ukraine has lived in Ipswich for the past 15 years and is working hard to raise money for her, Stand with Ukraine Fund, a grass roots effort , designed to help get support to family and friends in need of food and medical attention. We encourage folks to follow Tanya’s mission on facebook. Tanya communicates daily with family, friends and volunteer workers in Ukraine and she works tirelessly every day to spread awareness at events throughout the North Shore community.

NHS Honor Society Bake Sale with Poetry, Music & Art in support of UNICEF was hosted on March 26th at Newburyport High School. The bake sale raised a total of $2,050.00.

On March 27th the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Theater in the Open & The Newburyport Arts Collective hosted An Evening of Theater and Poetry to Benefit Ukraine as part of a global initiative called the ‘Worldwide Readings Project’ in which close to 150 theater companies around the world have staged readings of Ukrainian texts to raise money for the military, humanitarian aid and relief efforts. The event raised $3,500.00 which was donated directly to Razom for Ukraine, a charitable organization delivering humanitarian aid. For anyone who wasn’t able to attend the fundraiser but would like to make a donation, they are encouraged to contribute through Nova Kahovka for Life, run by Plum Island resident Nadiia Sadowski.

We will continue to post information about upcoming support Ukraine fundraisers and or opportunities to get involved in other ways as well.

The 2022 Newburyport Inauguration Ceremony and swearing-in was held, Monday, January 3rd, 2022 at Newburyport City Hall. Recently elected City Council Members and School Committee Members were sworn-in prior to the ceremony and all new and existing city officials were in attendance as Mayor-Elect Reardon officially became Mayor Reardon during the inauguration ceremony. Mayor Sean Reardon and his Wife Jessie, who provided tremendous support every step of the way, watched proudly as their three children: Sadie, Ruby and Oliver led the Pledge of Allegiance and were by his side as he took his oath during the swearing-in. Mayor Reardon’s parents and in-laws were also in attendance to share the special celebration.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Charlie Cullen who did a great job stepping in for City Clerk, Richard Jones, and in honor wore a bow tie. Reverend Laura Biddle delivered a beautiful invocation and Senator Bruce Tarr delivered a dynamic speech encouraging everyone to support Mayor Reardon and all of the Newburyport City Officials. In addition to motivational speeches, the inauguration ceremony featured many wonderful musical performances including: bagpipes by Bob Morse, the National Anthem by Ella Suchecki & Audrey Cooper as well as musical selections by: Chris O’Donnell, Doug & Nora Baker, Karen Kearley and Danny Harrington.

Many former Newburyport Mayors were in attendance for the inauguration ceremony including: Byron Matthews, Lisa Mead, Christopher Sullivan, John Moak, and Donna Holaday. In addition to the Mayors who were present, Mayor Reardon recognized many other former Mayors for inspiring him to pursue a career in public service including: Richard Sullivan, Peter Matthews, Edward Molin, Mary Carrier and Mary Ann Clancy. He also thanked Mayor Donna Holaday for her 12 years of selfless and distinguished service to Newburyport.

During his inaugural address, Mayor Reardon referenced Newburyport’s history as a port city, a community of doers, citizens who come together to solve problems, commit to service and teach their children volunteerism. Mayor Reardon spoke of his vision for a united city that is inclusive and innovative, with people collaborating to create positive change. He spoke with enthusiasm about his goal to meet everyone and to motivate people to contribute their best ideas and talents in order to collectively achieve positive results for Newburyport.

Mayor Reardon explained that his strong desire to serve the Newburyport Community began with inspiration from his family. His Grandfather, Warren Oliver Page, proud 1940 graduate of Newburyport High School, served in the Coast Guard during WWII and was Newburyport’s first permanent Fire Chief. He was devoted to his Wife, Margaret Anne (Daley) Page who raised six children, had a career in nursing at Anna Jaques Hospital and later became the head of purchasing. Mayor Reardon learned from his grandfather that family comes first and when his grandmother was stricken with polio, he devoted his life to caring for her. He led his firefighters with this same philosophy, always taking care of people. He taught young Sean Reardon that the foundation of any department was its people and he took care of his people, with emphasis on core values of: friendship, loyalty and love.

Mayor Reardon credited his Father, Neil Reardon for instilling the importance of work ethic. Although he would come to be known as a legendary Teacher and Coach, Neil Reardon started his career working as a night janitor at Anna Jaques Hospital while earning an education degree at Salem State. Young Sean Reardon remembers his father starting his day at 3 am, delivering the Boston Globe to many city neighborhoods, finishing just in time to teach a classroom of 4th graders and ending the work day coaching one of his many sports teams. Mayor Reardon and his siblings quickly learned how to lead a team and how to put the right people in the right positions to ensure success.

The 2022 Newburyport inauguration ceremony and swearing-in was a great representation of gathering many highly talented and knowledgeable people to create a very successful event. The collaboration of inspirational speakers and musical talent made for a wonderful celebration. The ceremony concluded with the benediction and closing prayer offered by Reverend Timothy Harrison of Immaculate Conception Church followed by the Newburyport High School Band playing the Alma Mater led by Band Director, Steven Cohen. Enjoy Newburyport.com short video clips of the 2022 Inauguration or visit Port Media for the full event recording.

Below is a complete list of Newburyport’s current elected officials with newly elected officials highlighted in blue.

Newburyport Mayor:
• Sean Reardon

City Councilors-At-Large:
• Edward C. Cameron, Jr.
• Afroz Khan
• Constance Preston
• Bruce L. Vogel
• Mark R. Wright

City Councilors by Ward:
• Sharif I. Zeid, Ward 1
• Jennie L. Donahue, Ward 2
• Heather L. Shand, Ward 3
• Christine Elizabeth Wallace, Ward 4
• James McCauley, Ward 5
• Byron J. Lane, Ward 6

School Committee:
• Brian Callahan
• Sarah Hall
• Bruce M. Menin
• Sheila Reardon Spalding
• Juliet T.H. Walker

You may also enjoy our Newburyport.com video highlights from the 2018 Inauguration Ceremony swearing-in officials elected in the 2017 Newburyport elections.

Wings will be spread and curious eyes will be wide open during the 2022 Merrimack River Eagle Festival. This cherished annual event will offer virtual & and in-person options from Tuesday, February 8th through Saturday, February 12th in Newburyport and Amesbury. If you are planning to attend in-person or online you must register in advance for all planned activities in order to allow for management of capacity limits. The annual Eagle Festival, which welcomes back bald eagles to the region, is co-hosted by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center and features many great events. Image taken by Jim and titled (Mr. LifeLoomsLarge).

Although this year’s Eagle Festival will be quite different than prior years, there are still many opportunities to experience this wonderful annual tradition. Register to join online lectures including: raptor demonstrations, winter wildlife photography and winter wildlife. Outdoor guided walking tours will be available for adults and families with children ages 8 and older. Outdoor family programs highlighting winter raptors and other winter wildlife. It is important to register in advance for all online and in-person activities and lectures.

The Merrimack River Eagle Festival is a favorite of both locals and tourists. For those visiting the area for the event, Newburyport is also a destination filled with amazing restaurants, one of a kind shops, and unique experiences. Make a weekend of your visit, there are wonderful places to stay, and continue to explore the area. If you are going to eat, shop, and play in town, consider purchasing a VIP Card to receive local discounts.

Register for the Yoga Ohana fundraiser, lead by top yoga instructors from the Greater Newburyport area, and know that your participation is helping to improve quality of life for children with cancer. Lucy’s Love Bus helps provide hope, comfort and peace for children and their families in our region. Yoga Ohana will be held on Sunday, October 17th from 10am to 1pm, with the option to join in-person at Triton High School in Byfield, Mass. or via live online streaming video.

Yoga Ohana will offer adults and children a fun start to their day where they will learn from expert instructors and relieve stress, while raising money for children diagnosed with cancer! Lucy’s Love Bus provides free integrative therapies such as yoga, massage, acupuncture, and music therapy to kids with cancer, as they have been proven to help alleviate pain, stress, and anxiety and are beneficial activities that inspire hope and healing.

“‘Ohana’ means family and this event brings our community together to help families coping with childhood cancer,” said Beecher Grogan, Executive Director of Lucy’s Love Bus. “People of all ages and abilities will be able to experience the benefits of practicing yoga wherever they are comfortable, whether that’s socially distanced and masked at our in-person event, or via livestream from the comfort of their own home.”

Yoga Ohana will feature family-friendly yoga and meditation classes, led by local yoga teachers Ann Biese, Sarah Oleson, and David Glazebrook, and sound healing with Ankati Day. Local musician and Master of Ceremonies Michael Bernier will be the lively emcee, and local music group Start the Whale will be providing relaxing music during breaks! Thanks to Cedar’s Food, all attendees will be offered snacks to take home for a healthy refuel after a morning of fun!

Tickets are $50 for individuals or register your family/household for just $99! For more information and to register, please visit the Lucy’s Love Bus website. If you are not available to participate in this wonderful event, please consider making a donation.

The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. was on display at Plum Island Airport in Newbury, MA during Labor Day Weekend 2021, from 6 pm on 9/2 through 6 am 9/7. The replica, which is 252.83 feet long and consists of 58,272 names, has been touring the country since 1984 and includes approximately 1,300 people who are still unaccounted for prisoners of war (POW’s) and missing in action (MIA).

Vietnam Veterans were not honored for their service to our country as they returned home. The idea to create the Moving Wall was originated by a Vietnam Veteran, John Devitt who while attending the the 1982 dedication in Washington DC, was inspired to share the positive power of “The Wall.” John Devitt, Norris Shears, Gerry Heaver and other Vietnam Veterans built the Moving Wall in order to honor and show gratitude to as many Vietnam Veterans as possible throughout the country.

The Moving Wall was escorted to the Plum Island Airport by NEMLAC (NE MA Law Enforcement Council), Patriot Riders, and Amesbury Moving Wall, Plum Island, Newbury MA and Newbury police. Residents and tourists were invited to line the procession route and welcome its arrival at the airport. Visitors were also encouraged to attend the wall’s opening ceremony featuring a wreath-laying ceremony by decorated Vietnam Veterans, a welcome home ceremony, keynote speakers, and a fly-over by the state police.

The Moving Wall was available for viewing twenty-four hours a day until its disassembly on Tuesday, September 7th at 6 am. Up to 20,000 visited this solemn memorial that honored our heroes throughout its stay, including about two thousand area veterans who were personally invited. Volunteers were onsite twenty-four hours a day assisting visitors as greeters, helping them look up names of the fallen, and escorting them to the correct panel on the Moving Wall. Grief counselors provided by the Lowell Vet Center were also be on hand.

The Moving Wall’s visit to the area was a project ten years in the making for the chief organizer of the event, Dennis Palazzo, who finally secured a date in November 2020. For Palazzo, who had a close friend on the wall, it was an emotional experience to finally have the opportunity to bring the monument to the area.

“Freedom is not free, it comes with a cost, and the cost is written on that wall,” said Palazzo.

Palazzo and the official host of the Moving Wall, Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming Board of Directors, worked tirelessly with a group of close to 100 volunteers to make this event possible. The outpouring of support from the community to aid Palazzo in bringing this memorial to the area was huge. He has raised over $20,000 from sponsors, local restaurants and shops donated meals and goods, the National Guard supplied a command tent, and Newbury police and firemen offered up their time pro bono.

“It’s an honor to bring the wall to the area. The names on the wall each represent a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice and never made it home,” said Palazzo.

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Moving Wall Procession Route from Amesbury Furniture Outlet to Plum Island Airport:
Down Market Street to Amesbury Center, continue Up Friend St., go 3/4’s around Rotary onto Main St., continue on Main St. across Route 110, under Route 495, turn Left to stay on Main St., bear Right onto Spofford St., over the Chain Bridge (Newburyport), continue half around the Rotary – 2nd exit – onto Moseley Ave., merge Left onto High St., (Route 113) for about 3.5 miles, turning Left onto Rolfes Lane, (Newbury), turning Right onto Plum Island Airport (ETA a bit before 6:00 p.m.) – with Escort Motorcycles parking on the Airport Runway, in designated area.

Newburyport resident and renowned historian Dr. Kabria Baumgartner is digging into the rich and often untold history of African Americans in Essex County. Thanks to a $100,000 grant awarded by the National Parks Service and the Organization of American Historians, Dr. Baumgartner is working to uncover materials and information to help create more inclusive and interpretive sources for local sites that reflect the true racial diversity of the county.

Through public records and census records, Dr. Kabria Baumgartner can confirm there were many African American families living in Newburyport in the 19th century. However, she has found archival materials like newspapers, photographs, and other documents extremely limiting for Newburyport itself. While Dr. Baumgartner, an associate professor at the University of New Hampshire, is still actively researching and uncovering materials, there are some fascinating stories and artifacts that have already been discovered for Essex County. Folks had the chance to hear Dr. Baumgartner’s discoveries first hand, as she was the keynote speaker at the 2021 Newburyport YWCA’s annual Engaging Community Luncheon where she spoke about her findings and shared stories and answered questions.

One such story that she uncovered is that of Sara Baro, referred to as “the African princess”, who lived in Topsfield. Sara, who was born in West Africa in the late 1830s, was captured and brought to the United States as a child. The Conant family “took her in” as an indentured servant—slavery was abolished back in 1783 in Massachusetts, but we know that the labor of enslaved people continued to fuel the economy in Essex County well into the late 18th century. Sara’s life is an amazing story of survival in the face of adversity. The Conant family seems to have treated her well and Sara even received an education at Topsfield Academy. While Sara could not change her class status, she appears to have lived a satisfying life worthy of something very special Dr. Baumgartner discovered—a will. It turns out the Topsfield Historical Society holds a very valuable artifact, Sara’s jewelry box which also happens to contain her will. This shows that while she may not have had a large amount of money, Sara had made enough of a life for herself to feel the need to create this document. Dr. Kabria Baumgarner sees this as just the beginning of her search to find more documents and artifacts related to the African princess.

Another of Dr. Kabria Baumgartner’s stories she has come across is that of the Hinton’s, an African American family that resided in Andover in the late 19th century and early 20th century. This historical story is a great example of black entrepreneurship and a tale of Black family life in New England. Allen Hinton, a freed slave, moved from the south to Andover for a new beginning—where he started his family. It’s also where he started the Hinton Family Ice Cream Farm, the first ice cream selling business in New England. The business was embraced by the community, with Allen and family selling at local schools—Phillips Andover Academy and Abbott Academy for Young Ladies. Allen’s daughter Alice later took over the business and received praise from Booker T. Washington himself for her keen business sense.

Dr. Kabria Baumgartner, who resides in Newburyport with her family, is an interdisciplinary historian of nineteenth-century African American life and culture in the United States and the author of the award-winning book, In Pursuit of Knowledge: Black Women and Educational Activism in Antebellum America. Dr. Baumgartner and her co-principal investigator in the Essex County African American history project, Elizabeth Duclos Orsello, continue to research and find artifacts and materials to enrich our communities. Orsello, a professor at Salem State, and Baumgartner both use this grant as a teaching moment, getting their students involved in the research first hand. Photograph taken by Matthew Troisi 22 CPA, UNH EDU.

Purchase your tickets now for the 2020 North Shore Magazine Grand Tasting, Thursday, March 5th from 6-10 PM at Blue Ocean Event Center. Doors open at 6:00 for VIP ticket holders and 6:30 for general admission. What is the Grand Tasting? Celebrity chefs, exquisite wines and tantalizing tastes from the region’s top restaurants and gourmet food and wine shops, come together for the North Shore’s premier 6th annual “foodie” event. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience a past Grand Tasting, enjoy video footage from prior years.

Indulge in scrumptious savory and sweet nibbles from local food artisans, making everything from farmhouse cheese to hard cider to award-winning handmade chocolate treats. Enjoy creative dishes, foods and drinks from some of your favorite highly regarded spots, and discover exceptional new places to eat and shop as well. The Grand Tasting features a broad selection of exceptional North Shore food and drink vendors from restaurants, wine and cheese shops, breweries, wineries, catering companies, and bakeries.

In addition to hosting amazing events, North Shore Magazine strives to help give back to folks in our local community. A portion of all 2020 Grand Tasting ticket sales are donated to Our Neighbors’ Table and the Greater Boston Food Bank in support of their efforts to end hunger in eastern Massachusetts.

Purchase your tickets now. Don’t miss the North Shore’s most exciting ‘foodie” event of the year! Secure General Admission tickets to the Grand Tasting for $125 per ticket or VIP tickets for $150 per ticket. There are a limited number of tickets being sold at a special price. Use the code FLASHSALE02 and receive 40% off, for both General Admission and VIP tickets. Gather some friends and treat yourself to a well deserved night of exceptional food, drinks, music, dancing and socializing.

Mark your calendar for the annual Pettengill House Fundraiser, Friday March 6th from 6-10 pm at Blue Ocean Music Hall. Enjoy a special performance from Bob Surette, top-tier master fine artist for: Disney, Star Wars, DC Comics, Dreamworks, Muppets and he is also know as the fastest portrait artist in the world. The Pettengill House Fundraiser will include dinner, live music by the Jumpstreet Band, dancing, speed painting, live and silent auctions, all for a great cause! Purchase your tickets before the sell out. Tickets are $60 per person or reserve a table for eight people for $450.

Founded in 1994 by area residents and agencies, The Pettengill House has been helping Greater Newburyport families and individuals for more than 20 years. The Pettengill House supports at-risk families and individuals by providing wrap-around services and core basics such as food, shelter, clothing and health and safety. As of today, the Pettengill House helps an estimated 3,030 clients. many of them children. Among the communities served by the Pettengill House are: Amesbury, Newburyport, Groveland, Byfield, West Newbury and Salisbury.

“Together with our generous friends and supporters, it’s time to celebrate all that our agency does for the nine local towns that we serve. Our work continues as we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that the basic needs of every individual, child and family in our service area are met,” Pettengill House Executive Director Deb Smith said.

“Thank you for your continued support and rest assured that every donation stays local and has an immediate impact on individuals, families and children of the Pettengill House community,” Smith said.

Greater Newburyport Spring & Summer
Consignment Sale

West Newbury Town Annex | March 7th & 8th, 2020

Buy or Sell at the Spring and Summer Consignment Sale

Spring Consignment Sale | Greater Newburyport Mothers & Families Club

Mark your calendar now for the GNFC Spring and Summer Babies and Kids Consignment Sale, March 7th from 9 AM – 2 PM and March 8th from 9 AM – 12 PM. Organized by the Greater Newburyport Families Club (GNFC), the Consignment Sale is an amazing opportunity to find great deals on everything you need for babies and kids. This is such a popular event that there will certainly be a line of shoppers waiting to enter at 9 AM on Saturday morning, and you will find the serious shoppers back at 9 AM on Sunday to take advantage of the sale. GNFC will be offering 50% off (on items marked as discounted) all day on Sunday.

For two days, the West Newbury Town Annex will be transformed into a store where people can sell and purchase gently used baby gear, clothing, shoes, toys, books, DVD’s, strollers, maternity clothing and more. GNFC is very appreciative of the Town of West Newbury for letting them use the facility at no charge.

If you’re interested in selling items you must Register Online at My Consignment Manager, and you do not need to be a GNFC member. On Thursday, April 4th, at 11:59 pm My Consignment Manager closes, so all items must be entered prior to this time. After the sale, sellers receive a check in the mail for 70% of the purchase price for sold items, and they can pick up or donate unsold items on Sunday between 2 – 2:30 PM.

GNFC maintains 30% of each sale and combines the funds for a community gift that is given in the GNFC name. The donation recipient changes each year as GNFC works to help support many local nonprofits in the Greater Newburyport community. In recent years donations have been made to The Community Giving Tree, The Custom House Maritime Museum, The Newburyport Rail Trail Project, The Amesbury Town Park Renovation Committee, The Breast Care Center at Anna Jaques Hospital and the Newburyport Inn Street Foundation Restoration.

For more information on how to prepare your items for sale, contact consignment@greaternewburyportfamilies.org. Otherwise, happy consignment sale shopping Greater Newburyport Families! Click here to go directly to the GNFC website.

Enjoy our video from a prior GNFC Consignment Sale.

Event Details

LOCATION:
West Newbury Town Annex
318 Main Street
West Newbury, MA 01985

SHOPPING:
Saturday, March 7th – 9 AM – 2 PM
Sunday, March 8th – 9 AM – 12 PM
Sunday Sale – 50% off items marked as discounted

Register to Sell Items

Important Notes:

CONSIGNMENT MANAGER CLOSES:
Thursday, March 5th 11:59 PM

DROP OFF ITEM FOR SALE:
Friday, March 6th – 9:30 – 11:30 AM

PICK UP OF UNSOLD ITEMS IF NOT DONATING:
Sunday, March 8th – 3:00 – 3:30 PM
Anything not picked up during this time will be donated and can not be reclaimed.

Important Notes:
You must check all items for recalls and sign a waiver confirming this information. Go to www.cpsc.gov for recall information.

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

Bartlet Mall

Bartlet Mall, a gorgeous historic park at the intersection of Pond and High Streets, is a great place for ice-skating, sledding, and enjoying nature. Its scenic views provide the setting for a wide variety of popular community events. There are wide walkways and a series of footpaths that border the Mall and lead to the Frog Pond. It has also become a highly photographed area by many local photographers.

Topsfield Fair, Topsfield, MA County Fair

Topsfield Fair – America’s Oldest County Fair Began in 1818

The annual Topsfield Fair is a cherished tradition for many local North Shore families and for fair goers who travel far distances to be part of this amazing fall event

Premier 18 Hole Mini Golf Course for the North Shore

Have you been to Nunan’s lately? Last year, we proudly opened Kallie’s Kones, a full-service ice cream parlor, and Garden Golf, a premier 18-hole, beautifully landscaped mini golf course. Our

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™

The Asset Builder Awards are a great opportunity to publicly acknowledge youth, adults and organizations throughout Newburyport who are supporting young people through their work or character. Our story image features prior year winners. Come help recognize the 2020 winners as Newburyport Youth Services and The BEACON Coalition host the 12th Annual Asset Builder Awards happening on March 19th from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Newburyport Senior Center. Nominated by members of the community, the recipients are selected for awards based on their natural ability and desire to support youth in Newburyport. Their relationships with youth in the city are positive, encouraging, supporting and empowering. Below is the list of 2020 Asset Award winners.

2020 Asset Builder Award Winners:
Frank Crump, Newburyport School Crossing Guard
Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats Education Coordinator
Madison, Bridget, & Charlotte MacMillan, Outstanding Youth
Kathleen Petrie, Molin School Teacher, NPS
Richard Tierney, Newburyport Youth Hockey Coach

In 1990, Search Institute released a framework of 40 Developmental Assets, which identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults. The greater number of assets a younger person has, the lower number of high risk behaviors they get involved in. The BEACON Coalition uses this model as their framework for prevention.
Newburyport Youth Services and The BEACON Coalition will be accepting nominations for the eight main categories of the 40 Assets.

Anyone can recognize an individual or organization by submitting a nomination. The 2020 nomination deadline is February 14th and below is a list of the eight asset categories. If you missed the nomination deadline, make sure to recognize someone next year. Nominations can be filled out online and forms are also available at the Newburyport High School, Nock Middle School, Newburyport Rec Center and the Newburyport Public Library. They can be dropped off at the Newburyport Rec Center (formerly the Brown School) or mailed to 40 Milk Street Newburyport, MA 01950. For additional information regarding the event and nomination forms, please contact 978-465-4434 or Beacon@cityofnewburyport.com.

Newburyport Youth Services and The BEACON Coalition accept nominations for the eight main categories of the 40 Assets.

Support: This award recognizes an individual or organization who actively supports and advocates for youth. More than just a good friend, this is an individual that is trusted, respected and able to connect people to the resources they need. Or a family that models healthy communication and support!
Empowerment: Do you know of a young individual who has taken on challenges throughout the community in hopes of making a difference? Or an adult or organization that works to empower young people by building skills or creating opportunity for leadership.
Positive Identity: We would like to recognize an organization that helps to build self-esteem in young people and/or a young person who displays a positive model of identity to his/her peers.
Commitment to Learning: Do you know an organization that strives towards expanding the knowledge of young people throughout the community, or a young person that is dedicated to learning and pursuing further knowledge and inspire others to do the same?
Positive Values: This award will recognize a young person who has demonstrated honesty, character and conviction in their everyday life. A person with integrity does what is right, not what is easy.
Constructive Use of Time: Do you know an individual who uses their free time toward programs, creative activities or other positive programs? Or an organization whose purpose is to support youth in using their use of time to better themselves/others?
Boundaries & Expectations: This award recognizes an individual who is considered an adult role model or positive peer influence. This individual has a good sense and supports appropriate family, school and neighborhood boundaries.
Social Competencies: Do you know an individual or organization who supports excels in planning/decision making, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, resistance skills, and/or peaceful conflict resolution?

Entering into the public school system can feel exciting and daunting at the same time, which is why we’ve compiled all the information you’ll need for your family to tackle preschool registration, pre-k, and kindergarten registration—all in one convenient place. With our guide, you can spend less time searching for answers and more time preparing your children for their next big adventure.

For families entering the Newburyport Public School system for the first time, make sure to put the Parent Information Session on January 29th at 6 pm at the Bresnahan School on your calendar. Here teachers and principals will explain the process for both preschool registration and kindergarten registration, answer questions, and get you started on the overall process.

Preschool Registration

How it Works:

Preschool and pre-K are all part of the same program, The Integrated Preschool Program. Families with students returning to the program (ie. in their second year of preschool or entering pre-K) and new students that have had siblings attend the preschool program previously (this includes the former Brown Schools) are given priority registration from January 6th to the 16th. These students will be given spots before any lottery drawings.

From February 3rd through the 28th registration opens for all new preschool families, along with kindergarten registration. Preschool registrations can be dropped off in person at the Bresnahan School office during school days between 10 am and 2 pm, scanned and emailed tolmorasse@newburyport.k12.ma.us or gphillips@newburyport.k12.ma.us, or mailed to the school at 333 High Street. When the school system receives your completed application your family will be given a lottery number.

Preschool registration forms can all be found online and will also be handed out during the parent information session, January 29th at the Bresnahan School. In order to complete the process, you must fill out all forms which include: Enrollment Form, Confidential Student Health Form, MA Health Record Form, Home Language Survey, and Certification of Address Form. Along with the forms, applicants must also include a check or money order for $300, a copy of your child’s birth certificate, your child’s most recent health records, and proof of residency (utility bill or mortgage/lease agreement). You will not be given your lottery number until the school receives your application in its entirety.

A lottery will be drawn on March 4th at 10:00 AM at the Superintendent’s Office-70 Low St, if there are more applicants than spots. Programs range in demand, with the full day programs tending to be the most popular and the half day options generally having enough spots to meet demand. When filling out the application you will be able to give your top three preferences. If you aren’t selected for your first choice you will automatically be entered into the lottery for your second and third choices. Families may attend the drawing to see if your child is selected or wait for the school to post results online, this will be done no later than March 6th. Those that do not secure a spot will be put on a waitlist.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration is a somewhat easier and less stressful process than preschool registration, as all students are guaranteed a spot. Because all applicants will be accepted, there is no priority registration or lottery process to explain.

How it Works:

From February 3rd through the 28th families may submit their applications. kindergarten registrations can be dropped off in person at the Bresnahan School office during school days between 10 am and 2 pm, scanned and emailed to lmorasse@newburyport.k12.ma.us or gphillips@newburyport.k12.ma.us, or mailed to the school at 333 High Street.

All kindergarten programs are five days a week, but families can choose between half and full day options. While half day kindergarten is free, families must pay for the full day option. Visit here for tuition information. There are tuition assistance programs for families that qualify and families with multiple children entering kindergarten will also receive a discount.

As is with preschool registration, 0nly completed applications will be accepted. In order to be considered complete, you must submit all forms (these can be found online and will be handed out at the Parent Information session January 29th), which include: either the Full or Half Day Application, Newburyport Public School Enrollment Form, Confidential Student Health Form, Certificate of Address, Home Language Survey, Kindergarten Parent Questionnaire, Preschool Visitation Permission. Along with the forms, applicants must also include a check or money order for $380 if applying for full day kindergarten, a copy of your child’s birth certificate, your child’s most recent health records, and proof of residency (utility bill or mortgage/lease agreement).

Important Dates to Remember

January 6th-16th: Priority registration for preschool registration is open for returning preschool students and siblings of students that previously attended the preschool program (including former Brown Schools).
January 29th: Information session for all prospective families—preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten.
February 3rd-28th: Non-priority registration is open for preschool registration and kindergarten registration is open for all families.
March 4th: Preschool registration lottery will be held. If there are more students than slots, a waitlist will be formed.
Mid-March: Acceptance letters to all families in all programs are sent out.

River Valley Charter School

Along with the Bresnahan School, Newburyport is also home to River Valley Charter School. River Valley does not offer preschool, but you may apply for kindergarten.

How it Works:

Any family in Massachusetts may apply to this charter school—however, residents of Amesbury, Newburyport, Pentucket, and Triton are given enrollment preference. Siblings to currently enrolled students will also receive preference. General enrollment for River Valley is done by a lottery system.

Applications for kindergarten registration, as well as other grades, must be submitted by February 25th at 4 pm to be considered for the upcoming school year. You may apply online, in person at River Valley Charter School located at 2 Perry Way, or by mail.

Your registration checklist should include—the enrollment application, proof of residency, and a copy of your child’s birth certificate. Once completed, you will receive a unique application number and entered into the lottery.

The lottery drawing will be held on February 27th at 4 pm at the school. Families are welcome to attend the lottery drawing but it is not mandatory. Those not in attendance will receive a phone call and/or email to let them know the status of their application. Once a spot is offered, you have five days school days (five business days over the summer months) to accept the offer. Applicants that do not receive a spot will be placed on a waitlist in the order their number was drawn.

On Saturday, October 12, 2019 The Grog Restaurant’s 12th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Craft Beer Fest will be held from 12 noon to 4 pm under the tent at The Tannery Marketplace, 50 water Street in Newburyport. This great event began as a chili cook-off held for six years in The Grog’s parking lot, has grown each year in popularity and diversity. With the generosity of their co-sponsor, The Tannery Marketplace, The Grog has been able to triple attendance over the years by adding the perfect complement to chili, a craft beer festival.

Billed as the Northshore’s most creative chili competition, Newburyport area restaurants and markets vie for The Peoples’ Choice Award for Best Chili. Everyone who purchases a ticket gets to vote. So far the 2019 participating restaurants include: Michael’s Harborside, The Grog, Metzy’s, Brick & Ash, Loretta, Dos Amigos, The Paddle Inn, and Port Tavern (more to come)

This is a competitive event and an honor to be selected as the Grog Chili Fest winner. For 2019 The Michael’s Harborside took 1st place for the 3rd year in a row. The Grog was 2nd place, Andiamo was 3rd and Metzy’s was 4th. The top pick in 2018 & 2017 was Michael’s Harborside, in 2016 was Port Plums and in 2015 the winner was Port City Sandwich Company! There are many local eateries that will participate in this fun event.

This is the sixth year of the craft beer and cider-makers tasting. Many local and regional breweries are participating and the list will be published closer to the event date.

The event was created to benefit local food pantries and it still does. The Pettingill House in Salisbury, Our Neighbors’ Table in Amesbury, and Community Services of Newburyport share the proceeds from the festival. The agencies attend the event each year to provide information regarding their services and to accept food donations from attendees.

Tickets to the event are $10 for Unlimited Chili Tasting and $25 for Beer & Chili Tasting. This is an all-ages community festival and children 10 and under are admitted free. Tickets will be sold on-site.

Put on your dancing shoes for the annual Music for Change fundraiser hosted by Pennies for Poverty. The Elks Lodge (25 Low Street, Newburyport) will be hopping on Saturday, November 2nd at 6 pm for this charitable concert featuring food, dancing, and of course—live music.

Headlining the Pennies for Poverty Music for Change event is the energetic seven-piece R&B band, The Chicken Slacks, returning by popular demand for a second year. This fundraiser has sold out in years past, so grab your tickets online or in-person at Dyno Records (1 Middle Street, Newburyport) or Greetings By Design (1 Rear Water Street, Newburyport). If you don’t plan on sitting down—and you may not want to with the tunes going—you can purchase a single ticket for $40/person. For those that would like to grab a seat, there is also an option to reserve a table for eight. Tables are limited and sell out quickly.

Along with music, there will be plenty more to enjoy at the Music for Change fundraiser. The event’s sponsor, For the Love of Food and Drink, will be serving up small plates, including vegetarian and gluten-free options and Pennies for Poverty has organized both a silent and live auction. Years past have featured Boston Celtics and Patriots tickets, gym membership, restaurant gift certificates, work by local artists, and more.

All proceeds from Music for Change go directly to address urgent needs and underfunded programs at social service organizations that help those living in poverty in Newburyport and surrounding towns.

Pennies for Poverty: 2 Cents 4 Change, Inc. was founded with the belief that if everyone in the community does a little to help those in need, we can substantially reduce poverty and improve the well-being of all members of the community. This nonprofit is run by volunteer members of the community. Its mission is to reduce poverty and alleviate its devastating impact on individuals and families in the greater Newburyport area.

The Greater Newburyport Fall and Winter Baby and Kids Consignment Sale is an amazing opportunity to find gently used items at very reasonable price points. This semi-annual sale has become so popular that it is now a two-day event. This year’s sale will be held on Saturday, September 14th from 9 am – 2 pm and Sunday the 15th from 9 am – 12 pm at the West Newbury Town Annex located at 381 Main Street in West Newbury. In addition to being a fun shopping event, the Greater Newburyport Families Club Baby (GNFC) and Kids Consignment Sale is also the perfect place to sell items that you no longer need. 70% of the proceeds go to the seller, 30% goes toward a community gift given in the GNFC’s name. You do not need to be present to have your items sold. Upon registering with “My Consignment Manager” you are assigned a seller number. After the sale, you will receive a check in the mail from the GNFC for the items sold.

How to register:

Log on to:

www.seller.myconsignmentmanager.com/newburyport and follow the steps to become a seller.

ITEMS ACCEPTED FOR THE FALL/WINTER 2019 BABY AND KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE:

Children’s Shoes/Seasonal Boots
Children’s FALL/WINTER Clothing
Toys
Strollers
Baby gear
Maternity clothing
Books
Children’s Videos & DVDs
Games
Layette

On Thursday, September 12th, at 11:59 pm the My Consignment Manager website closes; all items must be entered by this time.

Location: Town of West Newbury Annex, 381 Main Street, West Newbury, MA 01985

Drop-off of items is Friday, September 13th, from 9:30 am -11:30 am. Should you be unable to drop off items due to work or scheduling conflict, please email consignment@greaternewburyportfamilies.org

THE SALE IS NOW TWO DAYS OF SHOPPING: Saturday, September 14th 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and Sunday, September 15th 9:00 am -12:00 pm

*If you are NOT donating unsold items, you must PICK UP between 2:00-2:30 pm. ANYTHING LEFT AFTER 2:30 pm WILL BE DONATED AND CANNOT BE RECLAIMED.*

If you are not donating unsold items, you MUST leave a container(s) or large trash bag(s) that are clearly labeled with your seller number on the outside. All unsold items will be placed in your container(s)/bag(s) for you to pick up.

Also, The Greater Newburyport Families Club (GNFC) is pleased to announce that they are ready to accept proposals for our 2019 Community Gift. Selected project(s) will receive a monetary gift from the GNFC. This is a great way for local non-profits to move forward with a new or expanded project directly related to the mission of GNFC and support local families.

If you need further assistance or have questions, email consignment@greaternewburyportfamilies.org.

Paddle The Port, Kayak and Sup River Races will not be hosted during The 2022 Yankee Homecoming Festival. We hope to see the return of this event by next year.

This year, Yankee Homecoming will kick off with the fourth annual Paddle The Port, Kayak and Sup River Races on the Merrimac River, on Saturday, July 27. Contestants in the Kayak and Sup River Races must be at Cashman Park to check-in between 8-9 am and the race will start promptly at 9:30. Online registration should be done prior to race day. All registrants will receive an event t-shirt, designed by Paddle Paddle Surf Apparel, and names will be entered into a drawing for tickets to attend the Yankee Homecoming Brewfest, happening that night. Organizers are working hard to make Paddle the Port as fun to watch as it is to participate in, so grab your kayak or stand-up paddle board and join in, or watch from shore and cheer on your favorites; a great time is guaranteed.

Competitors will launch kayaks and stand-up paddle boards into the Merrimac River at the Cashman Park boat ramp off Merrimac Street and after a safety review, paddle up river past Ram Island, Carr Island and around Deer Island, then back to Cashman Park and the finish line for a total of 4.6 miles. This year’s Kayak and SUP River Races has several divisions: kayakers will compete for Elite, Recreational, Tandem, and Over Age 60, first, second and third places, male and female. Stand-up paddle boards will compete for first, second and third places and winners will receive a medal.

New to the Kayak and Sup River Races this year are some complimentary fitness as well as food options to round out the event for both spectators as well as participants. New sponsor this year, Pure Barre, a boutique barre studio in town, will offer free barre classes throughout the day while. At 11 AM there will be the chance to enjoy a SUP YO Demonstration/ Class. On the culinary front, food trucks on site this year to add ease to your picnic plans. The Sacred Cod with be offering up fresh breakfast items while Flor de Cafe will be nearby with both with fresh hot coffee as well as yummy pastries. If you are in the mood for something a little stronger or cooler on the summer day, be sure and check out Floyd’s Spiked Ice Tea & Lemonade tent.

Race Wire is handling all registrations and providing professional timing for racers. This means that competitors in the Kayak and SUP River Races will get their time and photos sent to them moments after they cross the finish line. Participants come from all over New England to join in this fun and exciting event, and organizers are expecting around 150 competitors. The event also has some new sponsors this year, including REI who will have a tent with give-aways and lawn games in the park. The course should take the average kayaker or stand-up paddle-boarder around 30-40 minutes to complete, so spectators have time to enjoy a picnic lunch by the river and play games while they cheer on the contestants.

Organizers put safety first and enlisted the help of the US Coast Guard to pick the safest time for racers to take on the rushing Merrimac River. On race day, there will be several motor boats in the water to supervise and assist boaters and paddle-boarders who need it. Alcohol is prohibited, and all participants must have a USCG approved flotation device and a race whistle. Inspectors will review all equipment before they allow racers to launch.

Newburyport High School Prom is always a time of excitement and fun! It’s a wonderful tradition that students prepare for, weeks in advance. The 2019 Newburyport Senior Prom was held Thursday, May 30th and the festivities started at 5 PM with the annual promenade. The Promenade always takes place at Newburyport High School before the prom in order to include everyone in this memorable event. Students (who so chose) name’s are announced as they walked down the steps of the high school and then continue down a sidewalk lined with people. Friends, parents, younger & older siblings, other family members, and many from the community come out to be part of this exciting nigh for the students. After the Promenade, students take photos with friends and family and then are transported to the prom on buses. The prom will be held at Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury. The 2019 Prom Promenade Video was entirely produced by Julia Bentley, 11 year old daughter of Newburyport.com owners.

Traditionally, at a prom students were expected to wear formal attire. Male students wore a black tux with a tie or vest that corresponded in color to their date’s formal gown. Now, with today’s society evolving faster than ever, students, especially girls, are encouraged to express themselves, as they so choose. You will still see lots of formal dresses but you will also see some wearing outfits that stray from traditional gowns, like jumpsuits and even two piece fashions. Meanwhile, boys are wearing different colored suits and switching up their formal attire.

Not only are students more expressive with their attire, but there is far less pressure to attend the Newburyport High School Prom as a traditional couple. You will see groups of girls, groups of guys and LGBT couples too. Newburyport High School students are attending prom with friends that they want to make memories with. Newburyport High School senior Isabelle Bacon said, “As a member of the LGBT community, I have personally noticed that our community has become more accepting, because our society has grown in awareness that not everyone is the same.” The Newburyport High School seniors are a diverse group of students but they are ready to celebrate their many wonderful accomplishments as they prepare for exciting future endeavors.

Newburyport.com enjoyed helping to capture this great group of students and we hope you enjoy our video of the Newburyport High School Prom Promenade. Make sure to follow Newburyport VIP on Instagram to view our VIP Prom photo highlights.

2018 Prom Video:

Newburyport High School Prom

The Slow Bike Race will not be hosted during The 2021 Yankee Homecoming Festival. The Slow Bike Race is one of many great local fundraising events during Yankee Homecoming week and is hosted by Coastal Trails Coalition. Funds raised from the event go towards pedestrian and bicycle paths connecting the towns of Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and Amesbury.

So how does one win the Newburyport slow bike race? By being the last rider to cross the finish line without touching a foot to the ground. In addition to awarding the slowest biker, there are also prizes for best costume, team spirit and most donations. The race is 1/2 block long and takes place in historic Brown Square in downtown Newburyport. If you haven’t had a chance to see the Newburyport Slow Bike Race in past years, enjoy aerial coverage brought to you by, UAV Look.

We suggest heading downtown to the Yankee Homecoming Market Place to grab dinner from vendors and then heading over to Brown Square to catch the Slow Bike Race followed by a visit to Waterfront Park to enjoy a free live concert!

Complete the Coastal Trails registration form if you would like to enter the race. The cost is $25 and make sure to arrive by 5:30 the day of the race.

Whether you’re a local or looking to take a day trip, celebrating Mother’s Day in downtown Newburyport is a great way to say thank you to the special ladies in your life. From delicious brunch spots to unique shops to purchase a special gift, this waterfront town is the perfect destination for a fun family day. And come back any day of the week to grab a bite at one of Newburyport’s delicious breakfast spots!

Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Specials:
Give mom a break from the kitchen on Mother’s Day and head to one of these wonderful Newburyport area restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an inventive menu, outdoor seating, kid-friendly options, or a tasty cocktail menu, Newburyport is the perfect place to go brunching or enjoy or wonderful dinner. Most places take reservations online or you can call the restaurant directly.

Brine: If you’re looking to indulge in some oysters on Mother’s Day, book a coveted table at this oyster, crudo, and chop bar. While Brine is normally not open for brunch, they create a special menu for all the moms out there on Mother’s Day. Hit the raw bar and enjoy some of their super creative cocktails. Tables are limited, with additional sidewalk seating on a nice day. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Joy Nest: This large two-story restaurant, including a side outdoor patio area, features creative Thai street food in a jazzy speakeasy atmosphere. While they won’t be open for brunch, the Joy Nest will be serving the regular menu both Saturday and Sunday plus a few specials each day as well, consider heading here for lunch or dinner.
Mission Oak Grill: A traditional steak house and seafood restaurant with a few Brazilian inspired dishes, Mission Oak Grill will be serving brunch from 12 – 2 and the dinner menu all day on Mother’s Day, plus they will be offering a selection of Chef Specials.
Paddle Inn: For a casual yet hip experience, you will want to grab a table at this brunch spot. Serving up classic coastal foods from communities around the world, The Paddle Inn has a delicious brunch every Sunday. Menu favorites include the donut hole boat, breakfast burrito, and tableside bubbly with assorted fresh juices. On Mother’s Day, the restaurant will feature the regular brunch menu, plus a couple of specials. The Paddle Inn does not take reservations, so it’s a great option if you want to just pop in for a bite.
Seaglass Restaurant & Lounge: This restaurant is right on Salisbury Beach offering panoramic views of the ocean. On Mother’s Day they will be offering a reservation only brunch with pastries, made to order omelets, a carving station and more! There will even be an ice cream sundae bar for the kids…or the moms!
Sea Level Oyster Bar: This downtown Newburyport restaurant features a beautiful, spacious nautical interior seating area as well as outdoor seating in front of the restaurant if you like to be in the center of the action and on the back side of the restaurant if you prefer a picturesque view of the Merrimack River. Sea Level is serving brunch from 10:30 – 3 and they also a great choice if you prefer to treat Mom to dinner.

And while The Grog are also not brunch spots, they deserve an honorable mention for casual family-friendly destinations to grab lunch or dinner. Both restaurants will have live musical entertainment on Mother’s Day too!

Where to Shop:
Newburyport is filled with one-of-a-kind shops to spoil any mom. Go on a spree before Mother’s Day to surprise her, or shop together after visiting one of the brunch spots and pick up something special. For the perfect piece of jewelry stop by Kaya Jewelers for something more traditional or visit Pam Older Designs for handcrafted pieces. Got a mom that likes to kick back and relax? Grab her some bath supplies and cozy PJ’s at Soak & Shoreline. Or pop into Nauti Pearl for a great selection of unique and clothing and accessories for the mom that already has everything. And of course flowers and sweets are welcomed by all moms, so be sure to check out these locations below!

Nunan Florist and Greenhouse: Flowers for Mother’s Day are a traditional gift, but a visit to Nunan has so much more to offer than a simple bouquet. If you have a mom that loves gardening, Nunan is a dream. Take her on a shopping spree at the greenhouse to pick out plants, shrubs and flowers for your home. You can even make the visit a family day and grab an ice cream cone and play a round of mini golf at their course!
Beach Plum Flower Shop: If you are looking for the traditional bouquet of flowers, look no farther than this flower shop located at the Tannery. Call ahead or stop in to create the perfect floral arrangement filled with mom’s favorite flowers.
Simply Sweet: For moms with a sweet tooth, this old school candy shop is a must. They have everything from homemade chocolates to nostalgic candy to caramel apples. Grab a bag of something sweet to stroll through town snacking on or save the candy for later and order an ice cream cone.

Have Fun:
You’ve brunched, you’ve shopped— now don’t forget to plan some extra fun too! Moms are used to doing all the planning, so plan a little fun just for her.

Newburyport Whale Watch: You’re in a coastal town, so why not hop on a boat and hit the high seas? Set sail on the Captain Lady III and go on a whale watch.
Sole to Soul: If your mom is always on the go, give her tired feet a rest and book her an appointment at this foot spa where she will be pampered with a relaxing foot soak and massage.
Plum Island Kayaking: If your mom has a sense of adventure, book a tour by kayak or paddle board to explore the area. You’ll have the chance to see seals, local birds, and the sunset, depending on when you go out.

All listed businesses are part of the Newburyport.com VIP program, so make sure to check out your discounts before you visit! And for even more ways to explore Newburyport and support local shops, visit our full list of VIP Businesses.

Saturday, June 8, starting at 11:00 am, pack up your family and picnic blanket and head to Waterfront Park, behind Sea Level Restaurant, for the second annual Waterfront Music Festival where students from schools in the Newburyport school district will perform music, dance and dramatic pieces through the day. The district Performing Arts Department is presenting the second annual Waterfront Music Festival to highlight performing groups from all schools, and students of all ages across the district, including all range of music, dance and theater arts. Performances begin at 11 am and go through the day until 2:40 pm. Performances from the youngest students will start in the mid-morning and the day will end in the afternoon with Newburyport High School students. The Waterfront Music Festival is free and open to the public, and attendees are welcome to join for one or two performances or stay for the whole day. At 1:00, there will be an intermission for families to enjoy their picnics, explore offerings from local vendors, or stroll through town.

Enjoy our full video here and for other great short clips go to the Newburyport VIP Instagram profile and view under the VIP Kids & Family Highlight. You do need an Instagram login in order to view the hightlights. https://www.instagram.com/newburyportvip/

Check the schedule to see when your favorites are performing, or just come by and see what’s on! Note the original schedule posted below has been amended. The event will begin at 11 am and end at 2:40. Times may change slightly.

11:00 – 11:20 Bresnahan Grades K-1 Chorus
11:20 -11:30 Molin Orchestra
11:35 – 11:50 NHS Theatre & Dance
12:00-12:30 Molin Grades 4-5 Chorus
12:30 -12:45 Nock Grades 6-8 Chorus
12:50 – 1:10 NHS Chorus
1:10 – 1:25 Nock Orchestra
1:25 – 1:35 Bresnahan Grades 2-3 Chorus
1:35 – 1:45 NHS Theatre & Dance
1:45 – 2:00 Molin Band
2:00 – 2:20 Nock Band
2:20 – 2:40 NHS Band & Strings

The mission of the festival is to feature groups from all schools in Newburyport – the Bresnahan Elementary School, the Edward G. Molin Upper Elementary School, the Rupert A. Nock Middle School, and the Newburyport High School. The district is especially excited to give the students in the new orchestra program a chance to demonstrate all they have learned.

Jamie Sokolowski, chorus and orchestra teacher at both the Nock School and the Molin School, is also the festival’s organizer. She hopes to create a fun-filled day program that brings together the community with the students, allowing community members to see all that the young people in the Newburyport school district have achieved in the performing arts. “We’re putting the festival out to see how it does, see what happens, and to collect community feedback,” Sokolowski said. “We’d like to make this an annual tradition for the performing arts. We hope that each year it grows more.” The NHS band director, Steve Cohen, has also been working hard to help the kids prepare. He has been collaborating with the younger grades as part of our district wide effort to make connections across grade levels. Both Jamie and Steve are featured working with the Molin 5th grade band in preparation for the big event!

Video and Pictures are from 2018.

Waterfront Music Festival, Newburyport

Newburyport.com

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Colby Farm Sunflowers – End of Summer Fun!

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Visit the Sunflower Field & the Market!

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Plum Island Light – Newburyport Harbor Light

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The Historic Plum Island Lighthouse

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Cruisin’ the 50’s Newburyport 2026

Rev Your Engines For This Spectacular Display

Cruisin’ the 50’s Classic Cars Drive You Wild

Cruisin' the 50's 2015 - Video Production by UAV LOOK

Cruisin' the 50's Car Show 2022

Cruisin' the 50's Car Show 2017

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Maudslay Arts Center

A Newburyport Entertainment Destination

Maudslay Arts Center – A Premier Outdoor Concerts Venue

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2026 Salisbury Beach Concerts and Fireworks

Come Join in the Summer Fun on Salisbury Beach

2026 Salisbury Beach Concerts and Fireworks Every Saturday Night

All Summer Long – Musical Tribute to the Beach Boys Sat, Jul 11 – starting at 7:30 PM

Something Else Sat, Jul 18 – starting at 7:30 PM

Beatlejuice Sat, Jul 25 – starting at 7:30 PM

The Merrimack Valley Concert Band Sun, July 26 – 6:00 -8:00 PM

Desolation Angels Sat, Aug 1 – starting 7:30 PM

Lisa Love Experience Sat, Aug 8 – starting 7:30 PM

The Midtown Horns Sat, Aug 15 – starting 7:30 PM

RiverFest Presented by 92.5 The River Sat, Aug 22 – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Silver Springs – Fleetwood Mac Tribute Sat, Aug 22 – Starting 7:30 PM

Country Beach Jam ft. Redneck Castaway Band Sat, Aug 29 – Starting 6:00 PM

Other concert events at Salisbury Beach this summer: Wednesdays and Fridays from June to August

2026 Christian Concert Series Wednesday nights from July 1 to August 26 – starting at 6:30 PM until 9 PM

DJ Beach Party with DJ Ralphie B Friday nights from June 26 to August 28 – starting at 7:15 PM until 10 PM

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Newburyport.com and our social media sites are open to the community. We look forward to connecting with you online!

Riverfest 2026 – Riverfront Music Festival

Free Oceanfront Concerts – Salisbury Beach – Saturday, August 22nd

No Tickets Needed for this Waterfront Party

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Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Blast Off Saturday Night

Yankee Homecoming Fireworks

Amesbury Days Summertime Community Traditions

Good Old Fashion Fun Since 1899

2026 Salisbury Beach Concerts and Fireworks
Every Saturday Night

All Summer Long – Musical Tribute to the Beach Boys
Sat, Jul 11 – starting at 7:30 PM

Something Else
Sat, Jul 18 – starting at 7:30 PM

Beatlejuice
Sat, Jul 25 – starting at 7:30 PM

The Merrimack Valley Concert Band
Sun, July 26 – 6:00 -8:00 PM

Desolation Angels
Sat, Aug 1 – starting 7:30 PM

Lisa Love Experience
Sat, Aug 8 – starting 7:30 PM

The Midtown Horns
Sat, Aug 15 – starting 7:30 PM

RiverFest Presented by 92.5 The River
Sat, Aug 22 – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Silver Springs – Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Sat, Aug 22 – Starting 7:30 PM

Country Beach Jam ft. Redneck Castaway Band
Sat, Aug 29 – Starting 6:00 PM

Other concert events at Salisbury Beach this summer:
Wednesdays and Fridays from June to August

2026 Christian Concert Series
Wednesday nights from July 1 to August 26 – starting at 6:30 PM until 9 PM

DJ Beach Party with DJ Ralphie B
Friday nights from June 26 to August 28 – starting at 7:15 PM until 10 PM

^{Newburyport.com and our social media sites are open to the community. We look forward to connecting with you online!}