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

Newburyport VIPs

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Brine Oysters, Crudo + Chops

10% Off Food Portion of Check

New England Wine and Spirits

20% Off Case of Wine (Non Sale Bottles Only)

Inn At Rings Island

10% Off, Excludes Suites. Must mention when booking & show card at check-in.

Supercuts Hair Salon

$2 Off Service & 15% off Retail Product, Excludes Buzz Cut & Not Combinable w/ Other Offers

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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Niko’s Place

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Design of Mine

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Essex Street Inn

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Supercuts Hair Salon

$2 Off Service & 15% off Retail Product, Excludes Buzz Cut & Not Combinable w/ Other Offers

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.

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