The array of choices to experience the arts around the North Shore this fall is almost as abundant as the fall foliage and pumpkin displays. The options around the region include art exhibits at the Cape Ann Museum, PEM, and Addison Gallery of American Art. Live music abounds at The Cabot, Shalin Liu, and the Firehouse Center for the Arts. Looking for some live theatre? Check out the Greater Boston Stage Company, the North Shore Music Theatre, and the Gloucester Stage Company.
Cape Ann Museum Green Campus, Gloucester
While the Cape Ann Museum's Downtown Campus is under renovation their Green Campus offers a selection of exhibits this fall. There are two exhibits running through September 28, Down to the Sea, The Photographs of Ernest L. Blatchford, and the Collection Highlights Case: The Voyage of the Schooner Smuggler. Opening on October 11 is Hammers on Stone: The Granite Industry on Cape Ann, which draws on the museum's extensive holdings of objects and archival materials related to the industry.
Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport
The Shalin Liu Performance Center, with stunning views of Rockport’s Sandy Bay, hosts a strong event lineup this fall. Highlights include Joss Stone, Anna Geniushene, Pink Martini, Caity Gyorgy, Frank Vignola'sBirdland Guitar Trio, Adam Ezra Group - Winners of the 2023 New England Music Award for Americana Act of the Year, Goodnight Moonshine, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Joshua Redman, and the Boston Symphony Chamber Players.
tickets.rockportmusic.org/events
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
On view throughout the fall (until February 16) is Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World, which marks the North American debut of the exhibit. The retrospective follows the life of the designer showcasing nearly 100 stunning works, including clothing, accessories, original illustrations, and digital media. While you are there do not forget to catch their ongoing exhibit, The Salem Witch Trials 1692, to refresh your Salem history in time for the spooky season.
The Cabot, Beverly
The theatre in downtown Beverly hosts a long lineup of live shows this fall. Performances include Rachel Feinstein, Almost Queen, Oteil & Friends, Blues Traveler, Steve Hackett, Eaglemania, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Natalie Merchant, Gaelic Storm, Keb’ Mo’, and Judy Gold.
Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover
The Addison Gallery at Phillips Academy in Andover has six temporary exhibits this fall. The Hayes Prize 2025: Tommy Kha, Other Things Uttered on view through January 35, Making Their Way: The Florida Highwaymen Painters on view through January 4, Family Portrait on view through January 4, Captive Lands on view through January 18, Playing to Our Strengths: Highlights from the Permanent Collection on view through July 31, and In Focus: John Singer Sargent on view through December 31. The Addison Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m, and admission is free.
addison.andover.edu/Exhibitions/Pages/exhibitions.aspx
Greater Boston Stage Company, Stoneham
Located in Stoneham, the Greater Boston Stage Company presents Murder For Two a musical comedy whodunnit, offering the a blend of music, mayhem, and murder. When the great American novelist Arthur Whitney is found dead at his own surprise party, the list of suspects is long—was it the prima ballerina, the widow, the niece, the psychiatrist, or even the detective? With just two actors playing 13 roles (and the piano), this fast-paced show is an entertaining homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. The Greater Boston Stage Company is a professional, nonprofit regional theater bringing high-caliber shows to the suburbs. The show runs October 24 – November 9.
Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport
This staple of the Newburyport Waterfront, the Firehouse Center for the Arts' fall lineup includes the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival, Shemekia Copeland, Suzy Bogguss, Danny Harrington and John Baboian Celebrate 50 Years, Wooden Ships, Mean Girls Teen Edition, Albert Cummings, James Maddock, and YellowHouse Blues Band.
Gloucester Stage Company, Gloucester
This fall at the Gloucester Stage Company join Puncutate4 for Madame Mozart: The Lacrimosa – a play with music by Anne Undeland from October 9 – 19. It’s the story of a suddenly-single mother, fiercely driven to not only survive and secure her husband’s legacy, but ultimately to triumph.
North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly
North Shore's theatre in the round presents The Cher Show from October 21 - November 2. Experience the dazzling journey of superstar Cher in a spectacular, high-energy celebration of Cher’s life and a career that has spanned over six decades. This extravagant musical features three powerhouse performers embodying Cher at the different stages of her life and will take your breath away. THE CHER SHOW features 35 of Cher’s biggest hits, including “Believe,” “Turn Back Time,” and “Strong Enough.”