August is here already? As we hurtle toward the end of summer, there are still plenty of ways to take advantage of the long days, warm weather, and natural and cultural treasures of the North Shore. Here are fourteen ideas to make the most of the month:
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
August 1- September 21
The Peabody Essex is currently hosting a special exhibit that ends on September 21. Making History: 200 Years of American Art from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts includes 85 works from the historic collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Featured artists include Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, Gilbert Stuart, Georgia O’Keeffe, Horace Pippin, Childe Hassam, Thomas Hart Benton, Mary Cassatt and Stuart Davis, among others.
Learn more here
Lobsterfest 2025, Beverly
August 6
As part of Beverly Homecoming, there will be a traditional boiled lobster, lobster roll, chowder, or chicken, etc. at Lynch Park. As you enjoy fresh lobster at picnic tables under the big tent, local bands will provide an oceanside soundtrack for your listening or dancing delight. Meanwhile, local businesses, elected officials and politicians, and nonprofit organizations will be set up around the park to share information – and usually some fun lawn games – with you.
Learn more: beverlyhomecoming.org/lobsterfest
Salem Ice Cream Bowl
August 6
For one ticket, ice cream lovers can sample classic flavors and inventive new creations from vendors including Cherry Farm Creamery, Harbor Sweets, Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe, Melt, and Whimsy’s Sweet Life at this sweet annual event. Proceeds support Salem Main Streets, the civic organization that helps keep downtown Salem vibrant and thriving.
Learn more at salemmainstreets.org/ice-scream-bowl.
Salem Maritime Festival
August 9
Celebrate the maritime heritage of the region with a day of kayaking, arts and crafts, education, performances, and live music. The event kicks off with the entertaining and ingenious cardboard regatta, in which intrepid and creative teams compete in boats made of nothing more than cardboard and duct tape. The Salem Custom House will also be opening to the public.
Learn more at nps.gov/sama/planyourvisit/salem-maritime-festival.htm.
Illuminations, Rockport
August 9
Take a drive to the tip of Cape Ann for a full day of family fun including storytelling and lantern and face painting, music, food trucks, and a Rockport Brewing Company beer garden. The event is capped off by a fireworks display that will light up the sky over Rockport’s Sandy Bay. The fireworks show begins at 9 pm, and will be lit off from Granite Pier. The show will last for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Learn more here
Hollywood on the Hill, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich
August 9
Get a look behind the big screen on this special tour at Castle Hill. The guided tour highlights the many star-studded movies that have been filmed at Castle Hill over the past 40 years, such as The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009), The Equalizer (2014), and Little Women (2019). Hear behind-the-scenes stories about Timothée Chalamet, Matthew McConaughey, Jack Nicholson, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, and other acclaimed actors.
Learn more: thetrustees.org/event/425999
Peach and Sunflower Festival, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury
August 9-10 & 16-17
For two weekends in August soak up the best of summer and sunshine with juicy, local peaches and cheery sunflowers. The event includes cut-your-own farmhouse bouquets, sunflower field experience, free live music, hard cider bar, family activities, tastings, hayrides, food trucks, peach treats, and pick-your-own peaches.
Learn more and RSVP: ciderhill.com/farm-events
Gloucester Blues Festival
August 9
A lineup of world-class blues acts comes to Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park this summer for a day of soulful music. Bring a comfy lawn chair and grab a grassy spot with views of Gloucester Harbor and enjoy performances by The Blues Express, Regina Bonelli, Barrett Anderson, Eliza Neals, Shaelyn Band, and Brandon Santini. A beer garden and food and crafts vendors will be available onsite.
For more information visit gloucesterbluesfestival.com.
Lynn Arts & Cultural Festival
August 9
The Highland Street Foundation and the Lynn Museum & Arts Center will host the festival at the museum in Lynn. There will be free activities from 10 am to 3 pm including two guided tours of Industry & Craft, artist talk with Diana Reyes in English and Spanish (plus a lesson in drawing with charcoal), two Kinetic Sand Workshops with Outside the Box Learning Co. (limited to 20 participants), Richie’s Slush, and lawn games. Register here for the Kinetic Sand Workshop (space is limited).
Learn more at lynnmuseum.org/events/second-saturday-august-2025
Grease at North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly
August 12 to 24
Immerse yourself in this iconic North Shore theatre in the round for a performance of Grease. Travel back to the 1950s world of Rydell High. Enjoy the classic songs – You’re The One That I Want, Hopelessly Devoted To You, There Are Worse Things I Could Do, and more.
Learn more and get tickets at nsmt.org/grease.html
BONS Event
August 14
This year we are celebrating 20 years of BONS! You do not want to miss the biggest North Shore event of the summer! The BONS Event 2025 is back on August 14 at the fabulous Danversport. Enjoy an extraordinary evening filled with gourmet cuisine, refreshing drinks, and vibrant entertainment overlooking the marina.
Space is limited so get your tickets now https://www.nshoremag.com/bonsevent/
Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, Salem
August 16
On the Salem waterfront at the iconic Salem Willows enjoy this free family event featuring regional and national jazz and soul artists, an Interactive Music Education Tent, MusiKidz Children’s Activity Area, a Curated Artisan Marketplace, and a Local Craft Beer & Cider Pavilion. Performers include the Salem High School Jazz Band, Zayra Pola Sessions, Albino Mbie, Los Sugar Kings, and Heavy Metal Horns. Between sets DJ Skot Void entertains the crowd.
Learn more: salemjazzsoul.org/events/save-the-date-salem-jazz-and-soul-festival-2025
Vineyard Hill Trail Run, Hamilton
August 23
The annual run at the Vineyard Hill Reservation is put on by the Essex County Greenbelt Association. Participants can choose to run the 5K or 10K. The event is run rain or shine. The run takes you through sections of Bradley Palmer State Park, along the Bay Circuit Trail, and across Greenbelt’s scenic Shaw Field. The trails are generally wide and rolling, though Vineyard Hill itself adds a challenge to the course.
Learn More: ecga.org/greenbeltruns
Gloucester Schooner Festival
August 27 to 31
Gloucester’s annual schooner festival sails into town in late August. More than 20 of these majestic boats will by plying the local waters, bringing a bit of history to Gloucester Harbor. Visitors can watch the fun from shore, tour docked boats, or buy a ticket for a windy ride of their own. Local boats will participate in a boat parade of lights on Saturday, followed by fireworks, and, on Sunday, the Parade of Schooners will process from the harbor out past Eastern Point to line up for the Mayor’s Cup race.
The full schedule and links to schooners accepting passengers can be found at maritimegloucester.org/schooner-festival.