Summer’s unofficial end comes with an extra day off for many of us. If you’re looking for ways to send off the season in style, we’ve gathered seven fun activities and adventures from across the region.
1. Schooner Festival, Gloucester
Aug. 27 to Aug. 31
There is still time to get out on the water this summer, and what more majestic way to take to the sea than aboard a traditional schooner, a type of boat invented right here on the North Shore. From August 27 to 31, some of the boats participating in Gloucester’s annual Schooner Festival will welcome members of the public for harbor sails. Find participating schooners at the festival website.
Before and after the festival, local schooners like the Ardelle, Adventure, and the Thomas E. Lannon offer regular public sails.
2. Big Yellow Taxi, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport
Aug. 30
Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of Joni Mitchell’s songbook. The mission of Big Yellow Taxi is to pay homage to Joni by playing works from throughout her career, ranging from her folk to roots to jazz influences, in a way that goes beyond imitation to capture something special.
Learn more and buy tickets at firehouse.org/event/big-yellow-taxi-2
3. Sunset Hike to Cedar Point, Crane Estate, Ipswich
Aug. 30
Explore the western-most part of the Crane Estate with a sunset hike. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property includes a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House, a hike down the Woodland Trail leading to Steep Hill Beach, a walk along the Crane Estate’s “other beach” where, if the tide is right, you’ll glimpse the remains of a 100+ year old shipwreck, and a hike through sand dunes overlooking the mouth of the Ipswich River and the southern tip of Plum Island. End your adventure with a hike along the Cedar Point Trail at sunset overlooking the tidal estuary of Fox Creek as it meanders through a supremely beautiful stretch of The Great Marsh—New England’s largest salt marsh.
Register at thetrustees.org/event/440153
4. Country Beach Jam and Fireworks, Salisbury Beach, Salisbury
Aug. 30
Salisbury Beach closes out its summer of live music and weekly fireworks with a country music performance, followed by the final fireworks show of the season. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables to enjoy food and treats from local restaurants, and lots of dancing room as well.
Learn more at mysalisburybeach.com/event.
5. Country Fair, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury
Aug. 30 to Sept. 1
Pick apples and berries, cut flowers, pet rabbits, compete at old-timey games, snack on kettlecorn and caramel apples, slurp a cider slushie, dance to live music, bounce around the farm on a hayride, and so much more at this celebration of the season’s abundance.
See the full schedule at ciderhill.com/events/country-fair-2
6. Justin Hayward, Blue World Tour, Shalin Liu, Rockport
Aug. 30
Travel to the stunning Shalin Liu Performance Center to hear Justin Hayward, frontman of the Moody Blues and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He and renowned guitarist Mike Dawes will perform the band’s beloved hits, such as “Tuesday Afternoon” and “Nights in White Satin,” as well as deep cuts, solo material, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
Buy tickets at rockportmusic.org/justin-hayward
7. Bread and Roses Heritage Festival, Lawrence
Sept. 1
Honoring the spirit of Labor Day, by recognizing the importance and contributions of the labor movement, this festival marks Lawrence’s “Bread and Roses” Strike of 1912. The festival includes musical performances, children’s entertainers, face painting, protest sign making, and walking and trolley tours, as well as lots of local food vendors.
Full schedule available at breadandrosesheritage.org.