Officially summer has about five weeks to go, but the fancy-free days of summer break will be coming to a close in a couple of weeks. So before the homework and handouts start rolling in, close out the season with one final hurrah. Hit the beach one more time, grab another ice cream (or three), or check out one of these events to capture a little bit of end-of-summer magic.
Castle Hill Concert, Ipswich
August 27
The concert series on the lawn behind the mansion at Castle Hill has its last hurrah this week, with a performance on Thursday August 27 by the Orville Giddings Band. Bring a picnic blanket or a lawn chair and grab a seat on the rolling lawn to enjoy the rock/soul/boogie vibes, the unparalleled scenery, and plenty of room for children of all ages to spread out and dance. Bring a picnic or buy food or dessert from onsite vendors including the Beefie Boys or The Lobster Roller, DownRiver Ice Cream or Q’s Nuts, and Mill River Winery, True North Ales, and 1634 Meadery will sell beverages each week.
Tickets and more information are available at thetrustees.org/event/446921
Sail on a schooner, Gloucester
Ongoing
Summer means getting out on the water, 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 September 3 to 6, 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.
Boston Lights, Franklin Park Zoo, Boston
Through Nov. 8
Make the drive down to Boston to wander through the spectacle of Boston Lights. This popular experience has returned this year with an expanded display of lanterns and lights. This year, experience lanterns inspired by coastal South Africa, featuring penguins, great white sharks and luminous flowers. See the majestic big cats that reside in habitats around the globe with lanterns featuring jaguars, lions, cheetahs, snow leopards and more. Experience the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon – from Gila monsters and wolves to desert tortoises and an array of cacti and birds.
Tickets and more information available at zoonewengland.org/engage/boston-lights
Kids Surf Nights, Gloucester
Through September
For kids who dream of catching a wave, Cape Ann SUP + Surf offers evening lessons throughout September. Kids bring a rashguard, a water bottle, and “a stoked attitude,” and come away with new skills and confidence. Parents can cheer on their kids from the sand or relax on the beach while they practice.
Details, complete schedule, and registration is available at capeannsup.com/kids-surf-night.