The coming long weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, but it is also a solemn holiday for remembering lives lost in service to the country. Whether you’re feeling summery or serious – or both – we’ve rounded up a selection of activities to help you make the most of the holiday weekend.
Shark attacks at The Cabot, Beverly | May 24-25
Scare yourself out of swimming the ocean with a double-dose of Jaws at the Cabot. On Friday, experience the classic film on the big screen. On Saturday, the movie’s star Richard Dreyfuss will host another screening and share some of the experiences from his illustrious Hollywood career. Visit thecabot.org/whats-on for details and tickets.
Boston Calling Music Festival, Boston | May 24-26
The city’s signature musical festival returns this year featuring headliners Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges, The Killers, Hozier, and Megan Thee Stallion, along with dozens of other acts. Join in the fun for one day to see your favorites or score a three-day pass so you don’t have to miss a single note. Tickets and complete lineup available at bostoncalling.com.
Make community art at PEM, Salem | May 24-27
Visitors to the Peabody Essex Museum can always enjoy beautiful art – now they can help make it. Guests ages 8 and up can help fasten tin cones onto an evolving, community sculpture created by artist Marie Watt, recipient of the museum’s PEM Prize. The final sculpture will be unveiled June 8. Learn more at pem.org/events/jingle-sculpture-community-art-project.
Gold Star Run for Honor, Saugus | May 25
This annual event includes 5K and 10K runs as well as a 1-mile walk, all the raise money for the Cpl. Scott Procopio Scholarship Fund, honoring a Saugus native killed in Iraq in 2006. In 2019 and 2021, the event raised more than $30,000 to fund scholarships for local high school students moving on to higher education. Registration is open online.
Harbor cruise on Beauport Cruiselines, Gloucester | May 26
Kickoff the summer by cruising around Gloucester Harbor in style with a live DJ, a prime rib dinner, and gorgeous views. Tickets available at beauportcruiselines.com.
Memorial Day Parades | May 27
A time-honored tradition, Memorial Day services and parades will be staged in many North Shore communities this weekend. Andover, Danvers, Reading, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, and West Newbury are among the cities and towns that will host parades and ceremonies observing the day on Monday.