eXp Realty
    Kathleen Militello Realtor®Coastal Homes & Living
    (978) 500-1480
    A vibrant summer afternoon at a coastal festival in Newburyport, Massachusetts, featuring historic brick buildings, colorful tents, and crowds enjoying a warm July weekend.
    Things to Do

    North Shore Weekend Guide: The Best Things to Do July 24–26, 2026

    By Kathleen Militello12 Min Read
    A beautiful aerial view of the Great Marsh in Ipswich and Rowley, Massachusetts, showing winding tidal rivers and lush green summer grass under a bright blue sky.
    The expansive beauty of the Great Marsh offers a serene escape from the lively festivals happening across the North Shore this weekend.

    Plan your North Shore weekend fast with the top events happening July 24–26, 2026. Below, you’ll find a scannable roundup, daily picks, and the key details you need before you go.

    WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

    • Beverly: Comedy Headliner (Fri)
    • Gloucester: Schooner Festival Preview (Sat), Cape Ann Farmers Market (Sun)
    • Ipswich: Twilight Picnic at Castle Hill (Fri)
    • Lynn: Beyond Walls Mural Tour (Sat)
    • Manchester-by-the-Sea: Festival by the Sea (Sat)
    • Newburyport: Yankee Homecoming Brewfest (Sat), Olde Fashioned Sunday (Sun)
    • Salem: Salem Arts Festival (Sun)
    • Salisbury: Tribute Band at Blue Ocean (Fri), Beach Fireworks (Sat)

    Beverly

    Comedy Headliner at The Cabot

    DateFriday, July 24, 2026
    TimeEvening
    LocationThe Cabot
    CostTicketed
    Best ForLaughs, indoor entertainment
    What to KnowA major comedy headliner guaranteed to sell out. Grab dinner at a downtown Beverly bistro beforehand.

    Gloucester

    Gloucester Schooner Festival Preview

    DateSaturday, July 25, 2026
    TimeDaytime
    LocationMaritime Gloucester
    CostFree
    Best ForMaritime history, harbor views
    What to KnowSee historic vessels arriving early and learn about the city's unparalleled fishing heritage.

    Cape Ann Farmers Market

    DateSunday, July 26, 2026
    TimeMorning
    LocationStage Fort Park
    CostFree
    Best ForLocal goods, fresh produce
    What to KnowGrab a fresh coffee, pick up some local honey, and take a walk along the harbor promenade.

    Ipswich

    Twilight Picnic at Castle Hill

    DateFriday, July 24, 2026
    TimeEvening
    LocationThe Grand Allée, Crane Estate
    CostTicketed / Reservation required
    Best ForOutdoor music, sunset views
    What to KnowBring your own blanket and provisions. Enjoy live jazz as the sun sets over Crane Beach.

    Lynn

    Beyond Walls Mural Tour

    DateSaturday, July 25, 2026
    TimeAfternoon
    LocationDowntown Lynn
    CostCheck listing
    Best ForUrban art, walking tours
    What to KnowExplore the vibrant street art and murals that have transformed the downtown area.

    Manchester-by-the-Sea

    Festival by the Sea

    DateSaturday, July 25, 2026
    TimeAfternoon
    LocationMasconomo Park
    CostFree
    Best ForFamilies, art lovers
    What to KnowFeatures local artisans, food vendors, and live music right on the harbor.
    A serene summer evening in Rockport Harbor, Massachusetts, featuring a live outdoor music performance by the water, with sailboats in the background under a golden sunset.
    Rockport Harbor provides a stunning, acoustically unique backdrop for summer concerts.

    Newburyport

    Yankee Homecoming Brewfest

    DateSaturday, July 25, 2026
    TimeAfternoon
    LocationDowntown Waterfront
    CostTicketed
    Best ForCraft beer, food trucks
    What to KnowThe kickoff to Newburyport's legendary festival. Arrive early for parking and enjoy the waterfront breezes.

    Olde Fashioned Sunday

    DateSunday, July 26, 2026
    TimeAll Day
    LocationBartlet Mall
    CostFree
    Best ForFamilies, nostalgia
    What to KnowPart of Yankee Homecoming featuring classic games, vintage car displays, and community activities.

    Salem

    Salem Arts Festival

    DateSunday, July 26, 2026
    TimeAll Day
    LocationOld Town Hall area
    CostFree
    Best ForArts & culture
    What to KnowDozens of local creators, live mural painting, and interactive exhibits in historic downtown Salem.

    Salisbury

    Tribute Band at Blue Ocean Music Hall

    DateFriday, July 24, 2026
    TimeEvening
    LocationBlue Ocean Music Hall
    CostTicketed
    Best ForLive music, oceanfront views
    What to KnowHigh-energy performance right on the water. Great way to kick off the weekend.

    Salisbury Beach Fireworks & Bands on the Beach

    DateSaturday, July 25, 2026
    TimeMusic at 2:00 PM, Fireworks at 10:15 PM
    LocationSalisbury Beach Oceanfront
    CostFree
    Best ForSummer energy, families
    What to KnowClassic boardwalk atmosphere peaking with a spectacular fireworks display over the Atlantic.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where should I park for Yankee Homecoming?
    Arrive early. Waterfront lots fill quickly; consider using satellite parking or walking if you are staying nearby in Newburyport.

    What if it rains?
    Indoor backups include The Cabot in Beverly, North Shore Music Theatre, or the Blue Ocean Music Hall. Outdoor events may shift details, so check official event pages before leaving.

    Do I need tickets in advance?
    Yes for most major evening events (like The Cabot or Shalin Liu) and for reservation-based outings like the Castle Hill picnic. Free events usually do not need tickets.

    QUICK PICKS

    • Best free: Festival by the Sea, Manchester-by-the-Sea
    • Best outdoor: Twilight Picnic at Castle Hill, Ipswich
    • Best evening: Salisbury Beach Fireworks
    • Best history: Gloucester Schooner Festival Preview
    • Best family: Olde Fashioned Sunday, Newburyport

    Enjoy the weekend.