July has arrived, and with it comes the vibrant pulse of summer in the North of Boston region! From sun-kissed beaches and picturesque coastal towns to historic landmarks and lively festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick getaway or a visitor eager to explore, July offers an array of exciting events and activities. Join us as we celebrate the season with Fourth of July fireworks, charming farmers’ markets, captivating outdoor concerts, and much more. Let’s make this summer unforgettable together in beautiful North of Boston!
July 3rd: Fireworks Sail, Schooner Adventure
Get front row seats to watch Gloucester’s 2024 Fireworks display; a special local tradition. Board the Schooner Adventure in Gloucester Harbor and be treated to the perfect platform to view this annual event. BYO Picnic and Beverages.
July 3rd: Gloucester Harbor Fireworks Cruise, Cape Ann Cruises
Looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate Independence Day? Hop aboard the legendary WEJACK for the 3rd of July fireworks cruise! Cruise around the Gloucester Harbor’s scenic waterfront, and savor the breathtaking views as the sun sets and anticipation builds. Watch the night sky come alive with vibrant bursts of color, and best yet, you’ll have front-row seats to a mesmerizing fireworks spectacle.
July 3rd: Fireworks Cruise Whale Watch, 7 Seas Whale Watch
Join 7 Seas Whale Watch for a Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise on Gloucester Harbor! The cruise begins at 7:30 pm and will return after the fireworks display ends (roughly 10pm). Cost is $45 per person, $25 for children.
July 3rd & 4th: Manchester-By-The-Sea Fourth of July Events
Manchester’s annual salute to America is a wonderful tradition, complete with stirring music, precision marching bands, imaginative homemade floats, antique cars, and just about everything else that represents the pride and patriotism we all share for our country. The parade will be held on Thursday, July 4th at 10 AM, rain or shine. Fireworks on Singing Beach occur every other year, with fireworks taking place this year on July 3rd.
July 3rd: Frederick Douglass’ Fourth of July Address, Frederick Douglass Park, Lynn Museum
Join North Shore Juneteenth Association, Inc. at Frederick Douglass Park on Monday, July 3rd at 11 am for the public reading of Frederick Douglass’ Fourth of July Address. This annual event invites community members to gather and group read Douglass’ “The Meaning of July Fourth For The Negro.” This event will feature a musical performance, dance performance, vendors, and more!
July 3rd–July 7th: Marblehead Festival of the Arts
Founded in 1962, the Marblehead Festival of Arts has a rich history of producing a premier summer arts festival that has become a forum for artistic expression over its 58 years of operation. The July Festival hosts a wide range of art exhibits, outdoor music concerts overlooking Marblehead Harbor, Film Festival, Street Festival, Children’s Festival, Artisans Marketplace, and many other cultural activities designed to provide a fun and enriching experience for the entire family.
July 4th: July Fourth Celebration, Downtown Rockport
Rockport’s annual Independence Day celebration includes the Firemen’s Parade beginning at 6 pm, a Legion Band concert at 8 pm, and Rockport’s version of a finale – a towering bonfire at Back Beach which is sparked off around dusk, at approximately 9 pm. The bonfire, built of stacked wooden pallets produces a captivating exhibition to celebrate Independence Day!
July 4: Salem Celebrates the 4th
Enjoy free concerts, fireworks, and other festivities that take place on historic Derby Wharf starting with live entertainment. Happening from 12 to 9:30 pm.
July 5th: D-Day Remembered: “Operation Overlord” and the Normandy Beach Landings, Custom House Maritime Museum (CHMM)
Be intrigued by a presentation by Bronson de Stadler, retired clinical social worker and amateur historian, who lives in Newburport. On the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 1944, we remember the land, air, and sea forces of the Allied armies brought together in the largest amphibious invasion in military history. Codenamed “Operation Overlord,” the operation, a pivotal moment in World War II, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. In addition to this lecture, the CHMM will arrange a small exhibit highlighting important artifacts in the collections that pertain to the D-Day lands.
July 5th: The Firebird Pops Orchestra: Sea to Shining Sea, Hammond Castle
Get ready to be swept away by a patriotic musical extravaganza as the Firebird Pops returns to Hammond Castle Museum for an unforgettable seaside concert celebrating the essence of America. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening with family and friends. Experience the beauty of live music in a breathtaking coastal setting, and celebrate Independence Day with a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
July 5th–28th: WIPEOUT, Gloucester Stage Company
Three 70+ year old friends decide to learn surfing for the first time. Taking place on surfboards in the middle of the ocean, the ladies are guided by their friendship and a hotrod teenage surf instructor. By Aurora Real de Asua, directed by Shana Gozanskyº
July 11th: Culture Splash Kick Off, Gloucester
Gloucester is a rare gem that boasts two designated cultural districts, and each July and August, visitors are invited to Splash into Gloucester’s Arts & Culture on Thursdays from 4:00-8:00pm for Culture Splash! Back for a 4th summer in 2024, Gloucester Culture Splash is a series celebrating our arts and culture communities, musical talent, live performers, and creatives of all kinds with the scenic backdrop of Gloucester Harbor, which has inspired creative minds for centuries.
July 11th: Sunset Cruise with Wolfe Adventure & Tours, Newburyport
Bring your friends and family for a special sunset cruise on the Merrimac River aboard the Captain’s Lady, and enjoy an enchanting evening in support of a great cause! By hopping aboard you’ll be supporting the Divinity Foundation in Kenya, an organization Wolfe Adventure & Tours has partnered with to bring more than 125 students to Kenya for service tours, and for the first time The Divinity Foundation comes to Boston.
July 13th: Mamma Mia! Disco Party ft. DJ Koko P, Surfside
MAMMA MIA! Here we go again! Follow the call of the disco ball all the way down to Salisbury Beach. DJ KOKO P will be spinning all your favorite ABBA + MAMMA MIA hits plus plenty of other disco dance songs from the 70’s and 80’s. Disco attire encouraged!Be sure to check out Surfside’s themed parties happening every Saturday of the summer!
July 18th: Lobster Lunch Harbor Cruise, Beauport Cruiselines
Fresh lobster, beautiful harbor views, & handcrafted co*cktails, does it get any better? Join Beauport Cruiselines on Thursday, July 18th from 11 am – 2 pm for their first Lobster Lunch Cruise of the season!
July 21: The Fools, Castle Hill Picnic Concerts
Summer is here and Castle Hill Picnic Concerts happen every Thursday evening through August 29 (no concert July 4), featuring a different family-friendly band performing on Castle Hill’s Grand Allee overlooking Crane Beach. In addition, The Fools will perform a special concert on Sunday, July 21 (rain date July 28). The concert will be filmed for a documentary about this iconic rock band recently inducted into the New England Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and set up on the lawn. While here, explore the gardens, walk the 1/2-mile-long Grand Allee, try a landscape-themed eye spy, picnic, and dance on the grass.
July 27–August 4: Yankee Homecoming, Newburyport
In 1958, Newburyport joined twenty-nine other New England communities in holding a celebration that would bring people together. Since then, the Yankee Homecoming committee has carried on this tradition for families, visitors, and volunteers to enjoy and is the only community that has continuously held this yearly festival since the beginning. Enjoy a week of music, art, tours, sales, and community, plus fireworks and a parade!
July 28: Newburyport Brewfest
The Yankee Homecoming Brewfest will be held on Saturday, July 27, from 5-9 pm along the beautiful shoreline of the Merrimack River, and will once again serve a fundraiser for this year’s festivities: ALL proceeds will go back to Yankee Homecoming! Brewfest will take place rain or shine at Cashman Park (Baseball Field – Sally Snyder Way) in Newburyport. $40 admission includes entry to the session specified on your ticket, beer samples from nearly 20+ breweries, and music and festivities.
August 4: Yankee Homecoming Parade
The parade is the last official event of Yankee Homecoming, and one of the most highly anticipated! It begins at the intersection of Moseley Avenue and Ferry Road and follows historic High Street in Newburyport, ending State Street. Fire engines from the area will lead off the parade followed by the YHC General Chairman, Volunteers of the Year, bands, floats, performances, and more! Once again the parade will be collecting money for the Jimmy Fund. Interesting fact: the parade (originally known as the Jimmy Day Parade) was the first fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund!
Hero Image by Taylor Macomber
