Gloucester
America's oldest seaport. Home to whale watching, fishing, and beautiful beaches.
Explore Our Towns
Rockport
A quaint art colony famous for Motif #1, Bearskin Neck, and rocky shores.
Essex
The antique capital of America and home to the best fried clams in the world.
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Scenic harbors and the famous Singing Beach. A perfect quiet getaway.
Things to do
Looking for lots of miniature golf courses, fast food restaurants, and crowded tourist traps? You won't find any on Cape Ann. What you will find on our Cape is whale watching, sailing, fishing charters, beaches, kayaking, museums, and countless other fun things to do on the water. You can also enjoy hiking/biking through old forests or along a rugged shoreline, explore historic stone quarries, or get lost in hundreds of acres of mountain biking/hiking trails. Don't miss the events list below.
The Arts
Cape Ann boasts both a rich history and wide variety of arts. A long list of well known painters, sculptors and writers have long been inspired by our shores. Two of the nation's oldest artist colonies, Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester and Bearskin Neck in Rockport, serve as a mecca for both artists and art lovers worldwide. Several outstanding art associations, such as the North Shore Art Association, harness the creative energy that surrounds Cape Ann. And there is no other place in New England that hosts such a rich variety of holistic health practitioners as Cape Ann. Our Cape also boasts a number of outstanding museums specializing in fine art, historic collections, seafaring, and natural history. We are also proud to be home to the Gloucester Stage Company, Rockport Chamber Music and Theatre in the Pines and the Rockport Chamber Music Festival.
Jun
24–28
St. Peter's Fiesta 2026 — Gloucester's Beloved Fishermen's Festival
The 96th annual Fiesta honoring the patron saint of fishermen returns with the greasy pole competition, procession of St. Peter through the streets of Gloucester, fireworks, carnival rides, live entertainment, and traditional Italian-American seafood. The St. Peter's Fiesta 5K Road Race is also on the schedule. A cornerstone of Gloucester's summer calendar and a window into the city's Portuguese fishing heritage.
Jul
3
Gloucester Harbor Fireworks
Fireworks over the harbor, family activities, live music, and classic coastal New England Fourth of July traditions. One of the Cape Ann region's premier summer spectacles, best viewed from the harborfront or by water.
Jul
4
Manchester-by-the-Sea Fourth of July Parade
Manchester's beloved annual parade steps off at 10 AM. Community groups, local businesses, and individuals are welcome to register as marchers (registration closes July 1). A quintessential small-town Independence Day celebration on the North Shore.
Jul
16
Downtown Gloucester Block Party — Kick-Off Gala
The summer's Downtown Gloucester Block Party series opens with a gala kick-off on the Bank Gloucester Stage. Live music, local vendors, and a celebration of the city's downtown revival. A second Block Party event follows on August 13.
Jul
18
Cape Ann Craft Beer Festival — Stage Fort Park
Sample dozens of beers, ciders, hard seltzers, and meads from more than 20 local craft breweries at Stage Fort Park, with Gloucester Harbor as a backdrop. A summer highlight for local craft beverage enthusiasts.
Jul–Aug
Thu
Rocky Neck Open Studios — Thursday Nights All Summer
Gloucester's historic Rocky Neck opens its studios every Thursday night through the summer: art exhibitions, open studios, live music, community artmaking, and food. America's oldest working artists' colony in full summer swing. Free and open to the public.
Aug
13
Downtown Gloucester Block Party — Second Gala
The second installment of the summer's Downtown Gloucester Block Party series brings more music, food, and community celebration to the heart of downtown.
Sep
3–6
42nd Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival — Labor Day Weekend
Gloucester Harbor comes alive for Labor Day weekend as magnificent schooners converge from near and far for the 42nd Schooner Festival. Highlights include the Schooner Challenge, Parade of Sail, Mayor's Cup Races, Boat Parade of Lights, fireworks, hands-on maritime exhibits, and public deck tours. Presented by Maritime Gloucester. One of New England's great maritime traditions.
Chat
Why Visit Cape Ann?
Unlike the crowded Cape Cod, Cape Ann offers a rugged, authentic New England experience. Located just 30 miles north of Boston, this region is a haven for artists, history buffs, and ocean lovers. Whether you are looking for the best whale watching in New England or the freshest lobster rolls, Cape Ann delivers year-round.