North of Boston: Where Spring Adventures Bloom

As spring stretches into full bloom, May brings an undeniable sense of possibility. The North of Boston region comes alive with color, energy, and celebration.

It’s the season of long weekends and spontaneous day trips, of art walks, maritime history, and community events that connect us to both the past and the present. Whether you’re planning a seaside escape, searching for family-friendly fun, or simply craving a reason to explore someplace new, May offers a perfect invitation to get out and enjoy everything our region has to offer.

Let this month be filled with fresh air, new discoveries, and moments that remind you just how much there is to love about life North of Boston.

May also welcomes the return of Rockport’s beloved Motif No. 1 Day, a cherished celebration of art, community, and coastal charm. Scroll down to discover more exciting events happening across the region this month as we embrace the season in full bloom.

May 3 – 4 & May 11 – 12: Tulip Fest at Cider Hill Farm

Welcome spring with this multi-weekend festival featuring free live music, self-guided blooming orchard walks, outdoor hard cider bars, food trucks, fitness and family activities, and pick-your-tulips. General entrance is free but online tickets for tulip picking are required. Note: The festival is currently scheduled for 2 weekends on May 4-5 & May 11-12. This may change as the farmers monitor the field and weather.

May 17: Motif No. 1 Day

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back this beloved community event, long cherished by residents and visitors as a celebration of Rockport’s iconic fishing shack. Join them on Saturday, May 17 for this all-day, family-friendly event including a 5K Road Race and Fun Run, EMS Day on T Wharf, vendors, Cape Ann Plein Air, children’s activities, music, performing arts, gallery exhibitions, food trucks, and a beer tent.

May 1 – 4: Spring BloomFest, Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

Celebrate the season with a weekend full of color and community at Spring BloomFest in North Andover. Stroll through blooming gardens filled with tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs, enjoy family-friendly activities, guided garden tours, and seasonal treats. Don’t miss special events like yoga in the gardens, after-hours tours, and hands-on workshops. Pre-registration is required and tickets must be reserved in advance.

May 1: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Shalin Liu Performance CenterThe acclaimed Celtic music duo Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas return for a spectacular evening of cutting-edge fiddle and cello, blending Scottish tradition with global influences in a performance that pushes the boundaries of Celtic music. ” … you would think they’d been playing together for centuries. While his fiddle dances, her cello throbs darkly or plucks puckishly, [reaching] soaring sustains, windswept refrains and sudden, jazzy explosions.”
— The Boston Globe

May 2: Grown Ups Gala: A Night at the Beach, Peabody’s Black Box

Leave the kids at home and join us on May 2nd at 6 PM at the Peabody’s Black Box for a night of grown-up fun, all to support the North Shore Children’s Museum! We’re bringing the beach vibes inside with tasty bites, tropical drinks, games, and a fabulous auction. Best of all, every dollar raised helps fund our exhibits, programs, and reduced admission so all families can play and learn together. Flip-flops optional. Fun guaranteed!

May 3: Free Self-Guided Spring Orchard Walk, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

Step out amongst 10,000 blossoming fruit trees at Cider Hill Farm. Enjoy the fresh air and views as you walk through the orchards. Open Saturdays and Sundays 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 4/19 – 5/31. Free. No registration required. Best blossom viewing is late April to mid-May. Along your walk, you’ll see apple, peach, pear, plum and cherry blossoms along with the farm’s hives with honeybees hard at work. Area closures possible. Closed 4/20 Easter Sunday, weekdays and afternoons.

May 4: Long Hill House & Garden Tours, Long Hill, Beverly

Step into the elegance of the past with a guided House & Garden Tour at Long Hill in Beverly. Explore the beautifully preserved Federal-style home and its globally inspired gardens while learning about the estate’s rich history. Tours run most weekends from April through September—space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

May 5: DenCITY Soulcase & Open Mic, Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre, Lynn

Experience the vibrant energy of DenCITY Soulcase + Open Mic, held every 1st and 3rd Sunday at the Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre in Lynn. This free, all-arts event invites poets, musicians, storytellers, and performers of all kinds to take the stage in a welcoming, inclusive space. Enjoy live music, a featured performer, workshops, vendors, and more—no judgment, just creativity and connection. Doors open at 7 PM.

May 6: The Great Debate Part 2: Patriots & Loyalists, Salem Armory Visitor Center, Salem

The year is 1775—tensions with the British Crown are rising, and one question is on every colonist’s mind: Would you fight for independence as a Patriot or remain loyal to the British Crown as a Loyalist? Join Salem Armory Visitor Center  as two historians face yet another Great Debate that divided colonists and even families during the American Revolution. David Goss will argue the case for Loyalists, and Charlie Newhall will argue the case for Patriots. Both sides will defend their beliefs about freedom, loyalty, and the future of the colonies. The debate will be moderated by David Olson former Editor-in-Chief of the Salem News Audience members will have the chance to ask questions, challenge perspectives, and even cast their vote at the end!

May 8: Sip & Stem: Mother’s Day Floral Workshop, Marble Ridge Winery, North Andover

Celebrate someone special this Mother’s Day with a Floral Workshop & Wine Tasting at Marble Ridge Winery in North Andover. Hosted in partnership with The Trustees, this hands-on experience guides participants through the art of creating a garden-inspired floral centerpiece using spring blooms and basic design principles. Enjoy a guided wine tasting courtesy of Marble Ridge Winery as part of your ticket. Space is limited. Secure your spot for a memorable day of flowers, wine, and celebration!

May 9: Col. J. Lee & His Covert Revolutionary Acts, Marblehead Museum, Marblehead

Colonel Lee did far more than anyone realizes “Col. J. Lee & His Covert Revolutionary Acts” incl. period quotes by & about Lee & his risk-filled role in 1774 & ‘75. Tour meets in front of the Lee Mansion, 161 Washington Street.

May 10: The Shark is Broken, North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly

A captivating 95 minute play that delves into the behind-the-scenes tensions during the filming of the iconic 1975 blockbuster movie “Jaws.” Set aboard the cramped Orca boat, the story focuses on the interactions between Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, & Richard Dreyfuss as they grapple with the challenges of film-making, the looming presence of the malfunctioning mechanical shark, and their own personal troubles.

May 11: Cantemus Presents “I Hear America Singing”, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Newburyport

Cantemus Chamber Chorus will present I Hear America Singing, a pair of spring concerts exploring themes of identity, protest, and the American dream. Featuring music by Charles Ives, Aaron Copland, Bob Dylan, Rosephanye Powell, and more—set to texts by American poets including Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and Langston Hughes—the program highlights diverse voices and experiences. Guest musicians include guitarist Chris Rubén-Winters, oboist Benjamin Fox, and pianists Jeffrey Mead and Patricia Clark. Concerts take place Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 PM in Beverly (St. Peter’s Episcopal Church) and Sunday, May 11 at 4:00 PM in Newburyport (St. Paul’s Episcopal Church). For tickets and info: www.cantemus.org/spring

May 12: Lunchtime History Films – Dogtown and the Revolution, Tapley Memorial Hall, Danvers

Lunchtime History Films, bring your lunch! The Folklore Tale of Dogtown – Origins, inhabitants, mysteries, and role in the revolution. A casual discussion and a 20-30 minute film. Presented by Heritage Films, Dan Tremblay, a volunteer and member of DHS. Free Admission. Donations appreciated.

May 13: Free Story Time, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

We invite children and their grown-ups to join our friends from the Amesbury Public Library on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for stories inspired by farming and the season’s harvest! This program is held under Cider Hill Farm’s picnic tent near the goats.

May 15: K-Pop Dance Party, Peabody Essex Museum, Peabody

Join us for a vibrant K-pop dance party celebrating the openings of PEM’s Korean Art gallery and Jung Yeondoo: Building Dreams! Dance the night away to tunes by DJ Gamma Vibes. Dancers from Boston’s own StyleMe Dance Studio will get you on your feet during their special pop-up performances in the crowd, while our featured galleries will be open all night for partygoers to explore. Enjoy Korean snacks for purchase, sip on a creative cocktail from our cash bar and party with PEM as we bring Seoul to Salem!

May 16: The Eagles Experience, Larcom Theatre, Beverly

The Eagles Experience aims to be the most authentic tribute show to the Eagles available today. With a one-to-one lineup that reflects the Eagles during their heyday in the late 1970s, the members of the Eagles Experience each emulate their respective “Eagle”, playing the correct instrument and singing the songs as sung by their protege. Every member of the Eagles Experience is dedicated to presenting their part as accurately as possible and will provide you with an ultimate “Eagles Experience” you will not soon forget. This tribute band only plays songs written and recorded by the Eagles as a band, from their biggest hits to hidden gems.

May 17: Roomful of Blues, Firehouse Center for the Arts. Newburyport

Even though Roomful of Blues’ lineup has changed over the years, the band has always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. Currently an eight-piece unit led by guitarist Chris Vachon, the band has never sounded fresher or stronger. Singer Phil Pemberton brings his sweet and soulful vocals and adds another bright new dimension to the jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor. Along with bassist John Turner, trumpeter Carl Gerhard, drummer Mike Coffey, keyboardist Rusty Scott, baritone and tenor saxophonist Alek Razdan, tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille, Roomful keeps on rockin’ into 2025.

May 18: Outdoor Hard Cider Bar & Free Live Music Series, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

Every weekend at Cider Hill Farm farm brings FREE family-friendly live music on the main lawn from 12-3 pm and extended music on festival dates 11 am – 4 pm. Grab a drink from the Outdoor Hard Cider Bar 11 am – 4 pm on Saturdays and 12-4 pm on Sundays.

May 21: Bonsai Workshop, Ipswich Ale Brewery, Ipswich

Beginner workshops are perfect for you to grab your friends, grab a drink and come make tiny trees! We’re bringing the awesome art of bonsai out of the hedged in gardens and into the streets! Or at least into your favorite bars/breweries/pubs. Bonsai Bar is a night of fun you don’t want to miss. Learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai while enjoying a night out with friends! Our teachers will introduce core concepts and guide your experience as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree! Our Guarantee: These tiny trees are so hardy we guarantee you can keep yours alive, or we’ll replace it.

May 23: Exhibition Opening: “Road to Revolution”, Custom House Maritime Museum, Newburyport

Join us for the opening of our new exhibition “Road to Revolution” curated by Kevin MacDonald. There will be an exhibition opening reception on May 23rd at 5:30 pm. This program is funded in part  by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, and in partnership with MOON, Nbpt Library, Central Congregational Church.

May 24: Della Mae, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

GRAMMY-nominated, all-women string band Della Mae returns with their signature blend of high-octane bluegrass, Americana and roots music. Celebrate fan-favorite songs and over a decade of groundbreaking artistry with powerhouse vocalist Celia Woodsmith, two-time Grand National champion fiddler Kimber Ludiker, guitarist Avril Smith and IBMA Bass Player of the Year Vickie Vaughn. Della Mae delivers a dynamic live performance filled with foot-stomping energy and exceptional musicianship.

May 26: Fred Hersch Trio, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

Called “a living legend” by The New Yorker and “a master who plays it his way” (New York Times), Fred Hersch returns to Rockport leading an inspired trio. He is a seventeen-time Grammy nominee and the recipient of many of jazz’s most prestigious awards.

May 28: Story-Time & Craft Wednesday, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport

Summer is the PERFECT time for outdoor story time and craft making! This BRAND NEW family event is an extension of our Newburyport Arts and Culture Shanties Program and will take place each Wednesday in the Pop Up Park on Merrimac Street – where the Shanties are currently located. Come join the fun this Wednesday and see what it’s all about! Running each Wednesday until August 21st from 10 AM-12 PM. Free of charge, but donations are welcome.

May 31: Maple Strolls, Appleton Farms, Ipswich

Experience a leisurely stroll along our country farm roads and past several historic landscapes to our Appleton maple grove. You’ll learn some of the history of maple sugaring as well as the science behind what makes maple sap run in our trees. The stroll concludes with a visit to our sugar shack where you will see firsthand how we turn the collected sap into our delicious Appleton maple syrup!