Savor the Start of Summer: Celebrate, Explore, and Soak In June

June is here and with it comes the full bloom of the season across the North of Boston region. From dockside dining to garden strolls, the rhythm of summer is picking up. Farmers markets are buzzing, schooners and whale watches are setting sail, and long sunny days are perfect for exploring coastal towns and cultural happenings.

This month also brings important opportunities to gather in the community for Pride and Juneteenth. We’re proud to highlight events that honor inclusivity, history, and the rich diversity of our region. Whether you’re catching a sunset concert, visiting a historic site, or discovering something new at a local festival, there’s something special waiting for you this June.

Here’s what we’re excited about this month.

June 1: Walking Tour: Historic Dogtown, Babson Boulder Parking Cherry Street, Gloucester

Step into the storied past of Dogtown with the Cape Ann Museum’s guided walking tour on Cherry Street in Gloucester. Explore the trails, cellar holes, and iconic Babson boulders as you learn about the people who once lived there, the legends that linger, and the artists and writers inspired by this rugged landscape. The 3-mile hike covers uneven terrain and takes about two hours. $10 for CAM members, $20 for non-members. Registration required.

June 2: Adult Bootcamp Workout Series with Kin Fitness, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

Workout with a view! Join Eric, NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer & Youth Fitness Specialist from Kin Fitness of Newburyport, on 5 Mondays May 5 – June 9 (no class Memorial Day) at Cider Hill Farm from 8:30-9:15. Classic cardio, strength, + core exercises are mixed into the perfect combo to keep you on your toes – always challenging, always fun and positive! All levels welcome. $10 drop-in or 5 classes for $40. 18+.

June 3-15: Waitress, North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly

If life were only as simple as pie… Composed by Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”), WAITRESS follows Jenna, a talented pie-maker with big dream but trapped in an troubled marriage while working at a small-town diner. Filled with friendship and the thrill of a new romance, WAITRESS is a smash hit musical, baked from the heart, that celebrates resilience and the pursuit of happiness.

June 6: Celesong, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

Join Wellspring for their Spring celebration, Celesong, an incredible musical evening in the tradition of a Nashville-style songwriters’ round featuring acclaimed singer-songwriters Darrell Scott, Lori McKenna and Mark Erelli. You are invited to join Wellspring for their annual fundraising event and celebrate your commitment to helping local families transform their lives through stable housing, education, job training, and career readiness.

June 7 & 8: 46th Annual Old Newbury Garden Tour, June 7 & 8, 2025, Museum of Old Newbury, Newburyport

The Museum of Old Newbury invites you to enjoy this year’s Garden Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 & 8, 2025. This year’s theme is Revolutionary Gardens, an homage to innovative and original elements in our featured gardens! You’ll enjoy access to the best we have to offer, from urban pocket gardens to larger, more formal landscapes.

The 46th Old Newbury Garden Tour occurs rain or shine. It is an inspiration for those ranging from professionals seriously interested in garden design and horticulture to enthusiasts who simply love beautiful gardens.

June 8: Cape Ann Jewish Cultural Festival, Stage Fort Park, Gloucester

This summer, Cape Ann will celebrate its diversity through a joyful and enriching cultural event: the Cape Ann Jewish Cultural Festival. The festival will offer a unique recognition of the music, art, traditions, and foods that Jewish people celebrate and enjoy. It will take place on Sunday, June 8th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester and is open to the entire community.

Organized by the Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Ann, the event is designed to foster connection, cultural appreciation, and community spirit. Festival goers can look forward to a festive afternoon of live Klezmer music, family entertainment, games, crafts, local vendors, and a Kosher deli experience. Inflatables and interactive activities will keep children engaged and delighted, while adults can enjoy the artistry, cuisine, and meaningful conversations that highlight the richness of Jewish culture.

Admission, music, and children’s activities are completely free of charge. A variety of kosher foods and deli favorites will be available for purchase.

June 11-27: Mornings at the Museum, Wenham Museum, Wenham

Join us for Mornings at the Museum. Start your day with creativity, discovery, and joy—designed especially for young children and their caregivers. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:00 AM. Free with admission. Ages 0–5. No registration needed. Each session offers drop-in activities that rotate weekly, including Hands-On History & Play: Interactive experiences inspired by real museum objects, Arts & Making: Open-ended crafts, sensory art, and creative projects, Movement & Music: Songs, rhythm games, and playful movement, Literacy & Language: Storytime, rhymes, and language-based fun, and STEM & Discovery: Nature, science, and problem-solving through hands-on exploration. Make new memories each week through joyful, play-based museum experiences.

June 12: The Healing of Art, Cove Gallery, Gloucester

On view through July 4, a new show presented at the Cove Gallery on 37 Rocky Neck Ave, Gloucester, The “Healing of Art” reflects the four realms the artists explore in this exhibition: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. They work in a wide range of media and approaches including paint, sculpture materials, mixed media, and encaustic. Their intention is to connect us together, to harness the reparative power of making and viewing art.

June 14: Father’s Day Pizza & BBQ Bash, Appleton Farms, Ipswich

Bring Dad to Appleton Farms on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend for our own seasonal wood-fired pizza, local beer, wine and cider, local BBQ, and live music! Appleton will be slinging their famous pies which are not to be missed! We’ll have Notch Brewing on-site serving up some beer, wine, and cider, with barbecue from Fat Belly Food Truck and sweet treats from Down River Ice Cream.

Enjoy music from Orville Giddings and Dad Bod & The Father Figures! Orville Giddings will take the stage from 12:30-2:30, and Dad Bod & The Father Figures from 3:00-5:00.

June 14 & 15: 2025 Strawberry Festival, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

Celebrate all things strawberries. Enjoy free live music, outdoor hard cider bar, family-friendly activities, hayrides, food truck, homemade strawberries treats and PYO strawberries.

Festival Admission is free and provides entrance to the festival. Includes free live music (12-3 pm), family activities, barnyard, play areas and lawn games. Does not include pick-your-own, hayrides or food options. For strawberry picking tickets visit www.ciderhill.com/pick-your-own. Online tickets become available approx. 48-72 hours in advance.

June 17: Bonsai Workshop, Old Planters Brewery, Beverly

Learn the art of bonsai in a laid-back, welcoming space at Old Planters Brewery! Bonsai Bar is bringing a hands-on tree-making workshop to the taproom—grab your friends, a drink, and create your very own tiny tree. No experience needed. Just good vibes, local brews, and a night rooted in fun.

June 19: 5th Annual Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration, Gloucester City Hall, Gloucester

Join the Cape Ann Museum at Gloucester City Hall to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

June 21-22: The 250th Anniversary Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment, Stage Fort Park, Gloucester

The 250th Anniversary Reenactment of The Battle of Bunker Hills aims to accurately portray the events and faithfully represent the people involved in the conflict of June 17, 1775. Our mission is to celebrate and commemorate the actions and sacrifices of the men and women of all sides of the Battle of Bunker Hill through careful research, public demonstrations, civic engagement and educational outreach. Through these means, we endeavor to increase understanding of the Battle of Bunker Hill, and to bring to life the stories and voices of those long gone or purposefully excluded: when you see us, think of them.

The first pitched battle of the American War for Independence was fought in stages. Our reenactment of the battle will do the same. The recreated battle will be broken up into a series of vignettes and lectures, as well as the tactical demonstrations. Beginning each morning, Colonial forces will race to build fortifications atop the hill as the Royal Navy bombards the American position to soften its defense in preparation for amphibious assault. British soldiers will then be ferried to the beachhead before charging the American lines – attacking the hill three times before taking it through bitter combat. Before and after the tactical demonstrations, interpreters portraying specific historical figures will give context to the events of June 1775, detailing how the battle transformed their lives and our nation. Between each action, visitors will have the opportunity to meet reenactors and learn about the perspectives of the people they portray.

June 21: Johnny Cash + The Ultimate Creedence Clearwater Revival Experience, Larcom Theater, Beverly

Prepare for an exhilarating tribute concert honoring two iconic musical legends. Award-winning artist Robert Black and his band will take you on a journey celebrating the timeless legacies of Johnny Cash and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Feel the electrifying energy as Robert Black delivers a captivating performance of Johnny Cash’s classics like “I Got Stripes,” “Cry Cry Cry,” “A Thing Called Love,” and other iconic hits. And experience the spirit and sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival as Robert Black and his band, Sweet Hitch-Hiker faithfully recreate CCR’s greatest hits, including “Sweet Hitch-Hiker,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” “I Put a Spell On You,” and more.

Robert Black’s authentic portrayal of Johnny Cash and John Fogerty, combined with his exceptional vocal talent, stage presence, and costuming, promises an evening filled with pure entertainment. Join us for a night filled with nostalgia and musical brilliance as we pay homage to these legendary artists.

June 22: Galvin Cello Quartet, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

Winners of the Silver Medal at the 2021 Fischoff Competition and Winners of the 2022 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, the Galvin Cello Quartet explores the limitless range of a cello ensemble by bringing together new works representing diverse cultural backgrounds while seeking to establish the cello quartet as a core part of the classical music world.

June 25: 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

June 28: Long Hill House & Garden Tours, Long Hill, Beverly

Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate, home of the Sedgwick family, as you learn about the elegant lifestyle of wealthy Bostonians on the North Shore, and the artisans who created it. The tour takes you through the Federal-style house and the spectacular gardens, with terraces, statues, fountains, and pagodas, each section filled with unique perennial flowers from around the world. Highlights of the tour include a room filled with stunning 19th century Chinese wallpaper, the evolution of the stunning Sedgwick gardens, and the hidden connection between the house and an old Southern antebellum mansion.