Summer on the North Shore isn’t just about beach days. It’s packed with local fairs, seafood festivals, art shows, and outdoor concerts that bring the community together. Whether you're pushing a stroller, rolling in a wheelchair, or just looking for a weekend plan that doesn’t disappoint, here’s your guide to the best seasonal events from June through August.
🎡 Topsfield Fair (Preview Events – July & August)
- 📍 Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield
- 📅 Main fair is in October, but summer brings mini events like the Drive-In Movie Series and Farm Fest
- ✅ Wheelchair & stroller accessible, paved paths, family bathrooms
The nation’s oldest agricultural fair warms up with pop-up events throughout summer. Expect food trucks, live animals, and kid-friendly rides in July and August.
🎶 Gloucester Waterfront Festival
- 📍 Stage Fort Park, Gloucester
- 📅 August 17–18, 2025
- ✅ Mostly flat, accessible park with designated parking and wide paths
One of the largest craft fairs in New England, this two-day event combines ocean views with over 200 artisans, live music, food vendors, and hands-on children’s activities.
🦞 Rockport’s Lobsterfest
- 📍 Back Beach, Rockport
- 📅 August 10, 2025
- ✅ Stroller-friendly boardwalk and nearby accessible parking
Hosted by the Rotary Club, this is a one-day event celebrating all things lobster. Pair your roll with live music and classic seaside games. It’s low-key, local, and full of flavor.
🎨 Beverly Arts Fest
- 📍 Cabot Street, Beverly
- 📅 July 20, 2025
- ✅ Street closed to traffic, wide sidewalks, stroller/wheelchair navigable
A full day of street art, local music, food trucks, and family crafts. Bonus: many businesses along the route offer air-conditioned stops and accessible restrooms.
🎆 Fourth of July Celebrations (Various Towns)
- 📍 Salem, Marblehead, Newburyport, Gloucester
- 📅 July 3–4, 2025
- ✅ Events vary, but many include reserved accessibility zones
From waterfront fireworks in Salem to Marblehead’s harbor illumination and parades in Newburyport, towns across the North Shore go big for Independence Day. Check town websites for accessibility maps and family-friendly zones.
🎺 Summer Concert Series ft. Cape Ann Big Band
- 📍 Stage Fort Park, Gloucester & other rotating locations
- 📅 Starting late June, every weekend
- ✅ All outdoor venues are flat and accessible; bring your own seating
Cape Ann Big Band’s summer concert kickoff is a must-see. These free performances blend jazz, swing, and beachy vibes for audiences of all ages. Bring a blanket or stroller and enjoy the show.
🍓 Ipswich Strawberry Festival
- 📍 Ipswich Town Green
- 📅 July 13, 2025
- ✅ Grassy but level ground; bring a stroller with decent wheels
Celebrate summer’s sweetest crop with strawberry shortcake, fresh berries, and local vendors. There’s live music, kids’ games, and plenty of shaded spots for relaxing.
🎥 Outdoor Movie Nights
- 📍 Peabody, Danvers, Salem, Lynn
- 📅 Fridays & Saturdays, mid-June through August
- ✅ All locations are open lawn or paved spaces—perfect for strollers and wheelchairs
Free family movie nights happen all summer. Bring snacks, bug spray, and low-back chairs. Upcoming titles include The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Encanto, and the new Smurfs movie.
Final Tip:
Always check before you go. Events may shift based on weather or local planning. Many festivals offer detailed accessibility info on their websites or social media.
Created with some assistance from AI
