Experience Winter by the Sea at the Gloucester’s So Salty Festival

January 09, 2025 / A Local Favorite, Things to Do & See

Winter in Gloucester comes alive this month with the 4th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty festival! Free and open to the public, this beloved event runs January 25-26, celebrating the city’s unique blend of maritime heritage, creative spirit, and unmistakably salty character. Whether you’re a local looking to shake off the winter blues or a visitor seeking a charming coastal getaway, Gloucester’s So Salty promises something special for everyone.

Organized by the Cape Ann Museum in collaboration with Discover Gloucester and local businesses, this two-day festival features ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, and engaging cultural activities scattered throughout Downtown Gloucester. With over 1,800 attendees last year, the event continues to grow, making it a winter highlight on Cape Ann.

Photo credit: Aram Boghosian

4th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty Event Highlights

Ice Sculptures

One of the most anticipated features of Gloucester’s So Salty is the collection of stunning ice sculptures displayed across Downtown Gloucester. Crafted by talented local artists, these frozen masterpieces range from intricate nautical designs to whimsical winter scenes. Be sure to grab a festival map at participating locations to plan your sculpture tour and take plenty of photos—they’re perfect for your Instagram feed!

Family-Friendly Fun

This year’s event offers a variety of free activities for kids, making it a fantastic outing for families. Check CapeAnnMuseum.org for hands-on art activities where children can create their own salty-inspired masterpieces. Don’t miss the live music performances and sea shanties too, to add a lively soundtrack to your day.

Salty Treats and Local Flavor

What’s a celebration of Gloucester without some salty snacks? Local eateries and bakeries will be offering special So Salty-themed treats to tantalize your taste buds. From freshly baked goods to seafood bites, there will be plenty of delicious options to enjoy as you explore the festival.

Explore Downtown Gloucester

While you’re enjoying the festival, take some time to explore all that Downtown Gloucester has to offer. Browse unique shops and galleries, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, or pop into the Cape Ann Museum for a dose of maritime history. Many businesses will have special offerings for So Salty, so keep an eye out for event signs in storefronts.

Gloucester’s So Salty is the perfect way to embrace winter’s chill and celebrate the season in one of New England’s most picturesque coastal towns. Whether you’re marveling at the glittering ice sculptures, savoring local treats, or enjoying the family-friendly activities, this festival is sure to warm your heart even in the coldest months.

Find a complete list of promotions and offers during Gloucester’s So Salty below, and download a map here.

ALL WEEKEND

Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a Sweet & Salty Cocktail, in an Igloo at Mile Marker One, 75 Essex Ave Route 133
25% discount on room rates, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn, 1 Nautilus Road, Gloucester

20% off all bath mills and bath salts, Goodlinens Studio, 130 Main St.
20% off salt and select products, Cape Ann Olive Oil, 57 Main St.
Buy one, get one free chocolate chip cookie specially topped with Maldon Salts! Source Bakery, 3 Duncan St.
Grab a piece of saltwater taffy + 20% – 50% Off sale Fireflies Boutique, 100 Main St.
Add larger-than-life magnetic words to make Salty Poetry Snippets + check out a free and $1 book cart, Dogtown Books, 132 Main St.
10% off select ‘Salty Books,’ The Bookstore of Gloucester, 61 Main St.
$2 Salted caramel lattes and 20$ Salty Crew Necks, Castaways Vintage Café, 65 Main St.
Stay warm and cozy with our amazing socks! All socks Buy 3, Get 1 FREE! Mark Adrian Shoes, 103 Main St.
15% off ALL fine art at the John Sarkin Studio, 39 Main St.
Free fish gibbet or shark sticker, 20$ Gloucester Lobster or Tuna SPF Hoodie, 30$ Puffer Jackets & salty treats at Gloucester Apparel, 44 Main St.
Open mic poetry readings at Lockwood Studios, 2 Eastern Ave.
Free stickers (New designs!) & free candy at Toodeloos, 142 Main St.
Paw-Garita with purchase (Dog friendly cucumber drink) at Masshole & Co. Pet Provisions, 137 Main St.
25% off select items at The Cave, 44 Main St.
40% off storewide and complimentary prosecco at Design of Mine (New location!), 33 Main St.
25% Off sale on select items + fun giveaways and treats at the Pop Gallery, 67 Main St.
Yacht Rock Cocktail (made with an oyster infused vodka and a pinch of salt) and Local Stuffed Quahogs on a Bed of Salt at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar, in the Beauport Hotel, 55 Commercial Street
Chocolate Salted Caramel Martini at Seaport Grille, 6 Rowe Sq.

SATURDAY

Sea Shanties by Three Sheets to the Wind, with Sing Along, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2pm – 4pm, 10 Church Street
Make a “Salty Craft,” Maritime Gloucester, 10am – 4pm, 23 Harbor Loop
Seasoned Snowman Popcorn Bags with The Open Door at Sawyer Free Library, 10:30am-12:00pm, 21 Main Street
Open Mic Poetry Readings, Lockwood Studios, 3pm – 5pm, 2 Eastern Ave.
Vintage Filagree Treasures Embedded – an “Eye spy” search and find hidden items, at Lockwood Studios, 2 Eastern Ave.

SUNDAY

Make a “Salty Craft,” at Maritime Gloucester, 10am – 4pm, 23 Harbor Loop
Paint saltwater dough fish, while supplies last, Local Colors, 121 Main St
Open Mic Poetry Readings with light refreshments, Lockwood Studios, 3pm – 5pm, 2 Eastern Ave.
20$ Salty Suncatchers with Saltwater at Pat D’s Photos, 44 Main St.
Raffle + One day only Special Drinks (Frosty Tide, Salty Beach) at Shore Nutrition, 139 Main St.
Vintage Filagree Treasures Embedded – an “Eye spy” search and find hidden items, at Lockwood Studios, 2 Eastern Ave.

Mark your calendar for January 25 and 26, 2025, and join us in Downtown Gloucester to celebrate the salty pride of America’s oldest seaport. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit CapeAnnMuseum.org.