Shop Local in Gloucester, MA This Tax-Free Weekend!

July 24, 2025 / Things to Do & See

Get ready for a shopping getaway in Gloucester, MA— Tax‑free weekend is back on August 9–10! It’s the perfect chance to explore charming storefronts, score savings, and enjoy seaside breezes, all without paying sales tax on most* items. From luxury fashion and home goods to artisanal finds, here’s your guide to where to go and what to look for.

Downtown Shops & Specials

The Bookstore of Gloucester
Stock up on your TBR stack this Tax-Free Weekend! Open Saturday 10-9 (late night hours for the block party!) and Sunday 10-6.

Cape Ann Olive Oil Co.
A locally owned and operated store on Main Street in Gloucester offering oils, vinegars, accessories, specialty oils. Great gift ideas, olive oil tastings and more!

Gloucester Apparel
Quality Gloucester/Fishing/Golf/Boating Resort Wear. Online ordering available.

goodlinens studio
goodlinens studio offers beautiful, useful products for kitchen, bath, home and gifts. Open 10 am-9 pm on Saturday, August 9 and 10 am-5 pm on Sunday, August 10!

Jane Deering Gallery
Jane Deering Gallery presents contemporary art by established and emerging artists. Cape Ann artists regularly exhibit.

Local Colors
The Co-op’s light-filled gallery offers a dynamic selection of original art, including hand-painted oils and watercolors of local scenes and more. Open 10-6pm on Tax-Free Weekend- New artists have joined the gallery! Individual artists might have sales.

Mark Adrian Shoes
Saturday, August 9 is a big day with Tax Free shopping and the second Main Street Block Party! We’ll be open 10am–8pm (or maybe even later). Swing by early, stay out late. Try on some fresh kicks, snag your favorites, then roll right into the Block Party. We’ll be open ‘til the music fades!

Pop Gallery
POP is celebrating 15 years! THIS SATURDAY AUGUST 9TH! 6 pm to 10 pm. Come enjoy some al fresco dining, street performers, activities for the kids and late night shopping along Main Street! We are offering Loyalty Love to our friends and regulars with 15% off on select items! Our SALE RACK will be full of items 20 to 50% off!

Turtle Alley Chocolates
Homemade chocolates made with love daily. From the creamiest caramel to the smoothest fudge, and everything in between, Turtle Alley has got you covered!

For more shopping in Gloucester, plan to visit Rocky Neck Art Colony right across the harbor, or Second Glance Thrift Store just outside of downtown.

Special Events

Cape Ann Artisans’ Summer Mini Tour
Join Cape Ann Artisans on Saturday, August 9 for their free and self-guided tour of local artist galleries and studios across Gloucester and Rockport.

Main Street Block Party
On August 9, 6-10 pm, Main Street comes alive when the Street is closed off and we have live music, street performers, non-profits, food vendors and more.

*Massachusetts’ sales tax holiday applies to most retail purchases under $2,500 per item, including electronics, home goods, and clothing. Normally, clothing under $175 per item is tax-exempt year-round, but during this weekend, even the portion over $175 is tax-free—up to the $2,500 limit. The holiday doesn’t apply to meals, alcohol, tobacco, or motor vehicles. Even stores where items are usually tax-exempt may offer special deals, so they’re always worth a visit while you’re exploring Cape Ann.