July is one of the best times to experience everything Gloucester has to offer. From colorful arts and culture events and unforgettable schooner sails to fresh seafood, waterfront dining, and outdoor adventures, there’s something happening around every corner.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer coastal escape, you’ll also find exciting new places to stay, including boutique hotels in the heart of downtown and accommodations just steps from the beach. Read on for some of the best ways to make the most of a July visit to Gloucester.
This Month’s Events
North Shore Adventures Limited Edition Tours
July 1 & 4: Experience Gloucester and Cape Ann from a new perspective with North Shore Adventures‘ limited-edition summer kayak tours. Special seasonal offerings include magical Full Moon Tours that paddle beneath the rising moon and the annual Rockport Bonfire Tour over Fourth of July weekend, where you’ll enjoy a front-row view of one of Cape Ann’s most unique summer traditions from the water. Learn More >>
Painting with Water-based Oils with Melody Phaneuf
July 2-23: Discover the beauty of water-based oil painting in this welcoming four-week workshop with local artist Melody Phaneuf. Held Thursday afternoons throughout July at her Gloucester studio, the small-group class is open to artists of all skill levels and explores color, light, and painting techniques in a supportive, hands-on environment. Learn More >>
Independence Day Celebrations
July 3: Celebrate Independence Day in Gloucester with one of the North Shore’s most beloved traditions. Enjoy the Concert on the Boulevard, the iconic Fishtown Horribles Parade, and a spectacular fireworks display over Gloucester Harbor, launched from Stage Fort Park.
Watch the fireworks from the water aboard the Wejack Fireworks Cruise, the historic Schooner Lannon’s Fireworks Sail, or elevate the evening with the Red, White & Beauport Rooftop Fireworks Celebration at the Beauport Hotel. Learn More >>
Backyard Growcery
Wednesdays, July 8-September 30: Discover fresh local flavors at the Backyard Growcery, Gloucester’s seasonal farmers’ market. Stop by to shop for locally grown produce and other farm-fresh goods while supporting local growers, making it an easy and delicious addition to your summer visit. Learn More >>
Culture Splash
Thursdays, July 9-August 27: Experience Gloucester’s vibrant creative spirit during Culture Splash, a weekly celebration of arts and culture in Rocky Neck Cultural District. The event features live music, artist demonstrations, gallery exhibitions, public art, performances, family-friendly activities, and special programming, with free water shuttle rides from Cape Ann Harbor Tours. Learn More >>
As You Like It with Lanes Coven Theater Co.
July 10-August 2: Enjoy a summer evening of Shakespeare with As You Like It, presented by Lanes Coven Theater Co. This fresh outdoor production brings one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies to life with romance, humor, memorable characters, and plenty of wit, making it a wonderful addition to a July visit to Rockport’s Windhover Performing Arts Center. Learn More >>
Summer Work Out Events at Castaways
July 12, 23, & 26: Stop by Castaways Vintage Café for refreshing smoothies, iced coffee, and coastal-inspired merchandise. Throughout July, the café is hosting a variety of events, including an Elevate Social Club walk on July 12, a mat Pilates class on the patio on July 23, and a workout with The Energy Barre on July 26, making it a fun place to connect and soak up the summer atmosphere. Learn More >>
Seaside Soiree at Hammond Castle Museum
July 17: Experience an unforgettable summer evening at Hammond Castle Museum during the inaugural Seaside Soirée. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, this elegant event features local cuisine, cocktails, guided champagne tours of the castle, live entertainment, an auction, and stunning sunset views. With elevated coastal cocktail attire encouraged, it’s a memorable way to experience one of Gloucester’s most iconic landmarks while supporting the preservation of this historic treasure. Learn More >>
Blackburn Brew Fest
July 18: Raise a glass at Blackburn Brewfest, one of Cape Ann’s signature summer events celebrating local craft beer, cider, food, and live entertainment. The festival brings together breweries from across the region for an afternoon of tastings, great music, and community fun all in support of Cape Ann Community Foundation. Learn More >>
Calvo Woodcarving School July Workshops
July 18-23: Learn the fundamentals of wood carving in this hands-on workshop designed for both beginners and intermediate students. Participants will build foundational carving skills while working with expert instruction in a welcoming, small-group setting. Learn More >>
Schooner Adventure 100th Anniversary
Events throughout the summer: Celebrate 100 years of the historic Schooner Adventure with a full lineup of special events this July. The centennial celebration includes appearances at Sail Boston 2026, where Adventure will represent Gloucester’s rich fishing heritage alongside tall ships from around the world, as well as public sails, free deck tours, maritime music, storytelling, and a closing fireworks celebration in Boston Harbor.
Back in Gloucester, visitors can also experience signature Friday evening sails and themed Sunday excursions that explore the region’s maritime history, wildlife, working waterfront, and more aboard this National Historic Landmark. Learn More >>
Things to Do
Cape Ann Museum
A visit to the Cape Ann Museum is a must this July as its newly renovated Downtown Campus has officially reopened! Be among the first to experience the landmark exhibition Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea, which explores the artistic journeys of three of the 20th century’s most influential American painters through an extraordinary collection of works on view this season. Learn More >>
Agawam Boat Charters (Essex)
Cast a line this July with Agawam Boat Charters, offering unforgettable private fishing charters on the waters of Essex and Cape Ann. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying saltwater fishing for the first time, you’ll enjoy expert local guidance, scenic coastal views, and the chance to reel in a memorable catch during your North Shore adventure. Learn More >>
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Step inside one of Gloucester’s most fascinating historic homes with a visit to Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House. Open seasonally for guided tours, this National Historic Landmark features more than 40 uniquely decorated rooms filled with art, antiques, and architectural details that reflect the creative vision of renowned interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper, along with beautiful views of Gloucester Harbor. Learn More >>
Dining
Catering & Events with Holy Cow Ice Cream
Make your summer celebration even sweeter with Holy Cow Ice Cream‘s catering services. Perfect for parties, weddings, showers, and special events, Holy Cow can bring a full ice cream scooping station featuring your favorite flavors, cones, cups, waffle bowls, sundaes, and toppings for a fun treat guests of all ages will love. Learn More >>
Minglewood Harborside
Catch live music this July at Minglewood Harborside, one of Gloucester’s favorite waterfront restaurants, and enjoy a delicious menu featuring fresh seafood, sushi, salads, smashburgers, and more. Learn More >>
Shopping
Sharon’s Studio
Capture your Cape Ann memories with Sharon’s Studio, home of Cape Ann Weddings. Specializing in professional photography, Sharon offers everything from family and vacation portraits to engagement sessions and special occasion photography, making it easy to take home lasting memories of your time on the coast. Learn More >>
Jane Deering Gallery
Browse thought-provoking contemporary art at Jane Deering Gallery in downtown Gloucester. Located next to the Cape Ann Museum on Pleasant Street, the gallery showcases rotating exhibitions featuring established and emerging regional, national, and international artists, making it a wonderful stop while exploring Gloucester’s vibrant arts and cultural district. Learn More >>
Stay in Gloucester
Inn at Good Harbor Beach
Be among the first to experience The Inn at Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester’s newly reimagined boutique beachfront hotel, opening July 1. Overlooking one of New England’s most beloved beaches, the property offers beautifully updated accommodations, direct beach access, ocean views, complimentary breakfast, curated beach amenities, and seasonal experiences like yoga, live music, clambakes, and s’mores by the shore. It’s an ideal home base for a classic Cape Ann summer getaway. Learn More >>
Highliner Hotel
Plan a midweek getaway at The Highliner, Gloucester’s new boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. This summer, guests arriving on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday can take advantage of the Stay Longer promotion, which includes complimentary early check-in or late check-out when booking direct with the code STAYLONGER. Available through September 2, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy even more time exploring Gloucester’s shops, restaurants, waterfront, and beaches. Learn More >>
Accommodations at Rocky Neck
July is the perfect time to book a stay at Accommodations at Rocky Neck and experience one of Gloucester’s most vibrant waterfront neighborhoods. Nestled in the heart of Rocky Neck Art Colony, these charming accommodations place you just steps from galleries, restaurants, working artist studios, and beautiful harbor views, making them an ideal home base for a summer getaway on Cape Ann. Learn More >>
From relaxing days at the beach and unforgettable harbor adventures to live music, art exhibitions, seasonal festivals, and fresh local flavors, July is one of the best times to experience everything Gloucester has to offer. Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway, or extended coastal escape, there’s no shortage of ways to make lasting summer memories. Start planning your July visit by exploring even more things to do, places to stay, dining, events, and seasonal inspiration here.