Art, Music, and Coastal Vibes—Every Thursday in July & August!

Culture Splash returns for its 5th summer, offering a fun and easy way to experience Gloucester. Every Thursday evening in July and August, the city’s two cultural districts–Harbortown and Rocky Neck–come alive with local art, music, and performances.

You’ll find gallery openings where you can meet and interact with artists, pop-up exhibits, poetry readings, and interactive activities for all ages. The event is free and open to everyone so you can just show up and explore!

To make getting around even easier during Culture Splash, the Cape Ann Harbor Tours Water Shuttle will be running for free from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Hop on and off between Harbortown and Rocky Neck while enjoying scenic harbor views.

Thank you for joining us at this year’s Culture Splash! Next year’s events will be posted by June 2026.

Participating Locations:

Upcoming Culture Splash Happenings:

Getting Around Culture Splash

Events in each cultural district are within walking distance of each other. To travel between Harbortown and Rocky Neck, take the harbor shuttle provided by Cape Ann Harbor Tours, which runs FREE every Thursday night!

The Cape Ann Harbor Tours shuttle runs continuously from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm with stops at the Harbormaster Dock, 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant, and St. Peter’s Square.

Coming from another part of town? CATA on Demand runs weeknights until 8:00 pm. Learn more and plan your trip here.

Cape Ann Harbor Tours

Parking & Public Transportation

Parking is available with payments through the Flowbird app or kiosks on-street and in lots around town. Download the app to see available parking locations ahead of your trip. (Note: Parking is not permitted on Harbor Loop during the Harbor Loop Summer Concert Series on Thursday nights.)

Culture Splash events are within walking distance of the Gloucester stop of the MBTA Commuter Rail. Visit Gloucester on Thursdays from points north on the Rockport line, or pick up the train at stations to the south like Beverly, Lynn, Salem, or Boston’s North Station. Be sure to take a Rockport-bound train as route is shared with the Newburyport line before splitting off toward Cape Ann. View Commuter Rail schedules here.

The annual Gloucester Culture Splash series is made possible in part by grant funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the City of Gloucester, and is powered by generous community volunteers.