Festivals

Gloucester is home to many unique and entertaining festivals.

Festivals in and around Gloucester

Gloucester is home to many unique and entertaining festivals.  In fact, we are most proud of a few festivals that are truly exclusive to our city’s heritage and tradition.

Specific festival event information on dates and times may change and we ask that you check the event’s websites to confirm information prior to making your visit up to Gloucester.

Motif No.1 Day Festival

Motif No.1 Day honors the fishing shack, artist’s studio, and tourist attraction that started it all! Enjoy poetry, dance, music and art-making activities.

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Cape Ann Artisans Tour | Spring

The annual Cape Ann Artisans Tour is a three-day event which takes place twice a year – Spring and Fall. Plan your self-guided tour of studios and meet the artists.

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St. Peter's Fiesta

A five-day festival honoring the patron saint of the fisherman Saint Peter. Parades, carnival, concerts, sporting competitions, and the legendary Greasy Pole event.

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Fishtown Horribles Parade

The Fish Town Horribles Parade has been a tradition since some of the first settlers came to Gloucester.

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Rockport Chamber Music Festival

Experience outstanding performances by world-renowned classical musicians from the Jupiter String Quartet to pianist Garrick Ohlsson.

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Gloucester Blues Festival

World-class blues will reverberate through the park with some of the nation’s finest performers playing from the Gloucester Blues stage, located right on the harbor at beautiful Cressey’s Beach.

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Gloucester Waterfront Festival

Over 200 booths featuring juried artists and craftsmen from throughout the U.S. will display their unique creations.

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Gloucester Schooner Festival

The annual Gloucester Schooner Festival takes place on Labor Day weekend. It’s Gloucester’s major marine event.

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Cape Ann Plein Air Competition & Festival

The annual Cape Ann Plein Air competition is a week-long event showcasing America’s top painters with artists demos, gala, and sale.

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Essex ClamFest

The annual Essex ClamFest features the Clam Chowder Tasting and competition, plus vendors, and activities.

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Rockport New Year's Eve

Ring in the new year at the annual New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts for all ages taking place in venues in downtown Rockport, all within walking distance of one another.

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