Get ready for a fun-filled weekend exploring the best events happening across the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and Cape Ann! From classic car shows and live music on the farm in Amesbury to fall folklore in Ipswich, waterfront walks in Newburyport, and art-filled afternoons in Rowley, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Head to Gloucester for cultural celebrations, stop by Beverly for unforgettable live performances, and don’t miss the start of Salem’s Haunted Happenings, where pumpkin festivals, fire shows, and spooky magic kick off the season in style. Whether you’re looking for small-town charm in places like Merrimac and West Newbury or big seasonal spectacles in Salem and Peabody, this weekend is packed with exciting things to do for all ages.Amesbury, MA
- Carriagetown Car Show — Saturday, September 27, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, downtown Amesbury. Expect antique & unique cars, motorcycles, live DJ, raffle. Amesbury Cultural Council+2Amesbury+2
- At Cider Hill Farm (just outside Amesbury), virtually every weekend features free live music on the lawn (noon–3:00 PM) and an outdoor hard cider bar (11:00 AM–4:00 PM). Amesbury Cultural Council+3Amesbury Chamber of Commerce+3Amesbury Chamber of Commerce+3
- Local library / cultural council events (swap days, art, etc.) — check the Amesbury Cultural Council or library calendar for pop-ups. Amesbury Cultural Council
Merrimac, MA
I didn't locate any high-profile, recurring weekend events in Merrimac specifically, but given its proximity to Amesbury and Haverhill, residents can often hop into adjacent towns’ happenings.
Newbury & West Newbury, MA
While I found no special events listed exclusively for Newbury or West Newbury for this weekend, Newburyport’s offerings (below) are quite accessible and often draw visitors from neighboring towns.
Newburyport, MA
- The Walk Against Domestic Violence (Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center) is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, starting at Waterfront Park in Newburyport. Amesbury Chamber of Commerce
- Newburyport also often features farmers’ markets, riverwalk events, gallery openings, etc. (though none specifically listed for this immediate weekend in my searches).
Rowley, MA
- Phillips Library Open House: Recent Acquisitions — Saturday, September 27 at 10:00 AM, Phillips Library, 306 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley. Patch
Ipswich, MA
- Devil’s Footprint Folklore — Sunday, September 28 at 11:00 AM, 1 Meetinghouse Green, Ipswich. Patch
Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester‐by‐the-Sea, Salisbury
Gloucester, MA
- Stand Up for Art & Science — a seasonal fall program of cultural & educational events across downtown Gloucester. Occurring September 26–27 (this weekend). Discover Gloucester
- Also check the Cape Ann Chamber / Gloucester festival calendars for pop-up concerts, art walks, or gallery openings. Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Rockport, MA
I did not find a confirmed listing specifically for Rockport this weekend (in my search), but Rockport often hosts art walks, concerts, and chamber music during the season (especially summer). It’s worth checking the Rockport Chamber or local arts groups.
Essex, MA
I did not uncover any large public events in Essex this particular weekend, but river cruises, seafood festivals, or historic house tours might sometimes run—check local Essex town and chamber websites.
Manchester‐by‐the-Sea, MA
No specific weekend events surfaced in my search. The town is small, but sometimes houses or arts groups put on exhibits or concerts — local noticeboards or the Manchester-by-the-Sea town website may have listings.
Salisbury, MA
I didn’t find a major event listing in my searches for Salisbury this particular weekend. But beachfront, concerts, or community fairs are possible — checking the Salisbury beach / recreation department site may yield something.
Danvers, Beverly, Peabody, Salem
Salem, MA
Salem is bustling this time of year (Haunted Happenings). Some highlights:
- Salem Haunted Magic Show (HYSTERIA: The Ghost Magician!) — multiple performances on September 26 and 27. Salem Fun
- GuluFest! (Oktoberfest) — Saturday, September 27, 5:00 PM onward at Gulu-Gulu, with biergarten, traditional music, and a rock band later. Destination Salem
- Fall Fire Fest – Kickoff to Haunted Happenings — Friday, September 26, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM at Harborwalk Garden (waterfront) with cirque, fire performances, etc. Haunted Happenings
- Hollowed Harvest (Jack-O’-Lantern festival) — opening evening (Sept 26) and continuing through the weekend: a glowing labyrinth of carved pumpkins. Haunted Happenings
- Blown Glass Pumpkin Workshops — at North Shore Glass School, Salem: make your own glass pumpkin. Haunted Happenings
- Marketplace & Artisan Shopping in Derby Square — Saturdays & Sundays in October as part of Haunted Happenings. Haunted Happenings
Beverly, MA
- Almost Queen — A Tribute to Queen — Friday, September 26 at The Cabot, 8:00 PM.
- Roots Rocks Rebels — Saturday, September 27, 8:00 PM at Larcom Theatre (Beverly).
- Jeff Belanger: Wicked Strange New England — Sunday, September 28, 7:00 PM at Off Cabot Comedy & Events, Beverly.
Peabody, MA
- Drop-In Art Making at PEM (Peabody Essex Museum) — Saturday at 1:00 PM, theme: Who Lives Under a Log?
- Music in the Atrium (Hispanic Heritage Month) — Sunday morning at Peabody Essex Museum.
Danvers, MA
I didn’t locate a marquee event in Danvers this weekend in my searches. Local arts councils, libraries, or the Danvers Historical Society may host smaller daytime events or exhibitions.
Tips & Suggestions for the Weekend
- Plan for seasonal weather — fall in New England can be crisp; dress in layers, and bring umbrellas in case of rain.
- Start early for pumpkins & haunted events — Salem’s Hollowed Harvest and Derby Square marketplace tend to draw crowds.
- Mix nearby towns — some towns (e.g. Merrimac, West Newbury, Essex) may not host flagship events, but they’re close enough to neighboring towns’ activities.
- Check local sites closer to the day — event times or venues may change.
- Support local — galleries, farm music, small concerts are wonderful to explore in smaller towns.
