2023 Outdoor Events in Newburyport!
Special Event

2023 Outdoor Events in Newburyport!

Deirdre Girard
September 15, 2023
7
2023 Outdoor Events in Newburyport!
Concerts All Summer Long at Maudslay Arts Center!

Intro

Who doesn’t want to be outdoors during our gorgeous New England summer and fall?  Newburyport offers dozens of open air arts and cultural events for all ages.  Check this post regularly, we will be updating the listings!

Entrance To Newburyport Art's Sculpture Garden

All Year Long

The Annual Outdoor Sculpture Garden Exhibition 

Walk through the beautiful and romantic outdoor Range Lights Sculpture Garden in Newburyport Art's very own back yard, along the Rail Trail.  Free.

https://newburyportart.org/current-exhibits

All Summer and Early Fall, through October 15

Newburyport Arts and Cultural Shanties

Visit these beautiful shanties at the pop up park right next to the Firehouse, each with a working artist selling handmade jewelry, pottery, photography, paintings and more! Friday-Sunday, noon until 5:00pm.

https://firehouse.org/shanties/

May 20-June 11

Theater in the Open presents 

Petrushka's Flying Puppet Circus

Come one! Come all! Join us in Maudslay State Park for Petrushka’s Flying Puppet Circus! Your favorite Panto clown is bringing her puppet friends to life in feats of daring to tell fairy tale stories in ways you’ve never heard before. Grab your sunscreen and a blanket and join us for a puppet-filled romp in the park! Pay what you will.

https://www.theaterintheopen.org/2023-season


June 3, 2025

Pride Parade

Be a part of the Inaugural Newburyport Pride Parade as a spectator and cheer on the marchers as they go by.  Arrive by 11:45 am to get your spot along Green Street, between High Street & Merrimac Street. Click “I want to watch” then the “Parade Route” button online to see the map, where to park, restroom location and the parade end at Waterfront Park.  Once the parade arrives at Waterfront Park, we’ll join the Spring Fest already in progress. Visit the Pride Booths, grab a map of the businesses in town who have decorated their windows for Pride, and vote for your favorite. Then at 3pm, head over to the Bar 25 Tea-Dance to complete your fabulous afternoon!

https://www.newburyportpride.com/ 


June 3-4

Newburyport Spring Festival

The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce presents a celebration of Arts & Culture along our historic waterfront with live local bands, local food trucks, libations, artisans and crafters.

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/gncci-spring-fest-2023-98123


June 10-11

The 44th Annual Garden Tour

The Museum of Old Newbury has secured eleven gardens for this year's Garden Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 10 & 11, 2023. You'll enjoy access to the best we have to offer, from urban pocket gardens to larger, more formal landscapes.

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/44th-annual-garden-tour-112335


June 17-18

Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

Celebrate all things strawberries. Enjoy free live music, outdoor hard cider bar, hayrides, food truck, homemade strawberries treats and pick-your-own strawberries. Dates may shift per weather & berry readiness. Check farm site before arrival.

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/strawberry-festival-at-cider-hill-farm-109592


June 28

Newburyport Public Library presents 

Stories in the Garden

Join us in the pollinator garden at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge from 11:00am-11:30 am both days! We'll read lots of books geared toward kids ages 0-5, after which patrons are invited to take a self-guided walk to see the animals at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. There is a rock circle for seating as well as a blanket where Miss Allison will sit, but feel free to bring your own blanket if you prefer!  Free and open to all.

https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/stories-in-the-garden-offsite-12/


June 30- July 9

Custom House presents 

Tours of Tall Ship Nao Trinidad 

Join us at our signature annual event! This year we welcome the Nao Trinidad Tall Ship replica. The original Trinidad, built in the 1500s, was commanded by Fernando de Magallanes who was captain of the expedition that completed the first circumnavigation of the world.  Historical tours onboard the ship include a special preview night on June 30; tickets available online or at the ship docked on the waterfront.

https://customhousemaritimemuseum.org/

July 8

Don Campbell at Maudslay Arts Center

Come to Maudslay this July 8 at 7 p.m. for The Don Campbell Band, a highly versatile, energetic ensemble, which blends many music styles. Don Campbell’s mandate is to “Always perform for the audience, never at them.”

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/don-campbell-band-performs-at-maudslay-arts-center-july-8/

July 9

BT ALC Big Band at Maudslay Arts Center

The BT ALC Big Band, led by co-leaders Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark, combines the traditional big band horn section of 5 saxes and 8 brass with an electrified funk rhythm section, making music that can sound as big and broad as Count Basie or Duke Ellington, but grooves like James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic, the Crusaders, and lots more.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/bt-alc-big-band-on-july-9-sunday/

July 11-August 5

We Share One Sky (NBPT Murals)

This Newburyport Arts project aims to connect and engage residents and visitors with Newburyport and the theme “We Share One Sky”, through large-scale, exterior mural paintings placed across the City. Internationally-renowned, Massachusetts muralist Felipe Ortiz is the Lead Artist for “We Share One Sky” and will be in residence for the project from July 11th–August 4th. He will paint first on the south-facing, exterior brick wall at Mill #4 in The Tannery Marketplace and will then move over to the NAA’s Hills Gallery to create an installation on the side of the building. The public is encouraged to stop by and watch the painting process. Additional opportunities (demonstrations and presentations) are upcoming.

https://newburyportart.org/naa-events/2023-murals-felipe-ortiz


July 12 and July 26

Newburyport Public Library presents 

Stories in the Garden

Join us in the pollinator garden at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge from 11:00am-11:30 am both days! We'll read lots of books geared toward kids ages 0-5, after which patrons are invited to take a self-guided walk to see the animals at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. There is a rock circle for seating as well as a blanket where Miss Allison will sit, but feel free to bring your own blanket if you prefer!  Free and open to all.

https://www.newburyportpl.org/events-calendar/calendar/

July 15

Mile Twelve at Maudslay Arts Center

Boston’s modern string band, is back in motion. You’ll hear the same warmth and innovation that earned the band IBMA’s 2019 Album of the Year nomination and 2020 New Artist of the Year Award, and that’s gained them an international reputation as one of the most dynamic bands in contemporary acoustic music.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/mile-twelve-on-july-15/


July 15-23

Blueberry & Flower Fest at Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

The multi-weekend event will feature free live music, outdoor hard cider bar, family-friendly activities, hayrides, food truck specials, homemade blueberry treats, cut-your-own flowers and pick-your-own blueberries.

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/blueberry-flower-fest-at-cider-hill-farm-109594

July 16

Music Band: Jim n’ Tonic on The Custom House Lawn

Jim and Tonic are a new band of North Shore veterans playing a mix of rock and roll and  swing music with healthy doses of New Orleans and funky blues.

https://customhousemaritimemuseum.org/event/music-concert-jim-n-tonic/

July 16

Gary Sargent Trio at Maudslay Arts Center

Gray Sargent is a musician’s musician having recorded and toured with some of the most recognized names in the music industry. Sargent was a member of the Tony Bennett Quartet for 24 years, from 1997 to 2021, including Bennett’s final performances with Lady Gaga.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/gray-sargent-trio-on-july-16/

July 19

Newburyport Public Library presents 

Frisbee Dog Show! 

Join us as from 6:30-7:15pm when we host the amazing Flying High Dogs! Come see incredible leaps and tricks by some of the most athletic Border collies on the planet. This program will be lots of fun for the entire family.  It will take place at March's Hill, on High Street and Bromfield Street.Free and open to all.

https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/frisbee-dog-show/

July 22

New Black Eagle Jazz Band at Maudslay Arts Center

The Black Eagles, as they are often known to their fans, have been a fixture on the international jazz scene since 1971, bringing the sounds of traditional New Orleans Jazz to audiences all over the world.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/new-black-eagle-jazz-band-on-july-22-see-2022-website/

July 22-30, Maudslay State Park

Theater in the Open presents 

Lady Windermere's Fan

One of Oscar Wilde’s parlor comedies, Lady Windermere’s Fan is a masterful examination of reputation, love, and deceit. Lady Windermere suspects her husband of infidelity—and in trying to discover the truth, only more secrets are revealed. Wilde’s play is bitingly funny, tenderly kind, and teaches us that “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” 

https://www.theaterintheopen.org/current-season/2023/7/22/lady-windermeres-fan

July 23

Jazz Vocalist Donna Byrne at Maudslay Arts Center

Donna Byrne has been invited by none other than Tony Bennett to open several of his shows both in the U.S. and abroad, including a concert at Royal Albert Hall in London. Donna has appeared on Sunday Open House, has won “Best of Boston Best Jazz Vocals,” and has been nominated multiple times for Boston Music Awards.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/jazz-vocalist-donna-byrne-on-july-23/


July 29

Mike Monagan Jazz Quintet at Maudslay Arts Center

If you like mainstream jazz and the Great American Songbook, you will love The Mike Monaghan Jazz Quintet. Mike’s work includes numerous performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and he has been a regular player and soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra for almost 40 years. Joining him at MAC will be Marshall Wood on bass, Ben Cook on piano, Gary Johnson on drums, and John Wilkins on guitar.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/mike-monaghan-quintet-on-july-29/

July 29

High School Battle of the Bands

This free event is part of Yankee Homecoming 2023, right downtown on waterfront stage. See local high schools compete for cash and performance opportunties in band or solo/acoustic categories.

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/high-school-battle-of-the-bands/

July 29

Yankee Homecoming Brewfest

The Yankee Homecoming Brewfest will once again serve as a fundraiser for this year’s festivities: ALL proceeds will go back to Yankee Homecoming! Brewfest will take place rain or shine at Cashman Park in Newburyport. General Admission costs $40 advanced ticket purchase / $45 at the door.  A limited number of non-drinker tickets are also available for a $25. This fundraiser has sold out in advance for several years and we once again do not expect any tickets to be available for sale at the gate. Tickets are now on sale!

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/brewfest-2/

July 29-30

Art on the Bartlet Mall

For 42 years there has been the Art on Bartlet Mall painting show the first weekend of Yankee Homecoming.  This year 60 artists again will be showing all media of work including a few hand-pulled printing artists.  The artists are from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and even New Jersey.  There are award winners in over half of the participants.

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/art-on-the-bartlet-mall/

July 29-August 6

Heritage Tours and Events

20 different events throughout the week to learn about local history, from guided boat tours, to self-guided cemetery tours to lectures on local aviation history!

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/self-guided-heritage-tours/

July 29- August 6

Yankee Homecoming Downtown Entertainment

Musicians, Dancers and more on two Downtown stages! Check the link below for a complete schedule of performers.

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/downtown-entertainment-2/

July 30

Olde Fashion Sunday

Olde Fashion Sunday will be a great day to remember the beginning of our Yankee Homecoming celebration. We expect to include pony rides, midway games, a pet show, an archery booth and all kinds of family fun competitions!

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/olde-fashioned-sunday/

July 30-August 5

Waterfront Concert Series

This free Yankee Homecoming event takes place at Waterfront Park. There are seven evenings of concerts. Families bring a blanket, chair, picnic supper or patronize local vendors and enjoy the entertainment on our beautiful waterfront.

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/waterfront-concert-series/

July 30-August 6

Yankee Homecoming Marketplace

Shop to your heart’s content in our open air bazaar-like market place right in the heart of historic Newburyport’s center. Covering two square blocks, this extravaganza of food and great finds is sure to tantalize all your senses. Come and enjoy two stages of continuous entertainment from 10am – 5pm each day, Sunday to Sunday. Have your fortune told, get a temporary tattoo or marvel at the artistry, jewelry and diverse wares of our many vendors that make up this year’s Market Square outdoor market place.

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/yankee-homecoming-market-place/

August 1

Mural Tour and Artist Talk

Master Muralist Felipe Oritiz will be doing an Artist Talk at 5:30 at Newburyport Art. Anyone is welcome to stop by and join for a tour of his new murals around Newburyprrt, and discussion of his work, concluding with a pizza party.

https://newburyportart.org/naa-events/2023-murals-felipe-ortiz

August 1

Yankee Homecoming Craft Show

A juried craft show offering unique, high quality, handmade items from artisans across New England.  Enjoy the free entertainment while you shop in historical Newburyport.

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/market-square-day/

August 2

Newburyport Public Library presents 

Kid’s Day at the Park

We will be at Atkinson Common for Yankee Homecoming's Kids' Day in the Park from 10am-2pm. This event features all sorts of free activities for kids, open to all. Stop by our table to listen to a story or just say hi!

https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/kids-day-in-the-park-offsite-2/

August 6

Competitive Corn Hole Tournament

This event will be held in the back pavilion of the Newburyport Elks. Teams of two will be competing in a Double Elimination tournament, which will be open to a field of 64 teams. Cost for entry will be $60 per team, payable at registration on the morning of the tournament. Players may bring their own bags, or can borrow a set from NBPT Cornhole. The tournament will feature cash payouts to the top finishers, and a portion of the proceeds will go to benefits the Yankee Homecoming Committee. In addition to cornhole, the Elks offer a cash bar on site. We plan to have a food truck available for the afternoon and the Mostly Young band will be there at noon.

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/yankee-homecoming-corn-hole-tournament/


August 6

Yankee Homecoming Fireworks

Bring your blanket or chair, sit and relax, listen to the concert and get ready for the oohs and aahhhs. A spectacular fireworks display is being planned for your enjoyment. Come early and enjoy the evening!

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/fireworks/

August 6

Yankee Homecoming Parade

Get your lawn chairs ready!  Once again our parade will be rolling down High Street as we bring our 2023 Yankee Homecoming Festival to an end. We can’t wait to see you all lined up on High Street and don’t forget to cheer for our hard working volunteers who bring up the end of our parade.

https://yankeehomecoming.com/event/parade/

August 9 and August 23

Newburyport Public Library presents 

Stories in the Garden

Join us in the pollinator garden at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge from 11:00am-11:30 am both days! We'll read lots of books geared toward kids ages 0-5, after which patrons are invited to take a self-guided walk to see the animals at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. There is a rock circle for seating as well as a blanket where Miss Allison will sit, but feel free to bring your own blanket if you prefer!  Free and open to all.

https://www.newburyportpl.org/events-calendar/calendar/

August 12

Acoustic Roadshow at Maudslay Arts Center

Acoustic Roadshow plays acoustic versions of the harmony-rich songs many of us grew up with (The Beatles, CSNY, Steely Dan, The Beach Boys). This quartet of seasoned performers showcases both the vocal and instrumental talents of each of its members.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/acoustic-roadshow-on-aug-12-saturday/

August 12-20

Harvest Party at Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

This multi-weekend party August 12-13 & August 19-20 is brimming with pick-your-own! Pick 25+ varieties of blooms, sunflowers, beans, heirloom tomatoes and carrots plus take in family-friendly live music, hayrides, hands-on activities, hard cider and food trucks.

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/new-harvest-party-at-cider-hill-farm-109595?calendarMonth=2023-08-01

August 16

Bobby Keyes Trio

Bobby Keyes is a guitarist whose career spans from American Roots to Pop Music, writing and performing with roots artist like Jerry Lee Lewis to pop artist Robin Thicke.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/2023/06/11/bobby-keyes-trio-on-aug-13-bobby-keyes-on-guitar-with-marty-richards-and-marty-ballou-see-2022-website/


August 16

Newburyport Public Library presents

Toe Jam Puppet Band!

Get ready to rock with one of the North Shore's most popular kids' bands from 7:00-8:00pm! This is an offsite program that will take place on Inn Street, the pedestrian way that connects Pleasant Street and Market Square in downtown Newburyport. Free and open to all.

https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/toe-jam-puppet-band-offsite/

September 30, 2023

Newburyport Art Walk

Take a self-guided tour through18 art studios, museums and galleries that open their doors and provide hospitality during this annual walk.  The map is available to print from our website or at the participating organizations. 

https://newburyportartwalk.weebly.com/contact--map.html

October 14-15

Newburyport Fall Festival

The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce presents a celebration of Arts & Culture along our historic waterfront with live local bands, local food trucks, libations, artisans and crafters.

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/gncci-fall-fest-2023-98132

Outdoor theater at Theater in the Open!