Summer and Early Fall 2026: Outdoor Events!
Special Event

Summer and Early Fall 2026: Outdoor Events!

Deirdre Girard
June 8, 2026
10 minutes
Summer and Early Fall 2026:  Outdoor Events!
Festivals throughout the summer and fall!

Intro

We all want to be outdoors when New England's weather is at it's best, and Newburyport is the quintessential place to be!

Our members bring you dozens of great outdoor events, all in one of the most stunning, historic towns in the country!

The bed races are back at Yankee Homecoming!

Before or after your event, you can sit outside at many downtown Newburyport restaurants, walk the winding paths along the Merrimack river at Maudslay State Park, hang out on a swinging bench along our gorgeous waterfront, or ride a bike along the rail trail!

Throughout the Summer and Fall

Newburyport Art's 11th Annual Outdoor Sculpture Garden Exhibition.

One of the most romantic spots in town for photos under the arch! Take a short stroll in the Range Lights Sculpture Garden, behind the Newburyport Art Building. Bonus: it's right on the rail trail, so continue your walk in either direction. FREE.

https://newburyportart.org/naa-events/2026-27-sculpture-garden

Throughout the Summer and Fall

Museum of Old Newbury's Architectural Walking Tours: Newburyport’s Fashionable Old Houses

Join us for a 90 minute walking tour of Newburyport’s architectural styles from the 18th and 19th centuries as found along High Street and the neighborhood near the Museum of Old Newbury. Learn to distinguish prevalent styles, note changes that have occurred over time, and determine what questions to ask about historic houses. Every other Thursday.

https://www.newburyhistory.org/calendar/2026/4/28/architectural-walking-tours-newburyports-fashionable-old-houses

Throughout the Summer and Fall

Newburyport Public Library Events

Over a dozen outdoor events at the Newburyport Public Library, and all are open to everyone (not just residents) and are free! From Kid's Day in the Park, to a Lawn Party with Henna, to a Drum Circle-- a large selection of outdoor adventure awaits both adults and children!

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

June 8

Plein Air Painting Class at Newbury Art

Join us with your paint box for a full day of outdoor painting, convening with nature and learning to see like an artist. Instruction by Tod Bonita in oil or acrylics!

https://newburyportart.org/classes-and-workshops

June 13

Newburyport Pride presents Sweet Paws Rescue Pride Pawrty

Join Sweet Paws Rescue for yet ANOTHER great Pride Pawrty! What is a Pride Pawrty you ask? There will be a mutt strut parade, an agility course, a photo booth, music, dog treats, Sweet Paws and Newburyport Pride merch, and activities for kids. Bring your dogs and dress them up in their Pride best!

https://www.newburyportpride.com/2026-events

June 13

Let's Go Outside, at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge

A celebration for all ages includes opportunities from learning to fish, holding tide pool creatures, making art, joining nature walks, and more! FREE

https://www.fws.gov/event/lets-go-outside-2

June 13-14

Museum of Old Newbury's 47th Annual Old Newbury Garden Tour

Enjoy two days of exclusive access to stunning gardens in greater Newburyport and Amesbury. This year's theme is 250 Years of Growth, an homage to the originality and innovation of American gardens, and our featured gardens in particular. You'll enjoy access to the best we have to offer, from urban pocket gardens to larger, more formal landscapes.

https://www.newburyhistory.org/calendar/2026/6/13/47th-annual-old-newbury-garden-tour-june-13-14-2026

June 13-21, with more outdoor events throughout the summer and fall!

2026 Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm

Featuring live music, hard cider, family-friendly activities, hayrides, homemade strawberries treats and strawberry picking both weekends. RSVP now and purchase PYO tickets 48 hours in advance as we release tickets or upon arrival at the farm.

Look for more outdoor events throughout the summer at Cider Hill Farm!

https://www.ciderhill.com/festivals

June 14

Arts Market Pop Up: Pink House Day

Join 8 artists in the Newburyport Art Sculpture Garden who will be selling their pink house artwork in honor of Pink House Day. Lots of Pink House items and artwork available for purchase!

https://newburyportart.org/2026-exhibits

June 23

Learn to Ride-Beginner Bike Class for Kids

Join us at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a focused two-hour session designed to build confidence & essential cycling skills. FREE

https://www.fws.gov/event/learn-ride-beginner-bike-class-kids

June 23

Evening Pines Trail Ranger Walk

Join staff at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on a walk at the Pines Trail as the sun begins to set. We will look for and learn about the wildlife that is found in this unique pitch pine ecosystem (the only patch of this habitat on Plum Island) and have a chance to experience views of the saltmarsh, pine forest, and dunes. This is a flat walk suitable for all ages. FREE

https://www.fws.gov/event/evening-pines-trail-ranger-walk-evening-event

July 2-August 27

Music on the Mall, presented by the Custom House Museum

Local string and wind musicians will play at the iconic Newburyport park as part of “Music on the Mall.” Musicians will perform on successive Thursdays between 4 to 6 p.m. from any bench they choose lining the Bartlet Mall. FREE

https://customhousemaritimemuseum.org/events/

July 5-September 6 (various dates)

Summer Concert Series

Join the Custom House on the back lawn for a series of concerts throughout July and August. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy music on the scenic back lawn, just steps from the Merrimack River.

https://customhousemaritimemuseum.org/events/

July 11-August 16 (various dates)

Maudslay Arts Center Summer Outdoor Concert Series

Bring a picnic supper, or enjoy the delights available at our indoor concession. The season opens on Saturday, July 11 with MAC favorite New Black Eagle Jazz band.

https://maudslayartscenter.org/category/events/

July 13 and August 3

Grill & Chill: Artist By Nature

Enjoy the summer sun with Newburyport Youth Services and make art with the world around you! For grades 6-8.

Newburyportma.myrec.com

July 19

Newburyport 250 Declaration of Independence Day: The Die Is Cast

Commemoration of the 250th anniversary of NBPT's first reading of the Declaration of Independence, with readings, music, reenactors and more presented in Market Square by The Museum of Old Newbury, in partnership with the Custom House Maritime Museum, Lowell's Boat Shop, the First Religious Society, Theater in the Open, the City of Newburyport, the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and many more community partners.

https://www.newburyhistory.org/calendar/2026/7/19/newburyport-250-declaration-of-independence-day-the-die-is-cast

July 25-August 2 (various dates)

Yankee Homecoming

From a giant marketplace to fireworks, tours, concerts, a road rally, a brew fest, corn hold tournaments, olde fashioned family Sunday, a kid's talent show, art on the mall, the famous bed race and so much more! With dozens of events and something for all ages, Yankee Homecoming is the biggest and most exciting festival of the season!

https://yankeehomecoming.com/events/list/page/2/

August 20

13th Annual Newburyport Car Show

The show features more than 250 vintage cars from the 50's. This show that is carefully curated and staged throughout downtown Newburyport.

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/classic-car-show-2026-164218

September 12

PlumFest

An island-wide celebration of live music and community on beautiful Plum Island! Dozens of artists will be showcased as you walk from house to house, along with food and beverages for purchase. FREE

https://plumfest.org/

Fireworks over the water in Newburyport