As spring stretches into full bloom, May brings an undeniable sense of possibility. The North of Boston region comes alive with color, energy, and celebration.

It’s the season of long weekends and spontaneous day trips, of art walks, maritime history, and community events that connect us to both the past and the present. Whether you're planning a seaside escape, searching for family-friendly fun, or simply craving a reason to explore someplace new, May offers a perfect invitation to get out and enjoy everything our region has to offer.

Let this month be filled with fresh air, new discoveries, and moments that remind you just how much there is to love about life North of Boston.

Featured Events

May 3 - 4 & 10 - 11: Tulip Fest at Cider Hill Farm

Welcome spring with this multi-weekend festival featuring free live music, self-guided blooming orchard walks, outdoor hard cider bars, food trucks, fitness and family activities, and pick-your-tulips. General entrance is free but online tickets for tulip picking are required.

Note: The festival is currently scheduled for 2 weekends on May 4-5 & May 11-12. This may change as the farmers monitor the field and weather.

May 17: Motif No. 1 Day

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back this beloved community event, long cherished by residents and visitors as a celebration of Rockport’s iconic fishing shack.

Join them on Saturday, May 17 for this all-day, family-friendly event including a 5K Road Race and Fun Run, EMS Day on T Wharf, vendors, Cape Ann Plein Air, children’s activities, music, performing arts, gallery exhibitions, food trucks, and a beer tent.

What To See & Do This Month

May 1: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

May 1 - 4: Spring BloomFest, Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, North Andover

May 2: Grown Ups Gala: A Night at the Beach, Peabody’s Black Box, Peabody

May 3: Free Self-Guided Spring Orchard Walk, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

May 4: Long Hill House & Garden Tours, Long Hill, Beverly 

May 6: The Great Debate Part 2: Patriots & Loyalists, Salem Armory Visitor Center, Salem

May 8: Sip & Stem: Mother's Day Floral Workshop, Marble Ridge Winery, North Andover

May 10: The Shark is Broken, North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly

May 11: Cantemus Presents "I Hear America Singing", St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Newburyport

May 15: K-Pop Dance Party, Peabody Essex Museum, Peabody

May 16: The Eagles Experience, Larcom Theatre, Beverly

May 17: Roomful of Blues, Firehouse Center for the Arts. Newburyport

May 18: Outdoor Hard Cider Bar & Free Live Music Series, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

May 21: Bonsai Workshop, Ipswich Ale Brewery, Ipswich

May 24: Della Mae, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

May 26: Fred Hersch Trio, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

May 28: Story-Time & Craft Wednesday, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport

May 31: Maple Strolls, Appleton Farms, Ipswich

Revolutionary Moments: Celebrating MA250

As part of the MA250 initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, communities across the North of Boston region are diving deep into the stories that helped shape our nation. These events invite residents and visitors alike to reflect on local contributions to the Revolutionary cause through dynamic debates, walking tours, exhibitions, and engaging lectures that bring the past vividly to life.

In Salem, don’t miss The Great Debate Part 2: Patriots & Loyalists on May 6 at the Salem Armory Visitor Center, where historical arguments take center stage. Newburyport continues its Road to Revolution series with Black Newburyporters on May 8 and Powder and Shot on May 22, followed by the opening of the Road to Revolution exhibition at the Custom House Maritime Museum on May 23. In Marblehead, the Marblehead Museum presents Col. J. Lee & His Covert Revolutionary Acts with guided tours on May 9 and 10. Danvers hosts a trio of programs at Tapley Memorial Hall, including the film screening Dogtown and the Revolution on May 12 and the charming Revolutionary Tea on a Gambrel Roof on May 17 and 21.

Together, these events offer a compelling look at the region’s vital role in the fight for independence and are part of a broader, state-supported effort to honor Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy.

Save the Date for the 250th Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment June 21 & 22 at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester

Join us June 21-22 at Stage Fort Park for the 250th Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment. The event will feature reenactments of key moments from the battle by land and sea, educational components, local vendors, and more.

Find the full schedule at battleofbunkerhill250.com. Check out the video below, we hope to see you there!

9 Ways to Usher in Spring North of Boston!

Spring is calling and there’s no better time to get outside and explore the beauty of Massachusetts just North of Boston. As the weather warms, the region comes alive with colorful festivals, coastal views, and outdoor fun.

Visit charming towns, wander through blooming gardens, and enjoy fresh seasonal flavors. From scenic strolls to local events, there are endless ways to soak in the energy of the season and make the most of spring.

Discover how to make the most of Spring with this seasonal guide from Yankee Magazine.

Marching Through History with Rebel Rob

Follow Rebel Rob's Revolutionary Adventures

Step back in time and hit the road with Rebel Rob, our resident history buff and modern-day patriot, as he explores the North of Boston region. Dressed in Revolutionary attire and fueled by curiosity (and maybe a strong cup of colonial-style coffee), Rob is on a mission to uncover the people, places, and pivotal stories that helped shape our nation.

As we lead up to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Rob is visiting key MA250 sites and hidden gems. He’s chatting with locals and shining a light on the lesser-known tales that deserve to be told. With his tri-cornered hat and infectious spirit, he brings history to life in a fun and engaging way for all ages.

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook as we share highlights from Rob’s travels and tips for discovering these historic places yourself.

Where will Rebel Rob pop up next? Stay tuned to find out!

Hungry For More?

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for inspiration on vacations, staycations, road trips and bucket lists North of Boston!

Looking for a go-to spot that hits all the marks? Whether it’s coworkers grabbing lunch, a business dinner to seal the deal, or a date night to impress, Burtons Grill & Bar in Lynnfield delivers.

Whatever the occasion, Burtons has your table waiting.

From iconic chowder served at Presidential Inaugurations to lobster rolls that never miss, Legal C Bar in Lynnfield is a North of Boston staple for seafood lovers.

Discover your new favorites at Legal C Bar, where decades of quality and coast-to-table freshness meet unforgettable flavor.

Save the Dates

June 14: Arts Fest Beverly, Beverly

June 25 - 29: St. Peter’s Fiesta, Gloucester

June 28: North Shore Pride Parade & Festival, Salem