Traditional Marblehead Events

Marblehead Festival of Arts
The Marblehead Festival of Arts began in 1962 and has a history in producing a premier summer festival that has become a town tradition and forum for artistic expression. It is a volunteer organization made up of hundreds of volunteers and relies on donations to fund operations. It is held each year during the July 4th weekend and hosts a range of art exhibits, an artisans’ marketplace, outdoor concerts, a children’s festival and street festival.

Fourth of July Horribles Parade
The Horribles parade is sponsored by the Gerry Veteran Firemen’s Association and is held each 4th of July. Legend has it, that the town children had such a long day to wait for the fireworks that this event was created to pass the time. This unique event features hundreds of children in costume under categories such as current events, historical, political satire, and many other original ideas. Awards are given in each category and every child receives a half dollar, ice cream and candy.

Fourth of July Harbor Illumination and Fireworks
This highly anticipated event is supported by private donations. Harbor Illumination begins at 8:45 pm on the 4th of July with hundreds of red flares placed strategically every ten feet around the base of the harbor and is immediately followed by the 9pm fireworks show.

Glovers Regiment Encampment
This re-enactment of the Revolutionary War takes place at Fort Sewall during the second weekend in July. The Regiment sets up a colonial camp with tents, cooking fires, craft activities and a selection of 18th century merchants, where visitors can purchase  reproduction 18th century goods.

Glover’s Regiment Mugford Memorial March
On January 26th each year, Glover’s Regiment undertakes a Memorial March from the Marblehead Town House to Old Burial Hill in honor of the passing of General John Glover.

Spring Home and Garden Show
The Spring Home and Garden Show is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and held in March at the Marblehead Community Center. The show features numerous home and garden vendors, family activities and entertainment.

Marblehead Farmers Market
Located at the Marblehead Veterans Middle School, the Farmers Market is held Saturdays from June 14th through October 25th.  This co-op of visiting farmers provides visitors with a magnitude of fresh produce both organic and conventional with educational booths, entertainment, chef demonstrations and craft vendors. It is a favorite Saturday morning activity for residents.

Marblehead Christmas Walk
An annual favorite, the Christmas Walk takes place on the first full weekend in December.  It is a weekend full of shopping, family entertainment, holiday concerts and cheer. The festivities begin with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Abbott Hall, followed by the Gingerbread Festival at the Lee Mansion. Saturday morning brings Santa Clause to the landing by Lobster Boat followed by a Christmas Parade and two days of shopping, an artisans holiday marketplace, street entertainment, museum open houses, concerts and a variety of other events.

Memorial Day Celebration
The town of Marblehead celebrates Memorial Day and pays tribute to those who have fallen with a ceremony in Memorial Park followed by a parade through town ending with a ceremony at Waterside Cemetery.

Historic Walking Tour
Marblehead Town Historian Betty Hunt takes visitors on a walk back in time during her tours of Old Town. Betty’s knowledge of the historical homes and building and tales of days past give you a flavor of the local history.

Town Meeting
The Town of Marblehead operates under an open forum Town Meeting form of government. Town Meeting convenes on the first Monday in May and continues each night until all business is concluded.  

Race Week
The most anticipated event of the Marblehead Racing Association is Race Week. July 21st through July 27th 2008