NAA Auction – Newburyport Art Association Art Auction & Party

By Elizabeth de Veer, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Elizabeth de Veer is a writer who lives in Georgetown, MA. Her hobbies include organizing her elementary school-age daughter and chasing her labradoodle. Favorite coffee: hot. Favorite Beatles album: Sgt. Pepper. Favorite naughty food: lobster roll and fries. Her first novel is due to be published in winter 2019.

NAA Auction, Newburyport Art Auction & Party

The 22nd annual Newburyport Art Association Art Auction and Party will take place in the NAA galleries and under a spacious tent adjacent to the Sculpture Garden on Saturday, September 23rd from 5:30 – 10:30 pm. The NAA auction is the largest fundraiser of the year and has grown in popularity causing organizers to expand preparations and bidding options for this exciting annual event. The NAA auction is a wonderful opportunity to help support a critical organization that serves as the foundation and inspiration for Greater Newburyport’s passionate community of artists and art lovers. Come view and bid on works by local artists, while enjoying delicious food and drinks at one of Newburyport’s top annual social events.

In honor of the NAA’s “75th Anniversary Year” the NAA Art Auction will feature 75 works of art & design, 50 as part of the live auction and 25 as part of our silent auction. The NAA is grateful to the Newburyport Bank Charitable Foundation, the premier sponsor for both the NAA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration and Auction.

The Newburyport Art Association art auction and party is a great way to discover beautiful local art. Plan your bids ahead of time by previewing artwork in the NAA Live Auction Online Gallery and the NAA Silent Auction Online Gallery! The auction art will be exhibited in the NAA galleries from Friday, August 25th through Wednesday, September 20th. The exhibition is free and will be open for viewing during NAA business hours. From 5 pm on the 20th until the auction opens on Saturday the 23rd, the NAA gallery exhibition will be closed in preparation for the auction. The online galleries will remain open during this time giving everyone a chance to preview art and plan bids.

The NAA Auction is always an exciting evening and a wonderful opportunity to highlight the amazing artwork of the NAA artist members! The Silent Auction, featuring 25 works of art and 20-30 experience packages will take place from 5:30-7:15 along with the art preview for the live auction, live painting by artist, Alan Bull as well as cocktails and cuisine. The Live Auction, featuring 50 works of art, will take place from 7:30 – 10:30 and cocktails and dessert will be available during this time.

5:30 – 7:15 Live Auction Preview & Silent Auction/25 Works of Art & 20-30 Experience Packages | Cocktails & Cuisine
5:30 – 7:15 Live Painting by Artist Alan Bull | Alan’s painting will be for sale during the Live Auction
7:30 – 10:30 Live Auction/50 Works of Art & Raffle Drawings | Cocktails & Dessert

Purchase tickets in advance, as the Newburyport Art Association art auction and party is a sell out every year! Tickets will be sold at the door the night of the Art Auction if they are still available. Tickets are $120 with an optional $20 cost for a reserved seat.

If you are unable to attend the Newburyport Art Association Art Auction and Party, consider purchasing raffle tickets for one of two VIP Sports Packages generously donated by Cross Insurance or a Jimmy’s Jazz Club Package donated by Andrew Sidford Architects. The drawing will be held during the live auction but you do not need to be present to win the raffle.

Package 1 Two tickets, Jimmy’s Jazz Club, Dinner & Tours of Club & MONA $500 (FMV) | Andrew Sidford Architects
Package 2 Two VIP Tickets to Celtics vs. Knicks & Gourmet Dinner & Dessert $800 (FMV) | Cross Insurance Boardroom
Package 3 Two VIP Tickets to Bruins vs. Rangers & Gourmet Dinner & Dessert $800 (FMV)| Cross Insurance Boardroom

Video from 2018 NAA Art Auction & Party:

Witches’ Night Out Newburyport – Dress to Impress!

By Caitlin Dowling, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Caitlin is a freelance editor/writer and former news producer for CNN. As a local mom of three, her family can be found enjoying all Newburyport has to offer, from strolling downtown to biking the rail trail to swimming at the beach.

Witches’ Night Out Newburyport has become known as one of the top Halloween events for the North Shore, catering to “big kids” tempted by shopping and socializing in creative costumes. Grab your broomsticks and pointy hats and fly on over to the annual Witches’ Night Out on Friday, October 13th from 6 – 9 pm, where witches and warlocks are invited to haunt the streets of downtown Newburyport and the Tannery in their best Halloween getups. Plan a wicked girls or guys night out or have a scary fun date night and paint the town orange for this Halloween celebration. Couples and group costumes are always a hit!

During Witches’ Night Out, costumed revelers are invited to stroll through town and pop into participating shops that will stay open late for tricks and treats. Many stores get creative with eerie decorations and offer up spooktacular snacks and drinks. And while all of town will be frighteningly exciting, there are a few shops that always outdo themselves. Kevin Riley, owner of Partridge in a Bear Tree, is known for his over the top decorations for just about every holiday, and Halloween is no exception. This shop is a must visit for all witches in the know! You may even find some great decorations and ideas to make your own house the spookiest on the block. There are so many local Newburyport shop owners who enjoy this fun Newburyport tradition. Make sure to visit as many as you can!

Although the event does not include a costume contest at one of our local restaurants this year, all witches, warlocks and anything else that goes bump in the night, are encouraged to attend Witches Night Out in their best Halloween attire!

To find even more fun events happening this Halloween season, visit our Newburyport EVENTS CALENDAR.

Clark School Rolling Admissions – Open House Dates

By Jeff Clark, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Jeff Clark has served as Headmaster of Clark School for the past 12 years and is the founder of Clark High School. He was also one of the first students at Clark School during the school’s inception year in 1978. Under Jeff’s leadership, Clark School has embraced the educational opportunities presented by new technology.

Mark your calendar for the Clark School Tours and Open House dates for the 2023 – 2024 school year. The Clark School, a coeducational private school located in Rowley, MA, offers rolling admissions, making any time of year the perfect time to schedule a private tour or attend an open house. Founded in 1978, The Clark School offers a stimulating learning environment for students Preschool – Grade 12 and is particularly appropriate for all types of students. Our goal is to encourage students to become lifelong learners who think deeply and embrace challenges that lie ahead.

Apply to Clark School

With Clark School’s rolling admissions, you can start on a new educational path today, in a school that better fits who you are as a learner and person. Prospective students and families may attend an open house or take a tour and apply for admission at any time throughout the year, there is no admissions deadline. At the Clark School, we strongly believe that if your current educational path is not working, it is never too late to make a change!

Visit Us!

Schedule a private tour of our beautiful Rowley, MA campus at any time by emailing our admissions department at admissions@clarkschool.com or call us at 978-777-4699 ext. 112.

Attend an Open House!

Clark School Open Houses and Admissions Events are excellent opportunities for prospective students and their families to learn more about our school, our approach to education, and most importantly to develop an understanding if Clark School is the right learning environment and experience for them. Due to our rolling admissions policy, we offer open houses through out the year.

2023/2024 Open House Dates:

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 Preschool/PreK | 5:30 pm

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Tour-us Tuesday | 10:30 am

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 HS Open House | 5:30 pm

Saturday, November 11, 2023 All School Open House | 9:00 am

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Tour-us Tuesday | 10:30 am

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 All School Open House | 5:30 pm

Learn more and register for an Open House or schedule a private tour!

Can’t make it to an Open House? The Clark School also offers private on-campus or virtual tour/meetings (clarkschool.com), so you can explore our beautiful campus, busy classrooms, and hear from students and staff, all from the comfort and convenience of your own home!

Oktoberfest Celebrations in Greater Newburyport

By Joe, Joe

Oktoberfest 2023 in Newburyport & Amesbury!

Cheers to Fall with Great Tasting Beer!

German Style Beer, Live Music & Good Times

BareWolf Brewing Oktoberfest, Amesbury, MA Oktoberfest events are the perfect way to celebrate the fall season in Greater Newburyport and throughout North Shore MA. Highlighted in this article are local micro-brewery annual festivities. Check the Newburyport Events Calendar for more specific evvent details and download the “Newburyport” App to easily access the Events Calendar.

Oktoberfest History

Local celebrations take inspiration from the original Oktoberfest traditions which originated in Munich back in 1810 and continue to grown in popularity each year. German Oktoberfest features traditional lager beers, traveling carnivals and German foods. These Celebrations typically run for 16-18 days from mid to late September and conclude by the first Sunday in October.

Oktoberfest at BareWolf Brewing

Kick off the 2023 Oktoberfest season at the BareWolf Brewing on Saturday, September 16th from from 12 – 10 pm with the release of the Marzen Retrograde Lager and many German-style beers on tap, food trucks, new merch and live music. In addition, to the BareWolf Brewing celebration, make sure to check the Amesbury Chamber for an an extensive list of additional Oktoberfest events hosted throughout Amesbury from September 15th – October 3rd.

Oktoberfest at Riverwalk Brewing

On Saturday, September 23rd from 12 – 9 pm, RiverWalk Brewing in Newburyport will host their annual Oktoberfest with beers, brats and live music from Oberlaender Hofbrau Band. Located next to the Newburyport rail trail, RiverWalk has a wonderful outdoor area, offering plenty of space for the kids to play. There is no cost for Riverwalk Oktoberfest general admission tickets but if you want to take it to the next level purchase Riverwalk VIP tickets for $50: limited edition stein, complimentary coin, VIP seating area, private bartender, all you can eat pretzel bites and VIP wristband exclusive access.

Oktobrefest at Newburyport Brewing

On Saturday, October 14th from 12 – 9 pm, Newburyport Brewing Company will host a family friendly Oktoberfest to benefit Newburyport Youth Services, $10 suggested donation. Enjoy live music from the Oberlandauer Hofbrau Band, try the NEW, Newburyport Brewing Oktoberfest beer and check out the food trucks with brats, pretzels and more.

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

Plum Island Light House the Newburyport Harbor Light

Tour the Plum Island Light House: May 27th, June 24th, July 22nd, August 5 & 26th or September 9th. It was the 13th lighthouse to be constructed in the US, helping guide boaters into the treacherous mouth of the Merrimack River and into Newburyport Harbor.

Moving Wall Visits Plum Island Airport in Honor of Vietnam Veterans

The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. was on display at Plum Island Airport in Newbury, MA during Labor Day Weekend 2021, from

Personal Watercraft Insurance, Newburyport, MA WaveRunner

Personal Watercraft Insurance – Information You Should Know

Personal Watercraft Insurance for Newburyport, MA With Newburyport, MA being a coastal city, there is plenty of opportunity to have fun on the water. In preparation of using your personal

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™

Newburyport Chocolate Tour – Eat Chocolate, Be Happy, Do Good

For anyone with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the 2023 Newburyport Chocolate Tour, a mouthwatering day filled with chocolaty treats from local retailers. On Saturday, October 7th from 12 – 4 pm, over 30 shops in downtown Newburyport will be offering up sweet treats to patrons with a chocolate tour ticket. This wonderful annual event in its 20th year, is hosted by volunteers from the Central Congregational Church and 100% of the NET proceeds are used to support local nonprofits.

The Newburyport Chocolate Tour is a great way to experience and explore downtown while also indulging in chocolate! From specialty stores to bakeries, this indulgent event offers a great variety of participants, allowing you to shop your way through town while embarking on the chocolate tour.

Chocolate Tour at Gelato, Amy & Alexa Warchol

Purchase tickets for this delicious event that helps to promote awareness of our local Newburyport small businesses! Advanced tickets can be purchased at one of the following locations: Affamata in the Tannery, Brass Lion or the Candy Man. You can also purchase tickets online. While tickets are available for purchase the day of the event for $25, be warned, the Chocolate Tour limits sales to 400 total tickets and the event typically sells out.

Kick off the fun at the Newburyport Chocolate Tour starting point, the Unitarian Universalist Church, 26 Pleasant Street, where you will get a map of all the tasty stops and a bag to collect what you manage to not eat immediately! There will also be some chocolate themed baskets for raffle, so grab some tickets to try your luck when you pick up your map.

The Chocolate Tour motto, “Eat Chocolate. Be Happy. Do Good.“, sums up this delicious tour as 100% of net proceeds are donated to local nonprofit organizations. This year’s proceeds go to: 5 Local Councils on Aging for Prescription Refill & Transportation Programs, Community Services of Newburyport, New England Equine Rescue, and The Guinea Pig Sanctuary. View more about these wonderful local organizations below. You can truly feel happy eating chocolate AND donating to great causes.

The Chocolate Tour needs and greatly appreciates volunteers interested in helping run this wonderful event. If you are available to be surrounded by smiles and sweet treats, e-mail Diane at newburyportchoclatetour@gmail.com to sign-up.

For more fun happenings in Newburyport, be sure to check out our full events calendar!

2023 Chocolate Tour Benefactors:

Prescription Refill and Transportation Programs for Elders

This is the 11th year that the Chocolate Tour has supported these prescription refill and transportation programs for elders run by our local Councils on Aging (Amesbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and Newbury). The funds help elders cover co-pays and other medical and transportation needs that often are beyond the elder’s weekly budget. By having a bit of cash readily available, a staff member can immediately help an elder. Nothing fancy and it works.

Community Service of Newburyport

Community Services of Newburyport is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to offering food, clothing, emotional support and even camperships for children without funds for a summer camping experience.

New England Equine Rescue

New England Equine Rescue, know as NEER is a local West Newbury rescue group working to save horses, ponies, and donkeys from a variety of situations where the animal is at risk.

The Guinea Pig Sanctuary

We love to hear of local community members working hard to help beloved animals therefore the The Guinea Pig Sanctuary easily won the vote as a new beneficiary of the Chocolate Tour for 2023.

Topsfield Fair – America’s Oldest County Fair Began in 1818

Topsfield Fair, Topsfield, MA County Fair

The annual Topsfield Fair is a cherished tradition for many local North Shore families and for fair goers who travel far distances to be part of this amazing fall event packed with activities and fun Things to Do. The 2023 Topsfield Fair runs from September 29th through October 9th with hundreds of vendors, rides, animals, shows, and special entertainment. Known as America’s oldest county fair, nearly half a million people flock to the festivities each year to enjoy a combination of traditional agricultural exhibits with classic fair fun.

Opened daily over ten days, the Topsfield Fair features a Midway section filled with rides, food, and games. Thrill-seekers can whirl and twirl Topsfield Fair, County Fair, Topsfield, MA on fast-paced rides while families with younger children can hit the kiddie section filled with pint-sized entertainment like small merry-go-rounds and driving cars. The Midway is also home to classic carnival games. Rides and games are not included in admission. You can purchase ride packs in advance for a discount or just pay as you go at the fair.

Fair-goers should also be sure to bring their appetites because the food vendors—situated in the Midway—will not disappoint. Topsfield Fair has everything from sandwiches to desserts, and many unique treats with a county fair twist. Try out some chocolate covered bacon, sample fried kool-aide, or indulge in some farm-fresh apple crisp.

Topsfield Fair, County Fair Topsfield, MA The Topsfield Fair was founded by the Essex County Agriculture Society back in 1818 so it comes as no surprise that farming and animals are a major part of this county fair. Visit with tiny piglets, sheep with their lambs, and other farm animals at the Farmyard tent and stop into the multiple barns throughout the fairgrounds that house cattle, goats, rabbits, chickens, and more. There is even a beekeeping exhibit with observation hives to watch the bees in action. Along with live animals, visitors can also shop fresh produce from local farmers and goods made by local artisans.

Perhaps one of the most famous exhibits at the Topsfield Fair is the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off—which is exactly what it sounds like. Farmers from all over compete to earn the title of the heaviest pumpkin and fair visitors get to check out these massive fruits on display. All pumpkins must weigh a minimum of 300 Lbs to enter and the heaviest to date weighed in at a whopping 1,689 Lbs!

Before planning out your day make sure to take a look at the Topsfield Fair daily calendar which is packed with live entertainment ranging from live musical performances to a demolition derby. There are also live events that go back to this county fair’s agricultural roots like an old fashion tractor pull and sheepdog trials. And if you plan on spending the whole day at the fair, stick around for the fairground parade scheduled for Tuesday, October 3rd from 5 – 6 pm.

Topsfield Fair Tickets:

Tickets to the Topsfield Fair, along with ride tickets and food vouchers, can be purchased online in advance at a discounted rate. Children under 8 are always free. All pictures used in this article are from the Topsfield Fair facebook page.

Newburyport ArtWalk 2023

By Joe, Joe

Newburyport ArtWalk 2023 – Explore Step by Step

A Walking Tour Featuring Exceptional Local Art

A Community of Talent – Newburyport ArtWalk

The Newburyport ArtWalk is a FREE, self-guided tour that allows you to explore art galleries throughout Newburyport’s Historic District as well as a few galleries just beyond the downtown area. The 2023 ArtWalk will be held on Saturday, April 29th and Saturday, September 30th from 10 am – 6 pm. Artists from the area will showcase special exhibits, participate in discussions about their art and offer demonstrations. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the local artist community, meet local artists and discover new found inspiration.

You will receive a free brochure and map to assist you on your journey. These items can be found at the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, and the passageway between State and Inn Streets, as well as at ArtWalk Partner locations.

While you’re enjoying the ArtWalk, make sure to explore Newburyport’s many wonderful retail shops and relax at one of our many excellent local Newburyport restaurants. If you’re planning a visit from outside the area, consider booking a room in one of our wonderful local Inn’s.

The Newburyport ArtWalk events are funded by annual dues from the local participating art galleries. Please help support the local artist community by attending the ArtWalk, telling friends and family and by sharing on your social media pages. Support Local!

The first image in this article is from inside Valerie’s Gallery at State Street and the second image features Allen Bull’s 2022 Calendar.

For more info, please visit the Newburyport ArtWalk or their Facebook.com/NewburyportArtWalk.

Newburyport ArtWalk Map Spring 2023

ArtWalk 2023 Schedule

April 29th
September 30th

Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm

ArtWalk Galleries

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

Bartlet Mall

Bartlet Mall, a gorgeous historic park at the intersection of Pond and High Streets, is a great place for ice-skating, sledding, and enjoying nature. Its scenic views provide the setting for a wide variety of popular community events. There are wide walkways and a series of footpaths that border the Mall and lead to the Frog Pond. It has also become a highly photographed area by many local photographers.

Wooden Wheel, Hoist Wheel, Newburyport Liberty Law

What’s Up With That Wooden Wheel at Liberty Law

If you have ever been to a real estate closing at Liberty Law, you may have noticed a huge wooden wheel on the 3rd floor (hand-notched with evenly-spaced square holes

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is a historic 231-acre property in Newbury with events and activities for you and your family to enjoy. Much of the land at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is still under active agriculture! Visit the expansive open land and tour the farmhouse to see what life was like in Newbury in the 1690s!

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™