Get ready for the 2021 Yankee Homecoming Brewfest on July 31, from 5 – 9 pm. Brewfest takes place along the beautiful shoreline of the Merrimack River under a huge tent located at Cashman Park. If you are a regular at this fun annual event make sure to note the new location! Yankee Homecoming Brewfest is the ideal opportunity to satisfy your curiosity about local craft beers, discover some new breweries or revisit some of your favorite brews! The event is host to over 20 local and regional breweries featuring over 40 local craft beers and ciders. Come sample some new styles and varieties of craft beers and view the list of participating breweries below.
Brewfest will features awesome live music courtesy of Alter Ego and there will also be food available from The Big Bad Food Truck and the Spicket River Food Truck. The huge tent that is set up for the event means Brewfest will happen rain or shine!
While Yankee Homecoming features many events for families and people of all ages, Brewfest is a really fun occasion for adult only! Only folks aged 21+ with a valid form of identification will be admitted. No children or pets are permitted. Make sure to purchase tickets for Yankee Homecoming Brewfest as soon as possible because this popular event sells out every year.
Over 20 local and regional breweries will be present at the Yankee Homecoming Brewfest including: Bud Light Retro Summer Seltzer, Cisco Brewers, Deacon Giles, Devils Backbone RTD & Beer, Downeast, Elysian Brewing, Flying Embers, Golden Road, Goose – AB, Guinness, Juneshine, Kona – AB,, Lagunitis, Mighty Swell, Newburyport Brewing, Riverwalk Brewing, Smuttynose Brewing, Spicket River, Stella Artois, Troegs, True North, Two Robbers, Wachusetts, Worm Town. Make sure to check back as the list of confirmed participants will continue to increase.
If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.
Image by Jenny Coyle of https://www.facebook.com/jennycoylephotography/
Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Morning Workouts – Sponsored by AJH
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.
The Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Morning Workouts are back for another full week of great classes with amazing views of the Newburyport waterfront. These free classes, all put on by local fitness businesses, are a great opportunity to get some exercise and even try a new type of class—there’s something for everyone and every fitness level. Sponsored by Newburyport’s own Anna Jaques Hospital, the waterfront workouts are an entire week of wellness opportunities—a fitting match for a hospital that strives to keep its community healthy.
Located right off the Newburyport boardwalk on the lawn in front of Sea Level Oyster Bar, the Waterfront Morning Workouts take place each morning during Yankee Homecoming week. From bootcamp to yoga, there are a wide variety of classes offered to fit all ages and levels. Classes are free and open to the public, so sample and try as many as you would like. Love a class you take? Continue on your fitness journey by visiting the company’s local studio. The article image features a prior year waterfront workout class hosed by Sarah Oleson Yoga.
A big thank you to Yankee Homecoming for supporting local and organizing the waterfront workouts. This event helps to promote awareness for local fitness businesses and gives our community a chance to kick off their day with a FREE class that will energize them while enjoying the natural beauty of the Newburyport waterfront.
Sunday-August 1
8 am: The Mom Comm Stroller Bootcamp
A full body workout using your stroller! We will combine strength, barre, core and cardio together with your babe in tow! Babies in carrier and prenatal moms also welcome. No equipment necessary. Little ones should stay in stroller during class; older kids are welcome to come out and participate with us (we understand they get antsy!). Bring your own toys, snacks, entertainment for them! Please bring your own mat and water. Prenatal modifications will be provided. All fitness levels welcome.
9 am: The Mom Comm Family/Adult Bootcamp
A full body workout for the whole crew, combining cardio, functional movement + core to keep you moving, sweating and having fun together. Geared towards kids ages 2+ but all ages are welcome; prenatal mamas and babies in strollers welcome.
Monday-August 2
7:45 am: Motivate Barre Cardio Nutrition
Get the shake on of a classic barre class with small isometric movements and muscle endurance work coupled with the heat of high intensity interval training sets to get our heart rates up and reap the benefits of metabolic conditioning.
9:10 am: YMCA of the Northshore
Muscle and Mat….a hybrid class blending resistance training, body weight movements and mat work all in one.
Tuesday-August 3
8 am: F45 Fitness Salisbury
The F stands for functional training, a mix of circuit and HIIT style workouts geared towards everyday movement. 45 is the total amount of time for sweat-dripping, heart-pumping fun. We train as a team and the workouts change everyday so you are guaranteed to achieve life changing results.
9:15 am: Awake Minds Power Yoga
Join Meghan Leighton for an All Levels Power Yoga class during Yankee Homecoming. Get ready for a great workout, for body and mind! This is a vinyasa style class where each movement is matched with breath, creating flow throughout the class…A great way to start your day with flow and ease!
*Bring a mat and water bottle
*All Levels welcome
Wednesday-August 4
8 am: The Dojo Kickboxing
9:30 am: Pure Barre Newburyport
Pure Barre creates long lean muscles through small dance-inspired movements and isometric holds. A fusion of ballet, mat pilates and yoga, outdoor Pure Barre classes focus on strengthening and lengthening your body using just your own body weight! Class will be taught to upbeat music, and fun for all ages and experience levels. All you need to bring is your yoga mat and water!
Thursday-August 5
8:30 am: YWCA Greater Newburyport
9:45 am: Studio Five
Friday-August 6
8 am: F45 Fitness Salisbury
The F stands for functional training, a mix of circuit and HIIT style workouts geared towards everyday movement. 45 is the total amount of time for sweat-dripping, heart-pumping fun. We train as a team and the workouts change everyday so you are guaranteed to achieve life changing results.
9:30 am: Pure Barre Newburyport
Pure Barre creates long lean muscles through small dance-inspired movements and isometric holds. A fusion of ballet, mat pilates and yoga, outdoor Pure Barre classes focus on strengthening and lengthening your body using just your own body weight! Class will be taught to upbeat music, and fun for all ages and experience levels. All you need to bring is your yoga mat and water!
Saturday-August 7
8 am: Crossfit Full Potential
Join us for a high-intensity 60-minute bootcamp-style class designed to build a bulletproof core while torching body fat. All classes are led by nationally certified coaches that train you to Reach Your Full Potential!
9:15 am: Sarah Oleson Yoga
International yoga teacher and retreat host Sarah Oleson will guide you through a slow flow vinyasa practice to start your morning off right! All levels welcome.
Sunday—August 8
8 am: Crossfit Full Potential (active recovery class)
Recovery is where athletes make gains. You can train non-stop, but with proper recovery, you’ll get the most from that training. Full Potential’s ACTIVE RECOVERY CLASS is designed to improve your workout recovery in a low-impact setting led by Coach Ginny King.
9:15 am: CREW Barre & Cycle
The waterfront morning workouts are just one part of a much larger celebration—Yankee Homecoming. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar to find all of the fun events happening all week long in Newburyport.
Art on Bartlet Mall – The Premier Yankee Homecoming Art Show
By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.
Come experience Art on Bartlet Mall 2021, Saturday July 31st and Sunday, August 1st from 10 AM – 4 PM. In Newburyport on the corner of High Street and Pond Street, the art is exceptional and the setting is picturesque. Art on Bartlet Mall is a Newburyport tradition for the past 35 years. Enjoy works from over 60 local and regional artists 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.
Stroll along the path that surround the pond and features a beautiful fountain in the center. Bartlet Mall is the setting for the premier Yankee Homecoming art show and is one of the most photographed places in Newburyport. The 2nd day of the show shares the space and coincides with another major Newburyport family tradition, Old Fashion Sunday. Art on Bartlet Mall is a free event for the public to attend. Participating artists pay a fee to feature their art and these fees are used to support the Yankee Homecoming Committee efforts.
If you work up an appetite after enjoying the beautiful works of art, you could take a walk down to visit one of the the many wonderful restaurants in downtown Newburyport. If you are a live music fan make sure to stick around for the Sunday night Waterfront Concert.
If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device. The Newburyport App includes a direct link to the Newburyport.com Events Calendar making it simple to stay in the know about events and happenings in Newburyport and surrounding towns.
Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday – A Classic Family Event
By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.
Are you ready for a day of outdoor fun, games, and entertainment? Get ready for Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday 2021! This year’s event will be held Sunday, August 1st from 10 AM to 4 PM. This is a classic Newburyport family event where children of all ages enjoy a fun and exciting array of activities. The setting for Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday is on Bartlet Mall, a beautiful and picturesque area at the intersection of Pond Street and High Street in Newburyport.
This event is an opportunity to kick off Yankee Homecoming week in Newburyport while making wonderful memories with family and friends. There are so many fun activities to enjoy. Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday begins with folks displaying their favorite pets on stage. There will be entertainers playing music and performing dances from the 1960s. This is a great opportunity for folks to wear clothing from the era, including bell-bottom pants and tie-dye shirts!
Art on Bartlet Mall is another very popular event that takes place at the same time and location as Olde Fashioned Sunday. There will be regional artists displaying and selling their amazing original work on Bartlet Mall. Be sure to check out the beautiful drawings and paintings by local artists at Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday. You can enjoy Art on Bartlet Mall both Saturday July 31st as well as Sunday, August 1st during Olde Fashioned Sunday. Art on Bartlet Mall runs from 10 AM – 4 PM each day.
Kids will love the free activities at the Family Midway event. Enjoy some old fashioned games as a family, such as the egg in spoon race and three legged races. Kids can take a pony ride, enjoy face painting, and train rides around the pond! There will also be a classic car display, water safety tips, K9 demonstrations, and many exciting professional wrestling matches on the lower green.
When you get hungry during Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday there will be plenty of vendors cooking up delicious snacks. There will also be old-fashioned candy and popcorn available for purchase. That’s right, there will be tasty candy and snacks. New this year you can register your RC car for the Yankee Homecoming RC Car Race.
Enjoy the beginning of Yankee Homecoming week and all the fun events for people of all ages at Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday!
If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.
Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts 2021 – Check the Schedule
By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.
Do you like the idea of relaxing to amazing live music with picturesque water views? Get ready to enjoy some gorgeous Newburyport summer nights featuring awesome live music when you attend the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts. The 2021 concert series runs from Sunday, August 1st through Saturday, August 7th. Check the concert schedule and read more about your favorite bands below. You will find a few that everyone associates with the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts, and a couple of cool new surprises too. Grab your chairs and blankets and come experience the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts with your friends and family!
If you are looking for some fun things to do in Newburyport before the free live concerts we recommend a walk along the boardwalk, a visit to the Custom House Maritime Museum, and shopping at our many inviting local shops. If you prefer, you could relax on a comfortable bench and enjoy the live entertainment in historic Market Square!
During Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts and throughout Yankee Homecoming there is delicious food to enjoy from vendors and a wide variety of superb restaurants in Newburyport. Enjoy the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts, a free live music series on the water, a Newburyport tradition!
Sunday August 1st
7:30-9:00 PM – Cold Spring Harbor
Monday August 2nd
7:30-9:00 PM – Way To The River
Tuesday August 3rd
7:30-9:00 PM – Country Mile
Wednesday August 4th
7:30-9:00 PM – Fortune
Thursday August 5th
7:30-9:00 PM – Beatlejuice
Friday August 6th
7:30-9:00 PM – Gary Hoey
Saturday August 7th
7:15-9:15 PM – Foreigners Journey
See below to learn more about the 2021 Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts Bands.
COLD SPRING HARBOR Cold Spring Harbor Billy Joel Tribute Band, has been performing since 2013. Since their foundation, their mission has always been to provide the most accurate and believable Billy Joel tribute show, at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. They are not an impersonation band, but strive to provide realism through learning the correct parts note for note, and even utilizing some of the same sounding equipment that the Piano Man does. At any CSH show, you can expect to hear anything from his gentle love songs to his popular arena rock songs, and everything in between! Be sure not to miss a night to remember! If you LOVE Billy Joel, you HAVE to see this show!
WAY TO THE RIVER
Way To The River is a progressive rock cover band playing all your favorites. Come join us with Marc Abatiel, Dave Danis, Tim Guldemond an friends Jonathan Danis, Ron Delp, Mitch Getchell, Leo Melanson and Dave Bolander.
COUNTRY MILE Few New England country acts have had such explosive success as the Country Mile Band. Their music has been called a “kicking” kind of country. From their foot stomping covers to their original music they will keep you dancing for sure. Country Mile Band has gained a solid reputation as New England’s premier country music, dance part and show band. If you look at the bands experience its not surprise. The members of the Country Mile Band are no stranger so the performing world with over 75 years combined experience. This includes playing in symphony orchestras to one man traveling bands. The chemistry that has evolved from these guys coming together is amazing.
FORTUNE For well over three decades, Fortune has regularly packed venues throughout New England. Hailing from Peabody, MA, this 6-piece band has long maintained a reputation for smooth three and four part vocal harmonies, dynamic and melodic textures of multiple guitars and keyboards, and a tight rhythm section. A Fortune show always features the type of songs that “bands don’t try to cover” such as Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Foreplay/Longtime by Boston, or Won’t Get Fooled again by The Who, as well as many others ranging from Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd to Journey and Yes! The band also has two albums of original compositions – 1993’s FORTUNE and 1996’s STORYLINE, both originally released in Japan.
Over the years, Fortune has been privileged to open for national acts such as Cheap Trick, Kansas, Dave Mason, Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Robin Trower, Bad Company, Blue Oyster Cult, The Guess Who, Ben Orr, America, and Jefferson Starship. More recently, Fortune was called to open for Kansas for the fourth time over the past decade. Fortune is: Bob Vose, Lead vocals; Bill Plourde, Guitar; Chris Lester, Guitar; Steve Baker, Keyboards; Lou Spagnola, Bass; Dickie Paris; Drums.
BEATLEJUICE
Beatlejuice doesn’t mimic the Beatles, they honor them! Widely recognized as the finest interpreters of Lennon & McCartney, Beatlejuice combines wonderful vocals, great musicianship and true respect for their heroes. Playing special tribute to the late Brad Delp will be friends Mike Girard and Joe Holaday (Newburyport’s own) of “The Fools” along with Jim Rogers, Buddy Bernard, Steve Baker, John Muzzy and Bob Squires. This will be an evening of celebration, love and remembrance and the greatest rock ‘n roll music ever written.
GARY HOEY With a collection of 21 albums it’s no wonder Gary Hoey is listed as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. The world renowned rock guitarist’s first break came in 1987 when Ozzy Osbourne liked Hoey’s tape enough to fly him to LA for an audition and encouraging him to move to the West Coast. In 1990 Hoey was signed to Reprise Records with a short lived band called Heavy Bones but followed up in 1993 with a solo album and Gary’s cover of “Hocus Pocus” rocketed into the Billboard’s Top 5 Rock Tracks.
He went on to score the successful “Endless Summer II” soundtrack for New Line Cinema and in 1995 started a trilogy of “Ho!Ho! Hoey,” a collection of instrumental Christmas classics that continues each year in his Rockin Holiday shows. And in 2013’s “Deja Blues” he came home to the blues. Gary’s release in 2016, “Dust & Bones,” displayed an exuberant fusion of blues and rock. But whatever style he plays, one thing is certain, Gary Hoey is a fiery, charismatic player who connects with the crowd.
Whether he’s playing scorching originals or classic rock covers, his solos are thrilling and reminiscent of Clapton or Stevie Ray in their fiery youth. One thing that remains consistent is Hoey’s impassioned command of the guitar. He can attack his instrument with feral intensity and then play something very soft and achingly beautiful. This ability to mix feeling, phrasing, technique and tone is the true mark of a master guitarist.
FOREIGNERS JOURNEY
“The music and energy of two legendary stadium rock bands come together in one electrifying show! – Featuring 2X Tony Nominated Star of Broadways Rock of Ages and American Idol fame – CONSTANTINE MAROULIS. Their repertoire of note-for-note classics by Foreigner and Journey provide a crowd-pleasing night of unforgettable music, ready for singing along, jumping out of your seat to bounce and sway. From power ballads like “Faithfully,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and “Open Arms” to anthems like “Hot Blooded,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Any Way You Want It,” Foreigners Journey are more than a tribute band. They’re a time machine, and their energy is infectious.”
Yankee Homecoming Waiter and Waitress Race 2021
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.
Come show your support for our local Newburyport & Plum Island restaurants and cheer for your favorite waiters and waitresses at the 2021 Yankee Homecoming Waiter and Waitress Race. On Monday, August 2, 2021 at 4:30 pm on Liberty Street local waitstaff will race down the street carrying full trays to compete for an honorary title and cash prizes. Check out our Newburyport.com video from the 2019 races!
The Yankee Homecoming Waiter and Waitress Race, created to showcase all of the delicious dining options in Newburyport area restaurants, will feature Mayor Donna Holaday and other local VIP’s, as the official judges.
This is an opportunity for local restaurants to showcase their menus and specials and drive Yankee Homecoming crowds in for a meal. It’s advertising at no cost to the restaurants. In fact, participating restaurants are encouraged to display their menu and any Yankee Homecoming specials, promotions, on a board at the finish line.
All Newburyport and Plum Island waiters and waitresses, eighteen years and older, are welcome to compete in the Yankee Homecoming Waiter and Waitress Race. Not in the industry? Come by to cheer on your favorite waitstaff as they walk/run from Fair Street down Liberty Street carrying trays piled high with full glasses! The top 3 female waitresses and top 3 male waiters to cross the finish line first with dry trays will move on to the final challenge, yet another diner dash, but with the addition of obstacles.
The 1st place waitstaff (male and female) will each earn one their biggest tips yet, $250. 2nd place (male and female) will earn $150. The restaurant with the best overall performance/spirit will earn the traveling trophy, as well as bragging rights as the fastest staff in town, until the following year.
Thinking about entering the race? Brush up on the rules and registerhere. Only waitstaff from local Newburyport and Plum Island restaurants may compete. Registration fees are waived this year for the Yankee Homecoming Waiter and Waitress Race.
Check out 2019 Newburyport.com videos of Sea Level Oyster Bar and Oregano Ristorante waitstaff practicing for the big event!
This 2019 Sea Level video features Madeline Walsh (left) and Margaux Munick (right).
This 2019 Oregano’s video below features Gabriel Sambataro (left) and Lindsey Howland (right).
Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament – GENO Open 2021
The 2021 Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament, GENO Open will be held on Monday, August 2nd at Ould Newbury Golf Club. This event is sold out for The 2021 Yankee Homecoming Festivites. The Tournament which is open to both men and women, kicks off at 8 AM with a shogun scramble. The raffle and silent auction will run throughout the Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament, GENO Open, followed by awarding of prizes with a cash bar cocktail hour. Be ready to play your best, as there is a $10,000 cash prize for getting a hole in one on the sixth hole!
After the Geno Open, participants and guests will proceed to the dock at Waterfront Park to board the Captains Lady at 4 PM for a dinner cruise hosted by the Starboard Galley Restaurant. The menu will include: Caesar Salad and pasta salad, Sirloin Steak Tips, Grilled Chicken and Shrimp, rolls & butter followed by Strawberry Shortcake.
The Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament is always a very popular tournament so register ASAP by contacting Gary Greco at 978-462-1326 to reserve your spot. You can also reach out to Gary to sponsor a tee or donate a raffle prize.
The Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament, Geno Open Cost is $150 Per Person (Includes Carts, Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Harbor Cruise & Dinner.) Guest fee is $30 to bring a spouse or guest on the Harbor Cruise. NET proceeds for this event go to support the efforts of the Yankee Homecoming Committee. Use 305 Newburyport Turnpike in your GPS as the Address for Ould Newbury Golf Club.
Yankee Homecoming Golf Tournament History
July 31st, 2014 was a day filled with birdies, bogies and pars for most, except Paul Mahoney. Unlike any other year, Paul played the 9-hole course with a crew of friends. Throughout the day they joked and laughed with each other about various ‘swings and misses,’ until there was nothing to joke about.
“A number 6 iron, he hit the ball, a perfect swing, it landed three feet before the hole and BOOM, hole in one!” said Paul’s friend and teammate. And to the victor goes the spoils, a $10,000 prize. According to Yankee Homecoming President Michael Volpone, this was the first hole-in-one in the tournament’s 30 year history.
On the hole Paul made the eagle, there was also a double your money raffle for landing a tee shot on the green in combination with being the closest shot to the pin. Given Paul’s hole in one, he also sank this award.
Paul, who’s been playing golf since he was a kid, says nowadays it’s more luck than anything. When asked what he plans to do with the money, Paul said he is soon to take his wife on a couple’s trip to Alaska.
“Under the leadership of Benjamin Pearson, Dr. Charles S. Ingham and Joseph Dummer, 60 acres of land were leased from Governor Dummer Academy and in 1915, with a fund of $10,000 construction of the golf course began.”
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Yankee Homecoming Road Races 2021 – A Newburyport Tradition
The 61st Annual Yankee Homecoming Road Races hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club will be held Tuesday, August 3rd 2021. The Yankee Homecoming 10 Mile and 5K races are a wonderful tradition in Newburyport. The 5K race starts at 6 pm, with the start and the finish of the races at Newburyport High School. The 10 mile race will not be happening this year.
It’s hard to believe that the Yankee Homecoming Road Races started with 30 runners in 1960. It has grown drastically in popularity with thousands of runners participating each year! Early August can be toasty for runners and spectators. Be sure to hydrate well and stay hydrated! There are water stops along the courses and there are plenty of refreshments available in Newburyport before, during, and after the races. If race day is hot you will even find a few residents along the route offering the option for runners to cool off as the run through a refreshing hose mist. You’re certain to feel the adrenaline rush with the exceptional fan participation and thousands of competitive runners. The locals are out there every step of the course cheering and trying to spot friends and family as they speed by in the sea of color.
The Yankee Homecoming Road Races are an ideal opportunity for runners to challenge themselves, and to enjoy the beautiful Newburyport scenery! This event is a wonderful way for runners to enjoy the gorgeous historic neighborhoods and coastline of Newburyport. It’s known as one of the best road races in the region and offers family-friendly fun. The course takes runners along the ocean and through quintessential New England streets.
Information about the registration process, race pricing, and course maps for the Yankee Homecoming Road Races is available on the Lions Club website. The cost of entering the races is $25 before July 1, $30 from July 2 to race day, and $35 on race day, August 3rd, 2021. If you are one of the first 2000 people to register you will receive a Yankee Homecoming Road Race T-Shirt. T-shirts are also available on race day for purchase. Proceeds from the races will go to support the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, which benefits eye research in innovative Massachusetts.
Contact the dedicated organizers of the Yankee Homecoming Road Races with any questions you may have about the races and check the Newburyport.com Events Calendar for details of all other Yankee Homecoming Events including the Newburyport Bed Racing, also hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club.
US Coast Guard Open House – A Yankee Homecoming Historic Tour
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.
Whether you have a little Coast Guard in training at home, or you would like to meet the men and women that protect our city, the US Coast Guard Open House has something for everyone. The Merrimack River Coast Guard Station, located in downtown Newburyport at 65B Water Street, will be opening its doors to the public Thursday, August 5th from 10 am to 2 pm, for a special day of tours and information.
As part of the town’s Yankee Homecoming celebrations, The US Coast Guard Open House offers a special opportunity for locals and tourists to step inside this iconic station. Visitors are welcome to explore the different areas within, all which will be manned by crew members offering information and taking questions. And perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the visit, is the opportunity to step aboard some of the US Coast Guard boats. While the boats will remain at the station, boat enthusiasts will be allowed to explore the decks while learning about special features. Make sure to bring your cameras and snap a pic in the Captain’s seat!
A special boating safety stand will also be set up at the station, offering up information and tips on how to navigate a boat safely. Learn about some of the challenges our local waters present, the hazards of the Merrimack River entrance, and life saving techniques.
For those visiting with little sea farers in tow, the Coast Guard Open House will also have Coastie on hand. The Coast Guard’s robot boat is equipped with navigation, searchlights, a rotating beacon, siren and air horn, sure to impress the little ones. Coastie will interact with young boaters and teach safety rules like “always swim with a buddy in a supervised area”. Watch out though, Coastie is also equipped with a squirt gun that he is known to use to get a laugh from the kids, so don’t be surprised if you get a little wet.
Newburyport, designated one of only 21 Coast Guard cities, is the birthplace of the Coast Guard. The Merrimack River Coast Guard Station is the home to the men and women protecting our waters with search, rescue and law enforcement. This Coast Guard Open House is a great opportunity to meet and interact with the crew of our local station and thank them for their hard work.
For a full list of events happening during Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming week visit our Events Calendarand consider supporting the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks fund by purchasing a Newburyport VIP Discount Card.
Newburyport Bed Racing – A Favorite Event of Locals!
By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.
When is Newburyport Bed Racing? Mark your calendar for the 2021 Newburyport Lion’s Club Bed Races on Thursday, August 5th at 6 pm on Federal Street in Newburyport. What is Newburyport Bed Racing? It’s a totally fun event during Yankee Homecoming week where folks design and build a bed that is used to race down Federal Street in Newburyport. The starting line is at the intersection of Federal Street and High Street, and the finish line is at the intersection of Federal Street and Water Street across from the Tannery.
You will find that the goals of participants are all different. Some are determined to win the race, others are excited to show off their cool bed creations and some are just busy waving at friends. Bed Racing is a very social Newburyport event. Most of the beds are designed and raced by local small businesses. Some of the creations are entertaining and others are impressive, but in all cases the fans get very excited to cheer for their favorite small businesses as they race or saunter down Federal Street.
All are encourage to come enjoy this event, but if Bed Racing is one of your favorite events during Yankee Homecoming week, then you’re probably from the local Newburyport area as this event is an extremely popular tradition with the Newburyport locals. Bed Racing is an annual event hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club. Proceeds benefit the Newburyport Lions Club local charities (eye exams / glasses for the needy, annual Thanksgiving dinner, visual aids for the blind, high school scholarships, local food pantries, etc.).
If you would like to enter the race the registration fee is $30 per bed and you can register up until 6 pm on race day, but you must arrive at 5:00 pm for bed check in. Use the following link for 2021 registration and rules. Contact Frank Bertolino at 978-270-0365 or fpb4kw@gmail.com with any questions. If by chance we have severe weather (not just rain) at race time, then this event will be moved to Friday, August 6th at 6 pm. Enjoy our Newburyport.com 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 video coverage below.
Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Blast Off Saturday
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.
The Yankee Homecoming fireworks are set to make a bang this Saturday, August 7th at 9:15 pm with their annual display over the Merrimack River. Pack up your lawn chairs, bring blankets and snacks and grab a spot in town to watch the sky light up at one of Yankee Homecoming’s biggest and brightest events of the week.
With the Yankee Homecoming fireworks going off from a barge in the river, there are tons of places around town to catch an unobstructed view of this illuminating show. Get in on the excitement and grab a spot among the crowds on the boardwalk, Route 1 bridge or Salisbury shoreline to hear the cheers of crowds and the sounds of the boats honking. Or make a night of it and set up camp early to dance to the live music of the Foreigners Journey Band, a high energy band specializing in two legendary stadium rock bands, at the Waterfront Park music series, beginning at 7:15 pm. Pop into one of downtown’s numerous restaurants to grab a bite to go or stroll through the food stands set up in the square and pick up dinner and treats to enjoy during or after the show.
If you have a boat, anchoring in the river is a great way to get up close to the show and avoid the crowds. But if you don’t have a boat of your own, you can still hit the open waters for the show. Many local companies offer up special Yankee Homecoming fireworks excursions, from party boats with live music to more low key family oriented atmospheres. Check out Captains Fishing Cruises and Parties and The Yankee Clipper Harbor Boat Tours to name a few.
Letting your little ones stay up late for this special event? Pack a picnic dinner and head to Cashman Park to set up your blanket and chairs along the river. Your tiny spectators can enjoy the playground with other excited kids up past their bedtime while waiting for the festivities to start.
No matter where you choose to watch, come early to claim your viewing spot and enjoy the buzzing downtown area on this special night filled with live music, entertainment, food and shopping. Be sure to check our Events Calendar for any changes or updates do to weather.
If you would like to support the Yankee Homecoming fireworks, consider purchasing a Newburyport VIP Card today. The VIP Card gives you discounts EVERY TIME you make purchases at 180 local restaurants and shops and you can choose between a Digital VIP Card in the Newburyport App or a Physical VIP Card. Purchase one for $25 or two for $40 and donate $10 of your purchase to the Yankee Homecoming Fireworks Fund.
Annual Yankee Homecoming Parade To March Down High Street
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.
The annual Yankee Homecoming Parade will march down High Street on Sunday, August 8th at 12 PM, marking the final official event of Newburyport’s week-long celebration. The parade, which will cover a little over a mile, begins at the intersection of Moseley Avenue and Ferry Road and end at Federal Street.
Along with tons of fire trucks, police cruisers, motorcycles, and vintage cars, spectators will also enjoy floats from local businesses, musical performances, a juggler on a unicycle, and Chinese dragon dancers. Many participants in the Yankee Homecoming Parade also throw candy and other swag to children along the way.
The theme for this year’s Yankee Homecoming, now in its 64th year, is “Reimagined,” focusing on celebrating the long history of Newburyport’s cherished tradition with a strong appreciation to be reunited with family and friends. Many floats and performances will represent this theme in the Yankee Homecoming Parade.
If you’re thinking about joining in the parade instead of watching from the sidelines, there is no fee if your float follows the theme. Non-profit organizations may also join the Yankee Homecoming Parade free of charge. Businesses that would like to participate outside of the theme must pay an advertising fee. All registrations can be done online.
For locals and tourists that would like to enjoy watching the Yankee Homecoming Parade, it’s best to arrive early to find a spot on either side of High Street. Space fills up quickly and many locals even set up chairs days in advance to claim a larger area for groups.
The Yankee Homecoming Parade is a $15,000 operation, making it the second most expensive event of the week, after the Yankee Homecoming fireworks display.
Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming celebration lasts an entire week, beginning July 30th and ending with the annual Yankee Coming Parade. To find even more ways to join in the celebrations, check out all of theevents listed on our calendar.
Video of 2018 Parade
Newburyport Waterfront Movies – Free Summer Fun
Newburyport Waterfront Movies
Best of Newburyport Free Family Entertainment Sponsored by Newburyport Bank
Waterfront Movies Showcasing Family Films
Hosted by the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, Newburyport Waterfront Movies provide free outdoor family fun each Summer in downtown Newburyport! When the sun goes down, a 40-foot outdoor movie screen goes up in Waterfront Park.
The Newburyport Waterfront Movie Series features family-friendly movies throughout July and reserves one evening as a rain date if necessary. Enjoying Newburyport Waterfront Movies has become a fun family must-do for many families from Newburyport and surrounding towns. Thank you to Newburyport Bank for sponsoring this cherished summertime tradition. Below are the 2021 movie dates.
Summer 2021 Line Up:
Wednesday, July 7th – Moana – RESCHEDULED for 8/11
Wednesday, July 14th – The Muppet Movie
Wednesday, July 21st – Pokemon: Detective Pikachu – CANCELLED
Wednesday, July 28th – Up
Wednesday, August 11th – Moana – Rescheduled from 7/7
Claim your spot with your favorite chairs or picnic blanket and make sure to pick up dinner from one of our great local Newburyport cafes or restaurants. If you have the Newburyport App/VIP Card you can enjoy discounts at many local Places to Eat! Below are a few suggestions for places near Waterfront Park that offer great take out options.
If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.
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Yankee Homecoming Market Place – Food, Shopping & Entertainment Schedule
Experience the Yankee Homecoming Market Place in the heart of Newburyport’s historic and downtown from 10 am to 10 pm daily from August 1st- August 7th. Eat, shop and be entertained daily in Market Square, and surrounding streets. Follow the scent of the outdoor grilling to the many savory food choices and, explore all sorts of outdoor shopping, crafts and other fun things to do. Make sure to catch daily entertainment at the Market Square stage as well as the Waterfront stage. Article photograph taken by the the official Yankee Homecoming photographers at Glenn Livermore Photography.
The Yankee Homecoming Market Place offers a wonderful variety of food options so your certain to find something for everyone. In addition to the standard outdoor vendor options of burgers, hot dogs, sausages fries and pizza, you will also find seafood vendors, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican and delicious Greek food as well. Make sure to save room for sweet treats and refreshing, cool treats as well, maybe an Italian Ice, or traditional fried dough.
Grab a seat on one of the benches in Market Square and enjoy live entertainment from the Market Square stage or take a walk down to Waterfront Park to check out what’s happening on the Waterfront Stage. Downtown Entertainment runs daily from 11:30 am – 6 pm, and you can view the 2021 entertainment schedule for both the Market Square Stage and the Waterfront Stage. In the evenings during Yankee Homecoming you can also enjoy the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concerts.
As part of the Yankee Homecoming Market Place you can enjoy the Market Square Craft Day on Tuesday, August 3rd from 10 am – 7 pm. The rain date is Wednesday, August 4th. Check the Newburyport.com Events Calendar for more details on these events.
The Yankee Homecoming sidewalk sales are another great extension of the Yankee Homecoming Market Place. You will find tents with all sorts of great merchandise on the streets surrounding Market Square: State Street, Pleasant Street and Inn Street too. The sidewalk sales run Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 5th, 6th and 7th. The sidewalk sales are a great way to support our local retailers and find some great deals!
While in Market Square the kids can get get their face painted, play on the Inn Street Playground or cool off in the Inn Street fountain! The Yankee Homecoming Market Place runs from 10 am – 10 pm daily in Market Square and surrounding streets.
If you enjoy saving money, make sure to purchase a Newburyport VIP Card, to receive discounts at participating Greater Newburyport restaurants and shops. You can use your VIP Card every time you visit any of the participating businesses and help support Yankee Homecoming Fireworks. Purchase one card for $25 or two for $40 and $10 of your purchase is donated to help pay for our spectacular firework display. Choose if you would like a traditional Physical VIP Card valid until 12/31/21 or a login for Digital VIP Card display in the “Newburyport” App. The digital VIP Card is valid one year from purchase.
If you enjoy using Apps, type “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store and select “VIP Card Discounts” to view participating businesses and discounts. You can purchase directly through the App, for immediate activation, and make sure to select YANKEE HOMECOMING FIREWORKS to receive $10 of your purchase.
Anchor Pizza
Face Painting
Face Painting
Boston Chowda
Chowder
Viken Local Dominos Owner
Get Your Cold Lemonade
Market square Crowd
Live Music in Market Square
Newburyport High School Cheerleaders Selling VIP Cards
The 9th annual Cruisin’ the 50’s event will be held on Thursday, August 12th from 5 – 8 PM in downtown Newburyport, Massachusetts where the owners of amazing vintage automobiles showcase their works of art.
This premier classic car show features an exclusive group of specially selected cars from collectors who are invited to participate in the show. In past years, Cruisin’ the 50’s has featured some high profile vehicles such as the DeLorean that brought us Back in Time from the classic Michael J. Fox movie “Back to the Future.” Another past favorite was the 1948 black Delahaye, hand built in Paris, France and owned by private collector Bruce Male of Swampscott, MA.
Throughout the night while indulging in one gorgeous vintage vehicle after the next, great classic tunes will be broadcast live from the stage in Market Square complements of WXBJ Radio, Cool 94.1. If your not able to make it to this exciting event, enjoy coverage from our Newburyport.com Live Web Cams.
Cruisin’ the 50’s is a free event open to all and hosted by The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy beautiful classic cars in the picturesque historic downtown of Newburyport, MA. State Street, Pleasant Street and Inn Street will be open to pedestrians only and classic cars will also be parked on other surrounding streets as well. If necessary, the rain date for this event is Thursday, August 19th.
Please note: Classic car participation is by invitation and pre-registration only. For participant information, contact car coordinator Wes Pettengill at 978-465-3140.
*Professional photography by Visual Storyteller and Documentary Photographer Ben Savoie.
Things to Do
Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.
As the the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard, our Newburyport Coast Guardsmen are responsible for some of the greatest rescues, with history dating back almost 200 years. Born Ready, through intense surf and heavy breaking seas, these men and women maintain and handle several sea going vessels including steel hull boats, a utility power boat and Boston Whalers.
The Plum Island Light House also know as the Plum Island Light or the Newburyport Harbor Light, has a very interesting history. It was first lit in 1788 with a lantern burning whale oil. And it was the 13th lighthouse to be constructed in the U.S.. It was needed to guide boaters into the treacherous mouth of the Merrimack River and into Newburyport Harbor.
The weather has finally started to brighten and spring is in the air…and nowhere is that more apparent than in Downtown Newburyport on the water. The marina workers are busy
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.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, save the date for the 2021 Newburyport Chocolate Tour, a mouthwatering day filled with chocolaty treats in town. On Saturday, October 2nd, from 12 – 4 pm, 32 shops in downtown Newburyport will be offering up sweet treats to patrons with a chocolate tour ticket. Check back for details and ticket purchase link.
The Newburyport Chocolate Tour is a great way to experience and explore downtown while also indulging in chocolate! From specialty stores to bakeries, there is a great variety of participants, allowing you to shop your way through town while embarking on the chocolate tour. Stop into Harbor Creamery for an ice cream sample, Simply Sweet for some homemade chocolate, Chococoa Bakery for a taste of their famous whoopie pie, and more.
Advanced tickets can be purchased for online (with an additional $1 service charge) or in person at Brass Lyon, Newburyport Olive Oil Company, and the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry. While tickets are available for purchase the day of the event for $20, be warned, the Chocolate Tour limits sales to 400 total tickets and the event generally sells out.
The Newburyport Chocolate Tour begins at the First Religious Society Church and Parish Hall on 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 non-profit organizations. This year’s proceeds go to Sweet Paws Rescue, Saturday Morning Community Breakfast of Newburyport, Nourishing the North Shore, North of Boston Cancer Resource Group, and Prescription Refill and Transportation Programs for Elders. You can truly feel happy eating chocolate AND donating to great causes.
For more fun happenings in Newburyport, be sure to check out our fullevents calendar!
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regional artists displaying and selling their amazing original work on Bartlet Mall. Be sure to check out the beautiful drawings and paintings by local artists at Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday. You can enjoy 
will also be old-fashioned candy and popcorn available for purchase. That’s right, there will be tasty candy and snacks. New this year you can register your RC car for the Yankee Homecoming RC Car Race.
