2026 Cape Ann Chamber Signature Events
Greater Cape Ann Small Business Weeks
June 1 - 11, 2026
Every year since 1981 the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has set aside a week to honor the achievements of Cape Ann’s small business entrepreneurs and their employees, and their
contributions to the economic vitality and community life of Cape Ann.
Gloucester Block Parties
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | Friday, August 7, 2026 | Friday, September 4, 2026
Three popular summer events that celebrate all that downtown Gloucester has to offer. Guests enjoy live music, street performers, family friendly activities, contests, games, and more! Follow Main Street Block Parties on Facebook
Sponsorship Benefits: Sponsors receive visibility through event signage, social media, e-blasts, and printed marketing materials. Opportunities include on-site booths, promotional giveaways, and recognition on event web pages and press releases. DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP FORM
4th Annual Blackburn Brew Fest
Saturday, July 18, 2026
New Date & Time for 2026! This year, the Black Burn Brew Fest will be held in July in the evening! The Blackburn Brew Fest debuted in 2022 and became an instant hit. Join us and over 30 breweries for an afternoon of craft beer tastings, live music, food trucks, and games at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. Visit Blackburn Brew Fest to learn more.
Sponsorship Benefits: Sponsors benefit from strong brand exposure through digital and print promotion, on-site activation opportunities, social media recognition, and direct engagement with attendees. Select sponsorships also include website advertising and event tickets. DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP FORM
14th Annual Festival by the Sea
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Enjoy the summer in classic New England style in one of the North Shore’s most beautiful and
prosperous towns – Manchester-by-the-Sea. This all-day extravaganza celebrates locally grown art, music and food. The festival highlights the idyllic beauty of Cape Ann and the incredible talent for which the area has become synonymous. This is the most heavily attended of all Chamber events and as such offers incredible opportunity for exposure and to promote your business. Follow Festival by the Sea on Facebook
Sponsorship Benefits: Sponsorship includes logo placement on promotional materials, recognition on digital event maps and websites, social media exposure, and opportunities for booth space and customer interaction during the event. DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP FORM
Gloucester Waterfront Festival
Saturday, August 15 & Sunday, August 16, 2026
More than 175 juried artists and craftsmen from throughout the United States will be coming to Gloucester for this festival, now in its 40th year. Live music, unique creations and delicious food will highlight the two-day event.
Sponsorship Benefits: Sponsors receive premier visibility through event marketing, website promotion, and on-site branding opportunities. Sponsorships also provide valuable face-to-face engagement with thousands of visitors in a high-energy festival setting. DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP FORM
39th Annual Fundraising Auction
Thursday, September 24
The Chamber’s biggest fundraiser! With over 200 attendees, the auction is one of the largest on the North Shore. This is a wonderful way to support the organization and help build stronger Cape Ann Businesses and the community as a whole.
Sponsorship Benefits: As the most historic and largest auction in the region, the event draws a wide audience of community leaders, public officials, business owners, residents, and visitors. Sponsoring the auction offers your organization outstanding visibility, valuable networking opportunities, and the chance to be recognized as a champion of Greater Cape Ann. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Michelle Pepin for sponsorship details.
Rockport Harvest Fest
October 17, 2026
FALL INTO FUN: HARVEST, GATHER, CELEBRATE! The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce was excited to bring back this cherished community event in 2024! We invite you to join us by the shore for a unique blend of fall festivities and coastal charm, where the crisp sea breeze meets the warmth of community spirit. Come enjoy Rockport’s local charm and bountiful harvest while you explore the scenic downtown and immerse yourself in festive seasonal activities. Whether you're a longtime local or just visiting, this is the perfect way to experience the magic of autumn by the sea. So, grab your sweater and your loved ones, and join us for a day of seaside celebration! View More Details
Sponsorship Benefits: Sponsors gain exposure through event signage, websites, e-blasts, and social media promotion. Opportunities include booth space, promotional giveaways, and recognition tied to event activities and competitions. DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP FORM
41st Annual Essex ClamFest
October 24, 2026
This event has grown every year to become one of the best attended Festivals in the region. This annual event has everything this small town is known for, including: arts and crafts, K-9 demonstrations, lots of food vendors and of course, the ever popular Clam Chowder Competition. Nearly 1,000 people attend to taste the best of the best, each voting for their favorite in the People’s Choice Award, while nine esteemed judges helped to select the winner of the Judge’s Award. View More Details
Sponsorship Benefits: Sponsors receive recognition through printed materials, event websites, social media, and press coverage. Many sponsorship levels also include booth space and opportunities to engage directly with attendees throughout the festival. DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP FORM
$20,000 Game
Wednesday, October 28
Every October, the Chamber hosts the premier giveaway night on Cape Ann, where $20,000 is given away, including a grand prize of $10,000!
Celebrating the Holidays on Cape Ann
November 28, 2025 - January 1, 2027
Celebrations that last the full month in each of the four communities and include several events.
2026 Completed Events
104th Annual Celebration
Friday, January 23, 2026 at Floriana in Ipswich
The Chamber’s way to kick-off the new year, held at an upscale venue and attended by 150+ senior business leaders and guests including local, city and state officials. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote your business in front of many area business owners, senior business leaders, and elected officials.
26th Annual Irish Sweepstakes
Thursday, March 12, 2026 at The James Pub & Provisions, Essex
This is one of the most exciting and fun filled events on Cape Ann as a total of $20,000 cash is given away- including one Grand Prize of $10,000! The Irish Sweepstakes also features live Irish music, a 50/50 raffle, a traditional Irish dinner and much more!
2026 Irish Sweepstakes Sponsorship Form Available Soon
Motif No. 1 Day
Saturday, May 16, 2026
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber brought back Motif No. 1 Day in 2024 to celebrate Rockport’s unique artist destination with a seaside and fishing culture featuring the famed fishing shack, which for generations has been a favorite subject for painters and photographers. This year we hope to make it even bigger & better! Visit RockportUSA.com to keep up with the latest details in the Spring.
37th Annual Cape Ann Chamber Education & Scholarship Golf Tournament
Monday, May 18, 2026
Played at the Bass Rocks Golf Club and typically attended by over 100 Chamber members and guests. These are some of our most highly sought after sponsorship opportunities. A portion of the proceeds from this event go toward six college scholarships – a great way to help our local youth become successful business people!