Gloucester’s Culture Splash is back and bigger than ever for its fourth annual celebration of the city’s rich offerings in the arts, with an expanded lineup that honors the cultural vibrancy of this culturally dense city, and America’s oldest seaport.
The event series, running Thursdays July 11 through August 29, from 4 to 7 p.m., feature a variety of free and discounted activities that highlight the rich artistic tapestry and maritime heritage of Gloucester, including outdoor and indoor live music, dance performances, light shows, film screenings, free museum admission, artist demos, exhibit openings, performing arts, and more.
Home to two of Essex County’s eight state-designated cultural districts, Rocky Neck and Harbortown, Gloucester offers free water shuttle service from 4 to 8 p.m. on Culture Splash Thursdays, provided by Cape Ann Harbor Tours, connecting the two districts and making it easier for attendees to explore the full array of cultural offerings.
Throughout the summer series, more than 50 cultural organizations and artists will welcome visitors and locals to “Splash” into Gloucester’s abundant cultural offerings. For the first time in 2024, we are excited to announce that new year-round entertainment venue and restaurant, The Cut, on Main Street in Gloucester’s Harbortown district, will host Culture Splash “After-Hours” with music playing in "The Corner" of their dining room every Culture Splash Thursday starting at 8 p.m. at no cover charge.
"Gloucester’s annual Culture Splash series offers an exciting chance for residents and visitors alike to explore the incredible cultural offerings within our community,” said Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga. “From talented local musical performances to vibrant art exhibitions, there is a lot to explore and experience. … It attracts both locals and tourists to our lively cultural districts, bolstering our local artists, performers, small businesses, and restaurants."
Miranda Aisling, Head of Education at Cape Ann Museum, located in the Harbortown cultural district, emphasized the continued growth and expansion of the Culture Splash series, stating, “The Cape Ann Museum has been a proud participant of Gloucester's Culture Splash for the past four years through free CAM Courtyard Concerts. As a member of the Harbortown Cultural District, I’ve been especially excited to see the cultural organizations in town coming together to collaborate and organize a great series of events this summer both in our district and with our partners in the Rocky Neck Cultural District. It’s a great example of how, by coordinating the amazing offerings in Gloucester, we can showcase the depth and breadth of the art and culture of the city.”
Carolyn Cole from the Massachusetts Cultural Council added, “Culture Splash is one of my favorite annual events across the state. It is a quintessential creative community experience.”
Representing the Rocky Neck cultural district, Elizabeth Carey, CEO of Rocky Neck Art Colony, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the series: "Now in its fourth year, we are pleased to continue this collaborative campaign, connecting Gloucester's two cultural districts. We invite both visitors and residents to join us in celebrating the vibrant arts and culture of Gloucester's harbor. Culture Splash attendees can enjoy complimentary events in both communities, conveniently connected by the free water shuttle across the harbor."
This year’s Culture Splash also introduces a new addition: Maritime Gloucester’s weekly series of marine pop-ups from 4 to 6 p.m. in its classroom, featuring engaging activities such as plankton safaris, creature of the week, and fish printing, all free of charge.
Immerse yourself in the unparalleled cultural richness of Gloucester.
From the flourishing arts scene to the storied maritime heritage, Culture Splash 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for all.
More info at discovergloucester.com
