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August 2017
Massachusetts is rich in arts & culture, so it's no surprise that exciting events, exhibits and festivals are held in the state's 16 regions all year long. Find out more!
Soak Up the Sights and Sounds of Summer!
We're in the comfortable stride of warm weather days and summer getaways, so take advantage of the Bay State's many offerings indoors and out! As the sun continues to shine down on your freckled shoulders this month, stroll through coastal towns and make a splash at your pick from hundreds of beaches around the state. If you need to beat the heat and your heart is melting for a cold treat, take the opportunity-or use the excuse-to taste your way through the Commonwealth (we're partial to desserts and ice cream this month!). Once you've had your fill of sweet treats, dress up as your favorite character for the largest comic con convention in New England, hop a ferry to Martha's Vineyard for the 15th annual MVAFF, or bike your way across Massachusetts in the Pan-Mass Challenge! Other highlights include Jazz Festivals in Springfield, Provincetown and Salem, the Boston Seafood Festival, the 44th Annual Berkshires Crafts Fair, and an over-the-top celebration at Ptown Carnival. And there's always the option to leave your wallet behind in favor of Wicked FREE Summer Fun!

Check out the MOTT summer inspiration board for more vacation ideas and activities that will have you feeling happy as a clam!  Plan your next getaway to Massachusetts at massvacation.com.
Featured Region: Greater Boston
Ignore the back to school ads: BOSTON is in full summer mode!

Theatre buffs will find Finding Neverland at the Opera House, a unique exploration of Othello, race and America in American Moor and classic dramas and comedies at one of several open-air theatres. Music of all genres can be heard across the city, from Beethoven's 9th along the Esplanade to the familiar sounds of Billy Joel and James Taylor filling Fenway - all the way to Gillette for Coldplay and Kenny Chesney. In between you can catch some gospel and jazz melodies. Museums offer a return to The Summer of Love or an opportunity to get up close and personal with Red Sox legend David Ortiz's bling at the MFA. The vibrant colorful works of Dana Schutz are on view at the ICA and face-to face experiences await at Boston's newest attraction, Dreamlands Wax Museum.
For many- food is art and trust the plate is full all August! On weekends, indulge at the North End's Feasts, get your fill of fresh seafood at the Seafood Festival, and Dine Out Boston returns for two tasty weeks-August 6-18, when 150 Greater Boston restaurants serve prix fixe meals at delicious prices!

Find more events and information for Greater Boston
Cape Cod
Music is in the air this August on Cape Cod! The Citizens Bank 32nd Annual Pops by the Sea outdoor concert will be held on the Hyannis Village Green on Sunday, August 13th. Enjoy one of the nation's finest and best-loved musical ensembles - the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra! Order tickets today. Music lovers will also enjoy the beats of the 13th Annual Provincetown Jazz Fest on August 10th at The Crown & Anchor in Provincetown and August 14th at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. The acclaimed festival features renowned jazz musicians from around the world, and Molly Ringwald will make her Provincetown Jazz Festival debut! Find more events and information for Cape Cod.
Greater Springfield
Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival - This FREE day-long event on August 12th brings 10,000+ people to downtown Springfield's Court Square for music, food, theater, dance, arts & crafts, educational workshops and more. Now in its fourth year, the festival has become a beacon of world-class jazz. Scheduled performers include Sarah Elizabeth Charles who will not only perform on the main stage, but also headline a kickoff party Friday night 8/11 at CityStage with Christian Scott. Visit ExploreWesternMass.com for more great cultural events. Find more events and information for Greater Springfield.
Hampshire County
Not to be boastful, but folks in Western Mass are really proud of our local farms. August kicks off our season of agricultural fairs, and the 200th anniversary of the oldest fair in the country, Northampton's 3-County Fair on Labor Day weekend. Horse pulls, Jersey cows and Grannies Racing Pigs are headliners. The Hilltown's Cummington Fair in late August and the Belchertown Fair in late September continue the traditions of sheep obstacle courses, lumberjack championships and ox pulls. Sign up for our newsletter of happenings in Hampshire County! Find more events and information for Hampshire County.
Johnny Appleseed Country
Chili and beer. What more could you want? Sample great tastes of the region at the Winchendon Kiwanis' 33rd Family Fun Day and Massachusetts State Chili Cook Off at the American Legion on August 5. Music, petting zoo, crafts and more round out the day. Then head to downtown Leominster to sample tasty brews at the Johnny Appleseed Craft Beer Festival; admission includes a souvenir tasting glass! How about dessert? On August 19-20, the Lanni Orchards Taste of Local is packed with Massachusetts-made products you'll enjoy. Find more events and information for Johnny Appleseed Country.
Martha's Vineyard 
Come to the Agricultural Country Fair Fair on Martha's Vineyard Thursday, August 17th through Sunday, August 20th! It's a real old-fashioned country fair with rides, games, shucking contests, skillet toss, horse pull, woodsmen competition, fiber-arts tent, dog & livestock shows. The fun begins Thursday and runs for 4 days from 10 am to 11 pm on the fairgrounds in West Tisbury (August 20th from 10 am to 7 pm). Tickets are$10 Adults, $5 Children 5-12 and Adults 62+. Children under 5 are free. Find all the info you need at MVY.com! Find more events and information for Martha's Vineyard .
Mohawk Trail Region
The 6th Annual Motorama event welcomes all things motorized to downtown North Adams on Sunday August 27th! (Rain date: Sept 2). Join us as cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, snowmobiles, and more line the streets of downtown transforming it into a metal wonderland of bright colors, chrome, and machinery. This event includes raffles, door prizes, music, food, shopping, and a car corral with live auction. All proceeds benefit local charities. Drive-in movie & Swap Meet on the 26th as extended events. For more information, visit northadamsmotorama.com or call 413-664-6180. Find more events and information for The Mohawk Trail Region
MetroWest

MetroWest offers two wonderful annual events on August 12th! Ashland's Dragonfly Festival showcases the town's diverse talents through food, music, arts and art-making, and a shared passion for community. It takes place from 2 to 8:30 pm at Mill Pond Park, a natural dragonfly habitat. And from 4 to 7 pm that day, the 5th annual Spirit of Hudson Food & Brewfest on Hudson's Main Street offers tastings of 175+ crafted beers, ciders, and malt beverages from over 70 breweries, and food from the area's finest restaurants. Find more events and information for MetroWest.
Nantucket Island

Hop on the boat, celebrate the NHA's Nantucket by Design Show! (August 1-5) Listen to lectures and panel discussions over creative design. Can't miss the island's biggest summer event: The Nantucket Cottage Hospital's Boston Pops! The Beach Boys will join the orchestra for a night of music and fireworks on Jetties Beach. August 20th will wrap up the month with the Nantucket Community Sailing Opera House Cup Race. Find more events and information for Nantucket Island.
North of Boston
The sound of summer is smooth Jazz this August! Rockport Jazz Festival takes place August 6-13. This year's 6th Annual Rockport Jazz Festival will feature an exciting array of artists, including Fred Hersch, Danilo Pérez, Cécile McLorin Salvant, John Pizzarelli and Daniel Jobim in a Sinatra-Jobim tribute and much more.  Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is August 19-20. At the festival, you will hear all types of music, including Rock and Roll, Funk, Jazz, Blues and Zydeco! Find more events and information for North of Boston.
Plymouth County

The Onset Summer of Love Concert Series will be held at the Onset Band Shell every Wednesday evening in August from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. FREE and family friendly! The lineup for August includes: August 2 - Studio Two & "All Starr" Beatles Tribute Walrus Gumboot; August 9 - The Peacheaters (An Allman Brothers Experience); August 16-Uncle John's Banjo (Bluegrass Grateful Dead); August 23 - Way Up South (original rock and eclectic covers); and August 30 - Heartbreaker (A Led Zeppelin Experience). In case of rain, meet at the Onset VFW outdoor pavilion located at 4 Gibbs Ball Park Road in East Wareham. Find more events and information for Plymouth County.
Southeastern Mass

August 12-13 will be the 10th Annual Art Drive, with over two dozen Dartmouth and Westport artists opening their studios from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Peruse the work of some of the area's premier painters, ceramic artists, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, metal artists, and more. With only 15 miles separating the studios, visitors will enjoy a scenic drive through this picturesque area with ample time for a picnic lunch at the beach or dinner at one of the many area restaurants! Find more events and information for Southeastern Massachusetts
The Berkshires

Discover art in the Berkshires at the newly opened Turn Park Art Space in West Stockbridge. This sculpture park, which was once a marble quarry, is now a cultural hub for visitors of all ages. Here, they bring together works of contemporary architecture and sculpture in a beautiful natural environment as well as featuring unique pavilions which house a gallery along with a gift shop. A program of live music, theater and performance are planned for the park in the coming year. F
ind more  events and information for The Berkshires
Greater Merrimack Valley

Made In Lowell connects people and places in the City through year round events. We invite you to experience the beauty and friendliness of Lowell and its unique culinary culture through Lowell's signature celebration of food and libations! The Lowell Food & Wine Festival will bring together local culinary talent, vintners, brewers and artisans, as well as guest chefs from around the region for fantastic culinary celebration. Purchase your tickets today. Find more events and information for Greater Merrimack Valley. 
Central Massachusetts

Jam out to some Phil Vassar at Indian Ranch on August 6th. Dip your feet into the world of geocaching with the C-Mass Geofest in Sturbridge from August 16-20.  POW! WOW! Worcester, a 10-day celebration of art and culture, will take place August 25-September 3 in multiple places around the city of Worcester. Reserve a tee time and play some disc golf at Downtown Disc Golf on August 30. Find more events and information for Central Massachusetts.
Franklin County
The 4th Annual Pocumtuck Homelands Festival will be held Saturday, August 5th from 10 am to 7 pm at Unity Park Waterfront in Turners Falls! Join this celebration of Native American art, music and culture, featuring live traditional, original and fusion music, Native American crafts, storytelling, drumming, games and activities for kids, primitive skills demonstrations, and an impressive selection of books. The Mashantucket-Pequot archaeology team will be on site to analyze early contact period artifacts brought to the festival. Festival food will be available, including Native American fare. Free, family friendly, educational, accessible and fun for all ages! Find more events and information for Franklin County.
Regional Tourism Councils  
   
Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism