Rockport NYE: a New Year’s Eve celebration on Cape Ann For All Ages!

Looking for something to do on Cape Ann for New Year’s Eve? Many of us don’t want the hassle of driving or taking a train to Boston, and we don’t have to - Rockport’s New Year’s Eve celebration has plenty to offer for all ages!

While many events require the purchase of a button for admittance, there are several free options on New Years’ Eve. First, downstairs at Spiran Hall, there is a gift shop, a coffeehouse with food and drink, clowns and face painting, and psychic readers, which are noted as “for amusement only”. Additionally, on Dock Square from 7:00 to 10:00, the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club will be setting up telescopes for “public viewing of Uranus, Neptune, and some objects far, far outside our solar system -- star clusters, colorful double stars, nebulae, galaxies, stars with their own solar systems. 

There will be guided tours of the constellations, NASA educational activities and handouts for all ages; you can learn how to read a sky map, and see different types of telescopes and learn how they work. Come appreciate the wonders of the night sky, and start the new year with a new appreciation of how enormous and spectacular the universe is.” Lastly, the Dock Square Midnight Celebration is also free - gather ‘round and sing Auld Lang Syne with a countdown!

Rockport New Year’s Eve Buttons will let you enjoy many other festivities. Available for purchase at several local shops such as Bean and Leaf, John Tarr Store, Ace, Rite-Aid, Toad Hall Bookstore, Common Crow, Building Center, the Cape Ann Chamber and also online, they are $15.50 for adults, $12.50 for youths, and $5.50 for children. The button will give you access to many different events in Rockport aimed at both children and adults.

For children, Jenny the Juggler is at the Community House downstairs from 6:00 - 6:45 and 7:00 - 7:45. Upstairs from 6PM to 9PM is Dora Tevan Puppet Shows and Dance. At the Rockport Fire Station upstairs is Bumbly and Abbess Phinn, who are storytellers for all ages. The website states that “Bumbly Phinn and his wife, Abbess Phinn are colorful Medieval, Renaissance style characters who tell stories in word and song. They are the directors and coordinators of the Abbadia Mare Festival at Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA.”

There is plenty of musical entertainment as well. Upstairs at the Community House from 10PM - Midnight is Jah Spirit, who describe themselves as blending “an African-Reggae beat with elements of calypso jazz, blues and rock. Ras Michael, a native of Trinidad, captivates his audiences with spellbinding lyrics and a stage presence that has been described as charismatic, highly energetic and spirited. Interaction between the audience and the musicians is a recognized trademark of Jah Spirit.” Over at the Rockport United Methodist Church, make sure to check out Dan King from 10-midnight. A member of the local favorites Bandit Kings and Safety, Dan is a fantastic musician who will be enjoyed by folks of all ages. At the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport between 6 and 7:45, check out the Stuart Highlanders Pipe Band - Bagpipes and Drums.
No matter what you’re after, Rockport’s New Years Eve offers something for the whole family at a great price!

A full listing of the events can be found here.