Event Calendar
Our grant recipients’ projects, ACC events & more
Grant Reception and Artist Mixer
Join us for bites and drinks at the new Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 grants! All are welcome to attend.
See the full list of grants awarded at the link below:
Fierce Females: Women in Art, Part IV
Join the Amesbury Public Library each month to explore and appreciate different artists or artistic movements with Jane Oneail. This month, learn about a variety of women in art across history and the globe. While this is part IV, you do not need to have seen parts I-III from previous years to appreciate this lecture.
Registration is required; register via Zoom by clicking here.
This program is presented in conjunction with the public libraries of Chelmsford, Ashland, Groton, and Tewksbury and is funded in part by the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library.
This month's topic: The revolutionary spirit of women artists continues to transform our understanding of what art can be and who gets to create it, from the neoclassical elegance of Angelica Kauffman's mythological scenes to Yayoi Kusama's mesmerizing infinity rooms that challenge our perception of space itself. This program celebrates the fearless creativity and determination of women who refused to be confined by expectations. Through exploring the diverse voices and groundbreaking techniques of these visionary women, we witness the ongoing revolution that refuses to let talent be silenced by tradition, helping to ensure that future generations inherit a more complete and inspiring vision of artistic greatness.
Image: Angelica Kauffman. Self-Portrait Hesitating Between Painting and Music, (detail) 1794. Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire.
About the Presenter: Jane Oneail (pronounced OH-neel) is the founder of Culturally Curious, a company that curates and presents art appreciation programs for audiences worldwide. Jane holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state's most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator. Jane has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University. For more information visit the Culturally Curious website.
QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION? Contact the Reference Desk, 978-388-8148, option 2 / reference@amesburylibrary.org
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM? Contact Stephanie Smith, ssmith@amesburylibrary.org, 978-388-8148 x607
FUNDING CREDIT: Thank you to the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library for funding this series!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
Tiny Art Show
Come by to see the Tiny Art Show! Community members have dropped off their tiny creations and you get to admire them on display!
This show will be up in the Amesbury Room for the month of April
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Community of Makers - Block Printing
Learn block printing!
See registration information here:
https://amesburycarriagemuseum.org/calendar/2026/4/9/community-of-makers-block-printing
River Bards Poetry Series
Haverhill's River Bards are a group of local poets with a passion for shining a light on poetry, prose, spoken word, and other literary arts! Twice a year the Bards present a once-a-month poetry series in collaboration with Creative Haverhill. This poetry series features readings by fantastic published poets, followed by open mic readings. These events are family-friendly and open to the public. The poetry series is now being offered at Creative Haverhill’s new downtown Haverhill location – 43 Washington Street!
At 7:00 PM, our featured poet will kick off the night with a reading, followed by open mic time until everyone has had a chance to read. For those interested in sharing during the open mic portion of the evening, there will be an open mic sign-up sheet so make sure to sign up if you’d like to read and then wait until your name is called. The event will wrap up no later than 8:30 PM. We look forward to seeing you there!
Entries due: Gathering of Verses High School Poetry Contest
High school students: submit your poems for the 11th Annual Gathering of Verses High School Poetry Contest!
To enter, send your poem and entry form to Christina Bryant at chrisbryant1@comcast.net by April 20th. Please be sure to read all criteria and guidelines on the entry form:
Newburyport Literary Festival
Come enjoy a full weekend of events celebrating literature and poetry in Newburyport! Events include talks, panels, and more.
For a detailed schedule, see the link below:
Poemapalooza!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Amesbury Cultural Council and Poet Laureate Program are absolutely THRILLED to announce our Poemapalooza!
Head on over to the JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER HOME AND MUSEUM for an afternoon of poetry, hosted by our Poet Laureate, Bryan Riley.
When: Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Where: John Greenleaf Whittier Home and Museum, 86 Friend St. Amesbury, MA
From Tiffany to Chihuly: Masters of Glass Art
Join us each month to explore and appreciate different artists or artistic movements with Jane Oneail. This month, learn about...
Registration is required; register via Zoom by clicking here.
This program is presented in conjunction with the public libraries of Chelmsford, Ashland, Groton, and Tewksbury and is funded in part by the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library.
This month's topic: Discover the luminous world of glass art, where molten sand transforms into breathtaking works that capture and refract light in ways that seem to defy the very nature of solid matter. From Louis Comfort Tiffany's jewel-toned stained glass windows that turned churches into cathedrals of color, to Dale Chihuly's explosive blown glass sculptures that bring the ocean's mysteries to museum galleries, to Dan Dailey's whimsical figurative pieces that blend fine art with storytelling magic. This program illuminates how fire, breath, and imagination combine to create some of the most spectacular and ethereal art forms known to humanity.
Image: Louis Comfort Tiffany and Agnes Northrop. Danner Memorial Window, 1913. Private collection.
About the Presenter: Jane Oneail (pronounced OH-neel) is the founder of Culturally Curious, a company that curates and presents art appreciation programs for audiences worldwide. Jane holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state's most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator. Jane has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University. For more information visit the Culturally Curious website.
QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION? Contact the Reference Desk, 978-388-8148, option 2 / reference@amesburylibrary.org
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM? Contact Stephanie Smith, ssmith@amesburylibrary.org, 978-388-8148 x607
FUNDING CREDIT: Thank you to the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library for funding this series!
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Bryan Riley at the Gloucester Writers Center
Join Poet Laureate, Bryan Riley, for an Open Mic Night at the Gloucester Writers Center!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
Nature in Your Neighborhood: All About Birds
Mass Audubon is pleased to offer a FREE birdwatching walk made possible by the Amesbury Cultural Council at Woodsom Farm Park on May 26. Learn about bird migration, breeding behavior, and basic identification skills. This program is for adult birdwatchers of all skill levels.
Registration required: here.
The Peale Family: America’s First Artistic Dynasty
Join us each month to explore and appreciate different artists or artistic movements with Jane Oneail. This month, learn about Charles Willson Peale, the patriarch and Revolutionary War veteran, who not only created some of our nation's most important portraits of founding fathers like George Washington, but also founded America's first major museum and fostered a dynasty of painter sons and daughters.
Registration is required; register via Zoom by clicking here.
This program is presented in conjunction with the public libraries of Chelmsford, Ashland, Groton, and Tewksbury and is funded in part by the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library.
This month's topic: How did one family's dedication to art, science, and education shape the cultural landscape of a young nation still defining its identity? Discover the remarkable legacy of the Peale family, whose artistic talents spanned generations and helped establish the foundation of American art in the early republic. Charles Willson Peale, the patriarch and Revolutionary War veteran, not only created some of our nation's most important portraits of founding fathers like George Washington, but also founded America's first major museum and fostered a dynasty of painter sons and daughters. Through exploring works by Charles Willson Peale, his sons Raphaelle, Rembrandt, and Rubens Peale, along with his daughters Sarah and Anna, this program reveals the intimate story of artistic innovation, family bonds, and the pursuit of both beauty and knowledge in early America.
Image: Charles Willson Peale, The Artist in his Museum, 1822. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
About the Presenter: Jane Oneail (pronounced OH-neel) is the founder of Culturally Curious, a company that curates and presents art appreciation programs for audiences worldwide. Jane holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state's most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator. Jane has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University. For more information visit the Culturally Curious website.
QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION? Contact the Reference Desk, 978-388-8148, option 2 / reference@amesburylibrary.org
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM? Contact Stephanie Smith, ssmith@amesburylibrary.org, 978-388-8148 x607
FUNDING CREDIT: Thank you to the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library for funding this series!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Community of Stitchers
Do you have a sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, crotchet or other craft project you are working on? Bring it to a meeting of APL’s Community of Stitchers where you can work on your project, get advice from your fellow creators, and show off your work! Local stitching enthusiast and advanced knitter, Sarah Chapman, will be on hand at each meeting to help attendees with their projects. All experience levels are welcome - come enjoy a creative evening with the APL!
No advanced registration required - walk-ins welcome!
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the newly renovated Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Railroad in Song
The Industrial History Center presents musician and songwriter Jon Waterman, who takes his audience on a tour of songs about trains, railroad workers, train wrecks, heroes and hobos.
Member: $20 / Non-member: $25
For registration and ore information, see the link below:
http://amesburycarriagemuseum.org/calendar/2026/2/17/railroad-in-song
Amesbury Poet Laureate Inauguration
We are excited to announce the inauguration of Bryan Riley as Amesbury’s new Poet Laureate on Sunday, February 15th! Come to the Amesbury Library for a celebration and reading.
Bryan Riley has been writing poetry for over 45 years and has been instrumental to our local poetry community. Using his pen-name Bryan P.T. Riley, he has 18 self-published volumes of poetry including Poems for the Clinically Insane and Seven Degrees, as well as a novel, Crispy the Impaler (And other tales of "Whoa! What?").
Riley has received the Readers' Choice, Critics’ Choice, and the Editor’s Choice Awards from National Library of Poetry, and works were included in an anthology that was sent to the moon (yes, really!) via the Writers on the Moon Project.
He has invented a new poetic form, known as the Amesbury Form, which is included in his upcoming volume of poetry, and is most thrilled to have been chosen as the Poet Laureate at the tenth anniversary of its inception.
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the newly renovated Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Women of '76
Presented at the Industrial History Center by Rita Parisi of Waterfall Productions, experience the untold stories of courage and conviction from five remarkable women who witnessed and shaped the American Revolution.
$25 Members / $30 Non-members
For registration and more information, see the link below:
https://amesburycarriagemuseum.org/calendar/2026/1/22/women-of-76
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the newly renovated Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
ACC Meeting
The December meeting will be focused on voting for which grant proposals to fund.
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location for this meeting is the newly renovated Cultural Center in the Upper Millyard!
Monthly Poetry Reading - Jessica Purdy
Join Jessica Purdy for a poetry reading at the Costello Center! Register for the zoom session here.
City Hall Circus
“Amesbury's City Hall Auditorium becomes a big top for one unforgettable event. With gravity-defying performances where skill, balance, and showmanship take center stage, internationally celebrated circus performers share the stage with our own neighbors and friends. Stroll our artist midway to discover treasures from local makers, then settle in for a one-of-a-kind show. Tickets are pay what you will—because this magic is for everyone.”
Craft market will be from 10a-2pm and the circus starts at 3pm.
See more information at the link below:
![Open Studios [Day 2]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/627a52fc2b541710fdae5716/1757110715228-6W80QPCHRLELEIV419FX/Amesbury-Open-Studios-2025.png)
Open Studios [Day 2]
Our biggest event of the year! A city-wide tour of working artists’ studios.
Art for sale • Shopping • Demonstrations • Kids’ activities • Food & drink • Live music • Business deals • FREE trolley rides • and much more…
For more information, see the link below:
Play Me a Memory: Piano Bar Sing Along featuring Mel Stiller
Come to Zach Field Drums and Music for a piano sing along! Tickets are $15.
Open Studios [Day 1]
Our biggest event of the year! A city-wide tour of working artists’ studios.
Art for sale • Shopping • Demonstrations • Kids’ activities • Food & drink • Live music • Business deals • FREE trolley rides • and much more…
For more information, see the link below:
Applications close for 2026-2027 Amesbury Poet Laureate
Are you interested in becoming Amesbury’s next Poet Laureate? Applications are open until midnight on 10/31! See the link below for poet laureate criteria and the application form:
ACC Meeting
The November meeting has been moved up to 10/28 to help prepare for Open Studios.
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location has been moved back to Cedar Street Studios!
Artist Mixer
Mix it up with other local creative types and our incredibly generous Open Studios business sponsors!
Complimentary light bites and libations. No RSVP needed.
Maudslay is Haunted
Come to Maudslay State Park on the 18th or 19th for a spooky and fun family-friendly haunted stroll! This popular annual event is run by Theater in the Open. Admission is $10 but children under 4 are free.
Rain date is October 25th. See more info at the link below:
Maudslay is Haunted
Come to Maudslay State Park on the 18th or 19th for a spooky and fun family-friendly haunted stroll! This popular annual event is run by Theater in the Open. Admission is $10 but children under 4 are free.
Rain date is October 25th. See more info at the link below:
Grants Applications Close
Grant applications close at 11:59pm, October 16th.
Applications, instructions, and funding priorities can be found at: https://www.amesburyculturalcouncil.org/apply-for-a-grant
Community Fundraising night at Flatbread
Enjoy delicious pizza at Flatbread and help support the arts in Amesbury! From 5-9, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Amesbury Cultural Council.
ACC Meeting
All are welcome! The agenda can be found on the City of Amesbury website: https://www.amesburyma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-23
Location has been moved back to Cedar Street Studios for October! Please note that this meeting starts at 6pm rather than 6:30.
Indoor Plant SWAP with the Amesbury Green Team
Bring any indoor plants that you’d like to swap, or just come to find something new-to-you! Run by the Amesbury Green Team.
See more info at the link below:
https://amesburylibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/swap-with-the-amesbury-green-team-13/
Carriagetown Car Show
Downtown streets will be closed to showcase antique and unique cars, motorcycles, and trucks! There will also be a live DJ and a raffle to benefit the Amesbury Carriage Museum and Opportunity Works.
See more information at https://sites.google.com/view/carriagetowncarshow/
Rain date is Sunday September 28th.
Monthly Poetry Reading - Bryan Riley
Join Bryan Riley for a poetry reading at the Costello Center! Register for the zoom session here.
Arts & Crafts Supplies SWAP with the Amesbury Green Team
Bring any arts and crafts supplies that you’d like to swap, or just come to find something new-to-you! Run by the Amesbury Green Team.
See more info at the link below:
https://amesburylibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/swap-with-the-amesbury-green-team-12/
Star Party at Battis Farm
View the stars, Saturn, nebulae, and galaxies through telescopes provided by volunteers! For free registration and more information, see the link below:
https://trailsandsails.org/events/star-party-at-battis-fram-2/
Star Party at Battis Farm
View the stars, Saturn, nebulae, and galaxies through telescopes provided by volunteers! For free registration and more information, see the link below:
https://trailsandsails.org/events/star-party-at-battis-fram/
Live Well Amesbury
Come to the Upper Millyard Amphitheater for live music, games, crafts, and face painting!
Monthly Poetry Reading - M.P. Carver
Join M.P. Carver for a poetry reading at the historic Whittier Home! Register for the zoom session here.
Downtown Amesbury Summer Series
Live music every Thursday evening, all summer long! This week’s music by Ryan Fitzsimmons.
Downtown Amesbury Summer Series
Live music every Thursday evening, all summer long! This week’s music by Foo Fighters Tribute.