by John Andrews Some films play by the rules. They find a compelling subject, follow it faithfully, and deliver something solid and safe. There’s nothing wrong with that. But the films that tend to stay with you longest are the ones made by people who decided the rules didn’t apply to them. These are the filmmakers who found subjects who

By John Andrews, Content Director at Creative Collective — covering the North Shore’s creative economy and cultural programming Every March, something quietly remarkable happens in Salem. A small city on Boston’s North Shore — better known for witch trials and Halloween — transforms into one of New England’s most compelling documentary film festivals. There are no Hollywood blockbusters and no

Mark your calendars for Peabody International Festival 2025! This beloved cultural celebration returns Sunday, September 7, transforming downtown Peabody into a vibrant global village. Thousands of neighbors will gather to share food, music, and traditions at this FREE community event. Complete festival information can be found at the festival website.  A Festival Born from Vision, Built on Community Four decades

Get ready for an unforgettable day of creativity! The Lynn Arts Festival 2025 transforms Downtown Lynn into a vibrant cultural playground on Saturday, August 9. Moreover, this free celebration brings together local artists, musicians, and makers for an inspiring community experience. Whether you’re a longtime resident or first-time visitor, you’ll discover something magical at every corner. Experience the Heart of

View the full set Salem’s transformation from persecution to pride reached new heights as over 30,000 people flooded the historic streets on June 28, 2025, for the North Shore Pride Festival. What began as Dr. Hope Watt-Bucci’s response to witnessing discrimination in 2012—expecting maybe 100 supporters—has exploded into one of Massachusetts’ most vibrant celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity, creativity, and community.

Salem Willows summer concert returns with the 18th annual Salem Jazz and Soul Festival this August. Furthermore, this beloved free event transforms the historic oceanfront park into a musical paradise. Additionally, world-class performers share the stage with emerging local talent on August 16, 2025. Join Us for Our 18th Annual Festival – Saturday, August 16, 2025 The Evolution of a

Massachusetts: A Song of Itself – Revolution and Resilience by Regie Gibson, Massachusetts Inaugural Poet Laureate Performed at his swearing-in ceremony, May 31, 2025 There is a song in this land, a melody threaded like marrow through its prehistoric bones, a song born beneath Pleistocene ice sheet, etched into glacial lake, scored into every stone. Can you hear it? Feel

May 30th – June 1st | Downtown Salem, MA Our creative community is about to experience something extraordinary. The Massachusetts Poetry Festival 2025 returns to Salem for its 12th iteration, and this year’s celebration promises to be our most inclusive and impactful yet. Together, we’re witnessing how poetry continues to bridge divides, spark conversations, and strengthen the cultural fabric that

The 17th annual celebration brings art, healing, and economic opportunity to the heart of Salem, Massachusetts A Creative Renaissance When Our Community Needs It Most Salem’s most vibrant celebration of creativity and community connection is returning for its 17th year, transforming downtown into an artistic haven from June 6-8, 2025. The Salem Arts Festival has become more than just a

As Salem prepares to commemorate its quadricentennial in 2026, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) has announced an impressive slate of exhibitions and programming that will enrich the Salem 400+ celebration. These initiatives perfectly embody the core mission of Salem 400+ to honor our past, celebrate our present, and envision our future by weaving together the diverse stories of our community