sev·en·ing /ˈsev·ən·ing/ v.
- The act of showing up after seven(ish).
- Of showing up for your people, your community, your neighbors, your county, and, honestly, yourself.
- Being in Essex County, where all the weird, wild, wonderful, and worth showing up for things happen when the evening opens up, and anything becomes possible.
- Considered by some to be the ancient and underrated art of showing up after seven(ish). A way of life, not a trend. Not a moment. Essex County has been doing it forever.
Oh, hey there, Essex County. Wanna know more about sevening?
Welcome to ‘Sevenings’, your weekly guide to what’s happening around seven(ish) across the county. We are (unforever) yeong and the (s)evening shift, your go-to person and peeps for ‘sevening ‘in Essex County. Per and the (s)evening shift show up every week with the goodies. About time, right? Essex County has been ‘sevening’ without a spotlight for far too long. That’s why we’re here and the first to bring you the best ‘sevening’ events across Essex County, all in one place. From live music and drag shows to trivia nights and whatever else Essex County decides to do after seven. We cover it all. If it’s ‘sevening’ in Essex County, we’re on it.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Yesh! Trivia at The Lobster Shanty at 8:00 PM
Taco Tuesday meets trivia night. Host Lee Wolf will pick your brain with questions while the Shanty feeds your soul with tacos. Prizes definitely involved. Sarcasm totally guaranteed. What more do you need — oh yeah, maybe a mango jalapeño margarita.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Things Get Ugly at 7:00 PM
A real-life married couple. One plays beautifully. One plays the troll. The transformation happens live, right 
in front of you. Secrets, wit, and a whopper of a reveal — the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport is serving theatre and we are here for it. Oh and the roles swap every performance. Which means every night is a different show. You might just have to see it twice.
Karaoke at Indo at 9:00 PM
What’s your go-to karaoke song? The Indo Pub is asking and we wanna hear it. Pick your song. Commit to the bit. Slay or fail spectacularly. Grab their beer and burger special, find your courage, and get up there. The mic is waiting and so are we. It’s now or never. Elvis said so.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Speed Dating Ages 50-65 at 7:00 PM
If you’re single, 50-65, and ready for your heart to tingle, Granite Coast Brewing is setting you up. Literally.
Real people. Real conversations. Real craft beer. Low pressure, high possibility. Put yourself out there. You deserve a good evening and hopefully a second date. And if love doesn’t pour your way, Granite Coast will help you find your perfect pairing. My current boo is Seraphine.
Open Mic at 7:00 PM
Got something to say? Say it. Don’t spray it. Or do. The mic is open and so is the floor. A night for the arts and creatives where local poets, musicians, artists, and performers of all kinds take the mic. The only requirement is sevening. Come watch, cheer, or grab the mic yourself. Either way be there. Never done an open mic before? Village Tavern is the place to start. Low key room, high key we’re all here for you. Oh and stay until 9 because that’s when the $5 cheese pizza special drops. Bare your soul, then feed it. We said what we said.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Sinatra Speakeasy Night at 8:00 PM
Do you know the secret password? Neither do we. Doesn’t matter because there isn’t one. But don’t tell 
anyone. It’s Sinatra Speakeasy Night and we can’t decide whether to put on fringe and finger waves or a fedora and oxfords or the ritz. Maybe all. Probably all. The Bell Inn & Tavern is sevening with swagger, swing, and Sinatra inside an actual 18th century speakeasy. You’ll be greeted with complimentary prosecco on arrival, killer cocktails, and swanky dinner options. Spoiler: cocktails go until midnight. Make sure to get your Bell rung. Do with that what you will.
Miz Diamond Wigfall Friday Night Drag at 8:00 PM
Honey. RuPaul’s Drag Race just started. And we are so riding for every single queen on that stage and the Queen Siren Key Lime on draft. Miz Diamond Wigfall is serving a drag extravaganza watch party at Bit Bar. So get packed, tucked, and gagged because the sequins are not going to appreciate themselves. You already know what to do. Tip your queen. Then sashay away.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Level Up: Video Game Burlesque at 8:00 PM 
Your favorite video games just got burlesqued. Nerdlesque. It’s a word. It’s a video game burlesque show about to take your favorite fandoms somewhere you never expected. Real video game fandoms. Real kinky kingdoms. At Rapscallion, hosted by the fabulous Jynx Merlot with a cast that will absolutely wreck your high score. 18+. Tips encouraged. VIP if you’re feeling fancy, huh. P.S. Rapscallion makes beer floats and that is all we have to say about that.
Off Cabot Stand-Up Showcase at 8:00 PM
Ready to giggle, cackle, snort, and laugh until your wig shifts? Off Cabot is slaying stand-up comedy and the lineup is not playing. Gabi Hajos, Will Smalley, Mike O’Brien, and Steve Scarfo are bringing their mix of styles, stories, and fresh perspectives to one stage. Go laugh. Loudly. Unapologetically. And have the audacity to want more. Sevening never looked so hilarious.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Guided Meditation with Reiki Master Claudia at 7:00 PM 
Essex County has many ways of sevening and Copper Dog Books read the room. A guided meditation, sound healing, and Reiki at a bookstore on a Sunday evening? We couldn’t have written it better. End one week. Begin the next. Bring your yoga mat, a blanket, a pillow, and something hydrating. Sunday sevening hits different this week. Reset, realign, and come back swinging. Monday is not ready for you.
Consider this your welcome package, your orientation, and your initiation.
Essex County sevening has officially begun. Want more? Of course you do. There is always more ‘sevening’ happening. Check out our calendar for the full Essex County sevening situation and beyond. If you’re a Creative Collective member and you are sevening, we mos def want to know. Submit a member marketing request and get in the mix. We see you.
‘Sevening’ in Essex County is as varied as the county itself. To keep up with the sevening and stay in the know, join our newsletter for more events, insider tips, and features. And of course don’t forget to follow us on the socials: @creativecollectivema and @creativecollectiveexplores. We’re always up to something.
Until next week Essex County. Stay ‘sevening’. You know where to find us. We’re everywhere.
– (unforever) yeong and the (s)evening shift, out.
This story comes from the Creative Collective community
Essex County businesses who believe when we thrive together, our whole region becomes more vibrant. We’re entrepreneurs, creators, and service providers across all industries, collaborating to build the community we want to be part of. If you see your business as more than just commerce — as a way to contribute to our regional ecosystem — you belong here. Discover how to join our community →
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