We believe in supporting the arts and their ability to bring joy.

An elderly woman smiling and waving at an outdoor market stall with colorful clothing hanging on a rack, wearing a apron with a print of kitchen items.

Friday, September 11th

5:00-8:00PM - Opening Reception

The opening reception is focused on the art show inside the meetinghouse. Running Friday evening  Sept. 11 from 5-9 PM, this portion of the event is open by invitation only, intended for sponsors and artists. Fortunately, anyone can be a sponsor. The reception features hors d’oeuvres, terrific live music from Labor in Vain, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

A group of five older adults performing music outdoors in front of a brick building. They are playing guitars, violin, and an accordion, with microphones and music stands set up.

Saturday, September 12th

12:00-6:00PM

  • Art gallery open for browsing

  • Crafters + food & drink on the lawn

  • Arts & crafts tent for kids

  • Live Music

    • 12-1:30 Dr. Viola Voila

    • 2-2:30 Pavilion Jazz

    • 4-5:30 Tom Palance Jazz

View Musician Details!
An art gallery with several landscape and still life paintings on white walls, a large window with natural light, a vase of white flowers on a small wooden table, and a maroon chair.

Sunday, September 13th

12:00-6:00PM

  • Arts & crafts tent for kids

  • 5:30 PM Children’s Parade

  • Live Music

    • 12-1:30 Essex River Rounders

    • 2-3:30 Egrets Only 

    • 4-5:30 Bottles & Cans 

View Musician Details!

Who We Are

We are an event hosted by First Church, Ipswich. You can find our website under the “about” menu to learn about our Open and Affirming congregation.

Why We do this

While this event is a fundraiser for the church, an important part of our work is to serve the community around us, bringing people together, especially in times of great divisiveness. This year’s event happens to fall on the weekend that is the 25th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. If one of the goals of those attacks was to divide us as a country, we believe that coming together in supportive communities is an important response.