Gloucester Schooner Festival is perhaps the most popular annual maritime and sailing event in the USA. Like every year, this event is all set to rock Gloucester harbour, the oldest seaport in the country, from 04th to 06th September, 2015.
Gloucester Schooner Festival by Michael R Perry/ CC BY
This three-day event offers you an opportunity to admire a variety of schooners or sailing vessels at events such as The Mayor’s Race and the Parade of Sail. Let’s know more about this annual festival that offers a sneak peek into the heritage of Gloucester.
Schooner Festival Concert Cruise
Join this party at Beauport Princess Cruise Ship on 06th September at 7:30 pm. The live concert of Roomful of Blues, a Grammy-nominated band, is the major highlight of the cruise. The cruise ship also features a full bar for guests over the age of 21. Light snacks are also available for purchase. You can buy tickets for the cruise online as well as at the dock.
Boat Parade of Lights
Visit Jones Creek on 05th September, 2015 at 7pm to take a look at the dazzling schooners sail through the waters of the River Annisquam. This fascinating parade culminates at Smith’s Cove area of the Gloucester Harbour. The parade ends with a spectacular show of fireworks over the harbour.
Schooner Festival Fireworks at Beauport
You can enjoy the display of fireworks from the lawn and terrace of Beauport or Sleeper-McCann House, a historic house in Gloucester. Buy tickets to enjoy the display of fireworks from this historic home.
Tickets are also available to view the Parade of Sail, another popular attraction of Gloucester Schooner Festival. In this parade, schooners sail to the Eastern Point Light breakwater, the starting point of the Mayor’s Race. Coffee and breakfast is available at the historic house. Arrive a little early as the breakfast is served on first come, first serve basis.
For both events, carry mosquito spray, chair and an extra layer of clothes.
