Ipswich Illuminations

The Town and people of Ipswich, Massachusetts are proud to present Ipswich Illumination 2024, a celebration of beauty & community. Now in its 15th year, Ipswich Illumination features a collection of interactive art installations, live music, poetry, projection, bonfires, and more along the Ipswich River.

Each evening, Bonfires will blaze on the Ipswich River, which runs through the heart of our downtown & community.

Saturday October 26th Schedule from 12PM - 9PM at the Ipswich Town Wharf:

• Arrival of the Pinky Schooner Ardelle or the Isabella at the Town Wharf; built and captained by shipwright and USCG licensed captain Harold Burnham.

• 10:00 am-noon: The Labor In Vain Challenge (kayaks arrive from Pavilion Beach)

• Noon – 2:00 pm Labor In Vain Band at the Town Wharf.

• 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Fo’c’sle Four (Gary Dolinsky (concertina, bouzouki, vocals), Jen Strom (fiddle, vocals), Bob Strom (guitar, vocals) and Michael O’Leary (bodhran, vocals); an entertaining mix of Celtic, folk, maritime songs, and sea chanteys including some related to the maritime history of Salem and Cape Ann

• 3:30 – 5:00 pm A Nautical Night, Maritime Music by the North Shore Concert Band, Conductor, David Benjamin. View the North Shore Concert Band program.

• 5:00-5:30 pm Stories from the Ipswich Lighthouse by town historian Gordon Harris

• 5:30- 6:00 pm OmDrum Circle

• 5:54 pm: Sunset lighting of the bonfires by archer Carlos Sequra & Co.

• 6:00 -7:00 pm sea shanties & traditional songs by the Portermen

• 7:00 – 9:00 pm Reggae by Mamadou

• 9:15 -10:00 pm AfterGlow, a Teen exclusive at the End of Summer Lounge on Summer & Water Streets.

• Wharf installations include a flat bed for the stage, a 1/2 scale Ipswich Lighthouse, Harold Burnham and the ship Isabella Ardelle, and the Whale’s Tail

For more information, go to: Ipswich Illuminations