The city’s “salty character” and vibrant spirit will be celebrated at a two-day event during the fifth-annual Gloucester So Salty this weekend.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to “bundle up” and go downtown where an array of free indoor and outdoor events will take place on the streets and in the shops along Pleasant, Hancock, Main and Rogers streets.
Families can explore ice sculptures, create hands-on art projects, and enjoy special promotions at participating businesses on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Gloucester’s So Salty has become a beloved winter tradition that brings our community together,” Cape Ann Museum Director Oliver Barker said. “This event celebrates everything we love about Gloucester — our maritime heritage, creative spirit, and the local businesses and families that make this place special.”
Although the downtown campus of Cape Ann Museum is closed for renovations, visitors are encouraged to to stop by the museum courtyard to view ice sculptures inspired by artworks such as “Fish Story” by Virginia Lee Demetrios and “Man at the Wheel” by Leon Craske. Organizers note these frozen sculptures offer ample opportunities for selfies.
An event map will help visitors locate 10 more sculptures throughout downtown and highlight the weekend activities.
“Inspired by Salem’s So Sweet, the annual event brings more than 2,000 visitors to downtown Gloucester each January to shop locally, enjoy free activities, and seek out ice sculptures sponsored by local cultural institutions and businesses,” according to organizers.
There is a free performance by Three Sheets to the Wind, known for singing sea chanteys and maritime music, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Gloucester, at 10 Church St.
At the newly renovated Sawyer Free Library, Mayor Paul Lundberg will read “Katy and the Big Snow” by Virginia Lee Burton on Saturday at 1 p.m.; also featured will be free art activities and music from Elsa’s Frozen Ice & Snow Show.
Dogtown Books, at 132 Main St., will provide “snippets of salty poetry,” and Local Colors Artists Cooperative, at 121 Main St., offers a family activity with salt dough.
Joe’s Fresh Fish Prints, at 206 Main St., offers fish printing demonstrations, and Lockwood Studios, at 2 Eastern Ave., will hold an open mic, poetry readings and jam session.
Other downtown businesses will offer activities and promotions throughout the weekend. At the museum courtyard, visitors can enter a drawing to win one of five family memberships to the museum. Community partners for the 2026 event include Cape Ann Museum, Discover Gloucester, Sawyer Free Library, Pathways for Children and The Open Door.
The full schedule of activities may be found at capeannmuseum.org/event/5th-annual-gloucesters-so-salty1.
Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-675-2706, or gmccarthy@northofboston.com.