January 20 and 21, 2024 | Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Downtown Gloucester
Get ready to embrace the winter chill with the spirit of community celebration at the 3rd Annual Gloucester’s So Salty event, happening on January 20 and 21, 2024. This two-day festival, organized by Cape Ann Museum in partnership with Discover Gloucester and various community partners, invites thousands of visitors and residents to explore the enchanting ice sculptures and enjoy a plethora of cultural activities throughout downtown Gloucester.
“Gloucester’s So Salty has become one of the signature events for the Museum, kicking off our annual calendar of community events by celebrating the salty character of the incredible community we call home. We’re so grateful to all of our community partners, participating businesses, and enthusiastic visitors for jumping in to celebrate the fish city’s salty character together!” says Oliver Barker, Cape Ann Museum Director.
Festival Highlights:
Ice Sculptures: Discover 10 stunning ice sculptures around the city, each telling a unique story of
Gloucester’s rich heritage. Special thanks to our 2024 Ice Sculpture Sponsors: Gloucester Accommodations, Cape Ann Olive Oil, Cape Ann Museum, Cape Ann Savings Bank, The Cut, and the Sawyer Free Library.
Cultural Activities: Engage in a range of free activities, from dance performances to workshops and crafts, perfect for families and individuals of all ages.
Local Business Specials: Enjoy special offers and experiences at local businesses, including breakfast in an igloo at Mile Marker One, discounts at Blue Shutters Beachside Inn, and more.
Live Performances: Experience the joy of live music, sea shanties, and the Shim Sham Shimmy Tap Dance, adding a dynamic flair to the event.
Community Involvement:
This year, the festival is proud to be supported by a host of local partners, including Fireflies Boutique, The Hotel at Cape Ann Marina, Cape Ann Olive Oil Co., and many more. These collaborations reflect the community’s collective effort to showcase Gloucester’s vibrant culture and support local businesses. Additionally, this year the City of Gloucester will be collaborating with Cape Ann Museum on a voting contest for one of our city’s snow plows, as a nod to the children’s book Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios, a local writer and artist with a collection of work at Cape Ann Museum.
“Gloucester is such a special place to visit year-round, with our gritty New England character in full form during the winter months. Gloucester’s So Salty is a perfect way for folks to interact with our city’s cultural history through the curated selected of ice sculptures and beyond – by visiting Cape Ann Museum and other cultural institutions, participating in crafts, enjoying performances from some of our many local artists, indulging in our delicious cuisine, exploring our working waterfront, and walking around our bustling downtown. It’s a great time to plan a getaway and enjoy the spoils of Gloucester without the hassles of summertime.” says Tess McColgan, Executive Director of Discover Gloucester.
Join the Celebration:
We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Gloucester’s uniquely salty character. Whether it’s exploring the ice sculptures, participating in the cultural activities, or supporting local businesses, there’s something for everyone at this festive event. Plan your “So Salty” weekend at: www.capeannmuseum.org/events/3rd-annual-gloucesters-so-salty/
About Cape Ann Museum:
The Cape Ann Museum, founded in 1875, exists to preserve and celebrate the history and culture of the area and to keep it relevant to today’s audiences. Spanning 44,000 square feet, the Museum is one of the major cultural institutions on Boston’s North Shore welcoming more than 25,000 local, national, and international visitors each year to its exhibitions and programs. In addition to fine art, the Museum’s collections include decorative art, textiles, artifacts from the maritime and granite industries, four historic structures, a Library & Archives and a sculpture park in the heart of downtown Gloucester. In Summer 2021, the Museum opened the 12,000 square foot Janet & William Ellery James Center at the Cape Ann Museum Green. The campus is located on the site at the intersection of Washington and Poplar Streets in Gloucester and is open in the summer months.
The Cape Ann Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in Gloucester and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. General admission is $15.00 adults, $12.00 Cape Ann residents, seniors, and students. Youth (under 18) and Museum members are free. Cape Ann residents can visit for free on the second Saturday of each month. More information can be found on www.capeannmuseum.org or please call (978)283-0455 x110.
About Discover Gloucester:
Discover Gloucester is the official 501(c)6 non-profit destination marketing organization for the City of Gloucester, focused on promoting tourism and enhancing the quality of life for residents and business owners through collaborative efforts with the city, local businesses, and cultural venues.
Good Morning Gloucester 