The Purple Couch Bookshop

We love Thursdays ! There aren’t a lot of opportunities for moms and caregivers to meet and socialize with their little ones. While Rocco’s Reading Room is always available for visits, the Purple Couch would like to fill that gap by providing the time and the soft space filled with some toys and board books for little ones to explore, giving moms and caregivers an opportunity to connect.

Local Event: Babies at the Bookshop

Essex County

North Andover

Massachusetts

Babies at the Bookshop

We love Thursdays ! There aren’t a lot of opportunities for moms and caregivers to meet and socialize with their little ones....

Come share your current writing with a group of cool, supportive, local writers!
Just starting your writing journey or stuck on a passage of your novel?
Are you a poet struggling with stanzas or a comedian in search of your perfect punchline?
Join us for a low-stakes chat about what works and ways to improve while supporting others.
All genres and styles are welcome, bring a short piece to read and an open mind, just keep the spice level at mayo and the critiques encouraging!
Free, the first Sunday of the month.

Local Event: Writers Round Table – Works in Progress Sharing

Writers Round Table – Works in Progress Sharing

Come share your current writing with a group of cool, supportive, local writers!
Just starting your writing journey or stuck on...

Join our Horror Book Club as we discuss ITCH! by Gemma Amor.

Something moves on the forest floor . . .
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/horror-book-club-itch-by-gemma-amor-tickets-1984574561938?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT</a>
Josie is at rock bottom. Burned out, heartbroken and recovering from an abusive relationship, she lives a haunted existence after returning to her isolated hometown on the edge of the Forest of Dean.
But the tall, dense pine trees are not the only things casting shadows across her skin.
Josie’s hopes of a fresh start are horribly derailed when she stumbles across a dead woman’s decaying, ant-infested body in the woods. The grim discovery sends her into a downward spiral, forcing her to face uncomfortable truths about the victim and her own past – all whilst battling the swarming black ants that seem to have burrowed into her mind . . . and her flesh.
As Josie struggles with infestations of all kinds, she scratches the surface of an age-old mystery – a masked predator stalks the forest around Ellwood, a place deeply gripped by ancient folklore and strange customs. So when the village dresses up for its annual festival, Josie gets closer and closer to unveiling a monster, and begins to ask herself:
Are these dark crawling insects leading her to uncover the truth? Or is she their next victim?

Local Event: Horror Book Club – ITCH! by Gemma Amor

Horror Book Club – ITCH! by Gemma Amor

Join our Horror Book Club as we discuss ITCH! by Gemma Amor.

Something moves on the forest floor . . .
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE...

Join us for a casual, bring-your-own-project crafternoon at your favorite bookshop. Whether you knit, crochet, journal, or something else entirely, you’re welcome!&nbsp; While we generally have lots of space, we ask that you please sign up so we can make sure to set up enough seating.
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/callies-craft-cult-at-the-purple-couch-tickets-1979628636542?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO SAVE YOUR SEAT</a>

Local Event: Callie’s Craft Cult

Callie’s Craft Cult

Join us for a casual, bring-your-own-project crafternoon at your favorite bookshop. Whether you knit, crochet, journal, or...

Andover Choral Society directed by Matthew Buono and New England Classical Singers directed by David Hodgkins&nbsp;present "Songs of Freedom", a musical celebration of our nation's 250th Anniversary. The concert offers an exploration of choral music created at pivotal times in American history, from the 1700s to the 21st&nbsp;century. Themes of peace, conflict, gallantry, pioneering, and enduring hope resonate throughout this program – all presented by two of the Merrimack Valley’s most beloved choral groups. This special performance features a guest appearance by The Danvers Alarm List Company, an 18th-century living history reenactment group, creating a unique patriotic experience.&nbsp;Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $10 for students. To purchase tickets&nbsp;or to learn more, please visit andoverchoralsociety.org or newenglandclassical.org. &nbsp;South Church is located at 41 Central Street, Andover, MA, and is handicapped accessible. Off-street parking is available.
Andover Choral Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting exceptional performances, connecting with the larger community, and fostering an appreciation of choral music. The chorus typically performs two concerts per year, singing a repertoire that ranges from Baroque-era masterpieces to contemporary choral works. Since 1929, membership has been open to anyone with a passion for great choral music and a desire to share it with others. For more information, please visit andoverchoralsociety.org.
New England Classical Singers is an auditioned choral chamber ensemble of 25 voices that performs significant choral works from a variety of centuries and styles. Founded in 1968 as the North Reading Choral Society, NECS is now based in Andover MA, drawing its members from communities of the Merrimack Valley and beyond. For more information, please visit newenglandclassical.org.

Local Event: Andover Choral Society and New England Classical Singers Spring Concert

Andover Choral Society and New England...

Andover Choral Society directed by Matthew Buono and New England Classical Singers directed by David Hodgkins present "Songs of...

Andover Choral Society and New England Classical Singers Spring Concert

435 Winthrop Ave Lawrence, MA 01843

<table>
 <tbody><tr><td>Wonder, the food delivery platform to satisfy every craving, is opening a new location in North Andover! They're planning a Grand Opening week filled with great food, exclusive discounts, and fun. Check out their friends &amp; family preview from May 4-6th – register for a timeslot at the link above and enjoy up to $15* off your delivery or pickup order. Thursday, May 7th is the Grand Opening celebration at 5 p.m., featuring live music and giveaways for the first 100 guests. Photo Credit:&nbsp;Wonder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>

Local Event: Wonder Grand Opening Week in North Andover - Join Us 5/4-5/7!

Wonder Grand Opening Week in North Andover -...


   Wonder,   the food delivery platform to satisfy every craving, is opening a new   location in North Andover! They're...

Wonder Grand Opening Week in North Andover - Join Us 5/4-5/7!

With traditional book clubs there’s the scramble to finish the selected book, and the pressure to have something smart to say. Wouldn’t it be great to have a book club where you could just enjoy books and friends —without any homework?
At Silent Book Club, there’s no assigned reading. All readers are welcome—ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books… it’s BYOBook. Join us at the Purple Couch Bookshop to socialize from 6:00-6:30pm. Staff will be on hand to help you find a great read if you need one. Then, from 6:30-7:30, pick a spot and read whatever makes you happy. The store will stay open until 8:00pm for those who need to finish one more chapter or are ready to find their next great book.
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979622262477?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO SAVE YOUR SPOT</a>

Local Event: Silent Book Club

Silent Book Club

With traditional book clubs there’s the scramble to finish the selected book, and the pressure to have something smart to say....

Don't miss this special musical event featuring jazz/blues/r&amp;b stalwarts, Soggy Po' Boys, performing in concert with Della Mae powerhouse lead singer, Celia Woodsmith. At the Crossroads Music Series listening room in North Andover, MA!The Soggy Po' Boys, native to New England, have quickly become an institution. Exploring the vast musical traditions of New Orleans and expanding their repertoire to look beyond NOLA jazz, the band includes traditional Caribbean tunes, as well as Meters funk, soul, and brass/band street music. They spread the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, wherever the party requires. 
The band is joined for this special show by Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and percussionist, Celia Woodsmith. She is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the acclaimed all-female string band, Della Mae, and also fronts the Boston-based rock and roll band, Say Darling. With a voice described by The Bluegrass Situation as “bold and brazen,” Woodsmith brings unfiltered energy to every performance—delivering songs that are steeped in grit and soul.
"The Soggy Po' Boys seem genuine in their ambition to spread the word about jazz New Orleans style, and they're creating an accessible and fun way into this world."
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; London Jazz News&nbsp;

Local Event: Soggy Po' Boys with Celia Woodsmith in concert

Soggy Po' Boys with Celia Woodsmith in concert

Don't miss this special musical event featuring jazz/blues/r&b stalwarts, Soggy Po' Boys, performing in concert with Della Mae...

Join Jen and Moody to hear some stories about big feelings. Jen created My Moody Monster to help people with destructive behavior and mental illness to better cope with their frustrations. When they are better able to cope with their emotions, it is a lot less stressful for their family as well.
Jen is graciously volunteering her time to read to your children and do some activities with each book to help them understand, from an early age, what to do when they feel these big emotions.

Local Event: Moody Monster Storytime

Moody Monster Storytime

Join Jen and Moody to hear some stories about big feelings. Jen created My Moody Monster to help people with destructive...

A North Andover Garden Club horticultural lecture that is free of charge and open to all. Discover beautiful native plant alternatives to the non-native favorites you’re ready to replace. From vibrant fall color to year-round interest, learn how to swap out invasive species like that eye-catching euonymus, for natives that deliver the same impact while supporting our local ecosystems.Social half hour begins at 6:30pm and presentation starts at 7:00pm.&nbsp; Registration at <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A44ACA922A0FD0-63032136-like#/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">signupgenius.com/go/9040A44ACA922A0FD0-63032136-like#/</a>For questions, please email the NAGC at northandovergardenclub@gmail.com. The North Andover Garden Club is a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in1920. New members are always welcome. Please visit the website at&nbsp;www.northandovergardenclub.org.

Local Event: Like This? Substitute That! with Lisey Good

Like This? Substitute That! with Lisey Good

A North Andover Garden Club horticultural lecture that is free of charge and open to all. Discover beautiful native plant...

“A book that demands to be read, shared and celebrated.”—PinkNews
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-book-club-the-rebels-guide-to-pride-tickets-1985540975507?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO REGISTER</a>
There’s nothing Zeke Chapman wants more than to tarnish the perfect reputation his father is so obsessed with. He quit the baseball team, started fighting at school, and nearly flunked junior year. Newly out as gay, Zeke isn’t sure where his queer identity fits in with his bad-boy persona. His father has always told him to stay quiet and not attract attention, but his friends are pushing him to be just as out and proud as they are. Most days, Zeke isn’t sure how to be a “good gay” or what that even means.
When his best friend, Sawyer, begs him to help the QSA plan Pride Day, he obliges—mostly to piss his dad off. But then the mayor announces an ordinance that cancels all LGBTQ+ celebrations. Angered by the injustice—and his father’s support of it—Zeke decides to put his rebellious ways to good use and plans a series of underground “Pride Speakeasies”.
As the speakeasies grow, and the community comes together to declare him “King of Pride”, Zeke finally feels like he’s doing something that matters. But friendship drama, a mysterious cyber-crush, and rising tension with his rival and ex Cohen “Coco” Fisher threaten to undermine his newfound pride. When his final party ends in near-disaster, Zeke must ask himself what he’s really trying to do. After all, there’s a reason that the first pride was a riot.

Local Event: Queer Book Club - Rebel's Guide to Pride by Matthew Hubbard

Queer Book Club - Rebel's Guide to Pride by...

“A book that demands to be read, shared and celebrated.”—PinkNews
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
There’s nothing Zeke Chapman wants...

Queer Book Club - Rebel's Guide to Pride by Matthew Hubbard

Local Event:   Babies at the Bookshop

  Babies at the Bookshop

We invite you to hold space with us on select Sunday mornings from 10am -12pm.
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-silent-book-club-tickets-1979622016742?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO SAVE YOUR SEAT</a>
With traditional book clubs there’s the scramble to finish the selected book, and the pressure to have something smart to say. Wouldn’t it be great to have a book club where you could just enjoy books and friends —without any homework?
At Silent Book Club, there’s no assigned reading. All readers are welcome—ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books… it’s BYOBook. Join us at the Purple Couch Bookshop to socialize from 10:00-10:30am. Staff will be on hand to help you find a great read if you need one. Then, from 10:30-11:30, pick a spot and read whatever makes you happy. The store will be opening to the public at 12pm for those who need to finish one more chapter or are ready to find their next great book.

We invite you to hold space with us on select Sunday mornings from 10am -12pm.
CLICK HERE TO SAVE YOUR SEAT
With traditional...

North Andover Town Common

Mark your calendars for a full day of springtime fun for the whole family!
📅 Sunday, May 17th 
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join us for one of North Andover’s favorite traditions, packed with activities, entertainment, and local flavor:
🌿 What to Expect: 
• 🛍️ 80+ craft &amp; local organization vendors 
• 🍔 20+ food vendors (come hungry!) 
• 🍷🍺 Wine &amp; Beer Garden featuring Oak &amp; Iron Brewery and Marbleridge Winery 
• 🐑 Live sheep shearing by Heartstone Farm 
• 🔨 Blacksmith demonstrations by Prospect Hill Forge 
• 🎶 Live music all afternoon 
• 🧪 Kids programming by Mad Science at 10AM 
• 🎨 Face painting, 🐴 pony rides &amp; more family fun!
🚍 Easy Parking! 
Shuttle service will be available from Franklin School to make getting to and from the festival a breeze.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and come celebrate a day of community, craftsmanship, and springtime fun—we can’t wait to see you there! 🌸

Local Event: 🐑✨ Annual North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival is BACK! ✨🐑

🐑✨ Annual North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival...

Mark your calendars for a full day of springtime fun for the whole family!
📅 Sunday, May 17th 
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join us for...

🐑✨ Annual North Andover Sheep Shearing Festival is BACK! ✨🐑

Our Fantasy Book Club for May &amp; June is a two part series as we read Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil from V. E. Schwab, the #1 New York Times bestselling author.
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fantasty-book-club-mid-read-checkin-bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil-tickets-1985738106130?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT</a>
This is a story about hunger. 1532. Santo Domingo de la Calzada. A young girl grows up wild and wily—her beauty is only outmatched by her dreams of escape. But María knows she can only ever be a prize, or a pawn, in the games played by men. When an alluring stranger offers an alternate path, María makes a desperate choice. She vows to have no regrets. This is a story about love. 1827. London. A young woman lives an idyllic but cloistered life on her family’s estate, until a moment of forbidden intimacy sees her shipped off to London. Charlotte’s tender heart and seemingly impossible wishes are swept away by an invitation from a beautiful widow—but the price of freedom is higher than she could have imagined.This is a story about rage. 2019. Boston. College was supposed to be her chance to be someone new. That’s why Alice moved halfway across the world, leaving her old life behind. But after an out-of-character one-night stand leaves her questioning her past, her present, and her future, Alice throws herself into the hunt for answers . . . and revenge.This is a story about life—how it ends, and how it starts.

Local Event: Fantasy Book Club – (1st half) Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab

Fantasy Book Club – (1st half) Bury Our Bones...

Our Fantasy Book Club for May & June is a two part series as we read Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil from V. E. Schwab, the...

Fantasy Book Club – (1st half) Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab

Wilmington High School, Wilmington, MA

The Ipswich River Community Chorus invites audiences to join us for One Nation, Many Voices: America at 250. This special program traces the American story through a vibrant tapestry of choral music—from folk traditions, spirituals and contemporary works, to familiar favorites.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Katherine Foley, the Chorus’s 70+ singers represent 29 towns across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. Experience the sound of America as IRCC celebrates the resilience, creativity, and rich diversity that has contributed to our shared history over 250 years.
Adults: $25 | Seniors $20 | Ages 6-18: $15 | Card to Culture: $5 | Wonderfund Access Card $5 | Children 5 and under: Free
Purchase tickets at <a href="https://tickets.chorusconnection.com/ircc/events/1744" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://tickets.chorusconnection.com/ircc/events/1744</a> or from <a href="https://ipswichrivercommunitychorus.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ipswichrivercommunitychorus.org</a>. A limited amount of tickets will be available at the door.

This concert is made possible, in part, by grants from the North Reading, Reading, Tewksbury and Wilmington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency

Local Event: Ipswich River Community Chorus Celebrates America at 250

Ipswich River Community Chorus Celebrates...

The Ipswich River Community Chorus invites audiences to join us for One Nation, Many Voices: America at 250. This special...

Ipswich River Community Chorus Celebrates America at 250

The Ipswich River Community Chorus invites audiences to join us for&nbsp;One Nation, Many Voices: America at 250. This special program traces the American story through a vibrant tapestry of choral music—from folk traditions, spirituals and contemporary works, to familiar favorites.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Katherine Foley, the Chorus’s 70+ singers represent 29 towns across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. Experience the sound of America as IRCC celebrates the resilience, creativity, and rich diversity that has contributed to our shared history over 250 years.
Adults: $25 | Seniors $20 | Ages 6-18: $15 | Card to Culture: $5 | Wonderfund Access Card $5 | Children 5 and under: Free
Purchase tickets at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tickets.chorusconnection.com/ircc/events/1744" rel="nofollow noopener">https://tickets.chorusconnection.com/ircc/events/1744</a>&nbsp; or from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ipswichrivercommunitychorus.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">ipswichrivercommunitychorus.org</a>. A limited amount of tickets will be available at the door.

This concert is made possible, in part, by grants from the North Reading, Reading, Tewksbury and Wilmington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Website
Ipswichrivercommunitychorus.org

The Ipswich River Community Chorus invites audiences to join us for One Nation, Many Voices: America at 250. This special...

Chris Rhatigan 

Boston Metropolitan Area

Andover

Middlesex County

North Reading

Tewksbury

Wilmington

Reading

Lynnfield

Scott Souza

Danvers

Rockingham County

Tony Schinella

Salem

New Hampshire

Peabody

Wakefield

Choose an Austin Prep Education Rooted in Augustinian Values

Austin Preparatory School

Austin Preparatory School, located in Reading, Massachusetts, is an independent Catholic prep school rooted in the Augustinian tradition. Serving students in grades 6 through 12, Austin Prep has cultivated a close-knit learning community since its founding in 1961. Guided by its mission to inspire hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve, the school challenges students through a rigorous college preparatory program that includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, personalized instruction, and intentionally small classes. An Austin Prep education is preparation for the journey of life. Beyond academics, the school’s unwritten curriculum – the lived expression of veritas, unitas, and caritas (truth, unity, and love) – forms the heart of its mission. “At Austin Prep, we are on a journey that is life-changing and important,” says Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D. “Our patron, St. Augustine, embarked on a journey for the truth. At our core is an institution on the same journey, committed to exemplary teaching and learning.” Serving grades 6–12 under one roof allows this leading prep school to guide students through every stage of development—academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Community stands at the center of this experience, nurturing belonging and inspiring students to lead lives of purpose. Austin Prep athletics teams, competing in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), are recognized among the best north of Boston, reflecting the same drive and integrity found in the classroom. Nearly every graduate continues on to a four-year college, prepared not only for success in higher education but for a meaningful life shaped by faith, friendship, and service.

Austin Preparatory School, located in Reading, Massachusetts, is an independent Catholic prep school rooted in the Augustinian tradition. Serving...

We Protect Home Buyers – Exclusive Buyer Agents

Buyers Brokers Only

We protect Greater Boston home buyers in a seller-focused industry by providing trusted advice and helping avoid costly mistakes all the way home. We understand you may feel overwhelmed and nervous about buying a home. It's a big decision. Home buyers deserve a trusted, patient, and loyal advocate who has their best interests in mind. Home buyers should not have to question their real estate agent's loyalty. You deserve 100 percent loyalty 100 percent of the time. Buyers Brokers Only puts clients before commissions, having helped more than 2,000 home-buying consumers purchase more than $1 billion in residential real estate and avoid costly mistakes over over 20 years. Search "Buyers Brokers Only reviews" to hear what our clients say about us. Learn more: https://www.buyersbrokersonly.com/ Home Buyer Guide: https://info.buyersbrokersonly.com/guide-to-the-home-buying-process-massachusetts

Benjamin Pierce

Melrose

We protect Greater Boston home buyers in a seller-focused industry by providing trusted advice and helping avoid costly mistakes all the way home....

Summer Soccer Camp: Belmont, Wayland, Wilmington, Tewksbury

Champion Soccer School

K-12 summer soccer camps in Wayland, Wilmington, Tewksbury, and Belmont MA. Features: Sportsmanship: Our camp culture prizes sportsmanship, highlighted by our daily sportsperson awards and weekly CSS Cup. Skill Development: Ball control, possession, finishing, team tactical training, and multi-themed camps. Campers receive evaluations weekly, and parents receive daily photos and updates of training. Home Grown: We are run by established, credentialed local teachers and coaches. Many CSS campers are accepted into our CIT program and become coaches. Affordable: $315 per week (Elite Camp $350); 3-week player development pass: $270/week 5- to 8-week player development pass ~$200 per week, Multi-Sport camp: $285/week; $2,000 for 10-week summer pass CSS Camper Gear: All campers receive a custom-designed ball and a dri-fit shirt.

K-12 summer soccer camps in Wayland, Wilmington, Tewksbury, and Belmont MA. Features: Sportsmanship: Our camp culture prizes sportsmanship,...

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Events and Things to Do in North Andover, MA

Thursday, May 7

Wonder Grand Opening Week in North Andover - Join Us 5/4-5/7!

MAY

7

5:00 PM

North Andover, MA

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Thursday, April 30

Sunday, May 3

Thursday, May 7

Saturday, May 9

Wednesday, May 13

Thursday, May 14

Saturday, May 16

Sunday, May 17

Thursday, May 21

Wonder Grand Opening Week in North Andover - Join Us 5/4-5/7!

Austin Preparatory School

Buyers Brokers Only

Champion Soccer School