The Purple Couch Bookshop

Sign your child up to read to Finley for one of four time slots and build their confidence in reading aloud.
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Local Event: Read to Finley

Essex County

North Andover

Massachusetts

Read to Finley

Sign your child up to read to Finley for one of four time slots and build their confidence in reading aloud.
CLICK THROUGH TO...

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Emily Austin, the bestselling “queen of darkly quirky, endearingly flawed heroines” (Sarah Haywood, author of&nbsp;The Cactus), returns with a luminous new novel following a librarian who comes back to work after a mental breakdown only to confront book-banning crusaders in an empowering story of grief, love, and the power of libraries.
Darcy’s life turned out better than she could have ever imagined. She is a librarian at the local branch, while her wife Joy runs a book binding service. Between the two of them, there is no more room on their shelves with their ample book collections, various knickknacks and bobbles, and dried bouquets. Rounding out their ideal life is two cats and a sun-soaked house by the lake.
But when Darcy receives the news that her ex-boyfriend, Ben, has passed away, she spirals into a pit of guilt and regret, resulting in a mental breakdown and medical leave from the library. When she returns to work, she is met by unrest in her community and protests surrounding intellectual freedom, resulting in a call for book bans and a second look at the branch’s upcoming DEI programs.
Through the support of her community, colleagues, and the personal growth that results from examining her previous relationships, Darcy comes into her own agency and the truest version of herself.&nbsp;Is&nbsp;This a Cry for Help?&nbsp;not only offers a moving portrait of queer life after coming of age but also powerfully explores questions about sexuality, community, and the importance of libraries.

Local Event: Fiction Book Club – Is This A Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

Fiction Book Club – Is This A Cry for Help? by...


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Emily Austin, the bestselling “queen of darkly quirky, endearingly flawed heroines” (Sarah...

Fiction Book Club – Is This A Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

Andover Baptist Church

Take a journey with artist James Dargan, where he centers female composers through a music and spoken word celebration!
Artist James Dargan presents his Passion Program “Ladies Only” that celebrates little known female composers from the 19th century to the present. It is music composed by women, many of whom are all too often spoken of in connection with the men in their lives. Each Passion Program combines music and spoken word to take audiences on a journey that speaks to a specific social theme with music of different genres, interwoven with commentary on how they connect to our own lives.
James is an accomplished baritone, composer and violinist based in New York City. He has been a musician since he was a child, and has shared his voice and carefully curated programs all over the US and Europe. James also teaches on spirituals and other African American music, and is honored to walk in his family tradition of telling truthful stories. He also preaches and leads church services, including at North Parish of North Andover and UU Haverhill.
The concert is FREE and sponsored by the North Andover African American History Committee and Andover Baptist Church. The concert will be dedicated to Alice Hinton (1869-1951), a successful Andover businesswoman, concert organizer, and musician, who performed at Andover Baptist Church. For more information, and to reserve a seat:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ladies-only-concert-by-artist-james-dargan-tickets-1986591006177?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">eventbrite.com/e/ladies-only-concert-by-artist-james-dargan-tickets-1986591006177?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>

Local Event: “Ladies Only” Concert  by artist James Dargan

“Ladies Only” Concert  by artist James Dargan

Take a journey with artist James Dargan, where he centers female composers through a music and spoken word celebration!
Artist...

North Andover Senior Center 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA

This presentation will focus on Iran’s modern history, especially the last 100 years, beginning with the rule of Reza Shah, from 1921-1941, the Anglo- Soviet invasion of 1941, the short rule of the democratically elected Premier Mohammed Mosaddegh, ousted by the CIA and the British MI5, the rule of the pro- American Shah Pahlavi from 1953-1979, the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the seizure of the American embassy in Tehran, the Iran-Iraq War from 1980-1988, the Khomeimi Era, and the current war between Iran , the U.S, Israel and allied power.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Local Event: Iran the last 100 Years

Iran the last 100 Years

This presentation will focus on Iran’s modern history, especially the last 100 years, beginning with the rule of Reza Shah,...

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

Something moves on the forest floor . . .
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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 . . .
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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

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.
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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....

“A book that demands to be read, shared and celebrated.”—PinkNews
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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

We invite you to hold space with us on select Sunday mornings from 10am -12pm.
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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...

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.
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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

The Artisan Market at the Mills is the largest handmade market in North Andover, featuring ~120 artisans and specialty food vendors from all over New England. The 2026 Artisan Market will be held on Sunday, May 31st from 10-3 and is a rain or shine event. The Market will be held in the parking lot behind the West Mill at 50 High St. Ample parking is available directly across the street in the East Mill parking garage. Admission to the market and parking are both FREE. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome!Plenty of food and fun activities for families!

Local Event: 8th annual Artisan Market at the Mills

8th annual Artisan Market at the Mills

The Artisan Market at the Mills is the largest handmade market in North Andover, featuring ~120 artisans and specialty food...

One of&nbsp;NPR‘s Best Books of 2016, winner of the Shirley Jackson Award, the British Fantasy Award, the This is Horror Award for Novella of the Year, and a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, World Fantasy, and Bram Stoker Awards.
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People move to New York looking for magic and nothing will convince them it isn’t there.
Charles Thomas Tester hustles to put food on the table, keep the roof over his father’s head, from Harlem to Flushing Meadows to Red Hook. He knows what magic a suit can cast, the invisibility a guitar case can provide, and the curse written on his skin that attracts the eye of wealthy white folks and their cops. But when he delivers an occult tome to a reclusive sorceress in the heart of Queens, Tom opens a door to a deeper realm of magic, and earns the attention of things best left sleeping.
A storm that might swallow the world is building in Brooklyn. Will Black Tom live to see it break?
“LaValle’s novella of sorcery and skullduggery in Jazz Age New York is a magnificent example of what weird fiction can and should do.” — Laird Barron, author of&nbsp;The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All
“[LaValle] reinvents outmoded literary conventions, particularly the ghettos of genre and ethnicity that long divided serious literature from popular fiction.” — Praise for&nbsp;The Devil in Silver&nbsp;from Elizabeth Hand, author of&nbsp;Radiant Days
“LaValle cleverly subverts Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos by imbuing a black man with the power to summon the Old Ones, and creates genuine chills with his evocation of the monstrous Sleeping King, an echo of Lovecraft’s Dagon… [The Ballad of Black Tom] has a satisfying slingshot ending.” – Elizabeth Hand for&nbsp;Fantasy &amp; ScienceFiction

Local Event: Horror Book Club - The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

Horror Book Club - The Ballad of Black Tom by...

One of NPR‘s Best Books of 2016, winner of the Shirley Jackson Award, the British Fantasy Award, the This is Horror Award for...

Horror Book Club - The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

The 18th annual Salem Arts Festival returns June 5-7, 2026, as a special "Salem 400+" edition celebrating four centuries of Salem's creative heritage. This free, family-friendly event transforms historic downtown Salem into an immersive artistic experience, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually.
What to Expect
Explore a juried visual arts gallery at Old Town Hall featuring 60+ works by regional artists competing for Best in Show and the John Boris Memorial Award. Browse a curated artisan marketplace across downtown Salem on Saturday and Sunday, with local makers offering ceramics, jewelry, textiles, woodworking, prints, and more.
Experience live performances across multiple outdoor stages throughout the weekend, including music spanning folk to hip hop, dance from flamenco to contemporary, circus arts, poetry, and more. Watch 12 talented muralists transform blank canvases into vibrant 8'×4' artworks during the Mural Slam at Artists' Row, then vote for your favorite via QR code to determine the People's Choice winner.
Participate in hands-on art-making activities, contribute to the festival's signature Community Art Project, and kick off the weekend Friday evening with the Tiny Art Spree—a fast-paced art exchange fundraiser where $20 tickets give you the chance to take home original artwork.
Festival Highlights
Friday, June 5 (5:30-8:30 PM): Gallery opening, performances at Derby Square, and Tiny Art Spree at 7 PM
Saturday, June 6 (11 AM-7 PM): All festival components active—gallery, artisan marketplace, performances, mural slam, community art, interactive activities
Sunday, June 7 (11 AM-6 PM): All festival components continue through closing
Locations &amp; Access
The festival spans downtown Salem's most beloved spaces: Old Town Hall, Derby Square, Artists' Row, Armory Park, the Pedestrian Mall, and areas near the Peabody Essex Museum. Essex Street and Front Street close to vehicles Saturday and Sunday (8 AM-7 PM), creating pedestrian-friendly festival zones.
Free admission to all events and activities. Bathrooms are available at Artists' Row, the NPS Visitor Center, and Destination Salem. Rain contingency plans ensure performances continue regardless of the weather.
Supporting Local Creativity
Produced collaboratively by Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective MA, the Salem Arts Festival strengthens Salem's creative economy while providing platforms for emerging and established artists. The event embodies community connection, economic revitalization, and the celebration of diverse creative voices.
This special "Salem 400+" edition honors Salem's deep artistic roots while looking forward to the next chapter of creative innovation in this historic city.
Plan your visit at salemartsfestival.com

Local Event: Salem Arts Festival 2026

Salem

Salem Arts Festival 2026

The 18th annual Salem Arts Festival returns June 5-7, 2026, as a special "Salem 400+" edition celebrating four centuries of...

Local Event: Fantasy Book Club - Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab

Fantasy Book Club - Bury Our Bones in the...

Fantasy Book Club - Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab

The Cut - Stage • Studio • Restaurant • Bar

Since 1996, Blues Brothers the Next Generation has been entertaining New England with&nbsp;their tribute to the SNL-spawned cult classic that revitalized the Blues and R&amp;B scene in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Join Jake, Elwood and Brother Zee Blues with their 11-piece powerhouse showband for an evening of music, dancing and laughter. What more could you want, a rubber biscuit?

Local Event: Blues Brothers - The Next Generation

Gloucester

Blues Brothers - The Next Generation

Since 1996, Blues Brothers the Next Generation has been entertaining New England with their tribute to the SNL-spawned cult...

Chris Rhatigan 

Boston Metropolitan Area

Andover

Middlesex County

North Reading

Tewksbury

Wilmington

Reading

Lynnfield

Scott Souza

Danvers

Rockingham County

Tony Schinella

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,...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Events and Things to Do in North Andover, MA

Sunday, April 26

“Ladies Only” Concert by artist James Dargan

APR

26

2:00 PM

Andover Baptist Church, 7 Central St, Andover, MA

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Monday, April 20

Thursday, April 23

Sunday, April 26

Monday, April 27

Sunday, May 3

Thursday, May 7

Wednesday, May 13

Sunday, May 17

Sunday, May 31

Friday, June 5

Sunday, June 21

Friday, June 26

“Ladies Only” Concert by artist James Dargan

Austin Preparatory School

Buyers Brokers Only

Champion Soccer School