Summer in Swampscott: Recreation Department Offers Busy Summer Schedule for All Ages

As summer approaches, the Swampscott Recreation Department is preparing a season packed with activities for residents of all ages. From family-friendly celebrations and outdoor concerts to fitness programs, children’s activities, and community gatherings, this year’s lineup offers countless opportunities to get outside, stay active, and connect with neighbors.

“I’m very excited for everything,” said Swampscott Recreation Department Program Coordinator Christina O’Connor. “They all seem really awesome and a great way to have the community come together and celebrate.”

The Recreation Department’s summer calendar has something for everyone. Here’s a look at the events, programs, and activities scheduled throughout the season.

Swampscott Farmers Market

Date: Every Sunday from June 7 to October 25

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Town Hall Lawn

Details: Around 45 vendors each week, rain or shine

Pride Celebration

Date: June 13

Time: From 4 to 7 p.m.

Location: Town Hall Lown

Details: Activities include a 5K run starting at 4 p.m., live performances, face painting, temporary tattoos, lawn games, food and drink vendors, artisans and a beer vendor.

Juneteenth

Date: June 18

Time: 1 to 4 p.m.

Location: Town Hall Lawn

Details: In collaboration with the North Shore Juneteenth Association, the Swampscott METCO program and Swampscott High School’s SOCA group. Activities include food, music, poetry, vendors, speakers, and a flag raising ceremony

Harbor and Marine Fest

Date: June 20

Time: From noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Fisherman’s Beach

Details: The event will feature the 3rd annual chowder contest as well as the Blessing of the Fleet. Boats will be on display, and there will be vendors and makers. Swamptown Ramblers will perform from 2 to 4 p.m.

Strawberry Festival

Date: June 28

Time: From 4 to 8 p.m.

Location: Town Hall Lawn

Details: Fourth of July Parade. There will be food vendors. The Big Blue Football will serve strawberry shortcake. Brian Maes Band will perform from 5 to 7 p.m.

Fireworks Festival

Date: July 3

Time: From 5 to 9 p.m.

Location: Town Hall Lawn

Details: In addition to fireworks there will be food trucks, and Malibu Sands will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.

Summer By the Sea Concerts

Date: Every Wednesday from July 8 through August 28

Time: From 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Town Hall Lawn

Details: Rotating food and beer vendors will be available weekly. In the event of rain, concerts will be rescheduled.

July 8: Pick 6
July 15: Familiar Strangers
July 20: Squeezebox Stompers
July 29: B-Side Hustle
August 5: Christine Lucas Band
August 12: MooseJuice
August 19: Jesse Liam Band

Movie Nights

Date: Every Thursday from July 9 through September 3, with a special October showing

Time: Movies start at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Town Hall Lawn, except on July 9 and August 20 which will be on the beach

Details: Food vendors will be on-site. Bring a blanket or chair

July 9: Finding Nemo
July 16: The Goonies
July 23: Air Bud
July 30: A League
August 6: Mamma Mia
August 13: How to Train Your Dragon
August 20: Lilo and Stitch
September 3: High School Musical
October 1: ET

Humphrey Street Block Party

Date: August 9

Time: From 3 to 7 p.m.

Location: Humphrey Street

Other Recreation Activities

“These have significantly expanded this year because of Clarke,” said Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia. “Because of the way Labor Day lands, we actually have three full weeks of programming after our ‘standard programming.’”

For youth:

Monday night hoops for grades 4 to 6 from June 8 to July 27
Friday night hoops for grades 9 through 12 from June 12 to July 31
Sunday night hoops for grades 7 to 8 from June 14 to August 2
Big Blue girls basketball summer clinic from June 23 to 26
Dungeons and Dragons summer season on Thursdays from June 25 to August 13
Park League Program from June 29 to August 7
Inclyousion Sports from July 11 to August 15
Sewing Studio on Tuesdays for 13 year olds from June 16 to July 28
Sewing Studio on Wednesdays for 8 to 12 year olds from June 17 to July 29
Preschool arts and crafts from June 22 to 26
Boys summer basketball clinic with Coach Chris from June 23 to July 30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Girls summer basketball clinic with Coach Chris from June 23 to July 30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Pokemon adventure program from June 23 to 26 as well as July 13 to 17 and July 20 to 24
Recreation center clubhouse from June 29 to August 7
Sailing from June 29 to July 27
Middle school cooking from July 6 to 10
Youth summer art program from July 6 to 10
Middle school summer art program from July 13 to 17
Summer elementary school cooking from July 13 to 17
Chess wizards for kindergarteners through fifth grade from July 13 to 17 as well as July 20 to 24
Woodworking for middle schoolers from July 20 to 24
WooSox game field trip on July 23
Preschool top secret science and math from July 27 to 31
Summer TV and filmmaking from July 27 to 31
Swampscott summer firefighter program from July 27 to 31
Swampscott summer youth police academy from August 3 to 7
Arcade Mania with Challenge Island from August 10 to 14
Top secret science and math clinic grades kindergarten through 5 from August 10 to 14
Nature summer program for elementary school from August 10 to 14
Slime Week with Fun4All August 10 to 14
Flag football skills clinic from August 10 to 13 as well as August 17 to 20
LEGO builders club with Fun4All from August 17 to 21
Youth theater from August 17 to 21
Sharks and mermaids with Challenge Islands from August 17 to 21
Nature summer program for middle school from August 23 to 26
Outside the lines with Fun4All from August 23 to 26
Ninja warrior program with Viking Sports from August 24 to 27
Makers club with Fun4All from August 24 to 28
Art Explorers from August 24 to 28