Motif No. 1 Day: Saturday, May 16
Motif No. 1 Day Events & Details
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber invites you to join us for Motif No. 1 Day as we celebrate Rockport’s unique identity as both a historic fishing village and a vibrant artist destination. Centered around the iconic red fishing shack—long a favorite subject for painters and photographers—this beloved annual event brings together the very spirit of Rockport: coastal beauty, creative energy, and community pride.
Stroll through town as artists set up along the harbor capturing Motif No. 1 and Rockport’s stunning waterfront in real time. Enjoy live music, street performances, family-friendly art activities, and pop-up experiences that unfold throughout the day. From Dock Square to Bearskin Neck and beyond, there’s always something happening just around the corner.
Explore galleries, discover local shops, and experience the charm that has inspired generations of artists. Whether you’re watching a painting come to life, enjoying a performance, or simply taking in the view, Motif No. 1 Day invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect with what makes Rockport so special.
(Rain Date is not applicable for the 5K Road Race or EMS Day. )
2026 General Schedule
Musical Performances: Harvey Park
- 11 AM – 1 PM: Livin’ on Luck
- 2 – 4 PM: RPS
Street Performances: Dock Square
- 1 PM: Rockport Dance Academy
- 2 PM: Seaside Circus
- 9 AM – 10:30 AM: Motif No.1 Day Road Race (Harvey Park) Sign Up
- 12 PM – 3 PM: EMS Day (T Wharf) Download EMS Day Flyer
- 11 AM – 4 PM: Food Trucks (Barletta Park and Harvey Park)
- 11 AM – 1 PM: Cape Ann Art Haven – Children’s Activities (Barletta Park)
- 11 AM – 2 PM: Cape Ann Plein Air Motif No.1 Paint Out (Barletta Park) Click Here for Details
- 1:45 PM: Judging/Awards and Wet Paint Sale
- 11 AM – 4 PM: Live Music in Harvey Park
- 12 PM – 4 PM: Family Activities (First Congregational Church Lawn) See below for more details.
- 12 PM – 4 PM: Various Local Vendors (Harvey Park)
- 12 PM – 5 PM: Beer Tent – Rockport Brewing Co. (Harvey Park)
- 1 PM: Motif No. 1 Walking Tour (Barletta Park)
- 1 PM – 3 PM: Performing Arts (Dock Square): Rockport Dance Academy & Seaside Circus
- 1 PM – 3 PM: Create Together Family Art (Rockport Art Association & Museum)
- 1 PM – 3 PM: Face Painting by Visual Interest (First Congregational Church Lawn)
- 2:30 – 4 PM: Rockport High School Vocal Pops (First Congregational Church Lawn)
Family Activities at First Congreational Church (1 PM – 4 PM)
- 1 -2 PM: Poetry on the Green with Rockport Library
- 1 PM – 3 PM: Face Painting by Visual Interest
- 2:30 PM: Rockport High School Vocal Pops
Food & Drink
- Crepe du Jour (Harvey Park)
- The Lobster Roller (2 Dock Square)
- Rockport Brewing Company Beer Tent (Harvey Park)
Vendors
- Angela’s Creative Nook
- Cape Ann Sea Salt
- Cape Ann Symphony
- Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team
- Carol Lee’s Cottage
- Edgewood Designs
- Greater Cape Ann Chamber
- Hold Fast Company
- Homes for Heroes
- Peace by Piece
- Rockport Board of Health
- Rockport Exchange
- Rockport Rotary (Sponsor)
- Seaside Crochet
- SML Proofreading
- Thacher & Straitsmouth Island Association
- The Open Door
- Tidekeeper’s Foundation
- TownGreen
Additional
- 9 AM & 5 PM: 30-minute Motif No.1 Day Harbor Tours with North Shore Adventures
- 9 AM – 11 AM: Rockport Garden Club Plant Sale (DPW Parking Lot, 168 Main St.)
- 12 PM – 4 PM: Create your own custom-scented candle at Rockport Candle Company’s DIY Candle Bar – open for walk-ins, or reserve your spot online before Saturday.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.
PERFORMING ARTS SPONSORS
Interested in sponsorship?
Download the Sponsorship Form
to learn more!
2026 Gallery Experiences
Meet the Artists Open House
2 – 4 PM | 52 Bearskin Neck
Meet artists Kathleen Miller and Stefan Mierz with an open house offering all day sale on Motif No. 1 themed art and prints.
https://www.art-nook.com
Pottery and Jewelry Demonstrations
12 – 5 PM | 2 Dock Square
Joanne Avallon will discuss Japanese techniques of Nerikomi and Neriage in her pottery practice with a rolling video, and Beth Williams will show a flameworking video for wiring jewelry.
https://www.coastal-locals.com
Painting with AI (Artistic Intelligence)
2 – 4 PM | 4 Bearskin Neck
Live painting demonstration with gallery owner Joe Barillaro. Reception featuring art by Joe and Amy Chace with seaglass art and jewelry from Plum Cove Seaglass.
https://dreamhouserockport.com
Precision Watercolor Painting Technique with Deb Schradieck
12 – 2 PM | 1 Main Street
Deb Schradieck demonstrates her technique for super-realistic watercolor painting.
https://www.debsartgallery.com
Art Reception
2 – 4 PM | 10A Main Street
Open house with original oil paintings on display – serving light food & refreshments.
https://kenknowles.com
Free Screen Printing Event
2 – 3 PM | 15 Dock Square
Drop in and make your own screen print with the new Motif No. 1 design. No reservations needed. All ages.
https://rustyandingrid.com
Transportation & Parking Information
Commuter Rail: Take the train and avoid parking hassles! The MBTA Commuter Rail drops you off on the edge of downtown at Whistlestop Mall – just a short walk from the Motif No. 1 Day action.
Visit the MBTA website for the May 16 timetable.
Parking: Parking downtown is limited and is metered 7 days a week including holidays. Parking will be available in the Blue Gate Meadow with free shuttle service to downtown (see below).
CATA Shuttle: CATA shuttle will be open and offering FREE SHUTTLE service running from 11 AM to 6:45 PM. The shuttle makes stops at the Blue Gate Meadow Lot, Rockport Market, Dock Square, Front Beach, Back Beach, and the Rockport Train Station. There is a nominal fee to ride the shuttle. Click here for Shuttle Info and Schedule.
Accessibility
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce strives to make this event accessible to all. Please contact us if you have any questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event.