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 (More to come)
- 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 – 3 PM: Cape Ann Plein Air Motif No.1 Paint Out (Barletta Park) Details Available Soon
- 2:30 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)
- 12 PM – 4 PM: Various Local Vendors (Harvey Park)
- 12 PM – 5 PM: Beer Tent – Rockport Brewing Co. (Harvey Park)
- 1 PM – 3 PM: Performing Arts (Dock Square): Rockport Dance Academy & Seaside Circus
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: Seside Circus
Food & Drink
- Crepe du Jour (Harvey Park)
- The Lobster Roller (2 Dock Square)
- Rockport Brewing Company Beer Tent (Harvey Park)
Vendors (2025)
- Boat Day Apparel
- Cape Ann Sea Salt
- Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team
- Gloucester Stage
- Greater Cape Ann Chamber
- Innovative Waste Systems (Sponsor)
- North Shore Health Project
- Rockport Exchange
- Rockport Garden Club
- Rockport Rotary (Sponsor)
- Rockport Water Committee
- Sandy Bay Yacht Club
- Thacher & Straitsmouth Island Association
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PERFORMING ARTS SPONSORS
MOTIF NO. 1 DAY COMMUNITY SPONSORS
IN KIND SPONSORS
Interested in sponsorship?
Download the Sponsorship Form
to learn more!
Gallery Experiences (2025) Stay Tuned for 2026 Listing
Coastal Locals
Digital Photography Demonstration
1:30 – 2 PM | 2 Dock Square
Come learn digital art techniques from photographer Mark Jackowitz
Dream House
Hand Painted Hats
12 – 2 PM | 4 Bearskin Neck
Experience artist Joe Barillaro’s imaginative, creative and whimsical art and watch him hand paint some cute hats
https://dreamhouserockport.com
Gallery Number One
Painting Demo
1 – 2 PM | 1 Main Street
c will demonstrate her watercolor painting technique.
https://www.debsartgallery.com
Rusty & Ingrid
Print Your Own Screen Print
4 – 5 PM | 15 Dock Square
Free, drop in, fun for all ages, featuring a unique one color 5×7 design for visitors to pull their own print to take home
https://rustyandingrid.com
Sidoti Gallery of Fine Art
Meet the Artist
2 – 4 PM | 11 Main Street
Meet artist Rosalie Sidoti and share a refreshment.
https://rosaliesidoti.com
Square Circle Gallery
Gallery Opening
1 – 3 PM | 11 Dock Square
Enjoy refreshments while you browse the gallery with special items on sale
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 May 17 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 to download 2025 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.