On Saturday, August 2nd, Manchester’s celebration of local art, music and food, Festival by the Sea, returns to downtown. The popular annual event will feature over 75 artists ranging from painters to jewelers and artisans, and it will stretch from Town Hall Common throughout town into Masconomo Park.

In the park, visitors will find not only art, but a variety of foods provided by local restaurants and food trucks as well as a beer garden featuring Cape Ann Brewing’s signature ale, Fisherman’s Brew.

On the Masconomo Park bandstand, live music will extend throughout the day featuring many Cape Ann-favorites like Joe Wilkins, Bradley Royds and Allen and Dylan Estes. The all-day event will culminate with a 6pm headlining performance by Vermont native and current New York City musician, Caitlin Canty. Described by Urban H2O Music Director, Mark Miller as ‘clear eyed, clear voiced and singing sweetly from her soul, (Canty) captivates an audience.’

Canty’s early summer performance at Cambridge’s ubiquitous Club Passim sold out days before the show.

Festival co-chair and music director, Chris Langathianos, said, ‘I have been following Caitlin for a while now, so I am thrilled that she accepted our offer to headline our local celebration of the arts. She will be coming directly from performing at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival which draws as many as 15,000 attendees, so we’re going to see a special talent right in our own backyard.’

Festival by the Sea begins at 10am and continues on into the evening with the concert in the park. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date will be the following day, Sunday, August 3rd. For more information, follow Festival by the Sea on Facebook.