NEWBURYPORT – Like other cities such as New Orleans and San Antonio with Mardi Gras and Fiesta, Newburyport has Yankee Homecoming, with a parade, art shows and Saturday-night fireworks over the mighty Merrimack.
Beginning this Saturday, the 10-day celebration creates a strong sense of community for this historic coastal city. It’s a tradition that draws both longtime residents and curious visitors, even a few Yankees wondering why they ever left.
Now in its 67th year, Yankee Homecoming (YH) was launched in 1958 as part of a larger movement to boost economic growth across New England. Of the 29 cities and towns that joined, Newburyport is the lone city still carrying on the tradition.
The legacy makes the festival both a source of pride and a rare link to the region’s past.
“Newburyport’s history can be felt all around us every day, but it truly shines during Yankee Homecoming,” said Brittany Verville, the 2025 YH General Chair. “The events held throughout the week focus on fostering community, providing free family fun, honoring those who have served, and ensuring inclusivity for all.”
This year’s events kick off with the popular Brewfest fundraiser on Saturday night, one of several events planned across the city. Streets will be decked with blue and white flags, signaling the start of a full week of family-friendly fun, including a major fireworks display over the river on Saturday night, Aug. 2.
The celebration ends with the grand parade on August 3.
The parade begins at the corner of Moseley Avenue and Ferry Road and continues down historic High Street before finishing on State Street. Leading the procession will be local fire engines and this year’s general chair. The parade, like most of the week’s events, is free and open to all.
Among the many highlights are the Yankee Homecoming Market Place, running July 26 to August 3, and Art on the Bartlet Mall, with artists staffing their tents around the mall on July 26 and 27. Other activities include a Kids Talent Show, a High School Battle of the Bands and the always entertaining Waiter/Waitress Race.
As the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard, Newburyport’s opening ceremonies include the raising of three flags: the American flag, the Coast Guard flag, and the Yankee Homecoming flag. Verville says these traditions help connect the city’s past with its present. “These investments in each other along with our events strengthen our community, building a better future together,” she added.
For more information visit:
yankeehomecoming.com/events. ♦
