GREAT MUSIC IN A SPECTACULAR SETTING
The Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival is held at Waterfront Park in historic Newburyport — 40 miles northeast of Boston. Waterfront Park is positioned in the center of downtown Newburyport behind the Firehouse Center for the Arts. A perfect green space, Waterfront Park has a great boardwalk that runs along the Merrimack River and plenty of benches to stop and enjoy the waterfront views and boating activity.
GETTING TO THE EVENT
MAP & DIRECTIONS
Waterfront Park
36 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
Google Map & Directions
MUNICIPAL PARKING
A limited number of on-site parking spots will be available on a first-come-first-served basis at the NRA East and NRA West parking lots. Festival attendees are encouraged to rideshare/carpool to the event, use ride hailing services (Uber/Lyft/Taxi), take alternative transportation to the event, and utilize the free shuttle service to/from satellite parking (see below). Downtown Newburyport municipal parking for a daily fee will be available in Titcomb, Green, Merrimack, Water, and Harris Street.
SHUTTLE BUS & SATELLITE PARKING
The satellite parking locations below will be serviced by four free shuttle buses, provided courtesy of 92.5 the River:
■ Mersen, 374 Merrimac Street – map/directions (free parking & free shuttle)
■ Graf Skating Rink, 28 Low Street – map/directions (free parking & free shuttle)
■ Rupert A. Nock Middle School, 70 Low Street – map/directions (free parking & free shuttle)
■ Mark Richey Woodworking, 40 Parker Street – map/directions (free parking & free shuttle)
■ Newburyport MBTA, 25 Boston Way – map/directions ($2 parking & free shuttle)
PROPOSED SHUTTLE ROUTES*
The free shuttle buses run two routes approximately every 20 minutes from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Get the map route HERE.
■ Route A: The Merson Lot on Merrimac Street
■ Route B: Rupert A. Nock Middle School, Mark Richey Woodworking, and MBTA Lots
■ Note: The downtown shuttle stop is located at The Custom House, 25 Water Street.
*Additional information about the shuttle service and satellite parking locations will be posted here as it becomes available.
MBTA COMMUTER RAIL
MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport/Rockport Line services points between North Station and Rockport, with a stop in Newburyport at 25 Boston Way. Check MBTA Schedules & Maps for up-to-date train schedule and service info.
PEDAL POWER
If you live nearby, why not leave the car at home and ride a bicycle to the festival? After all, riding a bike is good for your health, the environment, your wallet, and your soul!
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREA
There will be a wheelchair accessible viewing area within Waterfront Park. Look for the Holy Family Hospital viewing area in the middle of the park. This area is reserved for wheelchair access only.
SHARE THE SPACE
Keeping this event free and open to the public requires us all to share the space respectfully. Feel free to bring chairs or a blanket (no plastic tarps please), but leave your umbrellas at home. Please be mindful of other attendees and our shared desire to see the stage, dance, and have a good time! The festival is held in an open park, and attendees must obey all park policies.
FESTIVAL MAP
Stretch your legs and stroll around Merrimac Street, downtown Newburyport and Waterfront Park. Check out the booths of the various sponsors — whose support helps keep this event free for the public! To make sure you don’t miss anything, check out the 2022 Festival Map.
PARK POLICIES
■ Help keep Newburyport and Waterfront Park beautiful! Please do not leave behind cigarette butts, trash, food, etc. Put all trash/recycling in proper barrels.
■ Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Waterfront Park, except within the designated age 21+ area specially permitted during this event.
■ Dogs and other pets must be on a leash at all times.
GENERAL VISITOR INFO
Discover more about Newburyport by visiting the Greater Newburyport Chamber Chamber of Commerce & Industry website.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS, LODGING, ETC.
Come early or stay late and make a whole day of it. Dine at one of Newburyport’s many great eateries. Here’s a great directory from the Chamber.
