Lynn will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity this Saturday, August 9, 2025, as the Lynn Arts & Culture Festival takes to the streets from 12:00 to 17:00. The festival will kick off at the intersection of Union Street and Exchange Street, allowing attendees to explore the city with the help of a free trolley service, which will stop at five key locations.
Festival organizer Samantha Wheeler McHugh expressed excitement about this year’s event, noting it as the most ambitious yet. “We’re expanding the footprint to include more interactive art, pop-up performances, and spaces that showcase emerging creatives and entrepreneurs,” she stated. The emphasis this year is on deeper engagement, featuring hands-on workshops, immersive art experiences, and robust partnerships with local businesses and cultural organizations. These elements aim to create opportunities for the community to connect with the rich culture of Lynn.
The festival will be brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Lynn Main Streets, which will coordinate downtown vendors and activation spaces, alongside Lynn Museum/LynnArts, responsible for curating exhibitions and hosting artist-led programming. In addition, Beyond Walls will contribute live mural-making and public art tours, while RAW Art Works and Outside the Box Learning Co. will provide interactive experiences designed for youth and families.
This year, Wheeler McHugh highlighted the festival’s commitment to fostering grassroots-led cultural projects. “From poetry workshops to music showcases, we are reflecting a deeper, more inclusive representation of Lynn’s creative community,” she mentioned. Local businesses such as The Prime Building Vintage Shops and Lucille Wine Shop will also play a vital role in transforming Exchange and Washington Streets into creative corridors.
The festival enjoys the support of the Creative Cities-funded MassDevelopment and the Lynn Cultural Council. “In 2025, Lynn’s creative spirit is everywhere,” Wheeler McHugh added. “It’s rooted in community pride and a sense that creativity doesn’t just live in galleries or studios — it’s in how people show up for each other, collaborate, and make things happen.”
As Lynn continues to evolve as a cultural destination, the festival aims to increase awareness of local talent and showcase the city’s dynamic arts scene. “Lynn’s creative scene is thriving because it’s inclusive, diverse, and constantly evolving,” Wheeler McHugh concluded. Events like the Lynn Arts & Culture Festival not only celebrate artistic expression but also unite the community, making it a day to remember.
