Sail on

September means school (boo), the end of summer (ditto), and the Gloucester Schooner Festival (hooray). Old and new vessels ranging from 19 to 100 feet in length will arrive from ports along the Eastern Seaboard for this annual event highlighted by Sunday’s Mayor’s Race. You can watch the schooners head out to sea at Sunday morning’s Parade of Sail. Racing starts Saturday. Check the website for land and sea activities and events, including fireworks over Gloucester Harbor. Sept. 3 block party from 6-11 p.m. (through Sept. 6), barring heavy rains and winds. Free. In and around Gloucester. 978-283-1601. www.capeannvacations.com/schooner