Event Hosts make Trails & Sails possible! They are small businesses, site stewards, advocates, volunteers, and passionate partners throughout Essex County that want to connect people with the many assets of this region. Do you have a historic site you want to show off? Or a special local industry you want to share with people? Review our host flyer to learn more about participating or you can watch our recorded info session viewable here.

Register Your Event

The registration form to sign up an event will be available in early spring 2026.

Host Guidelines

  • Trails & Sails is a free event series, so all activities offered as a part of Trails & Sails must be free.
  • Trails & Sails events must fall within our designated time frame which this year is Sept. 12-27, 2026.
  • All events must take place in Essex County, Massachusetts.
  • Some events may require participants to pre-register. Event Hosts are responsible for managing this and must provide a registration link or instructions for inclusion on the Trails & Sails website.
  • After the series, we require that Event Hosts complete a very brief survey asking for event attendance numbers, number of volunteers, and an estimate of dedicated time.
  • We recommend reviewing this list of 10 Tips and Tricks for Hosting a Great Trails & Sails Event to learn more about what to expect.
  • The Trails & Sails model works best when everyone hosting an event promotes the series. Do your part by sharing our posts on social media and/or circulating Trails & Sails print and digital materials.

Featured Themes

Each year, we highlight multiple themes of significant importance to the Essex National Heritage Area. The new themes for this year are:

Stories We Share
Events that uncover powerful stories you haven’t heard before, and why they still matter today.

Life by the Water
Events that explore the many ways the ocean, rivers, and harbors have shaped our communities, and why their health matters.

Outdoor Explorations
Events that help people discover the winding trails and natural beauty that surrounds us, and how we can protect the places we love.

Essex County Rev250
Events that highlight Essex County’s role in the American Revolution as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary.

Questions

Contact Heather Goss with any questions about Trails & Sails either via email or phone (978)225-3471.