This weekend in Essex County, MA

● Listings verified — Wednesday, October 14 · every listing checked against its source by our Essex County editors

Saturday & Sunday, Oct 17–18

25 events, 2 free. All of this week's events →

Saturday, October 17 16 events
  • 7:30am

    Beyond Walls Mural Tour

    Beyond Walls, 18 Mt Vernon St, Lynn · verified Oct 9
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    The Beyond Walls team leads an engaging walk through downtown Lynn, showcasing building scale murals from a collection of more than 100 works by local, regional, national, and international artists. Guides share insight into symbolism, culture, identity, techniques, and behind the scenes stories connected to many of the pieces. The route begins at the Beyond Walls headquarters and loops through the walkable downtown. Tours last about an hour and typically cover 20 to 30 murals. Comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended. The headquarters is close to the Lynn Interim MBTA Commuter Rail stop and within walking distance of the Lynn Ferry, and free street parking is available. Tickets are $15.

    Event website ↗
  • 9am

    Paper Shredding Event

    Department of Public Works, 250 Commercial St, Lynn · verified Oct 7
    Free

    A community paper shredding event hosted by the City of Lynn features a mobile shredding truck on site. It is free and limited to paper only. Cardboard, plastic, and metal will not be accepted. Participation is restricted to Lynn residents. The event is held at the Department of Public Works.

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  • 10am

    Sadie's Spookltacular Craft Fair & Trick or Treat

    American Legion, 3 Judson St, Beverly · verified Oct 11
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    This family friendly Halloween craft fair and trick or treat event takes place at the American Legion in Beverly, Massachusetts. More than 15 local vendors will be on site along with raffles and giveaways, activities for children, character encounters, trick or treating, and food vendors, creating a festive experience for all ages. Prizes will be awarded for standout spooky costumes. Families must preregister by scanning the QR code on the event flyer and completing the form. Space is limited and once capacity is reached additional families cannot be accepted. Vendor opportunities are available.

    Event website ↗
  • 10am

    Mossy Paws Visits Salem

    Salem Common, Salem
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    Mossy Paws Rare Plants sets up a booth at Salem Common as part of the Haunted Happenings Marketplace, offering rare tropical houseplants and a touch of humor. Visitors are welcome to admire the collection and gently touch the leaves, and it is playfully suggested not to leave with only one plant. Even ghosts receive a friendly welcome, since they need no watering. A personal note adds to the occasion, as Mike and Rick became engaged in Salem 14 years ago and are returning to the scene, with any questions about the wedding redirected to the Calatheas. The message is simple. A plant is a commitment, much like an engagement, so remember to water. Visitors can browse the booth and enjoy time exploring Salem.

    Event website ↗
  • 10am

    Secrets of First Church Self-Guided Tour

    First Church in Salem, Unitarian Universalist, 316 Essex St, Salem · verified Oct 9
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    Explore nearly four centuries of history at one of the oldest churches in the country, founded in 1629 by Puritan settlers, on a self-guided tour featuring information stations and artifacts from the church archives. Encounter stories of parishioners Rebecca Nurse and Giles Corey, accused church members who lost their lives during the hysteria, and learn about a minister remembered for unsettling words spoken at an execution. See treasured stained glass windows, find surprising ties to the classic board game Monopoly, and take a seat in the historic meeting house where Nathaniel Hawthorne once sat. Volunteer docents will be available to welcome visitors and answer questions. Children are welcome with their parents. The building is accessible for those with mobility needs, but there are no restroom facilities. This tour supports the church as a fundraiser. Advance booking is recommended, and a $10 cash contribution at the door is appreciated. Tours are offered on weekends from August through October.

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  • 11am

    Intuition and Mediumship Practice Circle

    Apollo Sunrise Center, 26 Parker St, Newburyport · verified Oct 9
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    A welcoming practice circle led by Leah M. Hill offers a hands-on space to develop intuition and mediumship in community. Through guided exercises and gentle structure, participants strengthen their inner guidance, build confidence in their gifts, and deepen their relationship with Spirit. The group explores different ways messages may come through, including feeling, seeing, hearing, and knowing, while practicing techniques in a supportive setting. Participants share insights with one another to expand understanding and receive compassionate feedback. The atmosphere is heart-centered and free of judgment, encouraging curiosity and respect. All experience levels are welcome, and an open mind and willingness to practice are the only requirements.

    Event website ↗
  • 11am

    Salem’s Hallowart

    Salem · verified Oct 9
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    Explore eerie art and festive finds at a Halloween pop-up in Salem, MA. A handpicked group of local artists, makers, and small businesses will offer original artwork, handmade goods, accessories, and more, creating a chance to support the creative community while browsing unique pieces. The vendor roster is intentionally small and curated, and the event is ADA accessible.

    Event website ↗
  • 2pm

    Typographic History Master Class

    Museum of Printing, 15 Thornton Ave, Haverhill
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    Module 2, Session 3 centers on on-demand printing within a continuing Typographic History Master Class led by Museum of Printing President Frank Romano. Presented as part of The Romano Typographic History Project, the program is organized into two modules with ten 90-minute lectures that trace pivotal advances in typographic technology. Held across multiple Saturday sessions, this installment examines where on-demand printing fits in the larger narrative of type and printing.

    Event website ↗
  • 6pm

    Craig

    North End Boat Club, 282 Merrimack St., Newburyport · verified Oct 9
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    This event features Craig performing an acoustic set at North End Boat Club in Newburyport.

    Event website ↗
  • 6pm

    Nada Brahma Kirtan

    Apollo Sunrise Center, 26 Parker St, Newburyport · verified Oct 11
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    Experience an evening of sacred sound at Apollo Sunrise Center in Newburyport, a holistic wellness and spiritual retreat space that hosts energy healing, intuitive readings, guided meditations, Reiki, transformational hypnosis, workshops, retreats, and community gatherings. Nada Brahma Kirtan offers devotional call and response chanting that blends music and meditation, often described as Bhakti Yoga or Nada Yoga, with roots in Eastern Indian and Buddhist traditions. The practice invites participants to echo simple mantras with a lead singer, building a resonant vibration that can quiet the mind and open inner energy pathways. No prior experience is required and people of all spiritual backgrounds are welcome. The band is a three member ensemble founded in 2018 by Kāmpa Vashi Deva and Lisa Kawski with origins on the North Shore and to the west of Boston. Kāmpa lends lead vocals along with harmonium, mridangam, slaptop cajon and kartals, while Lisa adds lead vocals, harmonium, an indigenous drum and kartals. Steve Sherman contributes tablas, lead vocals, chimes and additional rhythms, and special guest musician Paul Bourgelais enriches the sound with sitar, bass and acoustic guitar. Tickets are $30 in advance online and $35 at the door. A free parking lot is available.

    Event website ↗
  • 6:30pm

    Emily Wilson

    Off Cabot, 11 Wallis St, Beverly
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    Emily Wilson appears at Off Cabot. The New York-based comedian, actress, and writer created the debut special Fixed: How I Got Rejected by Reality TV, which was covered by the New York Times and amassed millions of organic views on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. She hosts the sold-out weekly show Tuesdays at the Red Room in the East Village, tours with Please Don’t Destroy as a featured performer, and was the sole American nominee for the Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022. She is slated to perform at Moontower Comedy Festival 2026 in Austin, Texas.

    Event website ↗
  • 7pm

    Boxty

    The Peddler's Daughter, 45 Wingate St, Haverhill · verified Oct 9
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    Boxty showcases a distinct mix of Irish and American songs and tunes, complemented by energetic original pieces rooted in both traditions. The group is known to attract a crowd.

    Event website ↗
  • 7pm

    Sea Witch Ball Workshop

    The Sea Wych, 131 Essex St, Salem
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    The Sea Wych Salem hosts a hands-on workshop where participants explore the history and folklore of the witch ball, then craft a personalized one intended to safeguard a space, invite joy, clear negativity, or serve as a beautiful keepsake. Each piece is infused with ocean elements to amplify its purpose, and everyone departs with a one-of-a-kind creation. Walk-ins are not accepted. Tickets must be purchased by noon on the day before the workshop, either online or in-shop, because toppers and kits are prepared specifically for this session and sales close at that time. General Admission is $65 per person plus a $1.63 processing fee and includes all supplies and materials, crystal-adorned toppers made by The Sea Wych Salem, a concise overview of witch ball history, a guided meditation with a short ritual for setting intentions, and an introduction to using herbs, sea vegetation, and color principles in sea witchcraft. Attendees may also shop privately before or after the workshop and receive a 10% discount on all store items. The General Admission plus Ritual Kit option is $85 per person plus a $2.13 processing fee and adds a complete ritual kit, typically a $40 value. Kits are sourced, foraged, and assembled by The Sea Wych Salem and include a shell, a crystal, a chime candle aligned with the ritual, herbs, salt, and sea vegetation specific to the working, as well as sea glass, an abalone chip, charms, and a written ritual by The Sea Wych Salem. A kit can be selected during checkout, or a custom focus can be requested by choosing Other and noting details in the comments.

    Event website ↗
  • 7pm

    John Britton w/Chris Hawk of Radioactive

    The Dolphin at Salisbury Beach, 44 Ocean Frnt N, Salisbury · verified Oct 9
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    John Britton teams up with Chris Hawk of Radioactive for a live performance at The Dolphin at Salisbury Beach. The venue is a restaurant that features live music.

    Event website ↗
  • 7:30pm

    Ellis Paul

    The UU Church , 16 Ashland St, Haverhill · verified Oct 8
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    Ellis Paul returns to the New Moon Coffeehouse stage at the Universalist Unitarian Church. Known for songwriting that intertwines personal stories with the issues of the day, he has earned numerous acoustic music awards and his songs have been featured in several major films. Influenced by Woodie Guthrie and supported early on by Bill Morrisey, he first appeared at New Moon in 1995 while still holding a day job, and his career has grown steadily since. Admission is $30, with a $10 price for attendees 21 and under. Tickets can be reserved through the New Moon Coffeehouse website, and they are also available at the door for cash. Please bring cash for tickets and for extras such as desserts and artist merchandise.

    Event website ↗
  • 8pm

    Into the Floyd

    The Sahara Club & Restaurant, 88 Bates St, Methuen
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    Presented by Carmen Iuvara, Into the Floyd performs a live tribute to Pink Floyd in an easygoing, immersive atmosphere. This in-person concert welcomes longtime listeners as well as those new to classic rock, bringing fans together to experience the band’s signature sound and share the music with a like-minded crowd.

    Event website ↗
Sunday, October 18 9 events
  • 8:30am

    Spooktacular Salem

    Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem · verified Oct 7
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    Spend a day exploring Salem at your own pace, also known as Witch City, with its storied past and eerie charm. Suggested stops include the Salem Witch Museum, Salem Witch Village, the Salem Wax Museum, the House of Seven Gables, and the Peabody Essex Museum, plus the waterfront shops and dining at Pickering Wharf. Admission to suggested attractions is not included. The cost is $93 per person and covers roundtrip motorcoach transportation, free time, an escort, and all taxes and gratuities. Reservations are nonrefundable.

    Event website ↗
  • 9am

    Around Cape Ann Half Marathon

    O'Maley Middle School, 9 High St, Gloucester
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    Experience a USATF-certified half marathon that follows Cape Ann’s coastline. A tradition since 1933, this road race ranks among the oldest in the country and is known for its scenic course. The route circles the cape through Gloucester and Rockport, offering views of beaches, harbors, and coves.

    Event website ↗
  • 9am

    Autumn Qigong (FREE 1st Class!)

    102 Bridge Rd, Salisbury · verified Oct 11
    Free

    Ease into the season with a 4 Seasons Qigong class centered on the Autumn Set, a sequence intended to support the shift from summer to fall with extra attention to the lungs. The session includes both the All Seasons Set and the Autumn Set. This approach is a form of medical qigong that combines mindful breathing with coordinated movement to promote overall health. The first class is free. Three sessions are available, and participants may attend any or all. Please keep outdoor shoes off the training floor. Practice in bare feet, socks, or dedicated indoor shoes, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bringing a water bottle is recommended.

    Event website ↗
  • 10am

    Walking Tour: Historic Dogtown

    Babson Boulder Parking, Gloucester
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    Explore the storied landscape of Dogtown on Cape Ann during a guided walk that traces the old roads of an early settlement once at the heart of Gloucester. Hear about the people who lived and worked here for nearly 150 years, how the place got its name, why residents moved on, and what has changed in the two centuries since the last house disappeared. Along the way, take in stone walls, cellar holes, and vistas that have long suggested witches and widows, an ill-fated bullfighter, pastures, picnics, blueberries, and a sea of rocks. Learn how writers and artists drew inspiration from this terrain, discover the reservoirs created here, and encounter several of the famed word-inscribed boulders that reflect the legacy of entrepreneur and philanthropist Roger Babson (1875-1967). The route covers nearly three miles in about two hours on generally easy but uneven trails with rocks, roots, and gentle hills. Wear trail-ready clothing and closed-toe shoes, and consider bringing walking poles. Bring water and insect repellent, as they are not provided. This experience is not recommended for those with mobility concerns. The tour takes place at Babson Boulder Parking. Tickets are $10 for CAM members and $20 for non-members, and advance registration is required.

    Event website ↗
  • 1pm

    Pats vs Jets Viewing Party

    Keltic Club, 233 Lawrence St, Lawrence
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    Celebrate Patriots football at a viewing party where fans can watch the game together. Free food will be provided during the game, and wearing a Patriots shirt makes you eligible for a promotion.

    Event website ↗
  • 2pm

    Crystal Wand Making Course

    Apothecary Suil Crow, 153 Main St, Gloucester · verified Oct 9
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    Explore the craft of crystal pointed antler wands in a fully hands-on course that blends the earthy character of naturally shed deer antlers with the focused qualities of quartz and other gemstones. The session centers on both strength and visual harmony, guiding you through choosing a shed, preparing the bone, and securely setting a crystal tip with a mix of time-honored and contemporary bonding methods. Learn how antler anatomy informs selection and preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and shaping the burr or tine to create a reliable foundation. Discover how crystal geometry, weight, and form influence balance in the hand, then refine the junction between bone and stone using sculpting adhesives, bails, epoxy clays, or decorative soldering. Personalize your piece with finishing touches such as copper filigree, leather wraps, or inset accent stones. All specialized materials and tools are provided, including sustainably sourced antler sheds, natural crystal points like clear quartz, amethyst, and smoky quartz, precision rotary carving tools, varied grits of sandpaper, professional-grade bonding agents, and natural oils and waxes for preservation. Expect a tactile, technique-focused experience working directly with carving tools and organic materials. By the end, you will complete a wand with intentional balance and gain practical care guidance to help it endure. Only naturally shed antlers are used, and no animals are harmed, with materials gathered after the annual shedding cycle.

    Event website ↗
  • 5pm

    One Dime Band

    Brodies Seaport, 215 Derby St, Salem
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    Sunday Funday at Brodie’s Seaport brings a lively blues session as One Dime Band, featuring Jeff Majeau on bass, teams up with Chris Fitz and Steve Peabody for high-energy jams and a fun atmosphere.

    Event website ↗
  • 6pm

    Sea Witch Ball Workshop

    The Sea Wych Salem, 131 Essex St, Salem
    See details

    The Sea Wych Salem presents a hands-on workshop in Witch City that blends lore, history, and creative practice around the traditional witch ball. Participants learn the story behind this protective charm, then craft a personalized witch ball charged with ocean elements, setting intentions for home or workspace such as welcoming joy, banishing negativity, or creating a beautiful keepsake to display. Advance purchase is required. There are no walk-ins. Tickets must be purchased by noon on the day before the workshop, and sales close at that time. Tickets are available online or in shop. General Admission is 65 dollars per person plus a 1.63 dollar processing fee and includes all materials and supplies, crystal adorned toppers crafted by The Sea Wych Salem, a brief history segment, a guided meditation and short intention-setting ritual, an introduction to using herbs, sea vegetation, and color theory in sea witchcraft, and the opportunity to shop privately before or after the workshop with a 10 percent discount on store items. General Admission plus Ritual Kit is 85 dollars per person plus a 2.13 dollar processing fee and adds a complete ritual kit valued at 40 dollars. Each kit is sourced, foraged, and assembled by The Sea Wych Salem and typically includes a shell, crystal, and chime candle appropriate to the ritual, herbs, salt, and sea vegetation selected for the purpose, sea glass, an abalone chip, charms, and a written ritual by The Sea Wych Salem. Kit selection is made at checkout, with an option to request a custom focus by choosing Other and adding notes in the comments.

    Event website ↗
  • 6:30pm

    Jewish Campfire Scary Tales

    680 Lowell St, Peabody · verified Oct 11
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    Experience Jewish campfire tales beside a cozy fire pit in a newly enclosed pergola. Families and friends can share stories, connect, and enjoy food and drinks. Admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child, with a $20 family maximum.

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