Harvest, History, and Seasonal Splendor Await in November

As autumn deepens across the North of Boston region, the air turns crisp, the crowds thin, and the coastline glows in golden light. November invites you to slow down and savor it all—harvest festivals, seaside strolls, and cozy nights spent in historic towns rich with seasonal flavor. Whether you’re exploring the last bursts of fall color, gathering for local events, or finding warmth in a bowl of chowder by the water, there’s no better time to discover the heart of New England just north of Boston.

November 1: Secure the Shadow: Spirit & Post-mortem Photography in the 19th Century, The Museum of Old Newbury, Newburyport

Step back into the Victorian era when photography was both a marvel of science and a doorway to the beyond. Join the Museum of Old Newbury for a hauntingly beautiful illustrated lecture exploring how 19th-century families used early photography to preserve memory, love, and loss. Discover how “spirit photographs” blurred the line between the living and the departed, revealing a world where art, grief, and belief intertwined.

November 2: Self-Guided Fall Orchard Walk, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

Bundle up and get out amongst the farm’s 10,000 fruit trees. Enjoy the fresh air and views as you walk through the orchards. Open Saturdays and Sundays 8 am to 2 pm from Saturday, November 1st to Sunday, November 30th. FREE. No registration required. Closed weekdays and weekend afternoons. The farm store is open daily 8 am – 6 pm, through December 14.

November 5: First Wednesdays, Wenham Museum, Wenham

This is a repeating event, the first Wednesday of every month. Visit Wenham Museum on the first Wednesday of the month and enjoy extended evening hours from 4 to 6 pm! Bring the whole family and explore our beloved model train gallery, vintage toy collections, and hands-on history exhibits after school or work. It’s a perfect midweek museum adventure!

November 6: Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders & Literary Legends, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem

Join PEM for a behind-the-scenes tour featuring architectural treasures from their extensive collection! The only walking tours in Salem that offer entry into historic buildings, PEM’s tours cover five centuries of happenings and characters from Witch City, including the infamous trials of 1692. Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders and Literary Legends starts by painting the picture of life in 1692 by examining the Gardner-Pingree House. The killing of Joseph White gripped Salem and the country in 1830 with its brawling brothers, custom-built murder weapons, conspiring family members and a body that was autopsied three times. Follow PEM’s expert guides into the room where it happened – if you dare!

November 7: The American Revolution: A Story of the War in 28 Paintings, Cabot House, Beverly

1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing it. Historic Beverly proudly presents The American Revolution: A Story of the War in 28 Paintings, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of artworks commissioned to illustrate Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Sr.’s landmark book. These paintings are featured in Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary The American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display at the Cabot House through July 4th, 2026. Tickets are free and open to the public

November 8: Renaissance Faire Day, Hammond Castle Museum, Gloucester

Step into a world of knights, music, and merriment at Hammond Castle’s Renaissance Faire Day. Enjoy live performances, fight demonstrations by the Brotherhood of the Arrow and Sword, and self-guided tours of the Museum. Free off-site parking is required at Stage Fort Park with

free shuttle service to the Museum.

November 9: Goodnight Moonshine, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

World debut of new CD—free CD with every ticket! Goodnight Moonshine is the dynamic duo of singer-songwriter Molly Venter (of Red Molly) and guitarist/producer Eben Pariser (of Roosevelt Dime). Blending Molly’s soulful, literary songwriting with Eben’s imaginative guitar work, they create a rich, jazz-infused folk sound. Known for their emotional depth and musical intimacy, the pair brings years of performance, storytelling, and collaboration to the stage—offering songs that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

November 10: Holiday Food Drive for the Salem Pantry, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem

This holiday season, PEM is proud to host a food drive benefitting the Salem Pantry! From November 10 through December 7, visitors are invited to drop off a non-perishable food donation at the Admissions desk and receive a voucher for a free cookie at the Atrium Café, courtesy of Gourmet Caterers. Read here for a list of accepted items.

November 12: Pasta Dinner at Davio’s, Lynnfield
Join Chef/Owner Steve DiFillippo and Culinary Director Rodney Murillo for an unforgettable evening of handmade pasta, perfectly paired wines, and behind-the-scenes culinary inspiration. The evening includes a live gnocchi demo and a four-course dinner.

$95 per guest. Optional Wine Pairing: +$55 per guest.

November 13: Danielia Cotton with Megan Wolffe, The Cut, Gloucester

Americana/Soul/Rock artist Danielia Cotton is music legacy. Her mother and aunts were all professional vocalists and music is in her blood. Cotton considers the forthcoming album, Charley’s Pride: A Tribute to Black Country Music, a tribute not just to one of her musical idols but also to her family, especially her grandparents. Gloucester native Megan Wolffe brings her original rock and soul band to The Cut for a special performance celebrating classic deep cut arrangements from artists such as Etta James, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin alongside her original music.

November 14-16: New England Craft & Specialty Food Fair, Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield

Discover handmade treasures and gourmet delights at the 29th Annual New England Craft & Specialty Food Fair. Held at the Topsfield Fairgrounds Indoor Arena, this eagerly awaited event brings together an exceptional collection of handcrafted artistry and specialty foods, all in one festive setting.

November 15: The Eagles Experience, Larcom Theatre, Beverly

The Eagles Experience aims to be the most authentic tribute show to the Eagles available today. With a one-to-one lineup that reflects the Eagles during their heyday in the late 1970s, the members of the Eagles Experience each emulate their respective “Eagle”, playing the correct instrument and singing the songs as sung by their protege. Every member of the Eagles Experience is dedicated to presenting their part as accurately as possible and will provide you with an ultimate “Eagles Experience” you will not soon forget. This tribute band only plays songs written and recorded by the Eagles as a band, from their biggest hits to hidden gems.

November 22: Children’s Maple in the Barnyard, Appleton Farms, Ipswich

Maple Season is here! This special program for ages 3-11 and their families will focus on the magic of maple from start to finish. Discover this tradition by observing trees, tasting sap, learning the tools involved, and finally, tasting the sweet product. Looking for a more adult tour? Check out the Adult Maple Stroll instead!

November 29-December 31: Christmas in Rockport, Rockport

Celebrate Christmas in the quaint community of Rockport!  Rockport does Christmas the way it was done back in the day…. Holiday fun and celebrations start November 29th with Small Business Saturday, a chance to shop local and find unique gifts right in your own backyard!  The festivities continue right on through to New Year’s Eve, where you can celebrate Rockport New Year’s Eve in the town where First Night events started. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the holiday season in this quaint and picturesque seaside village.

November 29-December 23: Salem Trolley and The Gallows Hill Theatre present A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Salem

Now entering into its 39th Season, this humorous and whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens’ timeless seasonal holiday classic. Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a twist. Ride along with Scrooge on the Salem Trolley as the classic tale is brought to life in a completely unexpected way. Shows sell out quickly, and seats are limited.

November 30: Annual Beverly Holiday Parade, Beverly

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with Beverly’s most festive tradition! Enjoy colorful floats, marching bands, community groups, and a special visit from Santa as we celebrate the spirit of the season together. Bring your family, friends, and holiday cheer — this is one event you won’t want to miss!