October Brings Apple Picking, Corn Mazes, Haunted Happenings, and More!

Join us in the Halloween capital of the world as Salem comes alive with spooky spectaculars all month long. Grab your flannel and cruise along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway through our eight vibrant cultural districts and stop along the way for a cider donut at a family friendly farm. Sample local craft beer or orchard fresh fruit wine. There’s so much to do in October while North of Boston! Ready for more? Check out exciting event details and must-see fall attractions!

Through October 27: Halloween on the Hill, Long Hill, Beverly

Explore this beautiful property as Long Hill’s gardens are transformed into a celebration of autumn and the Halloween season. Follow their seasonal-themed trail that will feature over 1,500 jack-o’-lanterns, hundreds of mums, elaborate Halloween decorations, light displays, music, and more.

 Oct. 1–31: Haunted Happenings, Salem

Events include a Grand Parade, artisan vendors, family-friendly events, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations. Salem’s Haunted Happenings is the largest celebration of Halloween in the world! Photo by Kathryn Horrigan / Destination Salem

Oct. 4–Oct. 14: The Topsfield Fair!

Fall farm fun abounds at the Topsfield Fair, going on October 4 through October 14. This quintessential county fair boasts traditional agriculture, big entertainment, rides, games, shopping, and great food… there’s something for everyone! Photo courtesy Topsfield Fair

Oct. 4: Salem Witch Trials After-Hours Tour, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem

Join the Peabody Essex Museum after hours for a special curator-led tour of The Salem Witch Trials 1692. Explore the extraordinary series of events between June 1692 and March 1693 that led to the deaths of 25 innocent women, men and children who were wrongfully convicted of crimes. More than 300 years later, the personal tragedies and grievous wrongs that occurred still provoke us to reflect and reckon with the experiences of those involved.

Oct. 5: Gloucester Art Walk, Various Locations, Gloucester

Support local art the 1st Saturday of every month through December 7th. Visit Gloucester’s participating galleries and studios to experience a vibrant community of artists. Don’t forget to pick up your Art Walk Passport at any participating location. Each visit earns you a stamp, and a fully stamped passport can be redeemed for a free appetizer at Minglewood Harborside, 25 Rogers St, Gloucester – a perfect way to cap off your artistic adventure! Mark your calendars and invite your friends for an afternoon of art, culture, and delicious rewards.

Oct. 5: Discover Marblehead and Marblehead Museum’s 5th Annual Fall Fair, Marblehead

Discover Marblehead and the Marblehead Museum host the 5th Annual Fall Fair on Saturday, October 5th from 10:00am – 3:00pm! It’s sure to be a fun day with Bubble Bar Boston and Bent Water serving up the drinks, Mad-Dogz making her delicious hot dogs, music by Paul Simonelli, Acorn Gallery Students drawing portraits, card readings with Creative Spirit and an amazing line-up of artist vendors selling their beautiful work: rain or shine. Free admission!

Oct. 6: The Jack-O-Lantern Jive Halloween Costume Party and Concert, The Cut, Gloucester

Join Alexandra Grace Music Studio for a very special recital featuring student musicians of the North Shore area ages ranging from 7-18.

 Oct. 11 & 12: Newburyport Chamber Fall Fest, Waterfront Park, Newburyport

Fall in love with Newburyport during the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce Fall Fest happening Oct. 12 & 13 from 10 am to 4 pm. Enjoy live local bands, food trucks and libations, plus artisans and crafters galore!

Oct. 11: Patty Larkin & Lucy Kaplansky, Shalin Liu, Rockport

Two close collaborators from the “On A Winter’s Night” Reunion Tour come to Rockport! Patty Larkin, renowned for her guitar prowess and poignant songwriting, continues to build upon 30-plus years making boundary-pushing folk-urban pop music. She joins Lucy Kaplansky, a Billboard-charting performer of country, folk and pop.

Oct. 12: Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, Derby Wharf, Salem

Salem is going to the dogs (and cats and lizards and bunnies), and we couldn’t be happier about it! Salem Main Streets is pleased to announce the return of the annual Howl-o-ween Pet Parade! The pet parade will return to Derby Wharf on Saturday, Oct. 12th at 11 am, with the usual fun, costumes, and contest with prizes. Want to get your pet in on the costume-clad four-legged fun? Register online in advance.

Oct. 19: North Atlantic Ballet – Dracula, The Cabot, Beverly

Witness the transformation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula into a theatrical masterpiece by guest choreographer Tom Vacanti. Originally choreographed in 1992 for a site-specific production at the spooky Emmanuel Church on Newbury St, Vacanti is reimagining the thriller for The Cabot stage with an original score. The revival features a world where passion and darkness collide. From the haunting embrace of the vampire brides to the fierce battle between light and darkness, every movement on stage reflects the intensity and passion of Stoker’s narrative.

Oct. 19: Beauport Cruiselines Harvest Cruise, Gloucester

Join the Beauport Cruiselines this autumn to savor the tastes of fall on Cape Ann featuring a flavorful buffet including Herb Crusted Prime Rib, Maple Mustard Herb Panko Crusted Chicken, Butternut Squash Ravioli, & more! Sip on your favorite seasonal cocktail, soak in the stunning scenery, and dance away to live DJ entertainment by the 617 Event Group!

Oct. 19, 20, 26, 27: Sweet Halloween, Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

Break out those adorable costumes and get ready for a fun, festive day on the farm! Sweet Halloween is a fan-favorite event held every October. This family-friendly, not-so-spooky, trick-or-treating experience is brimming with sweet treats and boo-tiful fall foliage! Enjoy hayrides, food trucks, costume contests, games, cider n’ donuts, and free live music.

Oct. 19: Rockport Harvest Fest, Downtown Rockport

Fall into fun in charming Rockport! Get in on the Harvest Fest action which includes an apple pie bake-off, local vendors and retailers, entertainment, and seaside bites and brews! The family-friendly fun happens from 11 am to 5 pm in downtown Newport.

Oct. 21–25: The Terror of Abbadia Mare, Hammond Castle Museum, Gloucester

This unique promenade theater performance will transport you through time and space. Prepare yourselves for an adventure unlike any other, as the late John Hays Hammond Jr. comes to life for a gathering of his dearest friends and respected colleagues. Within the medieval walls of Hammond’s castle home, secrets and curiosities await. As you travel through the castle’s darkened corridors and rooms, you’ll encounter some of the most peculiar guests ever assembled. Are they members of a secret society, social and Hollywood royalty, or leaders straddling the boundaries of science and the occult? These mysterious figures have converged at Hammond Castle for a reason, and you can find out why!

Oct. 26: Wicked Night on the Wharf, Salem Waterfront Hotel, Salem

The Salem Waterfront Hotel invites you to a reimagined Wicked Night on the Wharf Haunted Glo Grotto on Saturday, October 26 from 7:30 PM – midnight, where you will delve into the playful yet sinister UV world of birth, life, death – eventually emerging into the afterlife with a DJ’d dance and costume party. A costume contest will be hosted by Kiss 108’s Billy Costa and prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!

Oct. 26: Essex ClamFest & Arts & Crafts Festival

Join the Cape Ann Chamber for the 39th Annual Essex ClamFest from 11 am to 4 pm in Shepard Memorial Park in Essex. Don’t miss the chance to participate in the Chowder Tasting Competition from noon to 1:30 pm, plus enjoy a variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site!

Oct. 26: Rockin’ Halloween Costume Ball, Blue Ocean Music Hall, Salisbury

The Salem Waterfront Hotel invites you to a reimagined Wicked Night on the Wharf Haunted Glo Grotto on Saturday, October 26 from 7:30 PM – midnight, where you will delve into the playful yet sinister UV world of birth, life, death – eventually emerging into the afterlife with a DJ’d dance and costume party. A costume contest will be hosted by Kiss 108’s Billy Costa and prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!

Oct. 27: Who’s Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute Experience, The Cabot, Beverly

As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing, Who’s Bad has sold out nearly 50 venues in the United Kingdom including London’s O2 where the King of Pop was slated to end his career. Over 100 years of collective professional experience and sold-out shows at every major House of Blues, Colorado’s Bluebird Theatre, LA’s Gibson Amphitheatre as well as international pavilions such as Ningbo Grand Theatre (China), Romania’s Sala Palatalui and Teatro do Bourbon Country (Porto Alegre, Brazil).

Oct. 30:  Apothecary Suil Crow-Silent Supper, The Emerson Inn, Rockport

Join Apothecary Suil Crow for the second annual Silent Supper at The Emerson Inn By The Sea, Rockport, MA, on October 30th, 6-8pm. This year’s supper is Olde World Style. Bring a dish of your loved one’s favorite meal to share with their spirit, while enjoying a preordered meal from the Emerson Inn’s chef. Upon arrival, we’ll review the rules, and you’ll place a letter to your loved one at the “chair for the dead,” to be burned at midnight on Samhain.

Oct. 30: It Was 50 Years Ago Today, Beatles Tribute, The Cabot, Beverly

A rocking good time is sure to be had at ‘It Was 50 Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles’ “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude” albums featuring Christopher Cross, David Pack (Original Lead Singer of Ambrosia), Maxi Priest, Jason Scheff (Longtime Lead Singer of Chicago) and Badfinger featuring Joey Molland.

Oct. 31: Open Mic Nght! Off Cabot Comedy & Events, Beverly

This show-and-go open mic will serve as one of the best places in New England to hone your comedic craft and showcase your talent in front of The Cabot Theater and John Tobin Presents teams! The list and the house will fill up quickly so get there early!