North of Boston

The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings
2025-10-16 12:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 12:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Cabot House, 117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
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 from September 6, 2025 to July 4, 2026. Tickets are free and open to the public

Haunted Histories: Condemned
2025-10-16 18:00 - 19:10, 2025-10-17 18:00 - 19:10, 2025-10-18 18:00 - 19:10 | 128 Essex Street Courtyard, 128 Essex Street, Salem, M, 01970, United States
Know before you go
In-person event
Location: 128 Essex Street, Salem
$49 members and Salem residents (with valid ID); $59 nonmembers
Tickets are nonrefundable.
© 2024 Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Michaela Berry.
The courtyard is haunted… again.
You came to Salem to enjoy the Halloween season, but have you enjoyed yourself a little too much? Enter a prison existing in liminal space, holding murderers, cult leaders and madmen. Tonight you will find yourself “locked” in the courtyard until sunrise, unless you can assist the Warden to find a crucial piece of evidence to tie a murderer to the most dastardly of crimes, which took place steps away from where you stand…
Houses featured in this program include the Gardner-Pingree House (1806), John Ward House (1684), Quaker Meeting House (about 1688) and Derby–Beebe Summer House (1799).
Playwright and Co-Director: Arielle Kaplan
Showrunner / The Warden: Cari Keebaugh
This performance includes sudden flashes, loud noises and fire effects.
These historic properties are not wheelchair accessible and will require visitors to ascend several steps to enter. Once inside, floors may be uneven and the space will be tight. Guests will need to stand while in some houses.
This program includes low lighting in the houses and courtyard. Actors will not be using microphones.
No restrooms are available on PEM property.
The storytelling experience lasts about 70 minutes. Please note, these stories are intended for mature audiences and contain themes (murder, violence and gore, suicide, cult activity) that some may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Guests must arrive 15 minutes prior to their ticketed time.
Tickets are single-entry; guests are not permitted to leave and return except to seek out restroom facilities. Rain or shine, we’ll see you there!
Learn more about all our events happening this fall at pem.org/halloween.

Newburyport Art offers Watercolor Floral & Botanical Painting with Alison Odle
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Watercolor Floral & Botanical Painting with Alison Odle
Four Thursdays, October 2nd – 23rd, 6:00pm–8:00pm | Upstairs Hartson Gallery
$225 for NAA members / $275 non-members
In this engaging watercolor class, students of all skill levels will explore the beautiful world of florals and botanicals, unlocking their creative potential through expert guidance and hands-on practice. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an intermediate artist, this class will equip you with the techniques to create stunning watercolor pieces that showcase the elegance and intricacy of nature’s wonders.
Throughout the course, you will learn foundational watercolor techniques such as layering, blending, wet-on-wet, and dry-brush work, all while focusing on the delicate details of flowers and plants. You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with color mixing, brushstrokes, and composition, while receiving personalized instruction to help you refine your skills. This class will take place on October 2nd, October 9th, October 16th, and October 23rd.

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe presents One Act Wonders
2025-10-16 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-17 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-18 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St., Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe presents “One-Act Wonders”, a program of four modern one-act plays exploring boundaries, loyalties, and the absurdities of life. The program will run for four performances only, at Gloucester Stage Theater, April 17th (7:30pm) 18th (7:30pm), and 19th (3pm + 7:30pm). Tickets are $28.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams
2025-10-16 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
Through Tom’s cinematic eyes, his family’s life isn’t the dream he imagined. In a rundown St. Louis apartment the matriarch, Amanda Wingfield, is desperately clinging to a past of parties and endless callers. Her adult children, Tom and Laura, become victims of her delusions as she pushes for Tom to provide for the struggling family and Laura to find a husband. The two seek solace in ways of escaping their mother and their own misery until a visit from a gentleman caller presents the possibility of new opportunities.
Renowned playwright Tennessee Williams opens the 2025 Season with this classic drama, directed by Doug Lockwood. Running from June 5 to 28, all performances are at Gloucester Stage’s Theater 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm, and matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 3:00pm.

Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders & Literary Legends
2025-10-17 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-18 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-19 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-20 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-23 12:00 - 17:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour featuring architectural treasures from PEM’s 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!
This is an indoor/outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. We’ll see you rain or shine!
This tour involves walking around 0.5 miles, standing on hard surfaces and the use of stairs. Historic structures are not ADA accessible. Strollers may be used on the tours, but may not be brought into any of the historic structures. Historic houses may include areas of low lighting and uneven surfaces. Assisted listening devices are available, and tour guides will use microphones.
You can also follow our expert guides on Brick by Brick: Salem’s Hidden Architectural Stories for an in-depth look at architecture across downtown Salem, from a millionaire’s mansion to a working-class sailor’s house.

Tales From the Attic
2025-10-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Littles Lane, Newbury, M, 01951, United States
Join us for this specialty tour of the attic at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. Explore the extensive graffiti collection the attic houses and hear stories about some of the individuals who left their mark on the attic’s walls. The attic is not usually open to the public so don’t miss this opportunity to go behind the scenes!
Please call 978-462-2634 for more information.
Accessibility Consideration: This specialty tour involves climbing steep stairs and navigating tight quarters.

Children's Witch Hat Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
2025-10-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Sq. West, Salem, 01970, United States
Children’s Witch Hat Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
Activity Length: 30 minutes
Location: The Hawthorne Hotel 18 Washington Square West, Salem MA 01970 Second Floor, Pickman Room
Hosted By: This is a self-guided activity overseen by Good Witch Apprentices
Decorate a magical witch hat in the color of your choice with craft gems, stickers, ribbon, tulle and a charm.
Under age 4 may participate with the help of a supervising adult.
Ticket purchase only admits one (1) participating child.
Please note: Event ticket purchases are non-refundable at this time.

Hammers on Stone: The Granite Industry on Cape Ann
2025-10-18 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-19 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-23 10:00 - 17:00 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
For over a century, the granite industry played a vital role in Cape Ann’s economy, providing work for men from across New England and around the world, generating profits for those fortunate enough to share in ownership of the region’s many quarries, and contributing to the unique and authentic sense of place that characterizes Cape Ann today. On a broader scale, the industry contributed significantly to building and transportation projects across our nation during a sustained period of growth and expansion.
Drawing on the Cape Ann Museum’s extensive holdings of objects and archival materials related to the industry, most of which were gifted to the Cape Ann Museum by historian Barbara Erkkila (1918-2013), Hammers on Stone will explore the history of the granite trade and its impact on the community. The exhibition will examine methods of harvesting, cutting, and finishing stone, as well as how granite was transported from quarry to wharf and further afield. The exhibit will also explore the lives of those involved in quarrying and consider how the industry helped shape Cape Ann’s artistic landscape, inspiring generations of artists to the present day.
Image: Samuel Lewis Pullman (1900-1961), Quarryman Joe Boston, 1930, oil on canvas. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA. Gift of Abner and Miriam (Pullman) Diamond, 1994. (1994.036.001).

Outdoor Hard Cider Bar & Free Live Music Series at Cider Hill Farm
2025-10-18 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 11:00 - 16:00 | Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, M, 01913, United States
Every weekend at Cider Hill Farm farm brings FREE family-friendly live music on the main lawn from 12-3 pm and extended music on festival dates 11 am – 4 pm. Grab a drink from the Outdoor Hard Cider Bar 11 am – 4 pm on Saturdays and 12-4 pm on Sundays.
Food – Grab lunch at the food truck 11 am – 4 pm and snacks in the farm store 8 am – 6 pm. Guest food trucks and vendors pop-ups regularly.
Play – Parking, play areas and barnyard are always free and open 8 am – 6 pm daily. Bee observatory, chickens and goats arrive mid-May.
Weather – Music, food truck and hard cider bar are weather dependent. We make decisions 8 am on the day of in case weather shifts overnight. Check website at 8:30 am.
