A plain-language read on Salem City Hall for the week of September 21–28, updated September 30: the data-center zoning debate, October parade and rideshare rules, business composting, licensing updates, and upcoming meetings.

Two brass cannons cast in 1836 are coming to Beverly Harbor on October 10. They belong to the Concord Independent Battery, and they will fire during the first on-water reenactment of the Battle of the Hannah and Nautilus. That is one of seven fall events in Beverly MA closing out the city’s 400th anniversary year. Beverly 400+, formally Beverly Quadricentennial,

Salem Night Tour started on October 1, 2006 with one family and a lantern. Twenty years later, the route hasn’t changed. Here’s what has, from the founder.

A plain-language read on what Salem’s boards, commissions and City Council actually did this week — and what’s coming — written for the people who run businesses here. This week: three citywide Haunted Happenings dates (the Food Truck Festival on the Common Sept 19–20, Mayor’s Night Out Sept 25, the Grand Parade Oct 1), the Shetland Park data-center permit appeal at the Zoning Board, a 16-room hotel and a 53-home project at the Planning Board, a Living Wage hearing, and $1M to extend the Salem Skipper.

Mass Cultural Council’s FY27 Grants for Creative Individuals offer unrestricted $5,000 awards. Applications are due October 27, with an online info session September 22.

A plain-language read on what Salem’s boards, commissions and City Council actually did — and what’s coming — written for the people who run businesses here. Every item points back to the city’s own posted record so you can check our work — and you should: agendas get amended, items get continued and meetings get cancelled, sometimes within the same

The Ames Hall Gothic Series runs 32 performances at Ames Memorial Hall in Salem this October — The Woman in Black October 2–18, and The Haunted Hall candlelit piano concerts October 23 through November 1. All proceeds fund Creative Arts scholarships at the YMCA of the North Shore.

Lynn Brews, Views, Bites & Beats returns September 26 with food trucks, local drinks, live music, family activities, artisans, and Lynn Harbor views.

A Night for Patrick photos: North Shore Music Theatre went green for a 10-year-old from Hamilton, with Broadway voices, kids on stage, and a full house.

Photos from the first-ever Beverly Garden Party on Beverly Common — nine art installations, 400 free flowers, three bands, and a Champagne Chateau.