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.

Photos from the Salem Cardboard Boat Regatta 2026 at Derby Wharf — hand-built boats, costumed crews, glorious sinkings, and the Titanic Award, all free.

Improv comedy in Marblehead returns Aug 1 — AOP’s Keg-n-Komedy at Marblehead Little Theatre with unscripted laughs and complimentary Bent Water craft beer.

Step into a former bank vault in downtown Lynn, and instead of safe-deposit boxes you’ll find a 150-seat black-box theatre buzzing before showtime. That’s the home of Stand Up Stick Up, Lynn’s monthly comedy show at The Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre. The next edition lands this Thursday, June 25, with doors at 7:30 p.m. and the show at 8:00 p.m.

75+ Valentine’s weekend events across Essex County, curated by Creative Collective Explores. Workshops, live music, comedy, romantic dinners, Galentine’s celebrations, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else — February 13–15, 2026.

Downtown Salem transforms into a winter wonderland February 6-8 as the Salem So Sweet Festival 2026 returns for its 24th year. This beloved celebration brings together sparkling ice sculptures, decadent chocolate, and Valentine’s Day shopping across the city’s historic streets—all as Salem approaches its landmark 400th anniversary. Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber of Commerce have crafted another memorable

Salem poetry events are flourishing as the city approaches its 400th anniversary celebration. On Sunday, January 11, the city’s first Poet Laureate, J.D. Scrimgeour, will launch his new book at the Peabody Essex Museum. This special reading marks nearly three decades of literary engagement with Salem. For poetry lovers and community members alike, it’s a meaningful moment. Salem’s First Poet