Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe

09/15/2026

During the Week Events, 9/14 - 9/17, Advanced Notice:

Tuesday, September 15th:

*Geya Jenda’s Birthday Read N’ Roast hosted by David Harnch, Doors 7pm/Show 7:30pm, $5, 21+, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Disney and Pixar Trivia, 8pm - 10pm, 21+, Bit Bar

Wednesday, September 16th:

*Chronicles and Crafts in the Cove, 10:30am - 11:30am, Free w/ registration, The House of the Severn Gables (For more info & to register please visit https://7gables.org/event/chronicles-and-crafts-september-16/ )

Thursday, September 17th - Sunday, September 20th:

*Salem CritterFest (a series of films about animals, pets & wildlife) presented by Salem Screens playing at Cinema Salem & Virtual On Demand, $5-$15 depending on ticket type, Cinema Salem (Or your home! Or your friend’s home! For more info & to purchase tickets, pease visit https://salemcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome )

Thursday, September 17th - Saturday, November 7th (Thursdays & Saturdays):

*Salem’s Comedy Coven Haunted Comedy Show presented by Witch City Comedy, Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 8pm - 9:30pm (no show on Oct. 1st or 31st), $30, The Lost Library (for more info & to grab tickets please go to https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/salem-s-comedy-coven )

Thursday, September 17th:

*Salem Farmer’s Market, 3pm - 7pm, Derby Square

*Salem CritterFest: CatVideo Fest, 6:30pm, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.cinemasalem.com/movie/salem-critterfest-catvideofest-2026 )

*”Hannah in Context: What Really Happened and Why Did it Matter?” Lecture, 6:30pm - 8pm, Free w/ registration, Salem Armory Visitor Center (For more info & to register please visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=E0509BAE-C5FF-F92E-A3603C597C9B0264 )

*Cosplay Monthly Meetup: Villains!, 7pm - 9pm, 21+, Bit Bar

Regular Salem, (Mostly) Year-Round Offernings (There is ALWAYS something to do!):

Mondays:

*Open Mic Night, 6:30pm - 9pm (6:30pm sign ups start, 7pm - 9pm open mic, first come first serve), under 21 must be accompanied by a parent, 21+ after 8pm, East Regiment B**r Company

*Wild-Craft Monday, 7:30pm - 10pm, various prices, The Witchery Studio Space (Until August 31st; for more info & tickets please visit https://walkwithawitch.com/events/ )

*Geya Genda’s Hump Day Open Mic (an open stage for ALL q***r performing artists), 8:30pm, $10 cover, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion (Every 3rd Monday of every month.)

*Karaoke, 9:30pm - 2am, O’neill’s Irish Pub

Tuesdays:

*Test Kitchen Tuesdays (behind the scenes with brand new, original cocktails every week!), 5pm - 11pm, Hallowed Ground

*Yesh! Trivia at the Shanty, 7pm - 11pm, The Lobster Shanty

*Drag Karaoke Night w/ Maxine Harrison, 7pm (sign-ups 6:45pm!), Gulu-Glulu Cafe (Sept 22nd)

*Jazz Night, 7pm - 9pm, The BABE

*Trivia, 7:30pm - 9:30pm, the Village Tavern

*General Knowledge Trivia, 8pm - 11pm, O’neill’s Irish Pub

Wednesdays:

*Open Mic Night, 5pm - 8pm, Far From the Tree C***r

*Notch Run Club, 6pm - 7:30pm, Notch Brewing (Meet at the tap room between 6 - 6:30pm!)

*Bingo! With Will Pottorff, 6pm - 8pm, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Northshore Line Dancing, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, $15, Salem State South Campus (To reserve a spot, please visit www.eventvista.com/events/147049/t/tickets )

*Comedy Open Mic hosted by Allie DF, 6:30pm - 10pm (list goes up at 6:30pm, show runs 7 - 10:30pm), Hallowed Ground

*Game Night Wednesday, 8pm - 11pm, O’Neill’s Irish Pub

Thursdays:

*Salem Farmers’ Market, 3pm - 7pm, Derby Square off Front Street (Until October 8th)

*Wicked Running Club, 5pm - 8:30pm (Meet up at Village Tavern; run then grab a pint after!)

*NAGLY Library Community Drop-ins, 5pm - 7pm (Enjoy the NAGLY Library and all it has to offer! They have a wide collection of books to browse and borrow, computers, and a printer. You can use us as a quiet space or a place to meet and chill after work. 18+ but minors can come if accompanied by an adult.), NAGLY at the Witch City Mall

*East Reggie Run Club, 6pm - 7pm, East Regiment B**r Company

*Musical Bingo (Guess the song & win prizes!), 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Howling Wolf Taqueria

*”A Night For The Arts” Open Mic (Local artists, poets, musicians, performers of all kinds), 7pm, The Village Tavern

*Trivia, 7pm (4 per team), Dire Wolf Tavern

*Film Club, 7pm - 9pm, 18+, Films TBD, pizza & snacks provided, NAGLY at the Witch City Mall (On the 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month.)

*Sea Witch Ball Workshop, 7pm - 10pm, $65 - $85 (+ticket service fee), 13+, The Sea Wych (For more info & tickets please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list . Tickets must be purchased by noon the day before.)

*Thursday Night Social Night w/ host Geya Jenda, 7pm - 11pm, The BABE

*Open Mic!, 7:30pm - 11:30pm, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Trivia Night Thursday, 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Couch Dog Brewing

*Arcade Era Karaoke Thursdays, 9pm - 11pm, Bit Bar

*Karaoke with ND Productions, 9:30pm - 2am, O’neill’s Irish Pub

Fridays:

Tea & Cake Tasting, 3pm - 5pm, Free!, Jolie Tea Company

*A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more information & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events )

* Miz Diamond Wigfall Friday Night Drag, Fridays at 8pm - 10pm, no cover, 21+, Bit Bar Salem

*Friday Night Karaoke, 8pm - 11pm, The BABE

*Comedy Night @ Super Slice presented by Witch City Comedy, 9pm - 11:30pm, Garcon Super Slice

*Entertainment Weekend (various weekend DJs), 9pm, never a cover, The Village Tavern (for more information on which DJ is playing when please visit https://villagetavernsalem.com/entertainment )

*DJ & Dancing, 10pm - 2am, O’Neill’s Irish Pub

Saturdays:

*Secrets of First Church Self-Guided Tour, 10am - 3:30pm, First Church Salem Unitarian Universalist

*Slime Potion Brewing Class, 10am - 11:30am, $20, The Lost Library (Until November 2nd; for more info & tickets please visit https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/slime-potion-brewing-class )

*Couch Dog Run Club, 11:30am - 12:30pm, Couch Dog Brewing

*Entertainment Weekend: (various acoustic performers), 3pm - 6pm, The Village Tavern

*Cry Innocent: The People Vs. Bridget Bishop, presented by History Alive Inc., 3pm - 4pm, $0 - $28.43 (free for Salem Residents w/ proof/Children under 10 !) Salem Visitors Center (until Sept. 12th; for more info & tickets please visit https://historyalivesalem.simpletix.com/ )

*A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more information & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events )

*Jam with Danny Mac, 7pm - 10pm, Broadie’s Seaport

*Entertainment Weekend (various weekend DJs), 9pm, never a cover, The Village Tavern (For more info on which DJ is playing when please visit https://villagetavernsalem.com/entertainment )

*DJ and Dancing, 10pm - 2am, O’Neill’s Irish Pub

Sundays:

*Student Massage Clinic, 9:30am - 1:30pm, $59 (although discounted rates available), The Spirit Wellness Institute (For more info & appointments, please visit: https://spiritwellnessinstitute.fullslate.com/ )

*Slime Potion Brewing Class, 10am - 11:30am, $20, The Lost Library (Until November 2nd; for more info & tickets please visit https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/slime-potion-brewing-class )

*Notch Run Club, 12pm - 2pm, Notch Brewing (meet at the tap room at 12noon)

*Drag Brunch - Diamond’s Dine in with Maxine Harrison, 2pm-4pm, Gulu-Gulu Cafe (Seating is first come first serve)

*Sunday Funday with Chris Fitz & Steve Peabody (music), Sundays at 5pm - 8:30pm, Brodies
Seaport

*Sunday Night Jazz, 5pm, Hollowed Ground

*Groove Gamers of Salem: Rhythm Game Meet-Up, 5L30pm, Free and open to all skill levels!, Bit Bar (For more info please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

*Koto Karaoke hosted by ND Productions, 8:30pm, Koto Asian Fusion

*Matt in the Mix Sunday Night Karaoke, Sundays at 10pm - 2am, Oneill’s Irish Pub

09/13/2026

TEN. THOUSAND. FOLLOWERS! 🐈‍⬛

Well, that seems worth celebrating!

When we started Black Cat, what we wanted to share most was a passion for Imagination and Creativity, inspired by Curiosity.

Now, 10,000 people have chosen to follow our particular combination of Salem history, ghost stories, curious objects, collections of historical and Hollywood artifacts, black cats, and whatever excitement we happen to be getting ourselves into.

So first, genuinely, thank you for being part of our ongoing adventure.

And because 10,000 seems far too big a number to celebrate with just a Facebook post, we have presents!

VISITING US IN PERSON?

Show us this post at the Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe today or Monday and get 10% off your purchase!

FOLLOWING ONLINE?

Leave us a comment below and tell us your favorite Black Cat memory, something you’ve learned from us, something wonderfully strange you’ve found in the Shoppe, or a question you'd love to ask us! We’ll let the cats randomly choose one person to win a special Black Cat Curiosity Box filled with some of our favorite things! We'll give it until Tuesday evening to close submissions!

And while we’re celebrating, don't forget about voting! Free and no sign up! Details in comments!

Black Cat Tours is nominated for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Best Ghost Tours, and we're battling for 1st!

We’re incredibly proud to be representing Salem. If we’ve ever made you laugh, shiver, learn something unexpected, or look at this city a little differently, we’d be honored to have your vote.

(Voting is NOT a requirement for entry to win a Curiosity Box!)

Thank you for being one of the 10,000 Curious Cats following along. Truly, it means the world. 🤍🐈‍⬛

Evening walking tours with Black Cat Tours take visitors back in time through the true history of Salem, Massachusetts. Visit some of the city’s most haunted sites, learn about the tools used by early ghost hunters, and hear stories of how the town inspired the horror stories of H.P. Lovecraft, Na...

09/12/2026

This weekend and looking forward through the end of the year!

Saturday, 9/12:

*The Art of the Phillips House, 10am - 11am, Members $15/Non-Members $25, Historic New England’s Phillips House (For more info & tickets, please visit https://www.historicnewengland.org/visit/events/ )

*Studio Saturdays: Nature’s Abundance Collages, 10:30am - 12pm, $30 Members/ $35 Non-Members - Museum admission included, Peabody Essex Museum (For more info & tickets please visit https://www.pem.org/events/studio-saturdays-natures-abundance-collages )

*Ghost Ship Market Summer Series, 11am - 5pm, Derby Square

*Knotty Witches Presents A Practical Magic Candlemaking Experience, 11am - 2pm, $80/pp - all supplies provided, The Hawthorne Hotel (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://knottywitchesinc.com/ )

*The SCNA 8th Annual Vintage Lawn Party, 12pm - 4pm (12pm - 4pm Dancing, Lawn Games, Vendors, & More!, 2pm - 4pm live music by Annie and the Furtrappers; Rain date 9/13), Free!, Salem Common

*Moon Over Salem - A Cinema Mini Fest & a full benefit for The Moon Rising Artist Scholarship, 1pm -10pm, $25 in advance/$30 Day of Show, All Ages!, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/moon-over-salem--2026 )

*Bat House Making at the Ropes Mansion Garden, 2pm - 4pm, The Ropes Mansion - SOLD OUT

*Ryan Kelleher (music) & Elia’s Taverna Food Pop Up, 2pm - 5pm, Far From the Tree C***r

*Blues on Tap, 8pm - 11pm, no cover!, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

Sunday, 9/13:

*Notch Oktoberfest 2026, 12pm - 6pm, Free admission although there are $20 Notch ’26 Steinkrugs for sale (while supplies last)!, Dressing up encouraged!, 21+ (including babies), Notch Brewery (For more info please go to https://www.notchbrewing.com/salem-events/2024/9/15/oktoberfest-k496b-zh9tn )

*Stephen Hildonsen (music) & EDEX Cheese Cart Food Pop-Up, 2pm - 5pm, Far From the Tree C***r

*Tarot Book Pairing at The Midnight Bookseller, 5:30pm - 8:30pm, $75, The Midnight Bookseller (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tarot-book-pairing-at-salems-midnight-bookseller-tickets-1999702766806?aff=oddtdtcreator )

*The Muppetlesque Cabaret: A Burlesque & Drag Tribute to Jim Henson, 7pm. 18+, Cinema Salem (for info & tickets please visit Ticketleap.com )

UPCOMING/ADVANCED NOTICE:

During the Week, 9/14 - 9/17:

Tuesday, September 15th:

*Geya Jenda’s Birthday Read N’ Roast hosted by David Harnch, Doors 7pm/Show 7:30pm, $5, 21+, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

Wednesday, September 16th:

*Chronicles and Crafts in the Cove, 10:30am - 11:30am, Free w/ registration, The House of the Severn Gables (For more info & to register please visit https://7gables.org/event/chronicles-and-crafts-september-16/ )

Thursday, September 17th - Sunday, September 20th:
*Salem CritterFest (a series of films about animals, pets & wildlife) presented by Salem Screens playing at Cinema Salem & Virtual On Demand, $5-$15 depending on ticket type, Cinema Salem (Or your home! Or your friend’s home! For more info & to purchase tickets, pease visit https://salemcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome )

Thursday, September 17th - Saturday, November 7th (Thursdays & Saturdays):

*Salem’s Comedy Coven Haunted Comedy Show presented by Witch City Comedy, Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 8pm - 9:30pm (no show on Oct. 1st or 31st), $30, The Lost Library (for more info & to grab tickets please go to https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/salem-s-comedy-coven )

Thursday, September 17th:

*Salem Farmer’s Market, 3pm - 7pm, Derby Square

*Salem CritterFest: CatVideo Fest, 6:30pm, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.cinemasalem.com/movie/salem-critterfest-catvideofest-2026 )

*”Hannah in Context: What Really Happened and Why Did it Matter?” Lecture, 6:30pm - 8pm, Free w/ registration, Salem Armory Visitor Center (For more info & to register please visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=E0509BAE-C5FF-F92E-A3603C597C9B0264 )

*Cosplay Monthly Meetup: Villains!, 7pm - 9pm, 21+, Bit Bar

Onward:

September 18th - September 20th:

*An Evening of Hocus Pocus: A Spelltactular Cabaret presented by Summer Orlando Productions, 4 Performances Only!, Cinema Salem (For more info including showtimes & tickets, please visit www.cinemasalem.com )

September 19 & 20th:

*The 7th Annual Salem Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival, 11am - 6pm, Free entry!, Salem Common (for more info & b**r tickets please visit www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/salem )

*The Satanic Temple’s Good Works Campaign presents their Community Clean Up; more details coming soon!

September 25th:

* Endless Night Salem Vampire Salon Noir Cruise, 8:30pm - 12am, 21+, The Hannah Glover, Salem (Event is part of a multi-event weekend; for more info & tickets, please visit: https://vampfangs.com/pages/boston-vampire-ball )

September 26th:

*Chuseok Festival (presented in English & Korean, w/ live English translation), Free w/museum admission, Peabody Essex Museum (for more info please visit https://www.pem.org/events/chuseok-festival )

*2nd Annual Hocus Pocus Craft Fair, 12pm - 6pm, Village Tavern in Governors Hall (Vendor applications open! If interested, please go to https://forms.gle/gMrkbtoZKGKvp8Lc7 )

*90 Karaoke Prom, doors 8pm/requests go open at 8:30pm, $10, 21+, Bit Bar (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

September 27th:

*Vampire Lounge presented by Vamp Fangs (Special Sunday Night Edition!), 8pm - 12am, $28.52, 21+. (VIV Weekend Pass holders receive admission to this event as part of their weekend pass and will have open bar access during The Vampire Lounge; goth casual to formal is encouraged, all black preferred but color is welcome. No jeans, sweats, sportswear, baseball hats, or Halloween costumes. Dress for the atmosphere.) Longboards Restaurant & Bar; for more info & to purchase tickets please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/vampire-lounge-september-27th-tickets-1992671028688

September 28th:

*The Home Town Queeros Present: Big Gay Night Out, Resurrection, 9pm - 11pm, No Cover (but please tip your performers!), 21+, Koto Asian Fusion

October 1st:

*The 29th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade ~ and the official start of Salem’s Spooky Season!, 6:30pm - 8:00pm (Parade Theme: Old-School Halloween)
Parade Route: Start: Shetland Park > Congress Street >left onto Derby Street>right onto Central Street>left onto Front Street>right onto Washington Street>right onto Essex Street Pedestrian Mall>End: Salem Common
PARTICIPANTS WELCOME & VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! (Looking for about 50 more volunteers for this year!)
For more info on the parade, to sign up to march, or to volunteer, please visit https://www.salem-chamber.org/haunted-happenings-grand-parade

October 3rd:

*The Salem YMCA Witch City 5K Fundraiser, 9am, Salem Willows Park (for more info & to register, please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113127/witch-city-5k-road-race )

*Haunted Biz Bash Street Fair, 10am - 8pm, Salem Common

*Salem Zombie Walk 2026, 11am (Zombies gather at 11am, walk starts at 12noon), Salem Common

October 4th:

*Haunted Biz Bash Street Fair, 10am - 8pm, Salem Common

October 7th:

*Abracadabra: A Lady Gaga Themed Drag Show hosted by Miz Diamond Wigfall with DJ Maxine Harrison, 6pm - 7:30pm, Free but please tip your performers!!, All Ages, Die With Your Boots On

October 9th & October 10th:

*The 14th Annual Lanterns in the Woods (previously Lanterns in the Village), 6:30pm - 9:30pm, $15 (children under 3 free!), Rain or Shine, Salem High School (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lanterns-in-the-woods-previously-lanterns-in-the-village-tickets-1993692016490?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )

October 10th:

*Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade, 10:30am - 11:30am, $5 locals/$10 out-of-towners for registration, Derby Wharf

*Halloween Drag Brunch hosted by Miz Diamond Wigfall & DJ Maxine Harrison, 11:30am - 2pm (doors at 11:30am/show at 12noon), $63.10 (ticket includes brunch buffet; costumes encouraged!), 21+, Hallowed Ground (For more information & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.hallowedgroundsalem.com/events/halloween-drag-brunch-2ee9b9cd )

*The 5th Annual Halloween Boat Parade, 11:30am - 1pm, all boaters are welcome to participate!, Derby Wharf

October 11th:

*The Good Witch of Salem’s Character Breakfast, 10am - 12pm, The Hawthorne Hotel

October 16th:

*Hellfire Cabaret: A Speakeasy For Saints and Sinners, 6:30pm - 11pm, 21+, Hawthorne Hotel (ticketed event; www.salemwitchfest.com for more info)

October 16th (& 17th, 23rd & 24th):

*Salem, Night Faire, 5pm - 10pm, $20, Pioneer Village (for more info & tickets please visit: https://salemnightfaire.com/ )

October 17th:

*The Hysteria Hour: an evening dedicated to the depth of femininity in horror film and literature - a new cocktail drops every HOUR that celebrates their cinematic horror favs, Costumes highly encouraged!, 6pm - 11pm, 21+, Deacon Giles Distillery

October 24th:

*Halloween Drag Brunch hosted by Miz Diamond Wigfall & DJ Maxine Harrison, 11:30am - 2pm (doors at 11:30am/show at 12noon), $63.10 (ticket includes brunch buffet; costumes encouraged!), 21+, Hallowed Ground (For more information & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.hallowedgroundsalem.com/events/halloween-drag-brunch-2ee9b9cd )

* Wicked Night on the Wharf: UNTAMED, 7:30pm - 12am, $175 - $225, 21+, Salem Waterfront hotel and Suites (for more info and tickets please visit https://salemwaterfronthotel.com/hotel-events/comic-nightmare/ )

*Hawthorne Hotel Ball: Phobia, 7:30pm - 12am, $215.26, 21+, Hawthorne Hotel (TICKETS GOING FAST! For more info and tickets please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawthorne-hotels-2026-halloween-ball-phobia-tickets-1990199813216?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )

*The Annual Heaven & Hell Ball presented by Rockafellas, doors are at 8pm, $100, 21+, Colonial Hall (For more info and to get tickets ~ tickets are selling fast, event always sells out!! ~ please visit https://rockafellasofsalem.com/october-events/ )

October 25th:

* Vixens & Villains: The Gathering, doors at 8pm, show at 9pm, 21+, (Food Drive event as well & donations welcome!), Bit Bar Salem

October 26th - October 29th:

*Hallowe’en/Samhain Ghost Ship Witch Ball Workshop, 6pm - 8pm on October 26th, 7pm - 9pm on October 27th - October 29th, $85 (+$2.13 processing fee; cost includes all materials and supplies - including obsidian and amethyst witch ball toppers made by The Sea Wych Salem specifically for this event - a special charm to finish off your creation, a brief history of the witch ball, a meditation & short ritual, a ritual kid, the opportunity to shop privately, before or after the workshop, and a 10% discount on all store items), The Sea Wych (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list )

Friday, October 30th:

*Salem’s Devils Night 2026 presented by The Devils Reign in association with The Church of Satan, 9:30pm - 12:30am, $40, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion (For more info & to get tickets ~ tickets limited to only 150 people! ~ please visit https://www.howlbooks.net/shop/salemdevilsnight2026/ )

Saturday, October 31st:

*FRIGHT NIGHT COSTUME PARTY, presented by Rockafellas, doors are 8pm (no arrivals after 10pm), $75, 21+, Colonial Hall (For more info and to get tickets ~ ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT! ~ please visit https://rockafellasofsalem.com/october-events/ )

*Halloween Night Finale Drone Show, 10pm - 10:30pm, The North River ~ and the official last event of the 2026 Salem Haunted Happenings

November 12th - 15th:

*The Salem Literary Festival, https://salemlitfest.org/

November 27th:

The 2026 Salem TREE LIGHTING - and the official start of Salem’s Holiday Happenings!
*5:45pm: start at the Salem Common, head to the Hawthorne Hotel
*6pm: Santa lands on the roof of the hotel & the Salem Fire Department lower him to the street, then Santa leads a lantern-lit procession down Essex Street to Lappin Park to light the tree!

November 28th:

*The Salem Arts Association Holiday Artist Market, 11am - 5pm, Free!, Old Town Hall, Derby Square

December 13th:

*Fool of Misrule: A Medieval Holiday Market brought to you by the creators of the Salem Ren Faire - details coming soon!!

December 19th:

*Ghost Ship Yule Market (applications open!), Old Town Hall https://ghostshipmarket.com/

09/10/2026

One of the things we love most about Salem is that its history can be told through its ghost stories.

Behind every haunting is a real person, a real place, a real tragedy, a strange coincidence, or a piece of history that might otherwise be forgotten.

That is what we have always loved doing at Black Cat Tours: using the stories people come to Salem wanting to hear as a doorway into the history that made this city what it is.

We are incredibly proud to be nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Ghost Tours, and especially proud to represent Salem and Massachusetts doing exactly that.

If you’d like to support us, you can vote again every day for free with no sign up until the contest ends! See comments for details!

Shares are always appreciated!

09/09/2026

With the weather growing cooler and the leaves changing color it brings to mind the thought of apples and c***r. These are a few of our staff’s favorite ‘haunts’!

Russell Orchards
Located at 143 Argilla Road in Ipswich, MA

Russell Orchards is a family run orchard with not just apples growing but also peaches and pears! The farm has belonged to the Russell Family since 1979. With it now being run by the son of the original owner. A must have from the bakery is their home-made c***r donuts! They are nut free for those who may be wondering!

C***r Hill Farms
Located at 45 Fern Avenue in Amesbury, MA

C***r Hill Farms is run by both the Cook & Durocher Families. In 2022 it was ranked #4 Most Beautiful Farm in the World! In 2026 they harvested their first cherry crop. As the name suggests they are known for their hard c***r! They have many different varieties of c***r as well!

Smolak Farms
Located at 315 South Bradford Street in North Andover, MA

Smolak Farms is run by the Smolak Family. In 1982 the family preserved 107 of the 160 acres with help from the State of Massachusetts Agriculture Preservation Restriction Program to ensure that the land would remain open and never be developed. Not only can you pick your own apples but raspberries and of course pumpkins come October. While there, try one of their delicious baked goods that change yearly!

We are very excited for the autumn season!

Please remember to vote for us every day in the USA Today 10 Best Ghost Tour competition! Free and no sign up! Link in the comments!

09/05/2026

Hello folks! It's a fairly quiet Labor Day Weekend in town, so here's a heads up for your advance planning!

(Also, a reminder to drop us a vote for 10 Best!)

Saturday, 9/5:

*Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging presented by the North Shore Community Development Coalition, 1pm - 4pm, Free!, BYOS (Bring Your Own Seating), Palmer Cove Park

* Cast Off with the Canines: End of Summer Dog Cruise aboard the Hannah Glover presented by Tails of Salem, 4pm - 5:30pm, Mahi Mahi Cruises and Charters, Pickering Wharf (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cast-off-with-the-canines-end-of-summer-dog-cruise-tickets-1996184048224 )

*Dennis Dulong Jr. (music) & Mal’Idea Food Pop-Up, 2pm - 5pm, Far From the Tree C***r
*Freaky Tiki End of Summer Bash! Hosted by Eternal October & Salem Scare Society, 7:30pm - 11pm, Deacon Giles Distillery

*Hardtop Funk, 8pm - 11pm, no cover!, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Decades 80’s Night’s 18th Anniversary w/ DJ Alvis & DJ Zombie, $10, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion

Sunday, 9/6:
*EROO (music), 2pm - 5pm, Far From the Tree C***r

Onward:

September 12th:

*Moon Over Salem - A Cinema Mini Fest & a full benefit for The Moon Rising Artist Scholarship, 1pm -10pm, $25 in advance/$30 Day of Show, All Ages!, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/moon-over-salem--2026 )

September 13th:

*Notch Oktoberfest 2026, 12pm - 6pm, Free admission although there are $20 Notch ’26 Steinkrugs for sale (while supplies last)!, Dressing up encouraged!, 21+ (including babies), Notch Brewery (For more info please go to https://www.notchbrewing.com/salem-events/2024/9/15/oktoberfest-k496b-zh9tn )

*The Muppetlesque Cabaret: A Burlesque & Drag Tribute to Jim Henson, 7pm. 18+, Cinema Salem (for info & tickets please visit Ticketleap.com )

September 15th:

*Geya Jenda’s Birthday Read N’ Roast hosted by David Harnch, Doors 7pm/Show 7:30pm, $5, 21+, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

September 17th - September 20th:

*Salem CritterFest (a series of films about animals, pets & wildlife) presented by Salem Screens playing at Cinema Salem & Virtual On Demand, $5-$15 depending on ticket type, Cinema Salem (Or your home! Or your friend’s home! For more info & to purchase tickets, pease visit https://salemcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome )

September 17th - November 7th:

*Salem’s Comedy Coven Haunted Comedy Show presented by Witch City Comedy, Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 8pm - 9:30pm (no show on Oct. 1st or 31st), $30, The Lost Library (for more info & to grab tickets please go to https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/salem-s-comedy-coven )

September 17th:

*Salem CritterFest: CatVideo Fest, 6:30pm, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.cinemasalem.com/movie/salem-critterfest-catvideofest-2026 )

September 18th - September 20th:

*An Evening of Hocus Pocus: A Spelltactular Cabaret presented by Summer Orlando Productions, 4 Performances Only!, Cinema Salem (For more info including showtimes & tickets, please visit www.cinemasalem.com )

September 19 & 20th:

*The 7th Annual Salem Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival, 11am - 6pm, Free entry!, Salem Common (for more info & b**r tickets please visit www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/salem )

*The Satanic Temple’s Good Works Campaign presents their Community Clean Up; more details coming soon!

September 25th:

* Endless Night Salem Vampire Salon Noir Cruise, 8:30pm - 12am, 21+, The Hannah Glover, Salem (Event is part of a multi-event weekend; for more info & tickets, please visit: https://vampfangs.com/pages/boston-vampire-ball )

September 26th:

*Chuseok Festival (presented in English & Korean, w/ live English translation), Free w/museum admission, Peabody Essex Museum (for more info please visit https://www.pem.org/events/chuseok-festival )

*2nd Annual Hocus Pocus Craft Fair, 12pm - 6pm, Village Tavern in Governors Hall (Vendor applications open! If interested, please go to https://forms.gle/gMrkbtoZKGKvp8Lc7 )

*90 Karaoke Prom, doors 8pm/requests go open at 8:30pm, $10, 21+, Bit Bar (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

October 1st:

*The 29th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade ~ and the official start of Salem’s Spooky Season!, 6:30pm - 8:00pm (Parade Theme: Old-School Halloween)

Parade Route: Start: Shetland Park > Congress Street >left onto Derby Street>right onto Central Street>left onto Front Street>right onto Washington Street>right onto Essex Street Pedestrian Mall>End: Salem Common
PARTICIPANTS WELCOME & VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! (Looking for about 50 more volunteers for this year!)
For more info on the parade, to sign up to march, or to volunteer, please visit
https://www.salem-chamber.org/haunted-happenings-grand-parade

October 3rd:

*The Salem YMCA Witch City 5K Fundraiser, 9am, Salem Willows Park (for more info & to register, please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113127/witch-city-5k-road-race )

*Salem Zombie Walk 2026, 11am (Zombies gather at 11am, walk starts at 12noon), Salem Common

October 4th:

*Haunted Biz Bash Street Fair, 10am - 6pm, Salem Common

October 9th & October 10th:

*The 14th Annual Lanterns in the Woods (previously Lanterns in the Village), 6:30pm - 9:30pm, $15 (children under 3 free!), Rain or Shine, Salem High School (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lanterns-in-the-woods-previously-lanterns-in-the-village-tickets-1993692016490?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )

October 10th:

*Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade, 10:30am - 11:30am, $5 locals/$10 out-of-towners for registration, Derby Wharf

*Halloween Drag Brunch hosted by Miz Diamond Wigfall & DJ Maxine Harrison, 11:30am - 2pm (doors at 11:30am/show at 12noon), $63.10 (ticket includes brunch buffet; costumes encouraged!), 21+, Hallowed Ground (For more information & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.hallowedgroundsalem.com/events/halloween-drag-brunch-2ee9b9cd )

*The 5th Annual Halloween Boat Parade, 11:30am - 1pm, all boaters are welcome to participate!, Derby Wharf

October 16th:

*Hellfire Cabaret: A Speakeasy For Saints and Sinners, 6:30pm - 11pm, 21+, Hawthorne Hotel (ticketed event; www.salemwitchfest.com for more info)

October 16th (& 17th, 23rd & 24th):

*Salem, Night Faire, 5pm - 10pm, $20, Pioneer Village (for more info & tickets please visit: https://salemnightfaire.com/ )

October 17th:

*The Hysteria Hour: an evening dedicated to the depth of femininity in horror film and literature - a new cocktail drops every HOUR that celebrates their cinematic horror favs, Costumes highly encouraged!, 6pm - 11pm, 21+, Deacon Giles Distillery

October 24th:

*Halloween Drag Brunch hosted by Miz Diamond Wigfall & DJ Maxine Harrison, 11:30am - 2pm (doors at 11:30am/show at 12noon), $63.10 (ticket includes brunch buffet; costumes encouraged!), 21+, Hallowed Ground (For more information & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.hallowedgroundsalem.com/events/halloween-drag-brunch-2ee9b9cd )

* Wicked Night on the Wharf: UNTAMED, 7:30pm - 12am, $175 - $225, 21+, Salem Waterfront hotel and Suites (for more info and tickets please visit https://salemwaterfronthotel.com/hotel-events/comic-nightmare/ )

*Hawthorne Hotel Ball: Phobia, 7:30pm - 12am, $215.26, 21+, Hawthorne Hotel (TICKETS GOING FAST! For more info and tickets please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawthorne-hotels-2026-halloween-ball-phobia-tickets-1990199813216?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )

*The Annual Heaven & Hell Ball presented by Rockafellas, doors are at 8pm, $100, 21+, Colonial Hall (For more info and to get tickets ~ tickets are selling fast, event always sells out!! ~ please visit https://rockafellasofsalem.com/october-events/ )

October 25th:

* Vixens & Villains: The Gathering, doors at 8pm, show at 9pm, 21+, (Food Drive event as well & donations welcome!), Bit Bar Salem

October 26th - October 29th:

*Hallowe’en/Samhain Ghost Ship Witch Ball Workshop, 6pm - 8pm on October 26th, 7pm - 9pm on October 27th - October 29th, $85 (+$2.13 processing fee; cost includes all materials and supplies - including obsidian and amethyst witch ball toppers made by The Sea Wych Salem specifically for this event - a special charm to finish off your creation, a brief history of the witch ball, a meditation & short ritual, a ritual kid, the opportunity to shop privately, before or after the workshop, and a 10% discount on all store items), The Sea Wych (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list )

Friday, October 30th:

A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more information & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events ) ***SOLD OUT**

Hallowe’en/Samhain Ghost Ship Witch Ball Workshop, 7pm - 9pm, $85 (+$2.13 processing fee; cost includes all materials and supplies - including obsidian and amethyst witch ball toppers made by The Sea Wych Salem specifically for this event - a special charm to finish off your creation, a brief history of the witch ball, a meditation & short ritual, a ritual kid, the opportunity to shop privately, before or after the workshop, and a 10% discount on all store items), The Sea Wych (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list ) ***SOLD OUT**

*Salem’s Devils Night 2026 presented by The Devils Reign in association with The Church of Satan, 9:30pm - 12:30am, $40, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion (For more info & to get tickets ~ tickets limited to only 150 people! ~ please visit https://www.howlbooks.net/shop/salemdevilsnight2026/ )

Saturday, October 31st:

A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more info & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events ) ***SOLD OUT**

*The 2026 Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball (Theme: The Witches’ Sabbat), 7:30pm, $200 (+$11 online fee), 21+, The Hawthorne Hotel (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.festivalofthedead.com/witchesball/index.htm )

*FRIGHT NIGHT COSTUME PARTY, presented by Rockafellas, doors are 8pm (no arrivals after 10pm), $75, 21+, Colonial Hall (For more info and to get tickets ~ ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT! ~ please visit https://rockafellasofsalem.com/october-events/ )

*Halloween Night Finale Drone Show, 10pm - 10:30pm, The North River ~ and the official last event of the 2026 Salem Haunted Happenings

November 12th - 15th:

*The Salem Literary Festival, https://salemlitfest.org/

November 27th:

The 2026 Salem TREE LIGHTING - and the official start of Salem’s Holiday Happenings!

*5:45pm: start at the Salem Common, head to the Hawthorne Hotel
*6pm: Santa lands on the roof of the hotel & the Salem Fire Department lower him to the street, then Santa leads a lantern-lit procession down Essex Street to Lappin Park to light the tree!

November 28th:

*The Salem Arts Association Holiday Artist Market, 11am - 5pm, Free!, Old Town Hall, Derby Square

December 13th:

*Fool of Misrule: A Medieval Holiday Market brought to you by the creators of the Salem Ren Faire - details coming soon!!

December 19th:

*Ghost Ship Yule Market (applications open!), Old Town Hall https://ghostshipmarket.com/