Things to Do on the North Shore: October 30–November 5, 2026

Friday, October 30 · Music and Movement in Beverly

10–11 a.m. at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street. Young children and their caregivers can begin the day with music, movement, and early-learning activities presented in partnership with CFCE of the North Shore.

Friday, October 30 · Slime Potion Brewing in Salem

10 a.m.–noon at The Lost Library, 282 Derby Street. Children can create colorful slime potions using decorative mix-ins. Advance reservations are recommended because workshop space may be limited.

Friday, October 30 · Tiny Stick Brooms at PEM

3 p.m. at the Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street, Salem. Families can stop by the museum’s Friday art program to create miniature brooms inspired by the Halloween season. Confirm whether museum admission or advance registration is required.

Saturday, October 31 · Musical Mornings with Miz Liz

10–10:30 a.m. at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street. Families with younger children can enjoy a short Halloween-morning music program at the library.

Saturday, October 31 · Houdini Halloween Magic Show

11 a.m. at the Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street, Salem. PEM is commemorating the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death with a Halloween magic show and related museum programming. Review admission and seating information before attending.

Saturday, October 31 · Magic Bottles Drop-In Art

1 p.m. at the Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street, Salem. Children can continue their museum visit with a Halloween-themed art-making activity. Check the listing for the program’s end time and whether it is included with admission.

Saturday, October 31 · Downtown Salem Halloween Finale

Entertainment runs from noon into the evening at Salem Common, Charlotte Forten Park, Front Street, Hawthorne Boulevard and Washington Street. Families seeking a calmer experience may prefer the afternoon performances. The North River drone show is scheduled for approximately 10:10 p.m.; its late start and the expected crowds may make it better suited to families with older children.

Sunday, November 1 · Final Day for Hocus Pocus Décor

Beginning at 10 a.m. at Ropes Mansion, 318 Essex Street, Salem. Families have one final opportunity to see the mansion’s exterior decorated in tribute to Hocus Pocus. Because viewing arrangements and access can change, consult PEM before traveling.

Sunday, November 1 · Slime Potion Brewing

10 a.m.–noon at The Lost Library, 282 Derby Street, Salem. Sunday’s session provides another opportunity for children to design a customized slime creation after the busiest Halloween festivities have ended.

Monday, November 2 · Music with Dara

11–11:45 a.m. at Beverly Farms Library, 24 Vine Street. Children and caregivers can enjoy an interactive morning music program at the Farms Branch.

Monday, November 2 · Painted Owl Faces

3:30–4:30 p.m. at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street. The main library’s drop-in children’s art session shifts from Halloween to an autumn theme with painted owl-face crafts.

Tuesday, November 3 · Children’s Yoga in Peabody

10–11 a.m. at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street. Children can participate in a free morning session combining age-appropriate movement and relaxation. Comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and a yoga mat are recommended.

Tuesday, November 3 · Toddler Storytime

10–10:30 a.m. at South Branch Library, 78 Lynn Street, Peabody. Children ages 18 months through four years can enjoy books, songs, movement, and puppet friends with a caregiver. Space is limited, so verify registration before attending.

Wednesday, November 4 · Music and Movement

10:45–11:30 a.m. at Beverly Farms Library, 24 Vine Street. This CFCE program gives young children and their caregivers another opportunity to learn through singing and movement.

Wednesday, November 4 · DINOvember

3–5 p.m. at Beverly Farms Library, 24 Vine Street. Families can celebrate the library’s dinosaur-themed month with an afternoon activity. Review the calendar for recommended ages and registration requirements.

Wednesday, November 4 · Kids’ Pajama Storytime

5:30–6 p.m. at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street. Children can wear pajamas and wind down with an early-evening story program at the Main Library.

Thursday, November 5 · Fall Luminary Jar Craft

5:30–7 p.m. at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street. Children ages four and older can stop by the Children’s Room to make a seasonal luminary jar. Supplies are expected to be provided, and the program is listed as a drop-in activity.

Flexible Danvers family outing

The Peabody Institute Library of Danvers offers museum passes that can reduce admission costs at family destinations including the North Shore Children’s Museum, Wenham Museum, and Mass Audubon properties. Passes may have date restrictions, residency rules, limited availability, or advance-purchase requirements.

Local planning tips

Halloween weekend can be especially busy across the North Shore, so review the latest organizer information before leaving home.

• Expect unusually heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic in Salem on October 31.
• Use public transportation when possible and review Salem’s road-closure information before traveling.
• Consider visiting Salem earlier in the day if attending with younger children.
• Reserve museum tickets and paid workshops in advance.
• Verify registration for library programs, even when an activity is described as drop-in.
• Bring weather-appropriate layers for outdoor entertainment.
• Confirm costume-prop and bag restrictions before entering museums or crowded public events.
• Check each organizer’s page on the day of the event for cancellations or schedule changes.

Discover North Shore living

Libraries, museums, parks, seasonal celebrations, and community programs are part of what makes the North Shore a special place to call home. If you are considering buying or selling in Peabody, Beverly, Danvers, Salem, or another nearby community, Lynch Team Real Estate Consultants can help you compare neighborhoods and understand the local housing market.

Before you go

Details were checked on October 29, 2026. Confirm event status, ticket availability, admission costs, registration, age recommendations, parking, road closures, accessibility, and weather-related changes directly with each organizer.