Things to Do on the North Shore: October 9–15, 2026

Friday, October 9 · Sensory-Friendly Halloween on the Hill

4–5 p.m. at Long Hill, 576 Essex Street, Beverly. The Trustees is offering a quieter, sensory-sensitive version of Halloween on the Hill for visitors who may benefit from reduced stimulation or an accessible alternative route. A downloadable social story is available to help families prepare. Advance timed tickets are required.

Friday, October 9 · Topsfield Fair

10 a.m.–10 p.m. at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, 207 Boston Street. Spend the day exploring animals, agricultural displays, demonstrations, rides, food vendors, exhibits, and scheduled entertainment. Friday begins the fair’s final weekend.

Saturday, October 10 · LEGO Robotics Workshop in Beverly

10:30 a.m.–noon at Beverly Public Library Farms Branch, 24 Vine Street. Children and teens can explore robotics and creative problem-solving through a hands-on LEGO workshop. Review the event page for recommended ages, registration availability, and any materials participants should bring.

Saturday, October 10 · Slime Potion Brewing in Salem

10 a.m.–noon at The Lost Library, 282 Derby Street. Children can design customized slime potions with colors, glitter, Halloween charms, scents, and labels. Destination Salem lists the workshop as family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Saturday, October 10 · Howl-o-ween Pet Parade

10:30–11:30 a.m. in downtown Salem. Families can watch costumed pets join one of Salem’s most playful October traditions. Check the official listing for the gathering location, parade route, participation rules, and weather updates.

Saturday, October 10 · Salem Glass Pumpkin Patch

11 a.m.–8 p.m. at Salem Common, Washington Square. Browse colorful handmade glass pumpkins, meet participating artists, and watch live demonstrations. The event continues Sunday and Monday with adjusted hours.

Sunday, October 11 · Good Witch of Salem Character Breakfast

10 a.m.–noon at the Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West. The Good Witch of Salem and several family characters will host a themed breakfast. Confirm ticket availability, the character lineup, seating information, and meal details before purchasing.

Sunday, October 11 · Haunted Happenings Marketplace

10 a.m.–6 p.m. at Salem Common, Washington Square. Browse an outdoor marketplace featuring independent artists, makers, designers, seasonal décor, clothing, jewelry, gifts, and other locally created items. Admission to the marketplace is free.

Monday, October 12 · Final Day of the Topsfield Fair

10 a.m.–8 p.m. at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, 207 Boston Street. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is the final opportunity to visit the 2026 Topsfield Fair and explore agricultural exhibits, animals, demonstrations, food stands, entertainment, and the midway.

Monday, October 12 · Salem Glass Pumpkin Patch

10 a.m.–6 p.m. at Salem Common, Washington Square. The Glass Pumpkin Patch concludes Monday with another opportunity to browse handmade pieces and see participating artists.

Tuesday, October 13 · Children’s Yoga in Peabody

10–11 a.m. at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street. Children can begin the morning with movement and relaxation at this free library program. Comfortable clothes and a water bottle are recommended; bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Tuesday, October 13 · Pumpkin Painting at the South Branch

3:30–4:30 p.m. at South Branch Library, 78 Lynn Street, Peabody. Children ages 5–12 and their caregivers can decorate a pumpkin during this after-school program. Supplies are provided, and the library recommends wearing clothes suitable for painting. Confirm registration before attending.

Wednesday, October 14 · Book Buzz and Spooky Garland Craft

Book Buzz Story Time runs from 11–11:45 a.m., followed by an after-school Spooky Garland Craft from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Beverly Public Library Farms Branch, 24 Vine Street. Confirm age guidance and registration through the library calendar.

Thursday, October 15 · Baby and Toddler Storytimes in Peabody

Baby Storytime runs from 10–10:30 a.m. and Toddler Storytime from 11–11:30 a.m. at Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street. Both programs include stories, songs, movement, and early-literacy activities. Registration is required.

Thursday, October 15 · Teen Luminaries and Pumpkin Decorating

4–5:30 p.m. at Beverly Public Library Farms Branch, 24 Vine Street. Teens can stop by for a seasonal afternoon of luminary-making and pumpkin decorating. Check the library calendar for registration information.

Flexible local ideas

If a scheduled program does not fit your plans, try one of these easy North Shore outings.

• Explore the trails, playground, farm animals, and open space at Endicott Park in Danvers.
• Walk through downtown Danvers and stop at the library.
• Visit Lynch Park or Independence Park in Beverly.
• Explore Brooksby Farm or a section of the Independence Greenway in Peabody.
• Walk Derby Wharf in Salem before the largest weekend crowds arrive.
• Review the Danvers Library calendar for newly added family programs.

Local planning tips

October attractions can be busy, so review organizer information before leaving home.

• Expect heavy October traffic and limited parking throughout downtown Salem.
• Consider taking the MBTA commuter rail into Salem.
• Reserve timed tickets before traveling to Halloween on the Hill.
• Check age ranges and registration requirements for library programs.
• Confirm holiday hours before visiting libraries on October 12.
• Purchase Topsfield Fair admission and review the daily schedule in advance.
• Bring layers and comfortable walking shoes for outdoor events.
• Check outdoor-event pages on the day of your visit for weather changes.

Experience North Shore living

Family programs, local traditions, parks, libraries, historic destinations, and seasonal events are part of what makes each North Shore community distinctive. If you are considering buying or selling a home in Peabody, Beverly, Danvers, Salem, Topsfield, or a surrounding community, Lynch Team Real Estate Consultants can help you compare neighborhoods and understand the local real estate market.

Before you go

Information was verified on October 8, 2026. Confirm event status, registration availability, ticket prices, age recommendations, parking, accessibility, holiday hours, and weather-related changes directly with each organizer before attending.