Things to Do on the North Shore: September 18–24, 2026

Saturday, September 19 · Family Story Time in Beverly

9:30–10 a.m. at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street. Begin the weekend with a short family story-time program at the main library. Review the library calendar before attending for current age guidance and registration information.

Saturday, September 19 · Slime Potion Brewing in Salem

10 a.m.–noon at The Lost Library, 282 Derby Street. Children can create customized slime potions using colors and decorative mix-ins. Destination Salem includes the hands-on class in its family-event listings.

Saturday and Sunday, September 19–20 · Salem Food Truck Festival

11 a.m.–6 p.m. each day at Salem Common, North Washington Square. The free-entry festival brings a variety of food trucks to Salem Common for a casual outdoor weekend outing. Arriving early may make parking and seating easier.

Monday, September 21 · Creative Writing Club in Beverly

4–5 p.m. at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street. Students in grades four through eight can practice creative writing and share ideas in a welcoming library setting. Check whether registration is required before attending.

Monday, September 21 · Family Chess Night in Beverly

5:30–7:30 p.m. at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street. The library’s chess night is listed for adults, teens, and participants of all ages. Families can drop in to play or develop their skills alongside other local chess enthusiasts.

Tuesday, September 22 · Books and Babies Story Time

9:30–10 a.m. at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street. This early-literacy program is intended for newborns through 18 months and their caregivers, with books, interaction, and age-appropriate activities.

Tuesday, September 22 · Toddler Story Time

10:30–11 a.m. at Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street. Children ages 18 months through three years can enjoy stories and activities created for active young listeners.

Tuesday, September 22 · Baby and Toddler Story Time

11:15–11:45 a.m. at Beverly Public Library Farms Branch, 24 Vine Street. The Farms Branch offers another morning option for newborns through age three and their caregivers.

More local library programs

Peabody and Danvers libraries frequently add children’s crafts, story times, teen activities, and family programs throughout the month. Check their current calendars for new programs and registration openings.

• Peabody Institute Library: upcoming programs at the Main, South, and West branches.
• Peabody Institute Library of Danvers: family, teen, and community programs at 15 Sylvan Street.

Flexible outdoor ideas

For families who prefer an activity without a fixed start time, the North Shore offers several easy local outings.

• Visit Lynch Park or walk along Independence Park in Beverly.
• Explore the grounds and trails at Endicott Park in Danvers.
• Take a downtown Peabody walk and stop at the library.
• Walk through downtown Salem toward Derby Wharf and the waterfront.
• Visit a local playground before pairing the outing with lunch or an early dinner.

Local planning tips

Event plans can change, so check the organizer’s page before leaving home.

• Arrive early for the Salem festival because downtown traffic and parking may become busy.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and weather-appropriate layers to outdoor events.
• Register early for library programs with limited capacity.
• Review age ranges before bringing siblings to children’s activities.
• Check event pages on the day of attendance for cancellations or schedule changes.

Explore North Shore living

Libraries, parks, community festivals, and walkable downtown areas are part of what makes each North Shore community unique. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Peabody, Beverly, Danvers, Salem, or a surrounding town, Lynch Team Real Estate Consultants can help you compare neighborhoods and understand the local housing market.

Before you go

Details were checked on September 17, 2026. Confirm availability, registration requirements, recommended ages, parking, vendor participation, accessibility, and weather-related updates with each organizer before attending.