Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free

Critically acclaimed author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson brings to life the riveting hidden history of Claire McCardell, America's most influential fashion designer. Join us for a book talk with Dickinson and Chief Curator Petra Slinkard to learn how McCardell shattered gendered cultural norms around clothes and invented much of what we still wear today. This program is a one-hour talk, including an opportunity for questions from the audience, followed by a book signing and reception. PEM Reads celebrates the art of literature and the creative act of writing through a year-round series of collaborative book club readings and author events, both in person and online. By gathering to read and discuss world-class literature and meet authors, PEM Reads seeks to deepen our sense of community and celebrate great storytelling. We hope you’ll join us!

Peabody Essex Museum 161 Essex St Salem, MA 01970

Winter Solstice Celebration

Welcome winter with an array of nurturing programs! Join us for a grounding qigong class, engage in a powerful solstice ritual, design your own yule log centerpiece and enjoy joyous Celtic harp music while sipping something warm from the Atrium Café. Qigong Class | Winter Practice with Master Zhou Xuan Yun 10:30–11:30 am | Vanessa Platacis: Taking Place exhibition gallery | Ground Level Preregistration required. Join Master Zhou Xuan Yun for a morning qigong practice in the galleries. Tap into the power of breath and movement during this accessible class designed to prepare our bodies and minds for the winter season.

Peabody Essex Museum 161 Essex St Salem, MA 01970, 161 Essex St

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Wakefield, MA

North America's largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theatre show is now playing in Wakefield! Solve a hilarious true crime murder mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it! Join us for an event that is very different from a traditional mystery dinner show. Our actors are not dressed in costume and are hidden in the audience! This results in a fun, social and interactive evening suitable for all adults. Each ticket includes our signature award-winning mystery dinner theatre show, along with a full plated dinner, waitstaff gratuity, and plenty of surprises during the show. Happens on the following Dates:<ul><li>Jan 3, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada)</li><li>Jan 31, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canad</li></ul>

The Lakeside Inn

Studio Saturdays: New Year Collage Wish-scapes

What wishes do you have for the new year? Using torn paper, magazine clippings and mixed media materials, create a landscape that can hold your dreams. Studio Saturdays is an adult art making series designed to inspire creativity and connection through multimedia arts exploration. Each class includes invitations to awaken curiosity, with an equal emphasis on art making and community sharing.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations

Join us for a free day at PEM as we celebrate and reflect on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the upcoming exhibition Edmonia Lewis: Said In Stone. Artist Edmonia Lewis moved continually throughout her life, living in upstate New York, Ohio, Boston, London and Rome, searching for a place where she could thrive as an individual and artist. We invite visitors to reflect on their own identity and search for community, drawing inspiration from Lewis’ life as well as the enduring ideals of justice, equality and inclusion embodied by leaders like King. &nbsp; North Shore Youth Community Mural 10 am–5 pm | Main Atrium In partnership with RAW Art Works, young artists across Salem and Lynn have been collaborating on a large-scale community mural, reflecting on ways they hope to embody the idea of belonging. What words would you leave behind for the next generation, written in the history books like Martin or carved into stone like Edmonia? &nbsp; Drop-In Art Making: Collagraphs 11 am–3 pm | Create Space Studios We invite you to contribute your own words for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Make your own collagraph printmaking plate or find one made by a community member that speaks to you. Add your words to a second mural and take a print home as a keepsake. We’ll also be screening the short film “My Black Is…” in the Create Space Studios to inspire you as you create. This film, made by RAW Art Works alums Miguel Valdez and Eunice Beato, features young women working to redefine what their Black identity means to them.

Peabody Essex Museum

We Are Made From the Land

Join us for a special screening of the short documentary We Are Made from the Land: Protecting the Seal River Watershed, shown in conjunction with <a href="https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/knowing-nature-stories-of-the-boreal-forest">Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest</a>. This moving film highlights the Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) Initiative — one of the largest land protection efforts underway in the world, located in the heart of the boreal forest in Manitoba, Canada. Hear personal accounts of this powerful place, firsthand perspectives on the trauma of historic land separation and the healing power of recent collective action to protect Indigenous Dene and Cree Nation land. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with co-producer Stephanie Thorassie (Sayisi Dene First Nation), the Executive Director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance; IPCA collaborator Jeff Wells of the National Audubon Society; and field ornithologist Nathan Senner with Mass Audubon, which is engaged in a 30x30 initiative to preserve 30 percent of Massachusetts land by 2030. A reception will follow the talk.

Panorama Queer and Trans International Film Festival

The Panorama Queer and Trans International Film Festival returns to the Peabody Essex Museum this January! This festival celebrates young trans and queer filmmakers, both in front of and behind the camera. Panorama welcomes members of the trans and queer communities, allies and fans of new cinema from all around the world! Kick off the festival with us on Friday night with a special queer community gathering. Evening programming includes an opening reception event, networking and select film screenings with special guests. Throughout Saturday and Sunday, enjoy film screenings and additional programming. More information about the films and filmmakers will be added soon. Please note: These films are not MPAA-rated; provided ratings are suggestions from Queer Videography. Please enjoy at your own discretion, and note that some films may not be suitable for children.

North America's largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theatre show is now playing in Wakefield! Solve a hilarious true crime murder mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it! Join us for an event that is very different from a traditional mystery dinner show. Our actors are not dressed in costume and are hidden in the audience! This results in a fun, social and interactive evening suitable for all adults. Each ticket includes our signature award-winning mystery dinner theatre show, along with a full plated dinner, waitstaff gratuity, and plenty of surprises during the show. Happens on the following Dates:<ul><li>Jan 3, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada)</li><li>Jan 31, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada)</li></ul>

I Puritani

Pre-opera talk with Andrew Shryock, 12 PM Libretto by Carlo Pepoli For gorgeous melody, spellbinding coloratura, and virtuoso vocal fireworks, I Puritani has few equals. This is the first new Met production of Bellini’s final masterpiece in nearly 50 years—a striking staging by Charles Edwards, who makes his company directorial debut after many successes as a set designer. The Met has assembled a world-beating quartet of stars, conducted by Marco Armiliato, for the demanding principal roles. Soprano Lisette Oropesa and tenor Lawrence Brownlee are Elvira and Arturo, brought together by love and torn apart by the political rifts of the English Civil War, with baritone Artur Ruciński as Riccardo, betrothed to Elvira against her will, and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as Elvira’s sympathetic uncle, Giorgio. Runtime: 3:45 New Production Conductor: Marco Armiliato Elvira Walton: Lisette Oropesa | Lord Arturo Talbot: Lawrence Brownlee | Riccardo Forth: Artur Ruciński | Giorgio Walton: Christian Van Horn Production: Charles Edwards | Set Designer: Charles Edwards | Costume Designer: Gabrielle Dalton* | Lighting Designer: Tim Mitchell* Movement Director: Tim Claydon*

Shalin Liu Performance Center

Tales of a Not-So-Tiny-House

Join us for a captivating book talk and discussion with authors Chloe Barcelou and Brandon Batchelder as they share insights from their book Tales of a Not-So-Tiny House, in conversation with Ruthie Dibble, PEM’s Robert N. Shapiro Curator of American Decorative Art. Their tiny house will also be on display in the Brown Street parking lot for guests to view! This visually rich book tells the story of their custom steampunk caravan, nestled in the wilds of New England. If you're lucky enough to take a wrong turn in the mountains of New Hampshire, you might just stumble upon this 300-square-foot handmade home. A magical blend of fairy tale cottage, steamer trunk and pirate ship, it's built almost entirely from recycled film sets, thrift store finds, flea market treasures and junkyard gems. Originally featured on HGTV’s Tiny House, Big Living, this unique home garnered international attention in print and online and became a TikTok sensation. The book takes readers on a journey through the couple’s process of building and decorating their home, which they have completely redesigned in recent years. Much like the house itself, every inch of this richly ornate book is packed with innovative ideas for small-space living. Discover foldable sections that create individual wings with custom-built wardrobes, desks, chairs and a vanity. Explore a bathroom complete with a composting toilet and a folding sink, and even a guest bed. Barcelou and Batchelder also share the everyday joys of small-space living: creating storage in every nook and cranny, baking pies in their tiny kitchen with freshly gathered fruit and climbing into their dramatically curtained bed loft by candlelight. Sumptuously designed and illustrated, this book offers a truly original perspective on small-space living. Books can be purchased from the museum shop in advance and on the day of the talk. The authors will be available for a book signing and meet-and-greet after the talk.

A Fashion Design Experience

Celebrate Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World with an introduction to fashion design and sketching! Let this dazzling exhibition serve as inspiration for a day of hands-on drawing and creativity. The session begins with a guided tour led by Petra Slinkard, PEM's Chief Curator and the Nancy B. Putnam Curator of Fashion and Textiles, who will offer an exclusive look at the stunning works in the exhibition. Afterward, participants will engage in a creative workshop led by Jay Calderin, author, fashion designer, educator and the founder of Boston Fashion Week. Start the process of learning how to sketch your own fashion ideas using many of Andrew Gn’s signature design elements, including vibrant color and bold patterns, as well as a variety of silhouettes, all punctuated by frills, flounces and embellishment. All are welcome — no previous drawing experience necessary. All supplies are provided, and participants will take home essential materials so they can continue to practice at home. Happens on the following Dates: Nov 15, 2025, 10:00am to 3:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada) Dec 6, 2025, 10:00am to 3:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada)

Birds at Rest

Birds need sleep as much as we do, and they have evolved some unique habits to match their intensely energetic lifestyles. Ornithologist and author Roger Pasquier discusses the evolution and benefits of avian sleep, including recent discoveries that some long-distance flyers can even sleep while in flight! Other birds sleep in short bouts of several seconds or a few minutes, then wake up to look around for danger before going back to sleep. Human impacts like artificial light, noise and climate change are changing how and where birds can get a good night’s rest. A book signing for Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep (2025) follows the program. This program is cohosted by the Essex County Ornithological Club and made possible by a gift from The Essex Charitable Foundation.

The Amazing Sarong

Join us for a reading of The Amazing Sarong by By Hong Shin Quek! Isn’t a sarong just a big piece of cloth? What can be so amazing about it? Nora and Adi are about to go to the beach when their mother takes off her baby sling and hands it to the two children. They discover that there is more than meets the eye to this seemingly ordinary sarong. Join Nora and Adi as they go on a playful day out and discover what unexpected fun, joy and new encounters the sarong can bring. Singaporean fashion designer Andrew Gn was inspired by the sarongs worn by his mother, aunts and grandmother. Families can explore Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World after the session. Designed for children (5 and under) and their caregivers, PEM Pals aims to engage and excite all of the senses through books, movement, music, art and hands-on activities. Held on the first Friday of the month at 10:30 am.

Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders & Literary Legends

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour featuring architectural treasures from PEM’s collection! The only walking tours in Salem that offer entry into historic buildings, PEM’s tours cover five centuries of happenings and characters from Witch City, including the infamous trials of 1692. Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders and Literary Legends starts by painting the picture of life in 1692 by examining the <a href="https://www.pem.org/historic-houses/john-ward-house">Gardner-Pingree House</a>. The killing of Joseph White gripped Salem and the country in 1830 with its brawling brothers, custom-built murder weapons, conspiring family members and a body that was autopsied three times. Follow PEM’s expert guides into the room where it happened – if you dare! This is an indoor/outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. We’ll see you rain or shine! This tour involves walking around 0.5 miles, standing on hard surfaces and the use of stairs. Historic structures are not ADA accessible. Strollers may be used on the tours, but may not be brought into any of the historic structures. Historic houses may include areas of low lighting and uneven surfaces. Assisted listening devices are available, and tour guides will use microphones. You can also follow our expert guides on <a href="https://www.pem.org/events/brick-by-brick-salems-hidden-architectural-stories">Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories</a> for an in-depth look at architecture across downtown Salem, from a millionaire’s mansion to a working-class sailor’s house.

Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour featuring architectural treasures from PEM’s collection! The only walking tours in Salem that offer entry into historic buildings, PEM’s tours cover five centuries of happenings and characters from Witch City, including the infamous trials of 1692. Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories explores Salem’s notable structures, from a Daniel Bray House, and learn about Salem landmarks like Derby Square, the Lyceum and the courthouses on Federal Street. Along the way, learn how the city’s history of colonization, revolution and maritime trade shaped its people and architecture. This is an indoor/outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. We’ll see you rain or shine! This tour involves walking around 1.5 miles, standing on hard surfaces and the use of stairs. Historic structures are not ADA accessible. Strollers may be used on the tours, but may not be brought into any of the historic structures. Historic houses may include areas of low lighting and uneven surfaces. Assisted listening devices are available, and tour guides will use microphones. You can also follow our expert guides into the dark side of Salem history with Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders and Literary Legends, and walk through landmarks of 1692, plus the site of a gruesome murder that made headlines in 1830 and inspired Edgar Allan Poe.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

vestasalem

Experiences

A Fashion Design Experience

Birds at Rest

Tales of a Not-So-Tiny-House

Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free

Winter Solstice Celebration

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Wakefield, MA

Studio Saturdays: New Year Collage Wish-scapes

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations

We Are Made From the Land

Panorama Queer and Trans International Film Festival

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Wakefield, MA

I Puritani

The Amazing Sarong

Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders & Literary Legends

Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories