Northshore Line Dancing

Looking for a fun night out, great music, and a welcoming community? Join Northshore Line Dancing for an evening filled with energy, laughter, movement, and easy-to-follow dances for all levels.  Whether you’re brand new or already love to dance, this is your chance to move, connect, and have fun in a relaxed and uplifting atmosphere. This is a Weekly Recurring EventRuns from May 13, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026 and happens every: Wednesdays:6:30pm - 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada)

Salem State South Campus

Free Admission for Indigenous Peoples' Day

On Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor the sovereignty, resilience and immense contributions of Native Americans. Join us for a free day of special programming to respectfully acknowledge and celebrate Indigenous communities. Artist Presentation with Elizabeth James Perry Noon–1:30 pm | Main Atrium 2023 NEA Heritage award recipient Elizabeth James-Perry (Aquinnah Wampanoag) joins us for a presentation of her artistic practice. Her work engages with Northeastern Woodlands Native cultural expressions, primarily in sculptural forms of wampum shell-carving and bead-making with its connection to identity and sovereignty, maritime traditions and restorative Native gardening. She is a culture bearer, lecturer, educator and plant walk leader in addition to textile, wampum and quill work. You can find her work on display in <a href="https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/on-this-ground-being-and-belonging-in-america">On This Ground: Being and Belonging in America.</a> Film Screenings: We Still Live Here: Âs Nutayuneân 11:30 am–1 pm, 1–2:30 pm Morse Auditorium 84 minutes long We Still Live Here: Âs Nutayuneân, a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Anne Makepeace, tells the story of the return of the Wampanoag language, a language that was silenced for more than a century. At the heart of the film is Jessie Little Doe Baird (Mashpee Wampanoag), who finds her way from the tiny enclave of Mashpee, Massachusetts, to becoming a celebrated linguist honored with a MacArthur ‘genius’ award in 2010 for her unprecedented work in bringing her own Wampanoag language back home. We Still Live Here interweaves the present-day story of Jessie and other Wampanoags reclaiming their language with historical events that silenced the language and obliterated much of their culture – epidemics, missionary pressures, land loss and the indenture of Native children. Ruth Lingford’s powerful animation illuminates and deepens the emotional impact of these devastating events, even as the contemporary story brings a hopeful vision of the future.

Peabody Essex Museum 

Cards on the Table with Jilly Gagnon

Join us for an author talk with Jilly Gagnon followed by a book signing. In Cards on the Table, sisters Tori and Cassie Bishop find themselves in a locked-room murder mystery when their wealthy patron goes missing after a séance. The sisters — descendents of a victim of the Salem Witch Trials — can’t believe their luck when they’re hired as “witches in residence” at a mysterious gothic estate in the Berkshires. But can their magic and cunning save them from conniving family members and occult surprises? 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

Virtual Creative Foundations: Bill Crisafi

Join us for a virtual conversation and art making workshop featuring the campy, eerie talents of illustrator and artist Bill Crisafi. Hear him talk about his creative process and how he’s inspired by Salem, and enjoy a hands-on art lesson. Crisafi was previously featured on the PEMcast, the museum’s podcast. Listen to the episode now.

Online

Nosferatu with Live Orchestra

Sink your fangs into Halloween with Arpeggione Ensemble’s live performance of the score for Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. In the 1920s, silent films weren’t silent: They were accompanied by a live piano player, organist or full orchestra. Experience this classic 1922 horror movie with Arpeggione performing on historical instruments from the early 20th century, including harmonium, flute, clarinet and strings. From the eerily corpse-like appearance of Max Schreck as Count Orlok to climactic shot of a shadow on a staircase, Nosferatu set the standard for modern horror movies and created the vampire movie as we know it. As the earliest film adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Nosferatu is the source of several of the most enduring aspects of modern-day vampire lore. Fans of horror, music enthusiasts, vintage aficionados… enter if you dare to see and hear Nosferatu as it would have sounded when it was first screened! Join us between the 1 pm and 7 pm screenings for a talk with the performers about the cultural impact, artistic innovations and enduring legacy of Nosferatu. Performers: Thomas Carroll, director and clarinet Andrea LeBlanc, flute Elise Bonhivert, clarinet Isabelle Seula Lee, violin Emily Hale, violin Sachin Shukla, viola Anna Seda, cello Guinevere Fridley, bass April Sun, piano George Wiese, harmonium PEM Presents seeks to surprise and delight audiences with world-class artistry in music, theater, dance, film and more. This series allows audiences to learn about the artistic process and supports the development of artists with local, regional, national and global perspectives. This program further activates the museum as a global center for art, culture and creativity with artist residencies, live performances, lecture series, symposia and conferences. PEM Presents is a collaboration between Learning and Community Engagement and the Present Tense initiative. PEM Presents is made possible by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.

Native American Heritage Month

Join us for a reading of the book My Heart Fills With Happiness, written by Monique Gray Smith (Cree and Scottish) and illustrated by Julie Flett (Swampy Cree and Red River Métis). What fills your heart with happiness? This bilingual book in English and Anishinaabemowin was written to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and encourages readers of all ages to reflect on what brings us joy. After the story, be sure to check out the works by past and present Native American artists on view in <a href="https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/on-this-ground-being-and-belonging-in-america">On This Ground: Being and Belonging in America</a>. 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.

ECOC Lecture: The Resplendent Quetzal

Join ornithologist Alan Poole for an exploration into the life and history of the Resplendent Quetzal — a dazzling, legendary bird of the highland forests of Central America. Author of the recent book Quetzals: Icons of the Cloud Forest (2023), Poole will lead us through the nesting and feeding ecology of this renowned bird, its role in Mayan and Aztec religions, and how Resplendents fit into the increasingly threatened rain forests that sustain them. In addition, we’ll take a look at what lies ahead for this (and other) quetzals — how conservation efforts are giving them a boost in some regions, while in others the birds are struggling. This talk will touch on land use in Central America, especially Costa Rica, through a quetzal lens. No species does more to bring current land use trends in this region into focus. Understanding those trends is key to maintaining the viability of highland tropical forests in the Americas, and the quetzals that depend on them. A book signing will follow the program.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an internationally recognized annual day to commemorate the lives of trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people we have lost to anti-trans violence and discrimination. Organized and led by members of the trans community, this vigil will feature trans speakers and the traditional reading of names, followed by an open mic. This event is open to all ages and all gender identities. Supportive allies are welcome. Please note that attendees are prohibited from taking photos during the vigil. This vigil is presented by the <a href="https://www.northshorequeernetwork.org/">North Shore Queer Network</a> in partnership with the Peabody Essex Museum.

Sustainable Chocolate with Kakawa Chocolate House

Join us for a presentation by Bonnie Bennett, co-founder of Kakawa Chocolate House (located next door to the museum). After explaining a little about the fascinating history of chocolate, Bennett will sit down for a conversation about the important role of sustainable production and agroforestry with Jane Winchell, the Sarah Fraser Robbins director of PEM's Dotty Brown Art &amp; Nature Center and coordinating curator for Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest. Join us afterwards for a special chocolate demonstration and tasting! After the program, be sure to visit Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest on its last day.

Curator-Led Tour: Knowing Nature

Join Jane Winchell, exhibition curator and Director of PEM's Dotty Brown Art &amp; Nature Center, on a special hands-on tour of Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest. Don't miss the chance to explore this family-friendly exhibition on its last day!

Preservation in a Changing Climate Conference

Mark your calendar for the sixth annual Preservation in a Changing Climate conference, hosted by Salem’s Preservation in a Changing Climate Partners. This day of thought-provoking talks aims to advance strategies that can help reduce climate change and boost resiliency of historic buildings, landscapes and neighborhoods. Join us for case studies, conversations and panel presentations, beginning with a keynote by Lori Ferriss, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Built Buildings Lab and an internationally recognized expert on leveraging existing and historic buildings for equitable climate change mitigation and adaptation. We will close with remarks and refreshments at the National Park Service Salem Armory Visitor Center. Read the City of Salem's press release on the conference. Schedule 8:15 AM | CHECK-IN AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS Main Atrium 9–9:30 AM | WELCOME &amp; OVERVIEW OF THE DAY Morse Auditorium Join us for opening remarks from Dominick Pangallo (Mayor, City of Salem), Kurt Steinberg (PEM’s Interim Executive Director and CEO), Jane Winchell (PEM’s Sarah Fraser Robbins Director, The Dotty Brown Art &amp; Nature Center, Curator of Natural History, Salem Preservation in a Changing Climate Partners representative) and Steven Mallory (PEM’s Manager of Historic Structures and Landscapes and Salem Preservation in a Changing Climate Partners representative). 9:30–10:15 AM | KEYNOTE: LORI FERRISS From Vulnerability to Value: Built Heritage as Climate Action How reuse and long‑term stewardship of historic buildings can advance decarbonization, resilience and local climate goals. 10:15–10:30 AM | CLIMATE UPDATE: STEPHEN YOUNG We Are Entering the Age of Acceleration Recent research shows that temperatures in New England, and globally, are accelerating, making climate impacts more ominous and immediate action more vital. 10:30–11:20 AM | SESSION 1: KEEPING HISTORY ABOVE WATER: NONPROFIT AND MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP IN NEWPORT Newport Restoration Foundation and the city of Newport are teaming up to protect the city’s heritage from climate threats. MODERATOR: Susan Baker, Curator of Collections, The House of the Seven Gables SPEAKERS Margaret Back, Preservation Projects Manager, Newport Restoration Foundation Christine Truwit, Resilience Assistant, Resilience &amp; Sustainability Department, City of Newport 11:20–11:40 AM | BREAK &amp; LIGHT REFRESHMENTS Main Atrium 11:40 AM-12:30 PM | SESSION 2: THE HEAVEN AND EARTH INITIATIVE Case study of a local historic church’s struggle with high energy bills that has evolved into a community-focused clean energy movement, including geothermal, solar and energy storage in Salem. MODERATOR: Neal Duffy, Director of the Sustainability and Resiliency Department, City of Salem SPEAKERS Reverend Nathan Ives, Saint Peter’s–San Pedro Episcopal Church Abigail Despres, Project Manager, Working Power 12:30-2 PM | LUNCH AND LEARN Main Atrium, Art &amp; Nature Center, and St. Peter’s–San Pedro Episcopal Church Table Conversations Landscape Resilience (Barbara Warren, Environmental Consultant) Historic Buildings and Coastal Relocation (Paul Wright, Director of Preservation, The House of the Seven Gables) National Park Conservation Association - The Legacy Restoration Act in Action (Kristen Sykes, Northeast Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association) Kakawa Chocolate House station Stop by for samples of sustainably sourced chocolate and to learn about Kakawa’s commitment to supporting sustainably grown cacao. Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest Exhibition open for attendees to explore. St. Peter's-San Pedro Episcopal Church open from 1–1:45 pm for attendees to see inside (24 St Peter Street, one block from PEM). 2–2:45 PM | SESSION 3: SALEM 400+: PAST LESSONS OF RESILIENCE FOR THE FUTURE A conversation about how four centuries of change to Salem’s coastline, climate, architecture and industry can help us better understand the ways resiliency needs to evolve in the face of a rapidly changing climate. MODERATOR: Barbara Warren, Environmental Consultant SPEAKERS Vijay Joyce, Executive Director of the Pickering Foundation and Steward of the Pickering House Stephen Young, Salem State University, Professor Emeritus, Geography and Sustainability Department 2:45–4 PM | SESSION 4: RETROFITTING HISTORIC ASSETS WHILE PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE How to decarbonize historic buildings without compromising their character, using energy retrofit strategies and resources like the Carbon Avoided Retrofit Estimator (CARE) Tool to demonstrate the environmental benefits of preservation and reuse. MODERATOR: Sarah Kostecki, Senior Director of Data and Business Intelligence, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center SPEAKERS Peter McPhee, Senior Director for Building Decarbonization, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Liz Stetson, Senior Director of Capital Assets and Planning, Mass Audubon Lori Ferriss, Executive Director, Built Buildings Lab and Co-Developer of Architecture’s 2030 CARE Tool 4–5 PM | CLOSING RECEPTION AND REMARKS National Park Service Salem Armory Visitor Center (2 New Liberty Street, across the street from PEM and the Museum Place Garage) SPEAKERS Jennifer Hardin, Superintendent, Salem Maritime National Historic Site Kristen Sykes, Northeast Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association Kate Machet, Vice President of Systems Initiatives and Government Relations, Essex County Community Foundation

Sinister Streets Sinister Streets & Salem Stories& Salem Stories

Looking to combine your museum visit with a walking tour? Join us for a behind-the-scenes guided tour that pairs our most popular, haunting walking tour with an inside look at objects from the PEM collection. Sinister Streets &amp; Salem Stories starts at the Ward House, which stood within sight of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials hangings on Gallows Hill, and within earshot of the cries of the accused from the Salem jail. Winding through more dark secrets from the city’s past, it finishes by following the steps of a notorious murderer into the Gardner-Pingree House. 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 – then head into the museum to visit our exhibition Salem Stories and see the real club used by White's killers. 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 used on all tours. You can also follow our expert guides on Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories for an in-depth look at architecture across downtown Salem, from a millionaire’s mansion to a working-class sailor’s house. Or, try Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders and Literary Legendsfor a similar tour that does not go into the museum. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Know before you go 1.5 hours, 0.5 miles Meet at the anchor in front of East India Marine Hall on Essex Street. This is an indoor/outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. We’ll see you rain or shine! This walking tour includes museum admission. $50 Adults (ages 17+) $47 Seniors (ages 65+) $40 Students (with school ID), military, veterans, MTA/Teachers $15 Salem residents, museum members and members’ children ages 6-16 years old No charge for children 5 years or younger (ticket still required) Tickets can be purchased: Online at pem.org In person at the Admissions desk Outside the museum on tour days (161 Essex Street)

Queer Community Gathering: Salem Night Live!

Join us for a free, vibrant community gathering designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. Prepare for an evening of laughter, music and connection at Salem Night Live, PEM’s inaugural variety show! Hosted by local comedian Ms. Adventure, Salem Night Live promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing a fantastic lineup of musical performances and featuring special guests from the local queer community and beyond. It’s more than just a show — it’s an opportunity to build and strengthen community. Tickets are free, but due to space limitations, spots are limited. To guarantee your attendance, pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Free Admission for August Adventures

Supported by the Highland Street Foundation, PEM is offering free admission on August 15 for all visitors! Check out the August Adventures calendar to explore other free activities happening in Massachusetts this month. About August Adventures During the month of August 2026, Highland Street Foundation is partnering with Massachusetts cultural institutions to provide one free activity each day for 31 days, including no-cost admission to museums, zoos, nature sanctuaries or historical sites. August Adventures: Free admission at PEM is supported by the Highland Street Foundation.

Salem Biz Town Hall

If you run a business in Salem, you're invited to a morning of networking and resource-sharing at the Peabody Essex Museum! The first Salem Biz Town Hall at PEM welcomes makers and restaurants, retailers and real estate, institutions and city officials for a morning of coffee and conversation. Meet fellow business owners and take the opportunity to ask questions. This gathering aims to foster stronger communication, fewer friction points and a clearer path to getting things done for Salem's businesses and organizations. Join us to build relationships and discuss our shared goals. Schedule: 8:30–9:30 am: Networking, coffee and a Connect-the-Dots board ("what you have, what you need, what you offer") 9:30–10:30 am: Updates from the hosting organizations and Q&amp;A drawn from questions submitted by registered attendees 10:30–11 AM: Open tabling and follow-up conversations Please reach out to John Andrews and Creative Collective (john@creativecollectivema.com) with any questions.

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 📈

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