We all know Halloween is coming. And we have plenty of ideas for how you can immerse in the thrills and chills of the season. But even without pumpkins and ghouls, October on the North Shore is a glorious time in its own right, so we’ve also assembled a list of things to do in the region that are spectacular without being spooky.
Yeston & Kopit’s PHANTOM, North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly Oct. 21-Nov. 1
The NEW way to unmask the story! PHANTOM, the mesmerizing musical by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, reimagines Gaston Leroux’s classic tale with soaring emotion and unforgettable beauty. This lavish production combines an exquisitely crafted story with a breathtaking score that has captivated audiences around the world. Set beneath the Paris Opera House, the story follows Erik, a brilliant but tormented musical genius who lives in the catacombs, and Christine, a young singer whose extraordinary voice awakens his heart. As love, jealousy, and destiny intertwine, Phantom reveals a more human and heartbreaking side of the legendary figure. Tickets: nsmt.org/phantom.html
Ipswich Illumination, Ipswich, Oct. 9,10,16,17,18
This year’s Ipswich Illumination takes place over two weekends. The weekend of October 9 & 10 takes place at the Meeting House Green at the top of Town Hill. The weekend of October 16 & 17 takes place at the downtown Ipswich River Walk, 4 Union Street when each evening, bonfires will be lit by flaming arrow and floated gently down the Ipswich River, running through the heart of town. Also along the river you can expect art installations, live performances of music and poetry, and food and drink available for purchase. Closing ceremonies take place on October 18 at Pavilion Beach. More information at Historicipswich.net.
Stacey Kent, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, Oct. 9
The Shalin Liu Performance Center, with stunning views of Rockport’s Sandy Bay, hosts a strong event lineup this fall. On October 9 get tickets for Stacey Kent one of the most elegant and expressive voices in contemporary jazz, celebrated worldwide for her intimate style, emotional clarity, and genre-spanning repertoire. An American jazz singer in the mold of the greats, Kent has earned a Grammy nomination, sold over two million albums, surpassed one billion streams, and received numerous Gold and Platinum certifications. Her global following is drawn to her delicately nuanced interpretations and her rare ability to communicate deep feeling with restraint and grace. tickets.rockportmusic.org/events
Beverly Beer Mile: Fall Crawl, Beverly, Oct. 24
The Beverly Beer Mile Fall Crawl runs from 12pm-10pm. Grab a passport at any of the Beverly breweries, have a full pour at each location, get your passport stamped at each location, and collect your prize. For more information: coastalmassbrewing.com/our-events/2026/8/21/beverly-beer-mile-fall-crawl
Northshore Next Wave Event 2026, Beauport Cruiselines, Gloucester, Oct. 14
You’re invited to Next Wave, Northshore magazine’s signature fall celebration of the region’s next generation of leaders, creators, and changemakers. This year we’re taking it out on the water. Join us Wednesday, October 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. aboard Beauport Cruiselines for an hour cruising Gloucester Harbor, followed by a docked celebration with drinks, bites, and the North Shore’s best-connected crowd. The boat holds 300 guests, and tickets are going fast. Reserve your tickets now and be part of one of the North Shore’s most anticipated fall events. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/next-wave-event-tickets-1998215887510?aff=oddtdtcreator
Shear Madness, Greater Boston Stage Company, Stoneham, Through Oct. 11
This fall at the Greater Boston Stage Company get ready for some detective work during Shear Madness. Step inside one of America’s most bustling hair salons, where the gossip is juicy, the laughs are nonstop, and someone just got MURDERED! This wildly interactive whodunit puts YOU in the hot seat. Spot the clues, question the suspects, and help crack the case. Walk-ins welcome!No two performances are ever the same. With razor-sharp improvisation, laugh-out-loud comedy, and outrageous characters, the action shifts nightly based on the audience’s sleuthing skills. Will you catch the killer, or let the culprit slip away by a hair? Tickets: greaterbostonstage.org
Essex ClamFest, Shepard Memorial Park, Essex, Oct. 24
The 41st annual Essex Clamfest will feature arts and crafts shows, live entertainment, and food trucks on site. But the highlight is the chowder tasting, in which local restaurants compete to see who cooks up the best version of the classic North Shore soup. Details available at: capeannchamber.com/annual-essex-clamfest