SPONSORED CONTENT | Written by Brittany DiCologero
Just a short drive up the coast from Salem, a true local treasure awaits: Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester, MA. Perched dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, this medieval-style castle was built in the 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., and it’s one of the North Shore’s most beloved destinations, especially in the fall.
This season, Hammond Castle Museum has an incredible lineup of spooky tours, immersive performances, and family-friendly events that pair perfectly with a trip to Salem Haunted Happenings.
Here’s what you can experience when you step inside the castle’s stone walls this fall:
Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight
October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Step into the world of séances, astrology, and occult experimentation during Hammond Castle Museum’s Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight. This 55-minute guided experience uncovers the lesser-known side of Hammond’s life, including his attempts to communicate with spirits using a Faraday Cage and his wife Irene’s secret astrological writings.
The castle’s Gothic architecture and seaside setting make the perfect backdrop for an eerie exploration, heightened by flickering lantern light. You can even bring along a picnic to enjoy on the lawn overlooking the ocean before or after the tour. (This event is intended for guests ages 13 and up, but not to worry, there is plenty of family-fun to be had at the museum later this month!)
The Madness Within the Abbadia Mare
October 20-21, 6-9 pm, and October 22, 6-9:45 pm
The castle becomes a living stage during this Poe-inspired theatrical performance. Move from room to room and encounter characters woven from the castle’s history and Hammond’s own inner circle. With its shadowy passages and candlelit chambers, the museum itself becomes part of the story.
Each promenade performance lasts about an hour, with staggered start times every 15 minutes. With a limited engagement at the museum, advance ticket purchase is recommended.
Silent Movie Nights: The Phantom of the Opera & Metropolis with Live Accompaniment by Peter Krasinski
October 26 & 27, doors at 6:30 pm, screenings at 7 pm
Experience the golden age of cinema in Hammond Castle Museum’s breathtaking Great Hall, where the acoustics are nearly as impressive as the vaulted architecture. The museum will screen The Phantom of the Opera (1925) on October 26, and Metropolis (1927) on October 27 with acclaimed musician Peter Krasinski providing live piano accompaniment to these classic silent films.
These special film screenings offer the truly unique opportunity to experience not only classics in the horror and sci-fi genres, but also live musical performances perfectly suited for the castle’s atmosphere.
Costumes & Candlelight: Hammond Castle After Dark
October 28 & 29
Halloween week calls for costumes, candlelight, and cocktails. During these self-guided evening tours, you can explore the castle at your own pace while sipping themed beverages (both alcoholic and non), enjoying live piano music, and taking in the dramatic atmosphere. With Instagram-worthy corners around every turn, this event offers a stylish alternative to the Halloween crowds.
Costumes & Candlelight is intended for guests over the age of 13. If you are looking for family-friendly fun on your travels outside of Salem this fall, we recommend Trick-or-Treat at the Castle (details below!) or visiting the museum during a daytime tour any time throughout the season.
Trick-or-Treat at the Castle
Date: October 30, 4:00–5:30 pm
Families won’t want to miss this local favorite Halloween event, when little ones can explore the castle in costume while enjoying seasonal activities. With its mix of spooky fun and kid-friendly charm, this event is a great way to add some North Shore magic to your Salem trip.
The seaside lawn will be closed on October 30th, and picnicking will not be permitted on the Museum grounds
Beyond October
The spooky season may end with Halloween, but Hammond Castle’s programming continues into November and beyond. From Renaissance Faire Day and immersive Dungeons & Dragons nights to the dazzling Deck the Halls Holiday Celebration, the castle remains a must-visit destination year-round.
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the architecture, or the supernatural atmosphere, Hammond Castle Museum is the perfect North Shore addition to your October adventures.If Salem is the heart of Halloween in New England, the museum is its dramatic seaside counterpart, equally enchanting, equally eerie, and absolutely worth the drive.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is located in Gloucester, MA, is just over a 30-minute drive from downtown Salem, making it an easy afternoon or evening side trip if you’re visiting for Haunted Happenings.
Gloucester is also accessible with the MBTA Commuter Rail (be sure to take a Rockport-bound train). From Gloucester Station, Hammond Castle Museum is best reached via CATA bus or CATA on Demand (if available depending on the time of your visit) or via taxi or ride share. If using a ride share service, plan to schedule your pickup time in advance as cell service in the museum’s parking lot may be unreliable.
Hammond Castle Museum offers 20% off self-guided tours on the day of evening events. Visit the museum store with your event ticket to join a tour earlier in the day.
If you are unable to make it to one of the season’s special events, consider visiting for a daily daytime tour that highlights Hammond’s inventions, the castle’s architecture, and its collection of medieval and Renaissance artifacts.
The museum is a recognized TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award winner, placing it among the top attractions worldwide, and it has also been voted Best Museum, Most Instagrammable Spot, and Best Tourist Attraction in Northshore Magazine’s “Best of the North Shore.” Its Gothic-meets-seaside aesthetic makes it an unforgettable complement to Salem’s October festivities.
Visit HammondCastle.org for more information or to purchase tickets for tours and events, and be sure to follow the museum for all of the latest updates throughout the year.
