Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe

10/12/2026

As always, we take Indigenous Peoples’ Day to recognize and honor those who called this land home long before Salem existed, and the Indigenous communities whose heritage and presence continue today.

We recognize that we are only temporary custodians of this place, and with that comes a responsibility to care for it, respect its history, and share that history as honestly and accurately as we can.

Each year, we make donations to local Indigenous Tribal Councils, as well as local and national organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and stewardship.

It's one small way we can help protect and preserve what has been entrusted to future generations.

Our land acknowledgement is permanently posted in the lobby of The Spirits of Salem Museum.

10/10/2026

We had a wonderful time as always at the Salem Main Streets Pet Parade! It's absolutely excruciating being a judge, because we think everyone is the best!

We'll share more photos soon, but if you were a CAT participant in the parade, please stop by our shop and show your number for a free cat toy on us! We were so excited to see so many cats this year!

10/10/2026

Today is the best day of the year! We are always thrilled to sponsor this wonderful event, and will be participating as judges again! What could possibly be more exciting than having a front row seat?

Well, participating! You can still register on-site with your furry, feathered, scaly, or slimy friends!

We can't wait!

Advance online registration for the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade is now closed! On-site registration starts at 10:30 am tomorrow morning at Derby Wharf via cash or Venmo. Spectating is free!!!! See you there!

10/09/2026

We came across a conversation in one of the Salem visitor groups this morning that genuinely surprised us, and we thought it might be worth talking about!

A local tour guide had written a post encouraging visitors to remember to tip their tour guides, explaining how much work goes into giving tours and how appreciated those gratuities are.

What surprised us wasn't the post itself, but some of the responses!

There were quite a few people who had genuinely never realized tipping a tour guide was customary, which is completely understandable! But there were also a surprising number of people questioning why tour guides should receive tips at all, particularly when guests have already paid for their tickets.

As someone who has personally been giving tours in Salem for over 20 years, I found that really interesting. In all that time, I don't think I've ever seen the custom of tipping tour guides itself questioned quite like this.

So I thought I'd offer a little perspective!

First, it's important to understand that not all tour companies operate the same way, and not all guides are compensated the same way.

At Black Cat Tours, for example, our guides are paid a flat rate for every tour they give, whether they have one guest or thirty. We believe it's our responsibility to compensate our guides for their work, regardless of how many guests attend.

Tipping is never expected, but it is always appreciated.

And that's always been our philosophy.

The thing is, tipping tour guides isn't a new development associated with the more recent expansion of tipping culture. It's a longstanding custom within the American tourism and hospitality industries, going back generations. Genuinely, there are guidebooks from the thirties that mention tipping your guide!

It has never meant that guests are obligated to pay more than their ticket price, or that they should somehow feel guilty if they don't.

It's simply a traditional way of showing appreciation for someone who has made your experience particularly memorable.

And I think it's important to remember that visitors come from all over the world, with different customs, expectations, and experiences. Something that seems perfectly ordinary to one person might never have occurred to another!

I also completely agree with those who feel that purchasing a ticket should guarantee a wonderful experience. It absolutely should! A guide should be knowledgeable, engaging, professional, and enthusiastic whether they receive a single dollar in tips or not.

I suppose what I find a little sad about the conversation is the suggestion that because a guide is already being paid, there's something unreasonable about even -offering- them a gratuity.

It doesn't have to be one or the other. We can believe that employers should pay their people fairly AND appreciate the tradition of guests offering something extra when they've had a wonderful experience.

And if tipping isn't something you're comfortable with, that's okay too!

A thoughtful review, a kind word to your guide, or recommending their tour to friends and family can mean an enormous amount. As owners, that means a lot to us, and is a way of getting real feedback on how a particular guide's presentation is being received. Our tours are unscripted, so every tour with a different guide will be unique!

Ultimately, I just wanted to share a little context about a tradition that has been part of my profession for as long as I've been in it.

We want people to come to Salem, learn something new, have a fantastic time, and leave with happy memories!

That's what matters most.

10/08/2026

Stop the presses! This is the only news that matters!

10/02/2026

We know you folks love our teas, well here is an opportunity to have one of our most popular flavors, the Moonlight Prowl (Blackberry Maple) in ICE CREAM FORM! Prowl your way over to Holy Cow's page and let them know you want to give it a try!

10/01/2026

Events During the Week, 9/28 - OCTOBER 4TH!!

HAUNTED HAPPENINGS IS HERE! :D (Please note: Any event that is ***SOLD OUT*** is not included in these listings!)

Occurring Throughout The Season:

Daily:

*The Salem Haunted Magic Show presents HYSTERIA! GHOST PSYCHIC, various dates & times, tickets start at $20, ages 10+, Emerson Hall Theater (Running now until Nov. 6th; for more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.thesalemmagicshow.com/ )

*Cry Innocent: The People Vs. Bridget Bishop, presented by History Alive Inc., various dates and times, $0 - $28.43 (free for Salem Residents w/ proof/Children under 10 !) Salem Visitors Center (until November 7th; for more info & tickets please visit https://historyalivesalem.simpletix.com/ )

*A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more information & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events )

*Witch Hat Design Session w/ designer Sasha Nelson of Salem Hat Co., various dates & times, $137.80, minimum age 15 and up, Witch Pix (Starting October 1st & running throughout the season; for more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.witchpix.com/salemhatcompany )l

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays:

*Start the Night Salem” - a complimentary nightly cocktail party for both residents and visitors, 5pm - 6:30pm, Bernadette Salem (Entry is complimentary, but guests *MUST* RSVP due to capacity, food preparation, & staffing. To RSVP, please send an email to [email protected] )

Thursdays & Saturdays:

*Salem’s Comedy Coven Haunted Comedy Show presented by Witch City Comedy, Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 8pm - 9:30pm (no show on Oct. 1st or 31st), $30, The Lost Library (Now until November 7th; for more info & to grab tickets please go to https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/salem-s-comedy-coven )

*Witches Amongst Us: A 1692 Experience - A Night of Spirits, Scandal, & Accusations produced by The Lost Library, Thursdays 7pm - 9pm, Saturdays 6pm - 8pm & 8:30pm - 10:30pm, $50, The Haunted Comedy Club (The Cellar), Hotel Salem (Now until October 31st; for more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/witches-amongst-us-a-1692-experience )

Thursdays - Sundays (Starting October 1st):

*Haunted Happenings Marketplace, Thurs. & Fri. 5pm - 9pm, Sat. & Sun. 12noon - 9pm, Charlotte Forten Park (Until October 17th)

Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays (Starting October 3rd):
*Haunted Happenings Food Court at Old Town Hall Begins!, 12pm - 7pm, Old Town Hall

*The Woman in Black - a spine-chilling stage production, various dates and times (run time: 90 min), recommended for ages 12 and up, $30, Ames Hall (located in the Salem YMCA on Essex Street ~ All proceeds benefit Creative Arts scholarships and programming at the YMCA of the North Shore, helping provide access to theatre, music, dance, and visual arts for children, teens, and families throughout the community. For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://hauntedhappeningsmarketplace.com/events/the-woman-in-black-ames-hall-gothic-series-3/ )

Fridays Only:

*Salem’s Haunted Neighborhood presents: Terror Ticket: RAVEYARD (a limited time after-hours experience at Frankenstein’s Castle & the Haunted Neighborhood), 8pm - 10pm, $25, The Lost Library (Until October 30th. For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/terror-ticket-raveyard )

Saturdays Only:

*The Making of a Witch: How the Wealth Merchant Phillip English Became The Accused - A Play in One Act, 2pm & 4pm, $20 per person/children 5 and under free!, St. Peter’s - San Pedro Episcopal Church (Until October 24th. For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.stpeters-sanpedro.org/making-of-a-witch )

*”2026 Salem Witch Trial: A Q***r Witch & A Christian Cult”, written and performed by Wylder Womyn Production (Winner at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival '25 - "Best Solo Show” Spookies Award Winner - and fresh off another award-winning, sold-out run at Hollywood Fringe Festival '26 - "Fierce Artist Award" Winner-, 8pm (doors 7:45pm/show at 8pm/run time: 1 hour) $23.18, The Witchery (Playing October 10th, 17th, & 24th; for more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://thewitcherysalem.com/events )

Saturdays & Sundays:

**Slime Potion Brewing Class, 10am - 11:30am, $20, The Lost Library (Until November 2nd; for more info & tickets please visit https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/slime-potion-brewing-class )

Misfortune: Salem’s Parlor Magic Experience, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, $30, Salem Athenaeum (Running various times on Saturdays and Sundays until October 11th. For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://misfortuneshow.com/ )

Sundays Only:

*Paint & Sip Sundays w/ local artist Emma Puccio, 5pm - 7pm, $45/pp, The Cellar at Hotel Salem (Every Sunday in October; for more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/paint-sip-sundays )

Single Events, 9/28 - 10/4:

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, THE *OFFICIAL* START OF HAUNTED HAPPENINGS!! :

*The 29th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade ~ and the official start of Salem’s Spooky Season!, 6:30pm - 8:00pm (Parade Theme: Old-School Halloween)

Parade Route: Start: Shetland Park > Congress Street >left onto Derby Street>right onto Central Street>left onto Front Street>right onto Washington Street>right onto Essex Street Pedestrian Mall>End: Salem Common
PARTICIPANTS WELCOME & VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! (Looking for about 50 more volunteers for this year!)
For more info on the parade, to sign up to march, or to volunteer, please visit https://www.salem-chamber.org/haunted-happenings-grand-parade

*House of Poems (an open mic event), 7pm - 9pm, FREE!, TAROT COVE: Reading Room & Gathering Space at The Witchery (Every 1st Thursday of the month; for more info please visit https://thewitcherysalem.com/events )

*Thirtiest Thursday hosted by Buster Pants, doors at 9pm, No Cover!, 21, Koto Salem (The 1st Thursday of every month)

*Comedy Night at East Regiment, 9pm - 10:30pm, $20 advance/$25 at door, East Regiment B**r Company, (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit: https://eastregimentbeercompany.com/events )

Events This Weekend:

All Weekend:

Friday, October 2nd - Sunday, October 4th:
*Halloween (1978), showings at various times (run time: 91 min), $8 - $10, Rated R, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.cinemasalem.com/ )

*Hocus Pocus, showings at various times (run time: 96 min), $8-$10, Rated PG, Cinema Salem (For more info & tickets please visit https://www.cinemasalem.com/ )

Friday, October 2nd:

*Misery Island Mushroom Walk w/ mycologist Jana Harris from Essex Forays on Great Misery Island, 4:30pm - 7:30pm, Adults, $45/Children (4 - 12; Children MUST be at least 4 years of age), $27.50 (Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount!), Boat departure location: The Naumkeag via The Salem Ferry Dock - 10 Blaney Street (FEW TICKETS LEFT! For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmCmKSG8j/ )

*Judes & the Hutch (music), 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Couch Dog Brewing

*Taco Cat Food Pop-Up (6pm - 8pm) & Callie Hughes (music from 7pm - 9pm), Far From the Tree C***r

*Kevin Farren (music), 8pm - 11:30pm, no cover!, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

* Vanta - Halloween Edition (Costumes are encouraged!), 9pm - 12:30am, $10, 21+, Hallowed Ground

*Freaky Friday Mystery Movie Night, 9pm - 11pm, no cover!, movies are rated PG-13 or lower to accommodate families in attendance, East Regiment B**r Company (1st Friday of every month)

*’90s Halloween Party (Retro Music! Costume Contest! Throwback Games!), 9:30pm, 21+, Koto, Asian Fusion

Saturday, October 3rd:

*The Salem YMCA Witch City 5K Fundraiser, 9am, Salem Willows Park (for more info & to register, please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113127/witch-city-5k-road-race )

*Haunted Biz Bash Street Fair, 10am - 8pm, Salem Common

*Salem Zombie Walk 2026, 11am (Zombies gather at 11am, walk starts at 12noon), Salem Common

*Garcon Super Slice Pop-up (2pm - 5pm) & Dennis Dulong Jr. (music, 5pm - 6pm), Far From the Tree C***r

*Misfortune: Salem’s Parlor Magic Experience, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, $30, Salem Athenaeum (*OPENING NIGHT*; running various times on Saturdays and Sundays until October 11th. For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://misfortuneshow.com/ )

*Kinetic Trio (music), 8pm - 11:30pm, no cover!, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Vanta Goth Night, 9pm - 12:30am, $10 cover, 21+, Hallowed Ground

*, Bit Bar (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

*Decade 80s Night Halloween Thriller, 9:30pm - 12:30am, $10 cover, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion (Costumes encouraged, but not required!)

Sunday, October 4th:

*Haunted Biz Bash Street Fair, 10am - 8pm, Salem Common

*The Good Witch of Salem’s Magical Children’s Tea Party, 10am - 12pm, ages 2+, $45.50, The Hawthorne Hotel (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit: https://goodwitchofsalem.com/collections/special-events/products/magical-tea-party-salem )

*Ryan Kelleher (music - 2pm - 5pm) & Ma’Idea Food Pop-Up (5pm - 6pm), Far From the Tree C***r

*Woodburning Class: Halloween Cutting Boards, 5pm - 8pm, $60, East Regiment B**r Company (Also being held October 11th; for more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://eastregimentbeercompany.com/events/woodburning-class-mini-coffins-mtrrf-kt9rb )

*Sips and Myths - Dare to Indulge (Non-alcoholic options available as well), 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Salem W**e Imports (Event will repeat every Thursday & Sunday throughout October, although the last date is Friday, October 30th; for more info please visit https://salemwineimports.com/event/sips-and-myths-6/ )

Regular Year Round Offernings (There is ALWAYS something to do!):

Mondays:

*Open Mic Night, 6:30pm - 9pm (6:30pm sign ups start, 7pm - 9pm open mic, first come first serve), under 21 must be accompanied by a parent, 21+ after 8pm, East Regiment B**r Company

*Geya Genda’s Hump Day Open Mic (an open stage for ALL q***r performing artists), 8:30pm, $10 cover, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion (Every 3rd Monday of every month.)

*Karaoke, 9:30pm - 2am, O’neill’s Irish Pub

Tuesdays:

*Test Kitchen Tuesdays (behind the scenes with brand new, original cocktails every week!), 5pm - 11pm, Hallowed Ground

*Yesh! Trivia at the Shanty, 7pm - 11pm, The Lobster Shanty

*Jazz Night, 7pm - 9pm, The BABE

*Trivia, 7:30pm - 9:30pm, the Village Tavern

*General Knowledge Trivia, 8pm - 11pm, O’neill’s Irish Pub

Wednesdays:

*Open Mic Night, 5pm - 8pm, Far From the Tree C***r

*Notch Run Club, 6pm - 7:30pm, Notch Brewing (Meet at the tap room between 6 - 6:30pm!)

*Bingo! With Will Pottorff, 6pm - 8pm, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Weirdo Wednesdays, doors at 6:30pm, show at 7:30pm, $5, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://ticketing.useast.veezi.com/purchase/38959?siteToken=mz33me119qs1fn6sympyf41n2w )

*Northshore Line Dancing, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, $15, Salem State South Campus (To reserve a spot, please visit www.eventvista.com/events/147049/t/tickets )

*Comedy Open Mic hosted by Allie DF, 6:30pm - 10pm (list goes up at 6:30pm, show runs 7 - 10:30pm), Hallowed Ground

*Game Night Wednesday, 8pm - 11pm, O’Neill’s Irish Pub

Thursdays:

*Salem Farmers’ Market, 3pm - 7pm, Derby Square off Front Street (Until October 8th)

*Wicked Running Club, 5pm - 8:30pm (Meet up at Village Tavern; run then grab a pint after!)

*NAGLY Library Community Drop-ins, 5pm - 7pm (Enjoy the NAGLY Library and all it has to offer! They have a wide collection of books to browse and borrow, computers, and a printer. You can use us as a quiet space or a place to meet and chill after work. 18+ but minors can come if accompanied by an adult.), NAGLY at the Witch City Mall

*East Reggie Run Club, 6pm - 7pm, East Regiment B**r Company

*Musical Bingo (Guess the song & win prizes!), 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Howling Wolf Taqueria

*Notch Dart Night, 7pm - 9pm, Notch Brewing

*”A Night For The Arts” Open Mic (Local artists, poets, musicians, performers of all kinds), 7pm, The Village Tavern

*Trivia, 7pm (4 per team), Dire Wolf Tavern

*Film Club, 7pm - 9pm, 18+, Films TBD, pizza & snacks provided, NAGLY at the Witch City Mall (On the 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month.)

*Sea Witch Ball Workshop, 7pm - 10pm, $65 - $85 (+ticket service fee), 13+, The Sea Wych (For more info & tickets please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list . Tickets must be purchased by noon the day before.)

*Thursday Night Social Night w/ host Geya Jenda, 7pm - 11pm, The BABE

**House of Poems (an open mic event), 7pm - 9pm, FREE!, TAROT COVE: Reading Room & Gathering Space at The Witchery (Every 1st Thursday of the month; for more info please visit https://thewitcherysalem.com/events )

*Wretched Reels Live! Commentary w/ Horror Hostess Lydia, 7pm, $5, Koto Asian Fusion (Every 3rd Thursday of the Month)

*Open Mic!, 7:30pm - 11:30pm, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Trivia Night Thursday, 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Couch Dog Brewing

*Thirstiest Thursday hosted by Buster Pants (dance party/game/drag show), doors at 9pm, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion (The 1st Thursday of Every Month)

*Arcade Era Karaoke Thursdays, 9pm - 11pm, Bit Bar

*The Basement Bash Presents: Look, Ma I Made It! A Night of Music, Show & Tell, Drag! Bring your best DIY project & the crowd favorite wins a prize!, doors at 9pm, No Cover, 21+, Hallowed Ground (Every 3rd Thursday of the Month)

*Karaoke with ND Productions, 9:30pm - 2am, O’neill’s Irish Pub

Fridays:

*Tea & Cake Tasting, 3pm - 5pm, Free!, Jolie Tea Company

* Miz Diamond Wigfall Friday Night Drag, Fridays at 8pm - 10pm, no cover, 21+, Bit Bar Salem

*Friday Night Karaoke, 8pm - 11pm, The BABE

*Comedy Night @ Super Slice presented by Witch City Comedy, 9pm - 11:30pm, Garcon Super Slice

*Freaky Friday Mystery Movie Night, 9pm - 11pm, no cover!, movies are rated PG-13 or lower to accommodate families, East Regiment B**r Company (1st Friday of every month)

*Entertainment Weekend (various weekend DJs), 9pm, never a cover, The Village Tavern (for more information on which DJ is playing when please visit https://villagetavernsalem.com/entertainment )

*Vanta (Goth dance party), doors at 9pm, Hallowed Ground (the 1st Friday of Every Month)

*DJ & Dancing, 10pm - 2am, O’Neill’s Irish Pub

Saturdays:

*Secrets of First Church Self-Guided Tour, 10am - 3:30pm, First Church Salem Unitarian Universalist

*Couch Dog Run Club, 11:30am - 12:30pm, Couch Dog Brewing

*Entertainment Weekend: (various acoustic performers), 3pm - 6pm, The Village Tavern

*Jam with Danny Mac, 7pm - 10pm, Broadie’s Seaport

*Entertainment Weekend (various weekend DJs), 9pm, never a cover, The Village Tavern (For more info on which DJ is playing when please visit https://villagetavernsalem.com/entertainment )

*80’s Night, 9:30pm - 1am, Koto Asian Fusion (The 1st Saturday of every month)

*DARQ, Salem’s Goth Industrial Night, 9:30pm - 1am, Koto Asian Fusion (The 4th Saturday of every month)

*DJ and Dancing, 10pm - 2am, O’Neill’s Irish Pub

Sundays:

*Student Massage Clinic, 9:30am - 1:30pm, $59 (although discounted rates available), The Spirit Wellness Institute (For more info & appointments, please visit: https://spiritwellnessinstitute.fullslate.com/ )

*Notch Run Club, 12pm - 2pm, Notch Brewing (meet at the tap room at 12noon)

*Drag Brunch - Diamond’s Dine in with Maxine Harrison, 2pm-4pm, Gulu-Gulu Cafe (Seating is first come first serve)

*Sunday Funday with Chris Fitz & Steve Peabody (music), Sundays at 5pm - 8:30pm, Brodies
Seaport

*Sunday Night Jazz, 5pm, Hollowed Ground

*Groove Gamers of Salem: Rhythm Game Meet-Up, 5L30pm, Free and open to all skill levels!, Bit Bar (For more info please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

*Koto Karaoke hosted by ND Productions, 8:30pm, Koto Asian Fusion

*Matt in the Mix Sunday Night Karaoke, Sundays at 10pm - 2am, Oneill’s Irish Pub

09/30/2026

WE WON!! 🐈‍⬛🎃🎉

Black Cat Tours has been named #1 Best Ghost Tour in the United States in the USA Today 10Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards!

The part that means the most to us is this:
We were YOUR vote for Best Ghost Tour in the U.S!

We are so grateful, truly, to every single person who took the time to vote for us, share our posts, tell your friends, take a tour, come back for another one, and support this strange little Black Cat adventure of ours.

We also have so much respect for the other tours that were nominated alongside us. There are some wonderful storytellers, historians, guides, and businesses doing this work all over the country, and being included in that company was an honor in itself.

To our guides, our staff, our guests, and everyone who has believed in what we’re building here in Salem...

Thank YOU. 🤍

We are absolutely over the moon.

The little black cat from Salem made it all the way to #1!

09/27/2026

There aren't enough wonderful words to describe how much we love working with Disney D23 for their Black Flame Ball events in Salem. We were also so excited to bring Mr. Cat to the ball this year in addition to providing our special tours!

The people involved in these events are truly the best. From the absolutely outstanding event producers, to the genuinely above and beyond sweet and charming Doug Jones and Salem and Cat Champion Jason Marsden, and especially our hundreds of fellow D23 members who join us for these very special exclusive Hocus Pocus History tours of our beloved Salem, it is an honor to be a small part of this incredible community of joyous people.

When people say, "Salem isn't Disney," what they mean is, "Don't treat a real, working city like it's an amusement park." But we are thrilled to say that everyone we've worked with from Disney treats us and Salem with such respect, kindness, and beautiful curiosity, that we are always so excited to have them be a part of the Haunted Happenings of our fair city.

Hope to see you again real soon!