6th Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival "Creeps" Into Baltimore October 7-8

Get in touch with your “eerie” side and head on over to the Sixth Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards (Poe Fest International), presented by Poe Baltimore, on October 7-8, 2023, 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Poe Park in front of Poe House, located at 203 N. Amity Street. This free, family-friendly event includes themed vendors, live readings and performances, special tours, food and drinks, and the return of The Black Cat Ball as well as the unveiling of the winners of the Saturday “Visiter” Awards, an honor celebrating Poe’s legacy in art and literature around the world. NEW this year, there will be a Poe in Comics Exhibit, Bloody Mary Brunch (Sunday Only), a POErade costume contest (Saturday Only) and "One-Man Poe” and “Murder Mystery Co Performance Tents.” Poe Fest International is made possible by grant and sponsor funding from Wells Fargo, La Cite LLC, RavenBeer and several others. This outdoor, family-friendly event is FREE to the public. For more information or to buy tickets to select events, visit https://poefestinternational.org.

Highlighted Entertainment on the Main Stage (FREE to attend):

October 7:

11:00 AM- Festival OPENS with the Dan Meyer Choir and Empressa Ensemble and an “official” ribbon cutting recognizing the Newest Sponsor, Wells Fargo

12:30 PM- The Ultra Kings

1:30 PM- Ballet Embody

2:30 PM- Ursula Ricks

4:00 PM- Costume Contest POErade

October 8 :

11:00 AM- Wordsmith

12:00 PM- Kristin Ostling

1:00 PM- The Coldharts

1:45 PM- Poe’s Magic Theatre feat. Vince Wilson

2:30 PM- Poehemia

3:30 PM- The Baltimore City Pipe Band

FREE art workshops, art demos, and coffin-making demonstrations all weekend long.

For all details, see Festival Program.

Ticketed Events:

The Black Cat Ball at Westminster Hall: Prom Nite, October 7 at 7:30 PM

Description: This is the official party of the festival and will feature a Nevermore High School Class of 1849 Prom Night. Take a scream-filled trip down memory lane, all the way back to the chilling vibes of the 1840s! Dance to the beat of synthwave, strike killer poses in the retro photo booth, sip on blood-red punch that'll make your hairspray stand on end, then dance til you drop at the Rav'n Dance Off. Poe-rom-pose to the nearest corpse and make some more memories to DIE for. Tickets are all-inclusive for food, beer/wine, and entertainment. Dress to impress, walk our Gothic Red Carpet and pose for Poe Prom photos!! Attendees must be 21+.

Price/more information: $149-200; Westminster Hall, located at 519 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

VIP Death Weekend “Poe Places” Bus Tour, October 7-8

Description: Explore the enduring mystery surrounding Poe’s tragic death on a special VIP Death Weekend Bus Tour of Poe’s Baltimore. The 2-hour tour ticket includes stops at four important Poe Places around Baltimore, including Poe’s graves (he has two!) plus the sites where Poe was found and passed away. Bus Ticket also include scenes from a special re-enactment of Edgar Allan Poe's first funeral and the new Poe in Comics Exhibit at Westminster Hall. Death and funeral imagery (including body in an open casket), may not be suitable for young children. Viewer discretion advised.

Price/more information: $59 per person; bus tours leave from festival grounds at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 203 N. Amity

Red Masque Festival Pass, October 7-8

Description: This special pass provides guests with exclusive access to FOUR special programs festival weekend including a Nevermore Murder Mystery Room, A One Man Poe Show, The Poe in Comics and Poe Death exhibits at Westminster Hall, and a Bloody Mary Brunch with Poe! (Bloody Mary Brunch on Sunday only from 11 AM-1 PM)

Price/more information: $35 on-line/$60 at the door

A complete schedule of festival events and ticket information will be regularly updated at https://poefestinternational.com/festival-program. Direct ticket sales: PoeFestInternational.eventbrite.com.