Festival Program and Events

Directed by Missy Harris, this multi-talented, New York based troupe of actors and musicians perform at theatres, museums and historic venues across the country and are excited to bring you excerpts of their critically acclaimed show, “Nevermore...An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe”.  Experience haunting passions as we explore the themes of love and loss bringing Poe classics come to life before your eyes with new perspectives and original performance adaptations of your favorite Poe stories and poems including Annabel Lee, The Oval Portrait, Lenore and more. Featuring music from composers Jan DeAngelo and Jeff Wahl and historic costumes by Faeriegoddmother Customs.  

A selection of songs from the touring musical 'Edgar Allan & Eddie Poe,' inspired by the youth and writing of Edgar Allan Poe. Katie Hartman as Eddie Poe & Nick Ryan as Edgar Allan. The Coldharts is a touring theater company based in Brooklyn, NY creating minimalist musicals inspired by the American Gothic.  

Stephen Smith performs dramatic recitation of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum." 2022 Saturday Visiter Awards Nominee

Debbie Phillips of Richmond, Virginia, is a freelance lecturer, tour guide, and living history interpreter. Her living history repertoire ranges from mid-18th century through World War II, including several women from Edgar Allan Poe's life. Debbie appeared as Virginia Poe at the Virginia Poe Bicentennial Gothic Tea Party in August of 2022.

The Embalmers are the perfect band to celebrate the Halloween season and all things Poe! Direct from Richmond, VA, Bryan Halstead, Dave Wiskman, Greg Hopper and Jason Brown  perform spooky tunes!

Returning for a fourth year, The Baltimore City Pipe Band will honor Poe’s Death Weekend and close the festival. The bagpipe and drum corps is a non-competing band made of private individuals dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of Scottish Bagpipe music. The band performs at a variety of events to include parades, dances, charitable and social functions, and community festivals in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. 

Virtual event. Zoom Registration.

 “The Poe Society of Baltimore at 100” by Jeffrey A. Savoye.  The Poe Society of Baltimore was officially organized in 1923, more than a decade before taking a lead role to save and preserve the house on Amity Street where Poe began his career as a writer of tales. The commemorative programs also began in 1923, making 2022 the 99th anniversary of the society, but the 100th instance of the annual event. The various programs offered over the last century boast many of the most prominent names in Poe studies, from Arthur Hobson Quinn and Hervey Allen to John W. Ostrom, Thomas Ollive Mabbott and Burton R. Pollin.  Where has the society journeyed so far, and, perhaps more importantly, where will we be going next?  More details.

Ticketed event. Location: 519 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore MD. 7:30 PM. Must be 21+

The official party of Poe Fest International! Join us for a fantastical masquerade of the senses and grave-side toast to Poe. VIP ticket includes a chance to renew (or take!) your eternal vows in the famed Westminster Catacombs. More details.

Ticketed event. Location: Westminster Hall, 519 W. Fayette Street, 12PM - 4PM

Visit an interactive art installation at Westminster Hall & Burying Ground where Poe's body and casket will lie in state in a re-enactment of the dark and somber day Poe was laid to rest.  Tour the various conspiracies that plague Poe's legacy and  learn how the very clothes he wore offer clues to his mysterious death. Pay your respects at a special candle-light vigil for the master of horror and mystery. Included this year: the NEW "Virginia Poe Bicentennial Death Exhibit." Presented by Poe Baltimore at Westminster Hall, the exhibit explores the hidden history of Virginia Poe, the beloved wife and muse of Edgar Allan Poe, and how she shaped her husband's work even from beyond the grave. More details.

Ticketed event. Location:  MAGIC MANIA, 7938 EASTERN AVENUE, BALTIMORE, MD 21224

Edgar Allan Poe’s Blood, Sweat & Fears: Music, magic and mayhem! See three of Poe’s well-known stories of suspense come to life on stage cabaret-style, in the first-ever live production from Baltimore’s own National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre. Featuring the stories “Berenice,” “The Predicament,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Parental advisory: This show contains some adult themes, including murder. Not recommended for children under 13 years of age.  More details.