13 Spooky Book Events in Boston this Halloween
When:
Monday, Oct 21, 2024 10:00a -
Saturday, Nov 09, 2024 10:00p
Monday, Oct 21, 2024 10:00a -
Saturday, Nov 09, 2024 10:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Art, Date Idea, Good for Groups, Seasonal
The weather in Boston has cooled and it’s the perfect time of year to cozy up with a new (or favorite) book. Luckily, Boston is quite the literary city and there are plenty of ways to enjoy your books while making new friends and embracing spooky season.
by Celina Colby
1) Side Quest Fantasy-Inspired Bookshop
When: Open daily
Where: Union Square
Info: This woman-owned fantasy-centric bookshop sells everything from magical books to indie role-playing games and all things nerdy. It’s the perfect spot to pick up your otherworldly Halloween read.
2) All She Wrote Books: October Breakfast Club
When: Sunday 10/20
Where: Somerville
Info: Gather at All She Wrote Books for their monthly breakfast book club meeting. October’s book “It Came From the Closet,” edited by Joe Vallese, is a collection of essays in which queer and trans authors reflect on the horror movies that impacted them.
3) Tarot Readings at All She Wrote Books
When: Sunday 10/20
Where: Somerville
Info: For one afternoon only, Heronkind Stories and Healing will pop-up at All She Wrote Books for tarot reading sessions. Be sure to snag your 15-minute appointment in advance and prepare to have your cards read.
4) The Alibi Club: A Mystery & Thriller Book Group reads When No One is Watching
When: Tuesday 10/22
Where: Mattapan
Info: Thriller and murder mystery lovers congregate monthly at the Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library. This month they’ll discuss ‘When No One is Watching’ by Alyssa Cole. All are welcome.
5) Horror Book Fair with Trident Booksellers
When: Wednesday 10/23
Where: Downtown
Info: Trident Booksellers is bringing the Horror Book Fair back to Sam Adams’ Downtown Taproom. Peruse novels, graphic stories, and more ranging from spine-chilling to witchy. You can also get an on-site tarot reading.
6) 16th Annual Boston Book Festival
When: Friday 10/26 - Saturday 10/26
Where: Back Bay
Info: The Boston Book Festival celebrates all literary genres, but there are sure to be some horror and mystery authors there to whet your seasonal appetite. More than 200 authors will gather in Copley Square for panel discussions, presentations, book signings, and more.
7) All She Wrote x Juliet Book Club: Maggie Thrash's RAINBOW BLACK
When: Sunday 10/27
Where: Union Square
Info: This murder-mystery entwined with a gay love story and an international fugitive sublot is the perfect thrill for October reading. Gather at Juliet to chat about the novel with likeminded new friends.
8) Fright Night: A celebration of horror novels and the authors behind them
When: Monday 10/28
Where: Brookline
Info: At WBUR CitySpace, Here & Now associate producer Kalyani Saxena will interview a series of horror novelists about their books and the way the genre is evolving over time. Afterwards you can buy books and have the authors sign them.
9) Lovestruck Books Presents: Practical Magic Author Talk and Film Screening
When: Tuesday 10/29
Where: Harvard Square
Info: Lovestruck Books is hosting a screening of ‘Practical Magic’ at the Brattle Theatre followed by a Q&A with the author Alice Hoffman. Your ticket includes a signed copy of the book and a special edition tote.
10) Author Talk with Deborah Blom, “The Poisoner’s Handbook” and "Ghost Hunters"
When: Wednesday 10/30
Where: South End
Info: Join Deborah Blom, the head of the science journalism program at MIT, for a spooky season discussion of two of her books, 'The Poisoner's Handbook' and 'Ghost Hunters.' After the talk enjoy refreshments and get your book signed.
11) Night of the Living Books (Halloween Party)
When: Thursday 10/31
Where: Seaport
Info: Porter Square Books is going all out for Halloween with spooky movie screenings, author talks with horror writers, tarot readings, and a creepy costume contest. Costumes must be book themed.
BONUS:
These bookish events may not be specifically horror themed, but they happen during spooky season and they’re sure to satisfy your literary cravings.
12) Brewery Book Fair By Bookworm
When: Saturday 11/2
Where: Dorchester
Info: Head to Dorchester Brewing for a flash back to the Scholastic Book Fair days. Bookworm will be popping up a used book fair so you can grab a brew and peruse novels, nonfiction, and fun bookish products.
13) Hooks and Books
When: Tuesday 11/5
Where: Back Bay
Info: If you’re a crafter as well as a booklover, this group is for you. Upstairs at Trident, a group meets every month to knit, crochet, weave, and more in the comfort of stocked bookshelves.
14) Tales from the Crips: Reimagining Fairy Tales with a Disabled Lens
When: Friday 11/8 and Saturday 11/9
Where: Dorchester
Info: Watch your favorite fairy tales take on a new life in this dance performance by Abilities Dance, an inclusive company for professional dancers of all abilities.
YEAR-ROUND LITERARY FUN
7 Places in Boston Where You Can Read & Grab a Drink
When: Daily
Where: Around Boston
Info: It’s hard to beat a book and a cocktail for a relaxing evening. At these bookstores, libraries, and restaurants around Boston, you can find the best of both.
15 Independent Bookstores Around Boston
When: Daily
Where: Around Boston
Info: There are many incredible Indie bookstores around Boston. In addition to buying new reads, they offer cafes, cool events, unique products, and a community of fellow book lovers here in The Hub.
The 6 Most Unique Libraries in Boston
When: Daily
Where: Around Boston
Info: Whether you’re looking for a beautiful and historic place to crack open a new book or a quiet setting to get some work done, Boston is chock full of unique libraries that meet all your needs.
9 Unique Book Clubs to Join in Boston
When: Daily
Where: Around Boston
Info: One of the easiest ways to meet fellow book lovers is by joining a book club. These meet a range of interests from queer stories to science themes.
