This year marks the fourth annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards! Taking place on October 7th and 8th in front of the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, this free, two-day event features "Poe-themed performances, art, vendors and food, celebrating Poe’s life, works and his influence in the arts."
If you're anywhere near Baltimore, this seems like a great way to kick off your October! Here are more details directly from the official website:
1. General Admission is FREE
The festival is a FREE, family-friendly, two-day outdoor event. 2023 Poe Festival Int’l is October 7 & 8, 2023, from 11AM to 4PM each day.
2. Stage Program posts September 1
Live performances are planned on the festival main stage at Poe Fest Int’l—music, dramatic readings of Poe’s works, original theatrical performances. We are welcoming back several theater troupes and performers from previous years, as well as new acts!
3. There will also be more festival events on site in 2023!
There are new, exclusive tents and experiences planned for 2023, including a "Murder at the Masquerade" game presented by the Murder Mystery Co., an intimate "One Man Poe" performance tent by actor Stephen Smith, and even a Bloody Mary Brunch with Poe! Prince Prospero himself wouldn't believe this deal: Save $25 when you book online!
4. Tour tickets have sold out in previous years, so get your tickets early!
Additional events festival weekend are ongoing at locations away from festival grounds. VIP ticketed tour options are available, including:
- “Death Weekend” Bus Tour, $59. Includes several stops around the city of Baltimore, exploring the mysterious death of Edgar Allan Poe in Baltimore. This tour includes the “Poe in Film & Fashion” Exhibit at 1840s Plaza!
- Poe in Comics and the “Poe Death Exhibit," $20
- Tours of the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, $20
Visit PoeFestInternational.eventbrite.com to purchase!
5. Poe House requires tickets for entry.
Tours of Poe House require tickets and are not included with admission to the festival. This precious historic site is very small; tickets are limited so that we may protect and preserve the house for future generations to enjoy and study. Virtual tours are available with the Virtual Festival Pass.
6. Attendees enjoy special rates at the Lord Baltimore Hotel
The Lord Baltimore Hotel is the host hotel for 2022 Poe Fest International. Reserve your rooms here: https://reservations.travelclick.com/85390?groupID=3741924
7. Bus lines bring you to Poe Fest Int'l, including the Charm City Circulator (free)
The Charm City Circulator will bring you to Poppleton and Baltimore Streets, three blocks from the festival.
Lyft, Uber and other rideshare services, use the intersection of W. Lexington & Schroeder Streets for drop-off/pickup.
Limited Street parking is available. Paid parking in a secure garage is the corner of Poppleton & Baltimore Street, three blocks from Poe House.
8. The Black Cat Ball is the Official Party of the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards.
The Black Cat Ball is the Official Party of the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards. This year’s Black Cat Ball is a Gothic Prom-theme at the historic Westminster Hall & Burying Ground, featuring after-hours access to the “Poe Death Exhibit" and a cognac toast to Edgar Allan Poe! Your most glamorous and gothic costumes encouraged. Ticket is all-inclusive food, beer & wine plus specialty cocktails, and entertainment, $149 per person. Sorry, this party is 21 and over only; 100% ID check!
(LIMITED VIP Black Cat Ball package includes a "Nevermore Hisgh School Class of 1849" Prom Royalty package in the famed Westminster Catacombs!)
9. The Saturday 'Visiter' Awards Winners will be announced festival weekend.
Winners of the Saturday Visiter Awards, an honor recognizing a new generation of artists & writers inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, will be announced at the Black Cat Ball! Meet the nominees at the festival, then join us the night of October 7th as we toast the 2023 winners!
10. This festival includes programming from preeminent “Poe Places."
This festival includes programming from other “Poe Places” around the United States, including The Poe Museum (Richmond,)The Poe Cottage (NYC,) The Poe Studies Association, The Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore, Westminster Hall & Burial Ground (Baltimore,)The United States Military Academy at West Point, and The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum (Baltimore.)
For more info and to purchase tickets, visit: https://poefestinternational.com/
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