2026 International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards
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Join us October 2–4, 2026, as Poe Baltimore presents the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards, commemorating the 177th Anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's death in Baltimore.
October dawns and Baltimore becomes the world capital of Gothic and mystery storytelling with exhibits, performances, films, tours, lectures, parties, and the free International Edgar Allan Poe Festival at the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum.
Poe Fest International is a free, family-friendly celebration featuring Edgar Allan Poe-inspired performances, art, vendors, books, food, music, living history, and hands-on activities celebrating Poe's life, works, and enduring influence on literature, film, and popular culture. The free street festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum in Baltimore, with additional exhibits and special programs throughout the city at Westminster Hall, Carroll Mansion, and the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.
Meet representatives from America's leading "Poe Places," enjoy award-winning performances, shop unique Gothic vendors and artists, and experience the world's largest annual celebration of Edgar Allan Poe.
General admission to the street festival is FREE, and the winners of the 2026 Saturday 'Visiter' Awards will be celebrated throughout festival weekend.
Tours inside the Edgar Allan Poe House, special exhibits, lectures, performances, and select events require separate tickets or festival passes. Explore the ticketed experiences below!
***The Black Cat Ball: The Cask of Amontillado Masquerade***
The Black Cat Ball returns to historic Westminster Hall, the final resting place of Edgar Allan Poe, for an unforgettable evening inspired by one of his most chilling tales.
This year's theme descends into the catacombs beneath Westminster Hall, celebrating The Cask of Amontillado with an evening of masquerade, music, mystery, and Gothic revelry in one of America's most atmospheric historic landmarks.
All tickets include:
RavenBeer & Wine Reception with hors d'oeuvres
2026 Saturday 'Visiter' Awards Ceremony
Gothic dance party with DJ Marty
Access to Westminster Hall and Poe's gravesite
A ceremonial toast to Edgar Allan Poe
Guests may also purchase a limited Catacombs Experience for an intimate descent beneath Westminster Hall's historic crypts.
The Black Cat Ball is a 21+ event with 100% ID check.
***The Red Masque Festival Pass***
Prince Prospero himself can't keep you out of these exclusive festival experiences!
For the first time, our festival kick-off event is INCLUDED with every Red Masque Festival Pass.
The Red Masque Festival Pass includes admission to premium events and experiences throughout festival weekend, including:
Vincent Price MOVIE NITE
Celebrate the legendary actor with the world premiere of a new Vincent Price documentary. We'll be joined by special guests Victoria Price, and a live filmmaker Q&A. This and more at the M&T Exchange Theatre.
The Poe Toaster Cocktail & Mocktail Tasting Tent
Sample Poe-inspired spirits and alcohol-free creations while exploring one of Baltimore's greatest literary mysteries.
Bloody Mary Brunch with Poe
Recover from Saturday night's festivities with a Gothic brunch and ceremonial toast to Poe.
Edgar Allan Poe's History of Mystery Exhibit
Discover how Edgar Allan Poe invented the modern detective story through an immersive exhibition presented in partnership with the Poe Museum (Richmond), Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the National Cryptologic Museum.
Westminster Hall Cemetery Tour
Walk among the graves where Poe rests today and explore one of Baltimore's most historic cemeteries.
The Poe Death Exhibit at Carroll Mansion
Examine the enduring mystery surrounding Poe's final days through artifacts, research, and interactive displays.
Purchase individual tickets or save with the Red Masque Festival Pass. Black Cat Ball guests can unlock even greater savings when bundled together.
***Featured Exhibits***
Edgar Allan Poe's History of Mystery
Presented by Poe Baltimore, the Poe Museum (Richmond), Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the National Cryptologic Museum, this year's signature exhibit celebrates the 185th anniversary of The Murders in the Rue Morgue, the story that forever changed crime fiction.
Explore the five detective stories that established the methods of modern investigation, cryptography, deduction, and forensic reasoning. Through rare artifacts, interactive displays, and hands-on activities, discover how Poe's brilliant detective C. Auguste Dupin inspired generations of sleuths—from Sherlock Holmes to today's forensic investigators.
The Poe Death Exhibit
The mystery of Poe's final days comes alive once again at Carroll Mansion. Explore the competing theories surrounding his death, examine historical evidence, and decide for yourself what happened during the final week of Edgar Allan Poe's life.
Every ticket purchased helps support the continued expansion of the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, ensuring that the home where Poe shaped American literature can continue inspiring future generations.
The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards is made possible by sponsorship, programs and volunteers by Poe Baltimore, The Lord Baltimore Hotel, University of Maryland Carey Law School Westminster Hall & Burying Ground, The Poe Museum (Richmond), The Enoch Pratt Free Library, The Bronx County Historical Society/ Poe Cottage at Fordham, The Nora Roberts Foundation, Carroll Museums, RavenBeer, and many others. All proceeds benefit The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum in Baltimore!
Join us October 2–4, 2026, as Poe Baltimore presents the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards, commemorating the 177th Anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's death in Baltimore.
October dawns and Baltimore becomes the world capital of Gothic and mystery storytelling with exhibits, performances, films, tours, lectures, parties, and the free International Edgar Allan Poe Festival at the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum.
Poe Fest International is a free, family-friendly celebration featuring Edgar Allan Poe-inspired performances, art, vendors, books, food, music, living history, and hands-on activities celebrating Poe's life, works, and enduring influence on literature, film, and popular culture. The free street festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum in Baltimore, with additional exhibits and special programs throughout the city at Westminster Hall, Carroll Mansion, and the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.
Meet representatives from America's leading "Poe Places," enjoy award-winning performances, shop unique Gothic vendors and artists, and experience the world's largest annual celebration of Edgar Allan Poe.
General admission to the street festival is FREE, and the winners of the 2026 Saturday 'Visiter' Awards will be celebrated throughout festival weekend.
Tours inside the Edgar Allan Poe House, special exhibits, lectures, performances, and select events require separate tickets or festival passes. Explore the ticketed experiences below!
***The Black Cat Ball: The Cask of Amontillado Masquerade***
The Black Cat Ball returns to historic Westminster Hall, the final resting place of Edgar Allan Poe, for an unforgettable evening inspired by one of his most chilling tales.
This year's theme descends into the catacombs beneath Westminster Hall, celebrating The Cask of Amontillado with an evening of masquerade, music, mystery, and Gothic revelry in one of America's most atmospheric historic landmarks.
All tickets include:
RavenBeer & Wine Reception with hors d'oeuvres
2026 Saturday 'Visiter' Awards Ceremony
Gothic dance party with DJ Marty
Access to Westminster Hall and Poe's gravesite
A ceremonial toast to Edgar Allan Poe
Guests may also purchase a limited Catacombs Experience for an intimate descent beneath Westminster Hall's historic crypts.
The Black Cat Ball is a 21+ event with 100% ID check.
***The Red Masque Festival Pass***
Prince Prospero himself can't keep you out of these exclusive festival experiences!
For the first time, our festival kick-off event is INCLUDED with every Red Masque Festival Pass.
The Red Masque Festival Pass includes admission to premium events and experiences throughout festival weekend, including:
Vincent Price MOVIE NITE
Celebrate the legendary actor with the world premiere of a new Vincent Price documentary. We'll be joined by special guests Victoria Price, and a live filmmaker Q&A. This and more at the M&T Exchange Theatre.
The Poe Toaster Cocktail & Mocktail Tasting Tent
Sample Poe-inspired spirits and alcohol-free creations while exploring one of Baltimore's greatest literary mysteries.
Bloody Mary Brunch with Poe
Recover from Saturday night's festivities with a Gothic brunch and ceremonial toast to Poe.
Edgar Allan Poe's History of Mystery Exhibit
Discover how Edgar Allan Poe invented the modern detective story through an immersive exhibition presented in partnership with the Poe Museum (Richmond), Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the National Cryptologic Museum.
Westminster Hall Cemetery Tour
Walk among the graves where Poe rests today and explore one of Baltimore's most historic cemeteries.
The Poe Death Exhibit at Carroll Mansion
Examine the enduring mystery surrounding Poe's final days through artifacts, research, and interactive displays.
Purchase individual tickets or save with the Red Masque Festival Pass. Black Cat Ball guests can unlock even greater savings when bundled together.
***Featured Exhibits***
Edgar Allan Poe's History of Mystery
Presented by Poe Baltimore, the Poe Museum (Richmond), Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the National Cryptologic Museum, this year's signature exhibit celebrates the 185th anniversary of The Murders in the Rue Morgue, the story that forever changed crime fiction.
Explore the five detective stories that established the methods of modern investigation, cryptography, deduction, and forensic reasoning. Through rare artifacts, interactive displays, and hands-on activities, discover how Poe's brilliant detective C. Auguste Dupin inspired generations of sleuths—from Sherlock Holmes to today's forensic investigators.
The Poe Death Exhibit
The mystery of Poe's final days comes alive once again at Carroll Mansion. Explore the competing theories surrounding his death, examine historical evidence, and decide for yourself what happened during the final week of Edgar Allan Poe's life.
Every ticket purchased helps support the continued expansion of the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, ensuring that the home where Poe shaped American literature can continue inspiring future generations.
The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards is made possible by sponsorship, programs and volunteers by Poe Baltimore, The Lord Baltimore Hotel, University of Maryland Carey Law School Westminster Hall & Burying Ground, The Poe Museum (Richmond), The Enoch Pratt Free Library, The Bronx County Historical Society/ Poe Cottage at Fordham, The Nora Roberts Foundation, Carroll Museums, RavenBeer, and many others. All proceeds benefit The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum in Baltimore!
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Where is it happening?
Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum / Poe Baltimore, 201 N Amity St, Baltimore, MD 21223-2501, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherThe International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards
