The Devil's Footprint Lore - The Story after 285 Years

The Devil’s Footprint Folklore Festival brings Ipswich’s strangest story to life through music, theater, and conversation. The day begins with live music from Clay Pigeons, followed by a panel discussion featuring a Salem State history professor, an ordained UCC minister, a local community member, and an author of North Shore folklore.

After the panel, experience a dramatic reenactment of George Whitefield’s legendary sermon and the Devil’s battle on the steeple, staged with the support of Mark Warner’s Professional Martial Arts Academy. Between events, enjoy food from Humble Kitchen and more live music.

The festival is family-friendly, free to attend, and rooted in the shared traditions of storytelling, history, and community.

Info: Kick off & Close out the festival with the rollicking sounds of Clay Pigeons, a New England folk-bluegrass band whose music blends fiddle, banjo, and harmony. Their songs bring energy and fun to start the day and end the event

Info: A Salem State history professor, an ordained UCC minister, a local community member, and an author of North Shore folklore will share their insights. Together they’ll discuss how the legend has lived on for centuries, why folklore still matters today, and what the Devil’s Footprint says about our fears, beliefs, and imagination.

Info: Step back into 1740 with a fiery retelling of George Whitefield’s sermon in Ipswich. Hear the opening words of a historic voice that once shook the Meetinghouse Green, then watch the story unfold as the battle with the Devil begins.

Host or Publisher Ipswich Community Devils Footprint Committee