The 9th Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards is set to take place from October 2 to October 4, 2026. This year, the festival will be free for all, moving to Lexington Market as a result of ongoing demolition work near the Poe House.
Festival-goers can look forward to a special appearance by Victoria Price, along with the world premiere of her late father Vincent Price’s documentary. Additionally, a historic bronze bust by Zenos Frudakis will also be highlighted. Attendees can enjoy outdoor performances and a variety of vendors at Lexington Market on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Throughout the festival weekend, the Poe House will remain open for tours, alongside ticketed programs being held at several historic locations throughout Baltimore. Key sites include Westminster Hall, Carroll Mansion, the M&T Bank Exchange, and the Hippodrome Theatre. A dedicated festival shuttle will facilitate travel between these downtown landmarks, Poe House, and other festival venues. Proceeds from ticketed events will contribute to the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, which is currently undergoing a significant expansion.
“Poe House remains central to the festival,” remarked Enrica Jang, the executive director of Poe Baltimore. “We’re thrilled to shift our free celebration to the historic Lexington Market, while also inviting visitors to the Poe House. The new venue allows attendees to enjoy a festival within walking distance of Poe’s gravesite, our host hotel, and many major weekend events.”
This year’s festival will also honor the remarkable gift of a new bronze bust of Edgar Allan Poe by acclaimed sculptor Frudakis. This bust represents the first significant sculptural tribute to Poe presented at a Baltimore site in over a century. Frudakis will be present at the festival as a guest of honor and will present the coveted 2026 Saturday “Visiter” Awards during the Black Cat Ball.
The weekend’s events will coincide with the 177th anniversary of Poe’s enigmatic death in Baltimore, as well as the 185th anniversary of his landmark story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and the 180th anniversary of “The Cask of Amontillado.” Festival attendees can also participate in VIP Death Weekend Bus Tours, explore the inaugural “History of Mystery” exhibition at Westminster Hall, and catch a preview of the upcoming Poe ballet, titled “The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe.”
Here are the details for all the intriguing and eerie events planned for this weekend in Baltimore.
Free Poe Festival
October 3–4 | Lexington Market | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
The festival will offer dramatic readings, live music and performances, original artwork, Poe-themed vendors, a Costume POErade, and the RavenBeer Garden. Special guests include the Charm City Ghostbusters, nerdcore artist MC Lars, and YouTube personality Chad the Bird. Activities will take place throughout the outdoor Lexington Market Plaza and inside the Baltimore Room.
Cost: FREE
World Premiere Movie Nite and Raven Reception
Friday, October 2 | M&T Bank Exchange | 6–9 p.m.
The festival weekend will kick off with the world premiere of “Vincent Price: What Keeps Us Alive,” featuring a live appearance by Victoria Price, the daughter of the iconic actor. The evening will include Poe-themed performances, an optional opening reception, and an exclusive preview of the newly announced Poe ballet, “The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe,” scheduled to be performed at the Hippodrome Theatre during the festival.
Tickets: $29 for Movie Nite; $59 for the Movie Nite with Raven Reception package
The Black Cat Ball: Cask of Amontillado Masquerade
Saturday, October 3 | Westminster Hall | 7:30–10:30 p.m.
The official festival masquerade will mark 180 years since the publication of “The Cask of Amontillado,” filled with masks, music, carnival festivities, underground thrills, and a final toast at the graveside. Renowned Baltimore actor David Keltz, famous for his portrayals of Edgar Allan Poe, will perform in the catacombs beneath Westminster Hall. Sculptor Zenos Frudakis will attend as the guest of honor and present the 2026 Saturday ‘Visiter’ Awards.
Tickets: $149 per person; $199 for the VIP Catacombs Performance
VIP Death Weekend Bus Tours
October 3–4 | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
These two-hour guided tours will delve into the mysteries surrounding Poe’s last days in Baltimore, including the locations where he was discovered, passed away, and interred. Admission also includes access to special festival exhibits and experiences at historic Poe sites.
Tickets: $59 per person
NEW: Edgar Allan Poe’s History of Mystery
October 1–4 | Westminster Hall
This unique exhibition will highlight Poe’s pivotal role in creating detective fiction and his lasting impact through “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” The exhibition will be enriched by contributions from the Poe Museum in Richmond, the Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the National Cryptologic Museum.
Tickets: $20 on weekends; $10 on weekdays
