Collage of children and families enjoying a carnival with games, face painting, costumes, balloons, and outdoor activities.

Signature Events

Join us for unforgettable celebrations throughout the year! From adults-only evenings and family-friendly festivities to special community gatherings, our signature events bring joy, creativity, and connection to people of all ages. Whether solving mysteries, trick-or-treating through interactive exhibits, or supporting our mission at our annual gala, every Gilbert House event celebrates the power of play and imagination.

Upcoming Events

  • Colorful graphic promoting Community Play Day at Gilbert House Children's Museum featuring a black outline of a tower with sections labeled 'Create', 'Play', and 'Explore', alongside the words 'Community Play Day' in multicolored letters and an icon for each section representing children engaging in activities.

    Community Play Day

    Monday, February 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

    Inspired by A.C. Gilbert’s "Legacy of Play," we close our doors to the public for a dedicated day of discovery for families served by our community partners. It’s a day for making lasting memories, exploring all three historic houses, and venturing through the Outdoor Discovery Area in a supportive, high-energy environment built just for kids.

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  • A promotional poster for a murder mystery event at the Gilbert House Children's Museum. The poster features a large magnifying glass with a silhouette of a detective examining construction cranes, surrounded by red blood splatters on a black and gray background. The text indicates a murder mystery event titled "Murder at the Museum," with themes involving suspicion, clues, and a killer night, and mentions the Gilbert House Children's Museum.

    Gilbert House For Grown Ups - Murder at the Museum

    Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    Ditch the typical dinner-and-a-movie for a high-stakes "Whodunnit" across our historic houses. Step into a detective noir world where the exhibits become a crime scene and you are the lead investigator. Interrogate suspects and sip craft cocktails while you piece together the scandal of the season—this is not your average night out.

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  • Logo for Playground Party, featuring a child on a green slide within a yellow circle, with a blue border and colorful icons representing children, parents, and communication on the right side, and black text below highlighting a sponsor and donor appreciation event.

    Playground Party Sponosor & Donor Apprecitation Night

    Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    We’re clearing the grounds for a special sunset celebration! This hour is our chance to say "thank you" to the incredible donors and sponsors who keep the gears of Gilbert House turning. Join us for a relaxed evening of conversation, specialty drinks, and hors d'oeuvres in our Outdoor Discovery Area as we celebrate the community of play you help build every single day.

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  • Silhouettes of three women at a bar with bottles and drinks, under a starry night sky with the Earth and moon illustration. Overlaid text reads 'Girlboss' and 'For Grown Ups', with a banner saying 'Celebrate Your Inner Child'.

    Gilbert House For Grown Ups - Summer Night Out

    Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    Dust off your butterfly clips and low-rise jeans—we’re throwing it back to the turn of the millennium! Join us for an unforgettable Y2K-themed night where the museum becomes an adults-only playground. Trade the daily grind for an evening of high-energy play, nostalgic hands-on projects, and local brews. It’s the ultimate "recess" for the 21+ crowd—no strollers, no tantrums, just pure connection and throwback fun.

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  • Logo for Gilbert House Children's Museum and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, promoting a storybook character adventure event in partnership with Early Learning Hub.

    Storybook Adventure

    Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Step into the pages of your favorite tales for a morning of pure magic! Children and families are invited to meet beloved characters in real life, collecting autographs and photos as they journey through the museum’s historic houses. From music and games to refreshing treats in the Outdoor Discovery Area, the day is filled with wonder, ending with a grand finale and a free storybook for every child to take home.

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  • Logo for Power Hour Breakfast Tour at Gilbert House Children's Museum featuring a sunrise, houses, and children walking.

    Power Hour Breakfast Tour

    Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

    Give us an hour, and we’ll show you how we’re building a brighter Salem. Designed for our busy community leaders and professionals, the Power Hour is a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Gilbert House. Fuel up with coffee and pastries while you tour our historic houses and see firsthand how your support fuels STEM discovery, social-emotional learning, and the preservation of our city's history.

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  • A spooky house decorated for Halloween with orange windows, black silhouettes, cobwebs, spiders, and Halloween decorations. Bats fly in the sky, and a banner reads 'Trick or Treat.' The words 'Halloween Re-Engineered' are at the bottom.

    Halloween Re-Engineered

    Sunday, October 25, 2026  | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

    Experience trick-or-treating with a creative, mechanical twist! In the spirit of our namesake inventor, we use gizmos and gadgets to deliver treats throughout the museum. This safe, indoor adventure is perfect for families looking for a unique Halloween experience where innovation meets the candy bag.

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  • Holiday-themed graphic with a snowy village scene, a train, and gold accents, with text reading 'Discover the Wonder All Aboard' and 'Believe in the Magic of Learning'.

    Discover The Wonder Gala

    Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    All aboard for our biggest and most magical party of the year! Our Polar Express themed gala is an evening of pure imagination that directly supports our mission. Join us for an inspiring night of dinner and auctions to help keep the museum vibrant and accessible for every family in our community.

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  • Celebratory graphic with a clock showing midnight, two cartoon balloons with party hats, colorful confetti, and streamers, signifying New Year's Eve at Gilbert House Children's Museum.

    Noon Years Eve

    Thursday, December 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

    Why let the adults have all the fun at midnight? We’re bringing the glitter and joy of a New Year's celebration to the middle of the day. With a spectacular balloon drop at exactly 12:00 PM, your little ones can ring in the New Year with a bang and still be home in time for an early bedtime.

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