The 2027 Event
The third annual Devil's Footprint Folklore Event will take place on Sunday, October 3, 2027, at First Church in Ipswich, UCC, and on Meetinghouse Green.
The day begins at 10:00 a.m. with a special worship service led by Pastor Katherine DeSilva and Rev. Stacey Keane-Blagg. The service is open to everyone, including people of any faith or no faith at all.
The community event begins at 11:30 a.m. with live music, food, local folklore, a George Whitefield sermon reenactment, children's activities, and the Devil's Footprint.
The full 2027 schedule will be listed as it becomes availalble.
RSVP for Oct. 3, 2027
The Devils Footprint Annual Event is a free community celebration of Ipswich folklore, history, arts, and storytelling. Join us on Sunday, October 3, 2027 on Meeting House Green, 1 Meetinghouse Green, Ipswich, Massachusetts. Reserve a free RSVP ticket to help us plan for attendance. No payment is required. Guests may make an optional donation to support the event.
Devils Footprint Annual Event
— October 3, 2027
Rain or Shine
The Devil's Footprint Folklore Event will happen rain or shine. Outdoor activities will move inside First Church in Ipswich if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Enjoy live music, local folklore, storytelling, and community activities throughout the afternoon. Food will be available through our community potluck and bake sale; visitors are also welcome to bring a picnic or something to share.
Come for an hour or stay for the afternoon. Participate in as much or as little as you like. Everyone is welcome!
The rock is still there. The story is still told. Rain is not going to stop us.
Throughout the Day
• Visit the Devils Footprint.
• Explore the history of North Congregational Church and the many versions of the Devils Footprint story.
• Visit historical displays and community information tables.
• Talk with community members, storytellers, artists, musicians, and members of the Devils Footprint team.
• Make a townsperson puppet, listen to local stories, and take part in informal activities throughout Meeting House Green.
• Bring a picnic, something to share for the Devils Potluck, or stop by the bake sale.
The event is free and open to the public.
The rock is still there.
The story is still told.
Tentative Event Schedule
10:00 a.m.
Sunday Service
Join us at First Church in Ipswich, UCC, for a special Sunday service with Rev. Stacey Keane-Blagg and Pastor Katherine DeSilva before the community event begins on Meeting House Green.
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Live Music
Start the day with music on Meeting House Green and have some lunch during the music.
1:00 p.m.
Program 1
Each year we start the programing with a presentation. In 2025 we had a panel discussion and in 2026 we had an open read.
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Live Music
Continue the day with music on Meeting House Green and take a look at the footprint.
2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
George Whitefield Reenactment Sermon
Step back into 1740 as George Whitefield returns to Meeting House Green. Hear a reenactment sermon inspired by the preaching of Rev. Whitefield with a modern twist.
3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Youth Program
Each year we have had a special offering for our younger community members. In 2025 we invited Mark Warner's Professional Martial Artsto the event to give a creative vison of the battle between Whitefield and the Devil. In 2026 there was a puppet show that nay youth were invited to put on.
3:30 p.m.
Live Music Encore and Closing
Stay for an encore performance, conversation, food, and a final chance to explore the event before the official event closes.
— FIND US
Where is the Footprint?
One Meetinghouse Green, Ipswich, MA 01938
PARKING & DIRECTIONS
Getting Here and Parking
The Devil’s Footprint Annual Event takes place on Meeting House Green in historic downtown Ipswich, Massachusetts, beside First Church in Ipswich, UCC.
Event Location
First Church in Ipswich, UCC
1 Meetinghouse Green
Ipswich, MA 01938
Google Maps Plus Code: M5J7+PG Ipswich, Massachusetts
Parking
Parking on and around Town Hill is limited. Visitors are encouraged to use the public Hammatt Street Parking Lot and walk to Meeting House Green.
Hammatt Street Parking Lot
16 Hammatt Street
Ipswich, MA 01938
Google Maps Plus Code: M5H6+W7 Ipswich, Massachusetts
Please follow all posted parking signs and restrictions.
Coming by Train
Ipswich is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Newburyport and Rockport Line. The Ipswich station is located in downtown Ipswich within walking distance of the event.
Ipswich Commuter Rail Station
4 Peatfield Street
Ipswich, MA 01938
Google Maps Plus Code: M5G5+PQ Ipswich, Massachusetts
We encourage visitors who can travel by commuter rail to consider leaving the car at home. Downtown parking is limited, and the station provides an easy way to reach the event without having to find parking on Town Hill.