Salem · Halloween & Haunted Happenings
Salem Halloween 2026
Salem in October is the country's biggest month-long Halloween festival. Haunted Happenings runs the full month — costume parades, ghost tours, witch history walks, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, haunted attractions, indie horror at Cinema Salem, and live music at every venue. Halloween night 2025 alone drew nearly 100,000 visitors.
Below: every Halloween-coded event we know about, plus year-round witch history, ghost tours, and haunted attractions you can visit any month.
When
All of October
Programming begins late September and runs through early November. Peak crowds: Oct 24–31.
Book ahead
Hotels & tours sell out
October weekends book months in advance. Haunted attractions, ticketed events, and dinner reservations go fast.
Year-round
Ghost tours run daily
Most ghost tours, witch history sites, and haunted museums run every month — not just in October.
Planning a Salem Halloween visit?
October weekends in Salem book up months ahead — hotels, dinner reservations, and ticketed haunted attractions all sell out. The directory has every venue in town with hours, addresses, and links to their booking pages.
Upcoming Halloween events
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Thu, Jul 2 · 7 PM
Sea Witch Ball Workshop
Join The Sea Wych Salem for a magical experience in Witch City as she presents the history & lore of the witch ball, & guides you as you create your own using ocean elements, herbs, salts, & more to welcome in joy, banish negativity, or simply for a pretty souvenir to display. Spend some time with us and bring home your own unique and uniquely crafted souvenir. Tix must be purchased in advance Ages 13+ Contact to schedule private parties up to 12 ppl, or for families w/children under 13
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Fri, Jul 3 · 7 PM
Sea Witch Ball Workshop
Join The Sea Wych Salem for a magical experience in Witch City as she presents the history & lore of the witch ball, & guides you as you create your own using ocean elements, herbs, salts, & more to welcome in joy, banish negativity, or simply for a pretty souvenir to display. Spend some time with us and bring home your own unique and uniquely crafted souvenir. Tix must be purchased in advance Ages 13+ Contact to schedule private parties up to 12 ppl, or for families w/children under 13
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Fri, Jul 3 · 7 PM
A Spirited Evening Connecting with the Other Side
at Celestial Navigation Astrology & Wellness
Join educator, author, and former Paranormal Salem owner Kimberly Peterson for an intimate 90-minute indoor workshop exploring the tools, history, and lived experience behind paranormal investigation in Salem. Blending real investigative methods with intuitive development and mediumship, this hands-on experience includes intuitive exercises, a guided spirit communication circle, and the use of tools such as K2 meters and spirit boxes. Each guest receives a pendulum and a signed book. Part history lesson, part intuitive development, part séance. Limited to 12 guests.
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Sat, Jul 4 · 10 AM
USA Magic at The Good Witch of Salem
at The Good Witch of Salem’s Spell Studio
Celebrate the magic of Independence Day with a sparkling red, white, and blue potion! During this festive potion-making experience, young witches and wizards will mix magical ingredients inspired by the colors of the American flag while creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake potion to take home. Filled with shimmering sparkles, magical charms, and a little Good Witch magic, this limited-time seasonal potion is the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July in Salem. Located on Essex Street near the historic Witch House, this hands-on activity is one of the most unique family-friendly experiences.
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Sat, Jul 4 · 7 PM
A Spirited Evening Connecting with the Other Side
at Celestial Navigation Astrology & Wellness
Join educator, author, and former Paranormal Salem owner Kimberly Peterson for an intimate 90-minute indoor workshop exploring the tools, history, and lived experience behind paranormal investigation in Salem. Blending real investigative methods with intuitive development and mediumship, this hands-on experience includes intuitive exercises, a guided spirit communication circle, and the use of tools such as K2 meters and spirit boxes. Each guest receives a pendulum and a signed book. Part history lesson, part intuitive development, part séance. Limited to 12 guests.
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Tue, Jul 7 · 7 PM
Blades in the Dark Game Night
Come play Blades in the Dark hosted by Eric Reed. Imagine a dice game where you run capers in the haunted streets of Doskvol, with heists, chases, occult mysteries, dangerous bargains, and bloody skirmishes. Free to play, open to anyone, no skill needed.
- Event
Fri, Jul 24 · 7 PM
Witch City's Got Talent
at The Lost Library: A Peculiar Gift Shop at the Witch Village
Host: Allie Delfranco. Judges: Borah, Will Pottorff, John Andrews. Mystery prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Tickets are $30. Scan QR code to join as a performer.
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Fri, Jul 24 · 7 PM
Witch City's Got Talent
at The Lost Library: A Peculiar Gift Shop at the Witch Village
Talent showcase in the black box theater at The Lost Library. Local bands, dancers, magicians, and comedians compete for mystery prizes. $30 tickets. Hosted by Allie Delfranco.
- Market
Thu, Sep 17 · 3 PM
Salem Farmers’ Market
at Derby Square
Salem Farmers’ Market in downtown Salem — presented by Salem Main Streets.
- Cinema
- Cinema
- Open Mic
Sat, Sep 19 · 7 PM
Saturday Open Mic with Danny Mac
Danny Mac hosts an open mic every Saturday at Brodie’s Seaport — live music, good vibes, right by the water. 7–10 PM.
- Cinema
- Cinema
- Cinema
- Market
Thu, Sep 24 · 3 PM
Salem Farmers’ Market
at Derby Square
Salem Farmers’ Market in downtown Salem — presented by Salem Main Streets.
- Cinema
- Cinema
- Event
Sat, Sep 26 · 2 PM
The Making of a WITCH: A Play in One Act
Performances are Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm, from September 26 - October 24, 2026. Tickets cost $20 per person, children 5 and under are free. The performance lasts 35 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online (QR code provided) or at the door while supplies last. Proceeds benefit the ministries and historic preservation of St. Peter's-San Pedro Episcopal Church.
- Open Mic
Sat, Sep 26 · 7 PM
Saturday Open Mic with Danny Mac
Danny Mac hosts an open mic every Saturday at Brodie’s Seaport — live music, good vibes, right by the water. 7–10 PM.
- Market
Thu, Oct 1 · 3 PM
Salem Farmers’ Market
at Derby Square
Salem Farmers’ Market in downtown Salem — presented by Salem Main Streets.
- Open Mic
Sat, Oct 3 · 7 PM
Saturday Open Mic with Danny Mac
Danny Mac hosts an open mic every Saturday at Brodie’s Seaport — live music, good vibes, right by the water. 7–10 PM.
- Market
Thu, Oct 8 · 3 PM
Salem Farmers’ Market
at Derby Square
Salem Farmers’ Market in downtown Salem — presented by Salem Main Streets.
- Festival
Sat, Oct 10 · 9 PM
Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
at Derby Wharf
Howl-o-ween Pet Parade in downtown Salem — presented by Salem Main Streets.
- Festival
Sun, Oct 11 · 12:36 PM
Dog Mayor of Salem
at Downtown Salem
Dog Mayor of Salem in downtown Salem — presented by Salem Main Streets.
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Sat, Oct 24 · 9 PM
Heaven & Hell Ball
Choose your side. Dress as an angel or a devil and step into a night of music, dancing, incredible costumes, and pure Halloween energy.
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Sat, Oct 24 · 9 PM
Heaven & Hell Ball
Choose your side. Dress as an angel or a devil and step into a night of music, dancing, incredible costumes, and pure Halloween energy. Drink and party at this Halloween event.
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Sat, Oct 24 · 9 PM
Heaven & Hell Ball
Choose your side. Dress as an angel or a devil and step into a night of music, dancing, incredible costumes, and pure Halloween energy.
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Sat, Oct 31 · 8 PM
Fright Night
Join us for Salem’s ultimate Halloween celebration! Features include a live DJ, $500 costume contest, themed photo ops, and a haunted dance floor. Complimentary cocktail upon arrival.
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Sat, Oct 31 · 8 PM
Fright Night
The costumes get bigger. The party gets louder. The spirits come out to play. Join us for Salem’s ultimate Halloween celebration! Features a live DJ, swag, refreshments, themed photo ops, a haunted dance floor, and a $500 costume contest with a cash prize for the best costume. Includes a complimentary cocktail upon arrival. This event is 21+.
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Sat, Oct 31 · 8 PM
Fright Night
Salem's ultimate Halloween celebration with a live DJ, $500 costume contest, themed photo ops, haunted dance floor, and a complimentary cocktail upon arrival.