ONGOING EVENTS
IN OCTOBER
Festival Of The Dead Event Series
Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Locations include: 184 Essex St, Witch City Mall, Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Common. Festival of the Dead is an annual event series that explores death’s macabre customs, heretical histories, and strange rituals. Listing of events: Festival Of The Dead
Salem Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market
Witch City Mall – 176 Essex St. 10am-10pm Oct. 1- Oct. 31
Explore the future with a psychic reading at Salem’s longest-running psychic fair! The Salem Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market features the Witch City’s most gifted Psychics. Wander an emporium of magical gifts, meet real practicing Witches, and make an appointment with one of Salem’s talented psychic readers as you delve into your destiny! Salem Psychic Fair
The Good Witch Of Salem Event Series
281 Essex St. 978-594-4026. The Good Witch of Salem is a positive role model represented by the vibrant color “pink.” Events, workshops, educational resources, and storytelling are just a few of the ways in which the Good Witch shares her magic. The Good Witch of Salem is a positive teacher and wellness role model for young children. The Good Witch’s mission is shared through magical and engaging content and events.
More information
Cry Innocent: The People Vs. Bridget Bishop
Sept. 21-Nov.7. Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square. It’s 1692. Bridget Bishop is accused of witchcraft and YOU are the jury. Hear the evidence, cross-examine the witnesses and determine the outcome. The actors respond as Puritans, revealing much about the Puritan mind. Is Bridget Bishop capable of witchcraft? You decide. Tickets and Information
Eerie Stories On Salem Sound
193 Derby St. Escape the crowds this fall and take to the sea, where haunting tales and harbor views await! Join us on weekends in October at 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm to dive into the dark side of Salem’s history. On this 90 minute boat tour, your guide will relate tales of murderous plots, public executions, and strange sightings. You’ll find that the facts of Salem’s past are stranger than any fiction you could dream up. Come ride the waves of history – just keep a weather eye for privateers! Tickets
The Shadows Of The Seven Gables
The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. 978-744-0991. Embrace the spookier side of The House of the Seven Gables with an after-hours candlelit journey through the mansion. Experience the home as it was described by Salem author Nathaniel Hawthorne in his 1851 novel – an old Salem mansion that is haunted by a family curse, mysterious deaths, and ghosts of its past. Tickets
Haunted Fables At The Gables
The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. 978-744-0991. Join Salem’s master storyteller, Nathaniel Hawthorne, for a frightful evening of thrills and chills in the gloomy shadow of The Gables! The famous author performs his most frightening tales, as well as the terrifying works of fellow writer, Edgar Allan Poe. Experience the greatest Gothic horror stories ever written, brought to life by one of the authors himself! Tickets
Haunted Happenings Marketplace
Weekends in October. Shop curated makers at Salem Common and Derby Square, then continue to Charlotte Forten Park, the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, and the Haunted Happenings Food Court at Old Town Hall. Meet artists, designers, and independent vendors, stop at the Old Town Hall Food Court and discover nearby Salem businesses along the route.
Haunted Happenings Marketplace
The Salem Night Faire
Pioneer Village, 98 West Ave. 5pm-10pm. October 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th. Get ready for a night filled with enchanting performances, delicious food, and unique vendors. Explore the village under the starlit sky and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, history, or simply looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! Salem Night Faire
Wicked Wednesdays At Phillips House
Phillips House, 34 Chestnut St. Oct. 14, 21, 28. Get wicked at Phillips House! Join us in the backyard at Phillips House for relaxed, family-friendly afternoons that feature games, fall crafts, and a retreat from more intense October activities in Salem. Included in admission is a family-themed tour of the house, offered every half hour from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wicked Wednesdays
Hollowed Harvest
300 Derby St. Hollowed Harvest returns for its 6th season—bigger, bolder, and with more ways to experience the magic of Salem than ever! Enter the Wicked Labyrinth, a twisting walkthrough packed with dazzling Jack-O’-Lanterns, animated spirits, and eerie surprises!
Tickets
The Making Of A Witch – A Play In One Act
St Peters-San Pedro Episcopal Church, 24 St. Peter St. Saturdays Sept. 26th-Oct. 24. Join us for the truth about Philip English, the man who not only built a successful career in young Salem, but also narrowly escaped the witch trials with his life and founded a church that still stands and serves today.
Tickets
Salem Haunted Magic Show: Hysteria – Psychic!
Emerson Hall Theater, 50 Washington St. Unveil Incredible Magic, Mind Reading and Ghost Stories at The Salem Haunted Magic Show!
Experience a chilling blend of mind-reading and magic, and some true ghost stories from Salem and the local area! Join us for our new 16th year anniversary show. An immersive live performance opening on August 28th, 2026 and continuing through to November 13th, in Salem. Tickets
Gallows Hill Events and Attractions Gallows Hill Museum And Theatre, 7 Lynde St. 978-825-0222 Gallows Hill is Salem’s top rated attraction, exploring the Salem witch trials and more. Filled with history, lore and special effects, The Gallows Hill main show is the perfect stop for the Salem visitor. Special events are available during Haunted Happenings in October, including Ghostly tours and haunted attractions. Gallows Hill Museum and Theatre
Witch Village & Hotel Salem Entertainment, Tours and Activity Series 282 Derby St. – 209 Essex St. Series of comedy shows, witchcraft experiences, haunted attractions, spell casting, movie screenings, classes and more. Tickets and Information
Misfortune: Salem’s Parlor Magic Experience
Salem Athenaeum, 337 Essex St. Sept. 26, Oct.3,4,10,11. Misfortune is an hour-long theatrical magic show conjured by magician Evan Northrup. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, it walks the eerie line between superstition and luck — blending immersive storytelling with astonishing sleight-of-hand. It is mysterious, a little spooky, and always magical and fun. Seating is kept intentionally small, so the wonder happens close enough to touch. Intended for adults; the curious aged 13 and over are welcome. Information-Tickets
EVENTS BY DATE
Oct.
1
29th Annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade
6:30pm. The 29th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is a special nighttime tradition for the city of Salem and visitors alike to officially kick off Salem’s Halloween season. The evening should be a night full of color, pageantry, music, and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college plus many local business owners. Over 15,000 spectators (children, adults, and those in between) are expected to attend. Haunted Happenings Parade
Oct.1-4
Buncha Halloween 2026
Buncha Halloween is a cast-led, four-day Halloween celebration in Salem, MA. Since 2023, fans have gathered each October to explore filming locations, support local businesses, and enjoy unforgettable events with cast members from Hocus Pocus. As Salem celebrates its 400th anniversary, we’re back with even more Halloween magic in store!
Tickets and Information
Oct.
3
Witch City 5K Road Race
Salem Willows Park, 165 Fort Ave. Run through the haunted streets of Salem – the ghouls, ghosts and goblins will be with you in spirit this year! Step into a world where the historic charm of Salem meets the adrenaline of a road race. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner with a spark, this course through scenic Salem Willows Park will cast a spell on you. Information and Signup
Oct.
3
Salem Zombie Walk 2026
Salem Common N. Washington Sq.
Once again, zombies gather themselves to Salem Common at 11AM for a jaunt around town at 12PM! This is a FREE, family-oriented event!
All ages are welcome! All costumes are welcome, the gorier the greater!
Spread the plague! errrrr, word!
Salem Zombiewalk 2026
Oct.
3, 4
Haunted Biz Baz Market
Salem Common, Saturday Oct. 3, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday Oct. 4, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Stroll through 80+ incredible local vendors featuring handmade jewelry, original art, small-batch goods, apparel, crafts, home décor, and Halloween-inspired treasures you will not find anywhere else. From cozy autumn finds to early spooky season décor, this is the perfect place to kick off October in true Salem style. Haunted Biz Baz
Oct.
9, 10
Lanterns In The Woods – Benefit Collins Middle School
Salem High School, Friday, October 9-Saturday, October 10 • 6:30 PM-9:30 PM. New Location at Haunted Happenings Shuttle Route behind Salem High School. Stroll through Salem Woods for a magical evening of jack-o-lanterns and spooky vibes! Advance tickets recommended. Be enchanted by the soft light of jack-o-lanterns while listening to spooky tales. (Flashlights Optional). Fall Refreshments, FREE Parking, RAIN OR SHINE. Children 3 and under FREE. All proceeds support Collins Middle School. Tickets and Information
Oct.
10
Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade
10:30am Derby Wharf, 160 Derby St. Salem Main Streets is pleased to present the annual Howl-o-ween Pet Parade! Parade will be led by the winner of Salem’s second annual Dog Mayor race! We ask all parade participants to register online in advance if possible (registration to go live in August). We request a small donation of $5 for Salem residents and $10 for non-residents. All proceeds go directly to Salem Main Streets in support of special community programs (like this one!) all year round. Information and Registration
Oct.
10
Halloween Boat Parade
Derby Wharf, 160 Derby St. 11:30am. The 5th Annual Halloween Boat Parade in the Salem Harbor. Come and watch the parade on Saturday, October 10th at 11:30am. View the decorated boats and spooky crew as they sail next to Derby Wharf. All boaters are welcome to participate in the parade.
Halloween Boat Parade
Oct.
16,
17, 18
Casper, The Guiness Experience
Daniels House Historic Site, 1 Daniels St. Experience Casper Across the Decades at Salem’s historic Daniels House. Meet Vanessa Irino, Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest collection of Casper the Friendly Ghost memorabilia, and explore a remarkable private collection featuring vintage Casper items from across the decades, see rare and nostalgic memorabilia from different eras, take photos, and celebrate the enduring legacy of everyone’s favorite friendly ghost. Tickets and Information
Oct.
17
Witch Hats On The Wharf
Derby Wharf, 160 Derby St. 11am-12pm. In honor of Salem’s 400th anniversary, join us for Witch Hats on the Wharf, a one-of-a-kind community photo opportunity and world record attempt on Salem’s historic waterfront. Wear your favorite witch hat and gather with us on the wharf for a drone photo capturing hundreds, maybe thousands, of witch hats on the Wharf. Hosted by the City of Salem, Salem Maritime National Historical Park, and Destination Salem. The City will be selling special edition Salem 400 witch hats to benefit HAWC. Information
Oct.
17
Devil’s Chase 6.66 Race
People from all over the world venture to Historic Salem and join us for one Hell of a Good time. The Devils Chase attracts hundreds of Devils donning their favorite horns with pitchforks in hand for a scenic 6.66 mile race past a variety of Salem’s well-known landmarks. The course provides two sections of in and outs allowing runners to pass their fellow Devils and admire all of the unique and entertaining costumes. Information and Signup
Oct.
24
Nosferatu Screening With Live Orchestra
1:00pm & 7pm. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St. Experience the 1922 silent film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror with a live performance of the original score for theater orchestra. In the 1920s, silent films weren’t silent: They were accompanied by a live piano player, organist or full orchestra. Arpeggione Ensemble will be performing on historical instruments from the early 20th century, including harmonium, flute, clarinet and strings.
Tickets
Oct.
25
Salem 400+ Screening – The Witch
1:00pm. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St. Would you like to live deliciously with us? Written by Robert Eggers and starring Anya Taylor-Joy, this haunting film follows a Puritan family in 1630s New England who are plagued by witchcraft and demonic possession. This history-focused horror movie screening is part of our Salem 400+ programming. This film is rated R for disturbing, violent content and graphic nudity. Recommended for ages 17+ Tickets
Oct.
27
Twice Told Tales Screening With Special Guest Victoria Price
House Of Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. 6:00pm. On Wednesday, October 27, Join us at The Gables for a screening of Twice Told Tales (1963) and a visit from Victoria Price, daughter of horror icon Vincent Price! Victoria will introduce the film and speak about her father’s life and legacy. After the screening, Victoria will sign copies of her book Vincent Price: A Daughter’s Biography, which will be available for purchase.for purchase in the Museum Store.
Oct.
28
Whispers From The Veil
House Of Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. 5-6pm. Step into the gaslit parlor of 1920s Salem for a séance, where the line between the living and the dead blurred into a national obsession. This immersive program plunges you into the dark, controversial world of Mina Crandon—the most famous and polarizing spiritual medium of the Jazz Age. Join us for an evening of historical intrigue, psychological suspense, and thrilling mystery. Decide for yourself where the illusion ends and the supernatural begins. Tickets and Information
Oct.
31
Houdini Halloween Magic Show and Curator Talk
11:00am. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St. October 31 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of the great magician and escapologist Harry Houdini. To commemorate this historic occasion, Anton Andresen, the Official Magician of Salem, Massachusetts, will present a selection of mysteries inspired by Houdini’s extraordinary life and legendary career. Experience what it might have felt like to witness the world’s master mystifier through astonishing demonstrations that capture the wonder and excitement of Houdini’s performances. Tickets
Oct.
31
Halloween Celebration Finale
10:00pm. Bridge St. overlooking the MBTA terminal. Salem’s Halloween celebration finishes with a Drone show featuring a fleet of drones equipped with LED lights and programmed to fly in synchronized formations creating various patterns and images in the night sky, guided by 3D software and GPS coordinates from a ground control station. After the show, central downtown will be cleared and access to this area may be restricted. Restaurants and attractions will continue to operate.
