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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
