Each October, Salem casts its spell as the ultimate fall destination where Halloween, history and community spirit come together in unforgettable ways.
With its cobblestone streets transformed by autumn colors and costumed revelers, the city comes alive with parades, vendor fairs, haunted tours and marketplaces that celebrate Salem’s storied past and vibrant present.
Salem Haunted Happenings, the city’s beloved Halloween celebration, draws over a million visitors each year – and 2025 promises to be more thrilling than ever. It began in 1982 as a weekend festival and has grown into a month-long celebration that draws visitors from around the world.
“October in Salem is unlike anything else in the world. It’s magical, unforgettable and full of people who’ve come here to celebrate in their own way,” said Ashley Judge, executive director of Destination Salem. “We work all year with partners across the city to make Haunted Happenings safe, welcoming and filled with the enchantment visitors return for year after year.”
Each October, the city welcomes families, couples, history buffs and Halloween lovers for ghost tours, psychic readings, costume balls, haunted harbor cruises and more. Salem’s modern Witch and Pagan communities also celebrate Samhain, sharing their traditions with locals and guests alike.
Many traditional favorites are returning this year, including the 28th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, which kicks off Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
There will be markets and pop-ups abound, including the Haunted Biz Baz Vendor Fair and the Creative Collective Haunted Happenings Marketplace in Derby Square and Salem Common. There will also be a food court at Old Town Hall on weekends all month long.
On Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m., Salem Main Streets will host the iconic Howl-o-ween Pet Parade at Derby Wharf. The Salem Night Faire returns to the beautifully eerie Pioneer Village on two consecutive weekends: Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25.
Salem’s haunted happenings don’t end downtown – follow the Harborwalk for a waterfront adventure packed with spooky surprises and seaside charm. Start with a freaky good confection at Funhouse Donuts, then uncover real shipwreck artifacts at Real Pirates Salem.
Head to Pickering Wharf for a seriously haunted house and lots of shopping options, including gothic flair at COVEN. Treat yourself at The Chocolate Pantry, then make your way to the House of the Seven Gables – because no visit to Salem is complete without a stroll by the sea.
Throughout the month, visitors can enjoy hundreds of events, including the Hollowed Harvest jack-o’-lantern festival, Sips and Myths at Salem Wine Imports and the Ghosts and Legends Trolley.
A perennial favorite, The Peabody Essex Museum’s historic Ropes Mansion will once again be decorated with holiday flair from Friday, Oct. 24-Sunday, Nov. 2.
And as the month comes to a close, Salem hosts an epic finale with live music starting at noon on the Salem Common and a new drone show over the North River at 10 p.m., lighting up the sky in celebration of the season’s end.
To plan ahead, download the Destination Salem App for maps, parking, restrooms, events and attraction information. Begin your trip at the Visitor Information Center at 245 Derby Street for guidance on how to make the most of your visit.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for attractions, tours and events, especially on weekends. The City of Salem encourages visitors to utilize public transit, including trains, ferries and satellite parking with shuttles.
As the Halloween Capital of the World, Salem offers something for everyone. For more information, visit HauntedHappenings.org.
