With live music, unique bars and restaurants, and local breweries, Salem has a lot to offer the 21+ crowd all year long. Read on to discover some of our picks for the best ways to experience the 21+ side of Salem (and learn more about planning for October here).
Live Music & Trivia
Restaurants around Salem host live music events frequently. Koto is a locals’ favorite for sushi, ramen, and Mai-Tais plus live music, DARQ events, trivia nights, and more. Events are posted on their Facebook page.
Just a short walk down Washington Street is Rockafellas, which hosts live music regularly plus special events and costume parties for October, St. Patrick’s Day, and more.
Village Tavern, conveniently located close to parking in the Witch City Mall, often has bands performing after 5 pm, plus Stump trivia events.
The Regatta Pub at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites hosts live music in their outdoor patio area. Grab dinner and drinks at the pub after a day of shopping on Pickering Wharf or exploring Salem’s museums and attractions, and be sure to follow them on Facebook to keep up with the latest events.
Nathaniel’s Restaurant at the Hawthorne Hotel hosts an award-winning Sunday jazz brunch, where a piano player accompanies standout brunch items plus specialty cocktails in one of Salem’s historic downtown hotels.
Fun On the Water
Mahi Cruises runs out of Pickering Wharf May-October to cruise through Salem Harbor with a full bar onboard. Summer live music cruises and Sunday brunch cruises are also available in season, and their full service bar is a great way to relax with a cocktail or local beer while taking in coastal views. Visiting in October? Don’t miss their Haunted Happenings Boo!s cruise!
For a side of history while you’re out on the water, hop aboard Schooner Fame. This replica of the 1812 privateer Fame runs May-October with afternoon and sunset sails offering views of islands, forts, and lighthouses. While onboard, try a local twist on a Dark ‘n’ Stormy with a Deacon Stormy (with made-in-Salem rum from Deacon Giles Distillery).
Uniquely Salem
Longboards scorpion shots
Adriatic wine list
Lobster Shanty offers a full bar with live music and trivia night events plus annual festivities like their adult prom all right outside Artists’ Row and Derby Square. To try their most unique cocktail, don’t miss the lobster martini that comes complete with a lobster claw in the glass.
Festivals & Beer Gardens
For the largest festival on the North Shore celebrating wine, mead, craft beer, and cider, head over to the 11th Annual Salem Harvest Fest. Event takes place Saturday, October 21 at the Knights of Columbus just off the Common (94 Washington Street) and features product samples, complimentary snacks, live music, and a souvenir Harvest Fest glass for each ticket holder. Tickets to Harvest Fest are $30 when purchased in advance through SalemHarvestFest.com or $35 at the door.
On Halloween night, Alt 92.9 sponsors a beer garden and music at the intersection of Federal Street and Washington Street. Stop by between 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm to surround yourself with the action of Halloween in Salem while enjoying a festive beer garden.
Halloween Balls and Parties
For the ultimate 21+ Halloween event, start planning early and purchase advance tickets to one of the many balls hosted in Salem during Haunted Happenings. Rockafellas, located 231 Essex Street, is hosting themed balls throughout October: a Vampire Macabre on October 20, a Salsa Dance Party on October 25, a Super Heroes Ball on October 27, a Heaven and Hell Ball on October 28, and a Monster Bash on Halloween,
Festival of the Dead hosts the annual Official Witches Ball, with this year’s theme being Signs of the Zodiac! The event includes a magical evening complete with a laser light show, DJ, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar complimentary psychic readings, photo room, live performances by Dragon Ritual Drummers and Hadiya, prizes for best costumes, and more! Tickets are $150, and may be purchased in advance at FestivaloftheDead.com.
Laurie Cabot and the Kent Hermetic Temple present the Original Witches’ Costume Ball on October 28. Celebrate the Witches New Year while the veil between worlds is at its thinnest with a night of witchy fun & majick, featuring DJ Marz, a full catering spread, cash bar, and more.
The Salem Waterfront Hotel hosts two festival parties with the annual Wicked Night on the Wharf, a costume ball on October 28 and Twilight on the Waterfront featuring Lisa Love Experience on Halloween night.
The Hawthorne Hotel, located right on the Common hosts their very popular annual Halloween Party, this year themed towards Hollywood Horror. This 27th annual celebration may be sold out for this year, but it’s never too early to start planning your next trip to Salem during Haunted Happenings! Each year this party takes over three floors of the hotel with live music, DJs, dancing, psychics, food stations, and a costume contest with cash prizes. Tickets for next year’s party will be on sale in early June at HawthorneHotel.com/Halloween.
