Things to Do in October in Salem: Part 2

Photo Credit – @benrekemeyer

October is officially here, and Salem Haunted Happenings is underway! As we head deeper into the month, there’s so much ahead; from Witch Hats on the Wharf and Haunted Happenings Marketplace to costume parties, live entertainment, markets, and Halloween weekend festivities. It all leads to an extra-special Halloween night, when 400 drones light up the sky over Salem in celebration of the city’s 400th anniversary. Start planning now, because the biggest days of October are still to come!

Haunted Happenings Marketplace | 10/01 – 11/01
Shop your way through Halloween at the Haunted Happenings Marketplace! Browse a rotating lineup of artists, makers, specialty food vendors, Salem-inspired goods, seasonal finds, and more throughout downtown. This year, the Marketplace expands to Charlotte Forten Park, joining locations at Derby Square and Salem Common. Brought to you by the Creative Collective.

Salem Night Faire | 10/16, 10/17 & 10/23, 10/24
Tread beyond the darkened pines of Pioneer Village for a market you won’t soon forget. Featuring art, clothing, jewelry and oddity vendors, performances, ghost stories, hot cider, food trucks, Biergarten & more. Presented by The Black Veil.

Kids’ Fun Fest | 10/17, 10/18 & 10/24, 10/25
Families visiting Salem in October can head to Salem Common for an afternoon of kid-friendly activities, seasonal entertainment, and plenty of Halloween fun. It’s a great way for younger visitors to join in the excitement and enjoy a celebration made just for them.

Witch Hats on the Wharf | 10/17
Witch hats are taking over Salem’s historic waterfront! On October 17 at 11 am, Salem Maritime National Historical Park will set the scene for a one-of-a-kind community photo and world record attempt celebrating Salem’s 400th anniversary. Wear a favorite witch hat and gather on the wharf as a drone captures the moment from above. It’s a chance to make history and be part of a Salem 400+ moment unlike any other.

Nosferatu with Live Orchestra | 10/24
See the 1922 horror classic Nosferatu at the Peabody Essex Museum accompanied by the Arpeggione Ensemble performing live on historical instruments. It’s a chance to experience the silent-film classic with the kind of musical accompaniment audiences would have heard a century ago.

Haunted Speakeasy | 10/24
Historic Hamilton Hall transforms into a Roaring Twenties-inspired Jazz Age celebration for the Haunted Speakeasy. Expect live music from Tricky Niki & The Grave Diggers, burlesque, cocktails, dancing, and interactive ghostly encounters throughout the evening.

Wicked Night on the Wharf: UNTAMED | 10/24
The Salem Waterfront Hotel gets wild for Wicked Night on the Wharf: UNTAMED, a haunted jungle-themed costume party along the waterfront. Dress up for a night of music, immersive entertainment, eerie creatures, and plenty of dancing.

Hawthorne Hotel Halloween Ball: Phobia | 10/24
The Hawthorne Hotel’s annual Halloween Ball takes over three floors with this year’s Phobia theme. The night features a live band, DJs, interactive experiences, a costume contest, hors d’oeuvres, cash bars, and plenty of elaborate Halloween looks.

Halloween Night Live Music | 10/31
Halloween day brings live music to stages throughout downtown Salem beginning at noon and continuing into the evening. Check the Destination Salem app or Haunted Happenings schedule for performers and stage locations as Halloween gets underway.

Halloween Night Finale & Drone Show | 10/31
Look up for a special ending to Halloween night as 400 drones illuminate the sky over the North River in celebration of Salem’s 400th anniversary. The show brings the month-long celebration to a close with one final Salem 400+ moment.

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Photo Credit – @bio.exorcist

Discover the fascinating history of Ouija and talking boards at the Salem Witch Board Museum. Explore an extensive collection of boards, planchettes, and other pieces that trace their changing designs, artwork, and place in popular culture through the years.

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Check out October in Salem Part 1 – For more information on visiting this Halloween Season!