Things to Do in October in Salem

Photo Credit – @benrekemeyer

The countdown to October is on! As September comes to a close, Salem Haunted Happenings is getting ready to fill the city with a month of Halloween celebrations, special events, live entertainment, costumes, vendors, and more. In this issue, we’re sharing what’s happening as Salem makes the shift into its biggest season, along with plenty of ways to plan ahead and make the most of October.

Pocus Party – 9/26
Celebrate the season at Far From The Tree Cider’s Pocus Party! Sip Hocus Pocus inspired ciders while enjoying a food pop-up, tarot card readings, live music, and DJ set.

North Shore Glass School Pumpkin Patch – 9/26 – 9/27
Salem Common gets a colorful fall makeover September 26 & 27 with hundreds of one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins hand-blown by local artists. Browse the patch, watch live glassblowing demonstrations, and find a handcrafted pumpkin to bring home. Free admission!

Haunted Happenings Marketplace – 9/26 – 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.

The Making of a Witch – 9/26 – 10/24
The Making of a Witch returns for a third season on September 26! This tale of Philip English is a true and compelling story of the Salem witch trials, with two performances every Saturday at 2 pm and 4 pm, followed by a guided tour of historic St. Peter’s Church.

The Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade – 10/01
The Salem Chamber’s Haunted Happenings Parade kicks off the Halloween season with a colorful procession through the streets of Salem! The parade steps off at Shetland Park, makes its way through downtown, and finishes at Salem Common.

Zombie Walk – 10/03
Watch as zombies make their way through downtown in a parade of creative costumes, creepy characters, and Halloween fun. Whether you’re walking with the horde or watching from the sidelines, the Zombie Walk is always a sight to see! Kicks off at the Salem Common at 12pm.

Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair – 10/03 – 10/04
Get ready for a weekend of shopping and local creativity at the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair on historic Salem Common! Browse 80+ vendors featuring handmade jewelry, art, apparel, crafts, Halloween décor, and plenty more while soaking up the October atmosphere. Brought to you by the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

The Good Witch of Salem’s Magical Children’s Tea Party – 10/04
The Good Witch of Salem and her Witch Apprentices host a Magical Children’s Tea Party inside the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, transformed with shades of pink for an enchanting morning of tea party fun. Dress up for the occasion and get ready for a magical October experience made especially for little witches.

Howl-o-ween Pet Parade – 10/10
Get ready for one of October’s cutest traditions! Salem Main Streets presents the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, where costumed critters take center stage and compete for Halloween bragging rights. Come cheer on Salem’s four-legged trick-or-treaters and see the creative costumes they’re bringing to the parade!

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.

Hawthorne’s Halloween Bash – 10/17
Celebrate Halloween at The House of the Seven Gables! Enjoy an evening of festive entertainment and Halloween fun against the backdrop of one of Salem’s most iconic historic sites. It’s a spirited way to spend an October night along Salem’s waterfront.

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.

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Photo Credit – @purelysalem

Visit one of Salem’s most recognizable historic sites at The Witch House, the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and one of the few structures still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. Explore the 17th-century home and learn more about Corwin, his family, and life in colonial Salem.

Planning an October visit? The Witch House is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. All tickets must be purchased online and go on sale at 8 am the day of your visit.

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