October in Salem is when the city flips the switch from everyday charm to full-on Haunted Happenings. Since 1982, what started as a family-friendly weekend has grown into a month of costume nights, harbor cruises, pop-up markets, live shows, and tours that bring our history – and imagination – to life.
Come for pumpkins and parades, stay for after-dark adventures, cider sips, and crisp waterfront strolls. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your annual tradition, Salem’s October has a little something for everyone. ✨ Stay tuned for more events and announcements throughout the month.
🪄 The Salem Haunted Magic Show
Sep 20–21, 26–28; Oct 3–5, 10–13, 17–19, 24–30; Nov 1–2, 7–9
Celebrating 15 years with the all-new HYSTERIA: The Ghost Magician! Runs through early November at Emerson Hall Theater.
🎃 Hollowed Harvest
Sep 20–21, 26–28; Oct 2–5, 9–13, 16–31
Salem’s glowing jack-o’-lantern festival – wander a labyrinth of carved and animated pumpkins. All-ages, one-of-a-kind Halloween experience.
🍷 Sips and Myths at Salem Wine Imports
Sep 21–Nov 6 (Sundays & Thursdays, PM)
Taste mead, wine, and cider while exploring the myths behind ceremonial beverages in a fun, interactive session (snacks included).
🍽️ Haunted Happenings Old Town Hall Food Court
Sep 25–28; Oct 2–5, 9–13, 16–19, 23–26, 30–31
Artisan food vendors serve seasonal bites and Halloween treats inside historic Old Town Hall – weekend dining magic Thu–Sun.
🚋 The Ghosts & Legends Trolley
Sep 26–30, 6:30 & 7:30 pm; Oct 1, 3:30/5:30/6:30/7:30 pm (no Saturdays); Nov 1–2, 6:30 pm
A guided trolley ride through Salem’s haunting tales; departs Gallows Hill. Storytelling you won’t forget.
🛍️ Haunted Happenings Marketplace at Derby Square
Sep 27–28; Oct 4–5, 11–13, 18–19, 25–31
Weekend marketplace in the cobblestone square – browse artisan goods and Halloween treasures (yes, the Hocus Pocus square!).
🎪 Haunted Happenings Marketplace at Salem Common
Sep 27–28; Oct 11–13; Oct 18–19; Oct 25–31
Outdoor marketplace on the Common featuring handcrafted Halloween items, mystical jewelry, seasonal finds, and live entertainment.
🔦 After Hours Ghost Hunt
Sep 27–28, 8:30 pm; Oct 1–30, 8:30 pm
Hunt for evidence inside The Lost Museum with Paranormal Salem – use EMF detectors, infrared thermometers, audio recorders, and more.
⚖️ Guilty! A Salem Witch Trial
Sep 28–Oct 2, 6:15 pm; Oct 4–30, 6:15 & 7:15 pm; Oct 31–Nov 2, 6:15 pm
Interactive theater set in 1692 where the audience stands trial for witchcraft. Hear testimony, plead your case – will you be found guilty?
🌭 Salem Common Food Court
Oct 1–31 (Weekdays 11 am–6 pm; Weekends 11 am–10 pm)
Fiesta Shows’ outdoor food court on the Common; hours vary with weather and crowds – easy bites between events.
🎉 Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade
Oct 2, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Beloved community parade on its traditional route: Shetland Park → downtown → Salem Common.
🛒 Haunted Biz Baz
Oct 4, 10:00 am–8:00 pm; Oct 5, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Dozens of Chamber members and unique vendors with handmade art, crafts, gifts, apparel, and more on Salem Common.
🧒 Kids’ Pub
Select Saturdays in October
History Alive turns Old Town Hall into an alcohol-free 17th-century tavern experience for kids and grown-ups – stories, games, music, and treats.
🪄 Evan Northrup Magic
Select Saturdays & Sundays in October
Local magician Evan Northrup’s parlor magic, inspired by superstitions. ~60-minute show at the Salem Athenaeum.
🐾 Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
Oct 11, 11:00 am
Costumed critters strut Derby Wharf in Salem Main Streets’ adorable parade and creative competition. Free to watch; small fee to register.
📆 Click Here to Browse More Events!
NEW Blog Alert ✍️
🪶 Inside Botanica of Salem: A Multicultural Hub for Magic & Learning
Step inside Botanica of Salem and discover a space where culture, community, and curiosity meet. More than just a shop, Botanica is a welcoming gathering place offering tools, books, and handmade items rooted in spiritual traditions from around the world. Visitors are invited to explore everything from Afro-Caribbean practices to ceremonial magic, Wicca, hoodoo, and more – all guided by a knowledgeable team of practitioners who are passionate about sharing their craft. Whether you’re looking to shop, learn, or simply ask questions, Botanica provides an inclusive and inspiring space for everyone.
✨ Click here to read the blog!
🧵 A World of Style: Andrew Gn’s Dazzling Fashion Comes to Salem
The Peabody Essex Museum unveils Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World – a stunning retrospective of one of Asia’s most celebrated designers. On view now February 16, 2026, the exhibition showcases nearly 100 dazzling ensembles that blend Eastern and Western traditions into breathtaking works of wearable art. From intricate embellishments to bold silhouettes, each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and cultural exchange.
✨ Click here to read the blog!
Things to Do ✨
Salem’s Tour guides craft one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors. This group of local storytellers brings Salem’s history and legends to life with passion, personality, and plenty of fun.
✨ Bewitched Walking Tours blends history, legend, and pop culture into tours that are as entertaining as they are informative. Departing from the Halloween Museum, their guides show why truth is often more chilling than fiction.
💀 Spellbound Tours offers Salem’s original supernatural experience, led by professional paranormal investigators. Dive into the Witch Trials, vampire folklore, and voodoo for a truly unforgettable evening.
🧳 Salem Uncovered Tours invites you to join expert storytellers for walking tours that share the tragic history of the Witch Trials by day and Salem’s dark tales by night.
Step into history at Salem’s iconic national landmark, where stories of culture, community, and heritage come to life. Wander seaside gardens, browse the Museum Store, and embark on a guided Mansion Tour for a glimpse into 350 years of history. In addition to daily tours and grounds passes, The Gables also offers engaging public programs and specialty tours throughout the year.
🚣♀️ Click Here to View More Things To Do!
🛍 Click Here to Browse Places To Shop!
🍻 Click Here to View Food & Drink!
Tips & Tricks 🎃
Click here for more Tips & Tricks!
Visit HauntedHappenings.org to begin planning your visit today!
Get Your Guide to Haunted Happenings in Salem!
📖 The Official 2025 Haunted Happenings Guide is Here! Plan your perfect Salem Fall adventure with our official guide, now available online. Packed with must-visit spots, insider tips, and can’t-miss events, it’s your go-to resource for exploring Salem.
Tags: Bewtiched Walking Tours, Botanica of Salem, Ghosts & Legends, Haunted Biz Baz, Haunted Happenings, Haunted Happenings Marketplace, House of the Seven Gables, Peabody Essex Museum, PEM, Salem Haunted Happenings, Salem Uncovered, Spellbound Tours, Witch Trials
