If you’re looking for things to do during Salem Halloween Massachussetts 2022, you’re in the right place. During the month of October 2022, Salem, Massachusetts will celebrate its 40th Anniversary of Salem Haunted Happenings, the annual citywide event that attracts Halloween-lovers from around the world.
To celebrate this milestone, attractions and businesses around Salem will host anniversary-themed special events in addition to the crowd-favorite festival activities such as the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, Mayor’s Night Out, the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, Haunted Happenings Marketplace, and hundreds of other events.
Top Things to Do for Salem Halloween Massachusetts 2022
Here are a few highlights of things to do for Salem Halloween Massachusetts 2022.
History of Haunted Happenings
The Salem Witch Museum and National Park Service are planning an exhibition on the history of Salem Haunted Happenings. On October 6, the Salem Witch Museum will host a free virtual event with a discussion on why this festival was created in Salem, its early days, and how it has grown and changed.
Outdoor Screening of ParaNorman on the Salem Common
Hollywood will have another presence this year as animation studio LAIKA has partnered with the Peabody Essex Museum, the City of Salem, and Creative Collective to present a series of ParaNorman screenings and live events this fall to celebrate the film’s 10th anniversary. Salem was the inspiration for the ParaNorman’s fictional ‘Blithe Hollow’ setting.
Peabody Essex Museum
This October, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) offers an action-packed month of Eerie Events programming to celebrate the season through storytelling, fashion, film and more.
Visitors can listen to eerie stories after dark at the museum’s historic houses and make s’mores around a campfire.
Explore the darker side of Salem’s history with PEM’s new audio tour – the Salem Witch Trials Walk.
This self-guided tour – which offers an exclusive look and authentic 17th-century objects with museum curators and experts – starts at PEM, takes visitors to three galleries inside the museum and to six key sites in downtown Salem.
Other spooky offerings include dark and aesthetically pleasing films, an after-hours dance party, PEM’s Ropes Mansion decorated like it was in the Hocus Pocus film and the museum’s first ever October pop-up shop, featuring gifts, book signings and a costume trunk show.
Halloween Finale Fireworks
Cap off your Salem Halloween Massachussetts 2022 celebration with fireworks over the North River on October 31 from 10:15 pm – 10:30 pm. The party concludes after the fireworks, so plan to depart at 10:30 pm as Salem’s streets will be cleared.
See the sites of the filming of the original Hocus Pocus
Here are the Hocus Pocus filming locations (these are all exterior shots, the interiors were not filmed in Salem)
- Ropes Mansion / Allison’s House
- Salem Common / Phillips Elementary School
- Old Town Hall / the Halloween party
- Pioneer Village / Thackery Binx’s 17th century house
“Max’s House” on Ocean Avenue is a private residence that is over-run by visitors who go to the neighborhood. In October the Police block off the street so only resident vehicles are permitted into the neighborhood.
Haunted Happenings Marketplace
Haunted Happenings Marketplace – the main event returns to Salem Common! Your favorite vendors, performances, mural pop-up photo stations, street performers, and much more. Held on October 1, 2, 10 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31.
Salem Common Food Court
Check out the Salem Common Food Court at N Washington Square from October 14 – 31. Fiesta Shows hosts a food court on Salem Common. Hours may vary based on weather and crowd conditions. 11 am–5 pm (weekdays), 11 am–9 pm (weekends).
The Salem Haunted Magic Show – Hysteria: Nightmares!
Salem’s ONLY Live Halloween Magic Show! The Salem Haunted Magic Show returns for its 11th Year in Salem with an all-new live, haunted magic and mind reading show.
Tickets:
- General Admission Seating: $18 each
- Preferred Seating (2nd & 3rd Rows – 24 seats only): $28 each
- VIP Seating (1st row – 12 seats only) – $38 each
- All ages
They are also presenting The Houdini Experience – a 75 minute engaging performance you will experience the spirit of Harry Houdini and the secrets he tried so desperately to take to his grave. America’s Master Mentalist, Jon Stetson will guide you into an exploration of the life and even more suspicious death of America’s first master showman. Will Houdini’s secrets be revealed? It is time to expect the unexpected!
Tickets:
- $45 per person
- Show Length: 60 – 75 minutes
- 30 People Max Per Show
- Ages 12+
Tips for Visiting Salem in October
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for Salem Halloween Massachussetts 2022 – most local accommodations are already sold out – make reservations and buy tickets wherever possible and follow Salem Haunted Happenings social media for updates.
Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation, either the MBTA Commuter Rail or the Salem Ferry, or take advantage of satellite parking and shuttles provided by the City of Salem.
Destination Salem will be sharing real-time information in October. All activities and information can be found at www.hauntedhappenings.org or via the Destination Salem mobile app. The app will also provide updates on parking availability, restrooms, and special events to users who have notifications turned on.