(SALEM, Mass.) — The City of Salem has released updated informational resources and a map outlining road closures and safety measures for Halloween, Saturday, October 31, 2026. These materials are intended to help residents and visitors plan ahead and enjoy a safe, fun Halloween experience in downtown Salem.
“We extend an extra special welcome to those visiting us from throughout the region and around the world this year as Salem celebrates its 400th anniversary. Visitor trends throughout October indicate that we are expecting especially large crowds for Halloween night,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “We encourage everyone to plan ahead, take public transportation, respect our rules and our residents, and enjoy a safe and fun visit to Salem.”
For ongoing updates, follow the City of Salem and My Salem MA apps, and visit HauntedHappenings.org for visitor information and events throughout October.
Schedule of Public Events on Halloween: Saturday, October 31
Haunted Happenings Marketplace by Creative Collective
10 am – 9:45 pm – Salem Common vendors
10 am – 9:45 pm – Derby Square vendors
11 am – 9:45 pm – Old Town Hall Food Market
Salem Common sponsored by Salem Night Tour and Legion Salem
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm — VANTABLAK (Between aerial Performances)
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm — Baechtold and Abel Aerial Artistry
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm — Baechtold and Abel Aerial Artistry
4:15 pm – 5:00 pm — Studio Two-Set 1
5 pm — Salem Witches’ Magic Circle
5:30 pm – 6:15 pm — Studio Two-Set 2
6:45 pm -10 pm — DJ Cheetah
Washington Street at Federal Street sponsored by Salem 400+
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm — DJ Francois Flow
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm — Undercover Band
8:30 pm -10:00 pm — Pretty Rotten
Front Street Stage sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm — Midtown Horns
8:00 pm – 10 pm — Not Bad Pretty Good-Headliner
Charlotte Forten Park sponsored by Salem Wax / Haunted Neighborhood
12 pm – 2 pm — Monkey Knife Fight Lite, with Felipe Collazo
6 pm – 10 pm — DJ Andrea Stamas
Hawthorne Boulevard Stage
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm — Foo Family
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm — Hello Newman
North River
10:10 pm — Halloween Drone Show sponsored by Witch City Walking Tours and Salem 400+
Watch from MBTA, Bridge Street or Washington Street.
Final Trains
To Boston: 11:14 pm
To Newburyport: 12:26 am
To Rockport: 11:56 pm
View the schedule at MBTA.com/destinations/salem
Be Smart, Be Safe, Have Fun:
Guidelines for a Happy Halloween
- Seek Alternative Routes. Halloween is no time for driving into Salem. Park in Beverly and take the MBTA Commuter Rail or the Salem Ferry if coming from Boston right into Salem. There are numerous road closures and details on October 31. If you must drive, expect delays.
- Avoid Fines and possible tows by not parking in “Resident” zones.
- Don’t get stuck! Entry to the MBTA garage will be restricted beginning at 6 pm. Access out of the garage will be restricted until 11:30 pm (or when festivities are over).
- Review Salem’s Halloween Rules. Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited and weapons will be confiscated. The party ends after the drone show. Plan to depart at 10:30 pm as police and the public works department will be clearing the streets at this time.
- Triple fines are in effect. Citations for illegal behavior, including public drinking, vandalism, and littering could have fines up to $300.
- Please be considerate of other visitors, Salem residents, and downtown property.
- Check the weather ahead of time so you don’t find yourself caught in unpredictable New England weather.
Halloween Safety: See something, say something.
- Call the Salem Police at (978) 744-1212
Please remember:
- Be safe, considerate, and use common sense.
- Be prepared to leave at the end of the evening. The party concludes after the drone show.
- Do not bring weapons, real or fake, to Salem on Halloween
Image caption: Halloween revelers take the train to Salem! Photo courtesy of Jess Shada, Destination Salem
High-resolution images available HERE.
About Salem Haunted Happenings
Salem Haunted Happenings began in 1982 as a weekend festival and has grown into a month-long celebration that draws visitors from around the world. Each October, the city welcomes families, couples, history buffs, and Halloween lovers for ghost tours, psychic readings, costume balls, haunted harbor cruises, and more. Salem’s modern Witch and Pagan communities also celebrate Samhain, sharing their traditions with locals and guests alike. As the Halloween Capital of the World, Salem offers something for everyone. For complete information, visit HauntedHappenings.org.
About Destination Salem
As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Salem, Destination Salem promotes Salem as one of the world’s most captivating destinations — a city where history, culture, and enchantment converge. Welcoming travelers from around the globe, Salem offers an authentic New England experience rich with American history, cultural discovery, exceptional dining, one-of-a-kind shopping, and year-round fun. For more information, visit Salem.org.
