“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.

Synergy will host 58 artists and a range of artworks, each in their own windows of wall space throughout the venue.     Upstairs, in the center of the room, the Artisans will create a stand-alone marketplace with artisans available to answer questions, talk about their work, and help you find the perfect holiday gift.

What:  North Shore Arts Association & Cape Ann Artisans Holiday Market

When: Friday, November 6 & Saturday Nov 7 – 10-5 – Sunday November 8^th 12-4

Where: 11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester, MA.

Cost:  Free and Open to the Public

The exhibiting Artisans include:

Katrina Abbott – Ceramics, printed and knitted goods
John Abisamra-  Fine Art Photography
Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco Cape Ann Designs – Sea Glass Jewelry & Hair Accessories

Cindy Efinger – Mosaic and Sculpture

Jane Keddy – Textiles and Prints

Kathryn Roberts – Watercolor Painting

Pam Stratton – Mosaics, Mixed Media, Eco Printed silk scarves, Jewelry, Sculpture
Beth Williams Contemporary Art Glass Jewelry and Sculpture

Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco

jackie@capeanndesigns.com

Cape Ann Designs

Save the date for the North Shore Arts & Cape Ann Artisans Holiday Market Nov 6-8

Find me on Instagram @jgdefalco

Follow me on Facebook @seaglasscapeann

See episodes of Cape Ann ARTWAVES

View Cape Ann Designs Chronicle5

Charlie Vick, 37, was convicted of one count of attempted witness tampering. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024 on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of witness tampering. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision on the felon in possession count resulting in a hung jury on that count.

In April 2023, Vick was previously indicted for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon after police allegedly found a firearm in a car that he had been driving in Uxbridge, Mass. Vick’s trial was scheduled for January 2024 in U.S. District Court in Worcester. The government was planning to call Person 1 to testify as a material witness at trial.

When Vick was at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility awaiting trial, he repeatedly messaged Person 1, telling Person 1 not to testify against him at trial. On Nov. 12, 2023, Vick wrote Person 1 the following message:

• “Let me ask you a question on a more serious note [Person 1] please?”
• “I just want to know are you going to work with the government when I go to trial like are you going to help them put me away?”

Two days later, Vick told Person 1 that if Person 1 were to testify at trial, certain pictures – including pictures that the evidence demonstrated were of Vick holding firearms – could be presented against him, stating in part:

• “So you know they need you to testify that the allege gun they found in the car is the allege gun from the picture if they can’t get that in then they have no case”
• “At trial without them pictures coming in they can’t do shit…You got to figure that s*** out man…They get that picture…in at trial I don’t have much of a chance at anything.”

Vick also wrote to Person 1 about the upcoming trial: “When that date comes you need to be somewhere chilling away for that week…” as well as “You don’t have to f*** with me respond or anything…just PLEASE do not testify against me…” 

Further, the evidence proved that on Dec. 28, 2023, Vick messaged Person 1 offering to pay Person 1 not to testify, stating in part:“I hope you enjoying life…I have trial in 11 days…If I have to pay you to stay away lmk smh…Just do me a favor…That night pack…a bag go stay with [Person 2]…two days that’s it please all I ask…” 

The charge of attempted witness tampering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan O’Shea and Zachary Stendig of the Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.

October 26th marks the 30th anniversary of the first intersex protest, which took place in Boston in 1996. Thirty years later, Salem will mark the anniversary with its first official Intersex Awareness Day flag raising, bringing together community members, advocates, local officials, and intersex leaders for a day centered on visibility, education, and community. “Visibility matters, and education is an important part of building a community where everyone is able to live openly and authentically,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “As we mark 30 years since the first intersex protest in Boston, I am proud that Salem is hosting its first Intersex Awareness Day flag raising. This is an opportunity to learn from intersex leaders and community members, recognize the history of this movement, and reaffirm Salem’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive city for all.”

Cinema Salem

The day will begin at Cinema Salem, where community members are invited to arrive at 10:45am for a special screening of Common as Red Hair written and directed by Robbie Robertson and executive produced by Kimberly Zieselamn, starring Wally Kurth and Kassie Depavia. This is a 15-minute short drama film released in 2023 that explores the experiences of an intersex individual and her family. The City of Salem is grateful to partner with Cinema Salem to host this film screening.

The screening will begin at approximately 11:05am and end around 11:20am. Immediately following the film, attendees will participate in a short March of Visibility from Cinema Salem to Salem City Hall, carrying intersex flags and walking together in recognition of Intersex Awareness Day.

Salem City Hall

The community will gather at Salem City Hall at approximately 11:40am for a speaking program and flag raising ceremony. The program will feature remarks from community members, local officials, and intersex advocates including international Human Rights Advocate Kimberly Zieselman, the first openly intersex person to work in the federal government, who served during the Biden Administration, and Erika Lorshbough, Executive Director of interAct, an intersex-led legal advocacy organization.

“interACT is so grateful to the City of Salem for the opportunity to take part in its Intersex Awareness Day celebrations!” said Erika, “Thirty years ago, intersex people and our allies gathered in Boston for the first-ever public demonstration calling for our fundamental rights to dignity and bodily autonomy. Salem officials are working hard to publicly recognize those essential rights and celebrate intersex people as valued community members – and these efforts make a difference.”

The program will recognize the history of the intersex rights movement, highlight the importance of visibility and education, and celebrate the intersex community. Following the speaking program, the City’s intersex flags will be raised in recognition of Intersex Awareness Day. The ceremony will conclude with a group photograph in front of Salem City Hall. The Salem Public Library will host an Intersex Resource Table featuring educational materials on intersex identity, along with pins, buttons, flags, and other resources to help community members learn more about the intersex community and its history.

Intersex Awareness Presentation and Lunch

Following the flag raising ceremony, the City of Salem will host a free educational presentation from 12:15pm to 1:15pm in the Salem City Council Chambers. The presentation will be led by Erika Lorshbough, Director of interAct, and will provide an introduction to intersex identity and the history of the intersex rights movement. The presentation is free and open to the public, though an RSVP is recommended. Community members interested in attending are encouraged to email Michael Corley at mcorley@salem.com to confirm attendance.

The City of Salem is pleased to partner with interAct, an intersex-led legal advocacy organization, in bringing this programming to the community. The organization works to advance the human rights of intersex people and support intersex youth and adults in living authentically and with dignity

Intersex Awareness Day is observed annually on October 26th and commemorates the first known intersex protest in Boston in 1996. This year marks 30 years of intersex visibility and advocacy, providing an opportunity to reflect on the movement’s history while continuing to build greater understanding and acceptance of intersex people.

All Intersex Awareness Day events hosted by the City of Salem are free and open to the public. Community members of all backgrounds are welcome to attend.

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SALEM – More than 2,700 witches descended on Salem Maritime National Historical Park, turning the historic waterfront into a sea of pointed hats and black capes. Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo welcomed the costumed crowd, who gathered for a commemorative aerial photograph and drone video capturing the magic of the occasion.

“On behalf of the City, I want to extend my thanks to everyone who turned out for this historic moment and all of the City staff and partners who helped make it possible! Not only did we set a record as part of Salem 400+, but this event also helped to raise funds for HAWC to support their work helping victims of domestic abuse. Hopefully, many of the thousands of visitors and locals who came to the wharf for the photo also took some time to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and sites on Salem’s remarkable waterfront,” said Salem’s Mayor Dominick Pangallo.

Destination Salem’s Executive Director, Ashley Judge, noted: “We counted every attendee visible in a high-resolution drone photo taken at the peak moment: 2,561 people. Allowing for those blocked from view by the fire ladder, trees, and the crowd itself, we estimate about 2,700 attendees, plus a few dogs in hats. And Assistant Director of Salem Main Streets, Elise Towle Snow, wore a Medusa hat with nine little hats on it, and we only counted her as one. For science.”

Adding to the festivities, the MBTA and Keolis distributed witch hats to visitors arriving at the Salem train station, helping set the stage for a spellbinding day.

The celebration was part of another bustling October weekend in Witch City, with visitors exploring Salem’s historic waterfront, shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions.

Donations are being accepted to support Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC) at https://hawcdv.org/ and learn more about Salem 400+ at https://salem400.org/.

Witch Hats on the Wharf was hosted by the City of Salem, Salem Maritime National Historical Park, and Destination Salem. Proceeds from the special-edition Salem 400+ witch hats sold by the City benefit Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC).

Photos and Drone Footage are available HERE. Drone footage provided by SemperDrone and Sperling Interactive. Photos courtesy of Destination Salem. 

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.

Image credit: Witches gather in Salem for the Salem 400+ celebration Witch Hats on the Wharf. Photo Credit Jay Reiss.