Salem Haunted Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts
In 25 days
SeasonalCulturalFamily✓ Verified listing

Salem Haunted Happenings

Salem,Essex County·Northeast Massachusetts

Salem Haunted Happenings runs Oct 1–31, 2026 in Salem, MA.

Salem Haunted Happenings is the Witch City’s month-long Halloween festival, drawing hundreds of thousands each October. A city-wide program of haunted houses, ghost tours, costume balls, a grand parade, street vendors, and family activities runs all month.

Recurring event: Month-long program of events throughout October.

What to expect

  • Food Vendors
  • Live Music
  • Parade
  • Kids Activities
  • Free Admission

Location & directions

Downtown Salem, Salem, MA 01970

Get directions

Runs across 4 locations

This event is spread over several venues, so there is no single gate to walk to. The sites below are the ones the organiser lists.

  • House of the Seven Gables · 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • The Witch House (Jonathan Corwin House) · 310 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • Salem Regional Visitor Center · 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • Derby Square and Salem Common · street address not published

Getting there without driving

Salem· Commuter Rail

About 0.4 mi from the centre of Salem. We don’t publish a walk time for this event yet because we only have a town-level location, not the exact venue entrance.

We can’t show a last-train-home time for this event yet. We don’t have a confirmed closing time to check the timetable against.

Plan my trip on mbta.com

Transit data: loading…

Washington St @ New Derby St

MBTA bus stop, about 0.1 mi from the centre of Salem.

Bus timetables vary by day and season. Check the operator’s own schedule before travelling.

Weather forecast for Salem during the festival

About this festival

The Salem Haunted Happenings has been held since 1982, making it one of Northeast Massachusetts’s longest-running seasonal events.

Plan your visit

🅿️ Parking
Most fairgrounds have on-site parking (often $5–$10). Arrive early on weekends, and check the official site for shuttle or accessible parking.
🎒 What to bring
Cash for vendors and games, sunscreen and layers, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes.
🐾 Pets
Policies vary. Many agricultural fairs limit pets for animal welfare. Confirm with the organizer; service animals are generally welcome.
♿ Accessibility
Many fairgrounds offer ADA parking and accessible routes. Contact the fair ahead of time for specific accommodations.

General guidance. Always confirm specifics with the official site.

Frequently asked questions

When is Salem Haunted Happenings in 2026?+

Salem Haunted Happenings takes place Oct 1–31, 2026 in Salem, Massachusetts.

When does Salem Haunted Happenings start?+

Salem Haunted Happenings starts on Oct 1, 2026.

How much does Salem Haunted Happenings cost?+

Admission to Salem Haunted Happenings is free.

Where is Salem Haunted Happenings held?+

Salem Haunted Happenings is held at Downtown Salem, Salem, MA 01970.

How often is Salem Haunted Happenings held?+

Month-long program of events throughout October.

While you’re there

Featured in

Is this your event?

Upgrade to Featured, $149/yr