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Festivals & ParadesThe biggest Halloween celebration in the world: a city-wide, month-long festival of street fairs, costume balls, haunted attractions, psychic fairs and the Grand Parade — layered over Salem’s real witch-trial history. Nearly a million visitors come every October; Halloween night 2026 falls on a Saturday and will be the busiest in Salem’s history.
What to Expect
Free street programming every day of October, ticketed haunted attractions and witch-history events, and enormous costumed crowds on weekends. The Grand Parade opens the season in early October; fireworks close it over the harbor on Halloween night.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Street events FREE · attractions $25–35 · Witches’ Ball $100+
- Parking: Garages fill by 10 AM on weekends — take the MBTA train from Boston
- Pets: Leashed pets fine outdoors; not admitted to attractions
- Accessibility: Downtown is flat and walkable; cobblestones near the wharf
Tips & Advice
- Visit weekdays or the first two weeks of October — 70% of the magic, 30% of the crowds.
- Book séances, readings and the Ball in September; walk-up slots vanish.
- Take the Commuter Rail from North Station (~30 min) instead of driving.
- Plan your exit before you arrive on Halloween night — trains pack out after fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Haunted Happenings 2026?
October 1–31, 2026, with daily events and major weekend programming.
Is Salem worth visiting with kids?
Yes — daytime Salem is very family-friendly: parade, marketplace, trolley and museums.
How much does a Salem Halloween day cost?
Street events are free. Museums $15–20, haunted attractions $25–35, premium events like the Witches’ Ball $100+.
Can you visit on Halloween night itself?
Yes — and 2026’s Saturday Halloween will be enormous. Expect road closures, packed trains and a citywide street party with fireworks.