Join us for the 7th annual Salem State University Theatre Department Costume Contest!
All Salem State community members are invited to submit a photo of your spooky, cute, and creative Halloween costumes by Friday, October 31st at midnight. Ashley will post the photos on the Theatre Department Facebook page so everyone can vote for their favorite costumes by Sunday at 11:59pm, and we'll announce the winners on Monday morning!
All current Salem State University students, faculty, staff, and alumni are welcome to participate.
Happy Halloween!
Experience Salem’s most enchanting outdoor marketplace on the historic Common! Talented artisans showcase handcrafted Halloween wonders, mystical jewelry, and seasonal treasures. Live entertainment every weekend in October!
Salem Common
Weekends: September 27-28, October 11-13, 18-19, 25-26
Halloween: October 31 (10am-9:45pm)
Hours: Saturdays 10am-8pm, Sundays 10am-6pm, Monday (Oct 13) 10am-6pm
Derby Square
Weekends: September 27-28, October 4-5, 11-13, 18-19, 25-26
Halloween: October 31 (10am-9:45pm)
November: November 1-2
Hours: Saturdays 10am-8pm, Sundays 10am-6pm, Monday (Oct 13) 10am-6pm
Old Town Hall Food Market
Season: September 25 - November 2
Halloween: October 31 (extended hours till 9:45pm)
Regular Hours:
Thursdays-Fridays: 4pm-8pm
Saturdays: 11am-8pm
Sundays: 11am-6pm
Thursday, October 2, 2025
6:30pm-8:00pm
The 28th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade will take place, as always, on the first Thursday of October, October 2nd, 2025.
The Parade is a special nighttime tradition for the city of Salem and visitors alike to officially kick off Salem’s Halloween season. The evening should be a night full of color, pageantry, music, and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college plus many local business owners. Over 15,000 spectators (children, adults, and those in between) are expected to attend.
Parade Route: Congress Street, Derby Street, Central Street, Front Street, Washington Street, Essex Street, Salem Common
The City of Salem’s free October weekend shuttle returns on Saturday, October 4th. Visitors are strongly encouraged to utilize the free parking at the shuttle satellite lots and ride the free shuttle into downtown Salem.
Where to Park (Free Satellite Lots)
Salem State University’s O’Keefe Center – 225 Canal Street
Salem High School – 77 Willson Street
Behind Salem Hospital – 108 Jefferson Avenue
Together these lots offer 1,300+ free spaces.
October 4 – 5
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
October 11 – 13 (Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
October 18 – 19
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
October 25 – 26
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
October 31 (Halloween)
Salem State University O’Keefe Center
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Salem High School
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Jefferson Avenue
No Parking available 10/31
Route A: Salem High School ⇆ 108 Jefferson Ave ⇆ Riley Plaza
Route B: SSU O’Keefe Center ⇆ 108 Jefferson Ave ⇆ Riley Plaza
Both Routes Meet: 108 Jefferson Ave
Downtown pick-up/drop-off: Riley Plaza, on Margin Street
Only 108 Jefferson Avenue is for shuttle parking.
Cars left in other Salem Hospital lots or outside shuttle hours are subject to towing.
An accessible shuttle is available for those who require one – on Route A with service to/from Salem High School, 108 Jefferson Ave, and Riley Plaza.
Saturday, October 11, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Derby Wharf
Salem Main Streets is hosting our most terrifyingly adorable event of the year! This is event is free to attend for costumed pet appreciation and there is a suggested donation of $5 (Salem Residents)/$10 (out-of-towners) for entering your pet.
Pets of all species are welcome, but should be well-behaved and comfortable at a busy event where there are likely to be many dogs.
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 fireworks.
Do not bring weapons, real or fake, to Salem on Halloween.