Haunted Happenings in Salem this October

It’s that time of year again, Halloween month in Salem! There is so much to do in Salem during the month of October. Here’s a roundup of some of the most exciting events to expect as we enter Halloween season:

Visit a Witch Shop

Salem is packed year-round with thrill seekers. Travelers can explore witch shops, get a psychic reading, or take a tour of one of the many haunted sites throughout the city. Here are a few options:

HausWitch Home + Healing
The Coven’s Cottage
Crow Haven Corner (the oldest witch shop in Salem!)

Immerse Yourself in Witch History

The infamous and tragic Salem Witch Trials of 1692 put the city on the map. Nowadays, you can learn all about the area’s sordid past by visiting local landmarks and museums pertaining to the infamous colonial hysteria. Must-see spots include:

The Salem Witch Museum: where exhibits and life-size sets teach guests all about the trials
The Witch House: a spooky looking dwelling where Judge Jonathan Corwin used to reside
Old Burying Point Cemetery: one of the oldest graveyards in the U.S. where the judges involved in the Salem Witch Trials are buried
Proctor’s Ledge Memorial at Gallows Hill: site where 19 of the 20 victims in the Salem Witch Trials were hanged
Salem Witch Trials Memorial: a simple stonewall bearing the names of the wrongly condemned and killed

Book a Walking Tour or Visit a Museum

Here’s a quick list of top museums and tours:

Witch Dungeon Museum (16 Lynde St. 978-741-3570): Touted as one of the most exciting experiences in Salem, this museum does live re-enactments of the Salem Witch Trials and tours of the dungeon.
The Witch House at Salem (310 1/2 Essex St. 978-744-8815): The Jonathan Corwin House, better known as The Witch House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) and is the only structure you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. Self-guided tours daily from 10am-5pm.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial (24 Liberty St. 978-744-1692): This memorial is dedicated to the 20 victims of the witch trials.
Salem Night Tour (127 Essex St. 978-741-1170): If you’re brave enough to walk through Salem’s haunted streets at night, then the Salem Night Tour is for you! Hear ghost stories and learn about the history of some of Salem’s oldest sights.
Candlelit Ghostly Walking Tour (288 Derby St, 978-740-2929): This hour-long walking tour will take you around some of Salem’s most haunted locations.

Check Out Where “Hocus Pocus” was Filmed

This 1993 Disney cult classic was filmed in various locations throughout Salem, many of which you can see for yourself. Sites that you can visit include:

Pioneer Village (aka Salem Village in the movie): where you can retrace the steps of Thackery and Emily Binx
Old Town Hall: where the Sanderson sisters gave a bewitching performance
Allison’s house: the Ropes Mansion, which will be decked out in full Halloween decor just like in the movie

Be sure to check the business hours for each spot ahead of time!

Stop by the Haunted Happenings

Salem does October right, with an entire month of “Haunted Happenings.” There are events for all ages from family movie nights and witch hat decorating contests to psychic readings and the official Halloween Costume Ball. Here are the events we’re most looking forward to this year:

Haunted Happenings Marketplace – every weekend 10am-8pm – All Ages

Every weekend in October stop by the Salem Common for the popup marketplace to shop different vendors, enjoy live performances and more.

What are you most looking forward to seeing, doing or visiting in Salem this fall?