In 1982, the City has planned the first Salem Haunted Happenings Festival during Halloween weekend. The festival was an effort to provide family-friendly events for guests who were interested in visiting the “Witch City.” Following the first festival’s success with about 50,000 guests in attendance, the annual event has continued to grow each season, drawing everyone from families, couples, history buffs, and Halloween enthusiasts from all over the world.
Today, members of the modern Pagan and Witch communities have a home in Salem, where Samhain is celebrated each October recognizing the end of the harvest season and the coming of winter. The City’s modern witches have the unique opportunity of being able to share their beliefs and celebrations with both locals and out of town guests who come to celebrate the Halloween season in Salem.
Salem Haunted Happenings has evolved into a month-long celebration encompassing everything from family-friendly magic shows, to costume balls, psychic readings, haunted harbor cruises, ghost tours, and more. Whether you come to Salem seeking history, spooks, shopping, live music, or even a vibrant food and “spirits” scene, you are sure to find your own adventure this October at our Halloween Capital of the World.