Resident Resources

Nightmare before Christmas actors
Photo by John Andrews, Creative Collective

We’re proud to offer exciting ways for Salem residents to enjoy Haunted Happenings and participate in October’s festivities. From exclusive offers to free programs, here’s how we’re celebrating our community:

Free Admission & Resident Offers – Mayor’s Night Out

Mayor’s Night Out is a beloved tradition that gives Salem residents the chance to enjoy free or discounted admission to local museums, attractions, and businesses. Trick-or-treating for children in costume is also part of the festivities.

This year Mayor’s Night Out is on Friday, September 27th!

The following museums and attractions are free to Salem residents for Mayor’s Night Out. Residents must provide a photo identification showing proof of Salem residency to gain free admission. Students may use a school identification card, bus pass, or a Salem Public Library card.

PARTICIPATING MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS

New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm

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Peabody Essex Museum East India Square
Always Free for Salem Residents

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Salem Wax Museum
Salem Witch Village
288 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 10am-8pm

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Frankenstein’s Castle
288 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 12-8pm

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Salem Witch Museum
19 ½ Washington Sq. North
Always Free for Salem Residents

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Witch Dungeon Museum
16 Lynde Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm

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Witch History Museum
197 Essex Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm

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As part of Mayor’s Night Out the Museum Place Mall Garage and the South Harbor Garage will offer free parking to Salem residents after 2:00 p.m. (proof of residency will be required when you exit the garages).

Trick-or-Treat Downtown

As part of Mayor’s Night Out, Salem’s downtown and Pickering Wharf businesses host trick-or-treating for children in costume. This event is a wonderful way for families to enjoy a safe and festive Halloween celebration in the heart of the city.

The date for 2024 Trick-or-Treat has not yet been confirmed. Please check back for updates as soon as details are finalized.

BlueBikes

  • The City is offering free 30-day BlueBikes passes to Salem residents. Please contact blinard@salem.com for your free code. Click here to learn more information about the BlueBikes program.

Other City Information

  • Halloween is on a Thursday this year. If your regularly scheduled trash and recycling day is Friday, the City asks that you do not put your bins out the night before.
people in costumes
Photo by Creative Collective

As we gear up for these exciting events, it’s important to keep in mind the increased activity throughout Salem in October. To ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone, there will be several road closures and parking restrictions during the busiest times of the season.

Road Closures

The City of Salem has announced planned and anticipated road closures for October in Salem, including lot closures and traffic impacts from planned special events. The Salem Police will close roadways at any point if they determine they should be closed for public safety reasons. Learn more about 2024 Planned Road Closures here.

Resident Parking

In addition to year round resident permit parking, the City designates certain downtown-adjacent streets as temporary October resident permit parking to ensure Salem residents have access to parking near their homes. Permits are available to Salem residents on these streets for the month of October only. Beginning this year, temporary October resident permits will be license-plate based and residents must register their vehicles online to obtain a permit (temporary October resident permits remain free of charge).

  • For more information about year-round Resident Parking, click here.
  • For more information about October Resident Parking, click here.
  • See eligible streets for Resident Parking here.
  • Beginning this year, temporary October resident permits will be license-plate based. Eligible residents must register their vehicles on the online Passport Customer Portal at SalemMA.CMRPay.com to obtain a permit. Temporary October resident permits remain free of charge.
  • Also note – starting this year, October Visitor Permits will cost $10.00 (Limit one (1) visitor permit per residence). To purchase an October Visitor Permit, eligible residents must create a profile (if you have not already done so) and select “October Visitor” from the drop-down under “Apply for a New Permit.” Then, follow instructions to submit an application. Proof of residency at an eligible address will be required to purchase an October Visitor Permit.

Learn more about resident parking here.