Salem Halloween / witch tourism season

Salem (, SAY-ləm) is a historic coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, located on the North Shore of Greater Boston. Continuous settlement by Europeans began in 1626 with English colonists. Salem was one of the most significant seaports for trading commodities in early American history.

Language

English

Genres

tarot/occult, horror

Format

in-person

Next edition

Sep–Oct annually; peak around 31 Oct 2026 & 2027

Author participation

Author/signings via local bookstores (e.g. Wicked Good Books); festival vendor permits via City of Salem / event organisers; haunt & occult fairs

Audience

Some of Salem's police cars are adorned with witch logos, a public elementary school is known as Witchcraft Heights, and the Salem High School athletic teams are named the Witches.

Age policy

There were 19,313 households in Salem, of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living in them.

Accessibility

ensaries Gifts & Souvenirs Witch & Occult Shops Blog Travel Info Expand submenu Accessibility Directions Free Guide Motorcoach & Group Tours Parking Rideshare and Taxi Info Quiz: Perfect Trip Restrooms Port of Sal

Language notes

Listed working language: English

Genre notes

Primary focus: tarot/occult; Also listed: horror

Programme

Samuel McIntire's house and workshop were located at 31 Summer Street in what is now the Samuel McIntire Historic District.

Past editions

2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025

Travel

The nearest general aviation airport is Beverly Municipal Airport, and the nearest commercial airline service for national and international flights is at Boston's Logan International Airport.

Stay

The 1,100-foot (340 m) walkway extends from the area of the Salem Fire Station to the Salem Waterfront Hotel.

Festival site