The City of Salem has released updated informational resources and a map outlining planned road closures and safety measures for Halloween night, Friday, October 31, 2025. These materials are intended to help residents and visitors plan ahead and enjoy a safe, fun Halloween experience in Salem.
“Visitor trends throughout October indicate that we are expecting large crowds for Halloween night,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “We encourage everyone to help us keep Salem magical: plan ahead, take public transportation, respect our rules and our residents, and enjoy a safe and fun Halloween!”
For ongoing updates, download the MySalemMA app and turn on notifications, and visit HauntedHappenings.org for visitor information and event details.
Schedule of Public Events on Halloween: Friday, October 31
Stage on Salem Common, presented by Legion Salem
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – DJ Richard Mixin
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Witches Circle
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Not Bad, Pretty Good
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Drunken Doja Monkey (DDM)
Stage at Washington Street and Federal Street
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm – DJ Francois Flow
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Hello Newman
Stage on Front Street
4:00 pm – DJ
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – TerraFunk
Stage at Charlotte Forten Park
Live music at Harborwalk
Stage on Hawthorne Boulevard
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Undercover Band
8:30 pm -10:00 pm – Pretty Rotten
North River
10:10 pm – Halloween Night Closing Drone Show (sponsored by Witch City Walking Tours)
Watch from MBTA platform or Washington Street. Please note that the City of Salem’s public address announcement system will be activated at approximately 10:00 pm to signal the beginning of the drone show.
Final Trains leaving Salem
To Boston: 11:05 pm
To Newburyport: 12:22 am
To Rockport: 12:30 am
View the schedule at MBTA.com/destinations/salem
The City of Salem strongly discourages disorderly behavior, including drinking in public, littering and random acts of vandalism. Offenders will be penalized to the maximum amount allowed under the law both civilly and criminally. Some violations may incur triple fines on Halloween. Please help us maintain a FUN and SAFE downtown environment on Halloween evening.
Be Smart, Be Safe, Have Fun: Guidelines for a Happy Halloween
• Seek alternative transportation. Driving into Salem on Halloween is not advisable. There are numerous road closures on October 31. If you must drive, expect delays. Take the MBTA Commuter Rail or the Salem Ferry if possible.
• Avoid fines and possible tows by not parking in “Resident” zones. Arrive early, and use free satellite parking on Halloween Day (https://www.hauntedhappenings.org/maps-info/parking-shuttle-information/).
• Don’t get stuck! Entry to the MBTA garage will prohibited by the MBTA beginning at 6 pm. Access out of the garage will be prohibited until 11:30 pm (or when the festivities are over).
• Review Salem’s Halloween rules. Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited and weapons will be confiscated. The party ends after the drone show. Plan to depart by 10:30 pm as police and public works departments will be clearing the streets at this time.
• Triple fines are in effect. Citations for illegal behavior, including public drinking, vandalism, and littering could have fines up to $300 per violation.
• Please be considerate of other visitors, Salem residents, and downtown property.
• Check the weather ahead of time so you don’t find yourself caught in unpredictable New England weather.
Halloween Safety
See something, say something.
• Emergency issues: call 911.
• Nuisance issues: 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 drone show.
• Do not bring weapons, real or fake, to Salem on Halloween.
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Image caption: Halloween revelers take the train to Salem! Photo courtesy of Jess Shada, Destination Salem.
