City of Salem Releases Guide to Visiting on Halloween 2025

The City of Salem has released updated informational resources and a map outlining 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 downtown Salem.

“Visitor trends throughout October indicate that we are expecting large crowds for Halloween night,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “We encourage everyone to plan ahead, take public transportation, respect our rules and our residents, and enjoy a safe and fun visit to Salem.”

For ongoing updates, follow the City of Salem, My Salem MA app, and the Destination Salem App, and visit HauntedHappenings.org for visitor information and events throughout October.

Schedule of Public Events

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)

Washington Street at Federal Street
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm — DJ Francois Flow
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm — Hello Newman

Front Street Stage sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry
4:00 pm — DJ
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm — Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm — TerraFunk

Charlotte Forten Park
Live music at Harborwalk

North River
10:10 pm —  Halloween Drone Show brought to you by Witch City Walking Tours
Watch from MBTA, Bridge Street or Washington Street.

Final Trains

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. Please help us maintain a FUN and SAFE downtown environment on Halloween evening.

• Seek Alternative Routes. Halloween is no time for driving into Salem. Park in Beverly and take the MBTA Commuter Rail or the Salem Ferry if coming from Boston right into Salem. There are numerous road closures and details on October 31. If you must drive, expect delays.
• Avoid Fines and possible tows by not parking in “Resident” zones. Arrive early, and use free satellite parking on Halloween Day.
• Don’t get stuck! Entry to the MBTA garage will be restricted beginning at 6 pm. Access out of the garage will be restricted until 11:30 pm (or when 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 at 10:30 pm as police and the public works department 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.
• 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.