More Salem Haunted Happenings So much fun hoodoo to do

“It just so happens that Halloween is based on the ancient feast called All Hallows’ Eve. It’s the one night of the year where the spirits of the dead can return to Earth.”

So said Allison, Vinessa Shaw’s character, in the 1993 comedy “Hocus Pocus.” And each October, the historic town of Salem, Massachusetts, celebrates Halloween and fall in New England with Salem Haunted Happenings — a fantastic collection of monthlong festivities that would make any witch proud.

For more than 35 years, the historic town has conjured up  spooky fun for all ages. With an ever-growing list of individual events scheduled throughout October, Salem Haunted Happenings is easily considered one of the best places to celebrate Halloween the world over. Whether you go for a day trip or spend the night in Salem, you’re in for a real treat. Read on for happenings to consider when planning your trip to “The Witch City.”

It well may be an easier task to list what not to do in Salem during October — the city overflows with events, tours, celebrations and such. So without further ado and directly from Festival of the Dead, here’s a brief list of 2021 Salem Haunted Happenings:

• The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball
• The Salem Psychic Fair & Witches’ Market
• The Dumb Supper: Dinner With the Dead
• Messages From the Spirit World: An Authentic Salem Séance
• Graveyard Conjure With Hoodoo Sen Moise
• Death & Rebirth: Ritual Transformation
• The Mourning Tea: Remembering the Dead
• Annual Salem Witches’ Magic Circle

Theatrical programming options bring the past to life:

• “Clue Live,” interactive performance at The Haunted Dinner Theater
• October Movie Night at Cinema Salem, organized by The House of the Seven Gables
• “Orlando” at Salem State Theatre
• “Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop,” the radio show-style production of “The Scarlet Letter” and the interactive “Quest for the Rich East” (for 50+ guests) presented by History Alive

Several attractions and tours explain the events of the Salem Witch Trials and their relevance to the world today:

• Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours
• “Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence” (film)
• Salem Wax Museum
• Salem Witch Museum
• Witch Dungeon Museum

Plenty of family activities will entertain all the ghouls and goblins:

• Salem Kids Tours
• Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours
• Haunted Happenings Harbor Cruise
• “Hocus Pocus” site tours — released in 1993, the Disney film was filmed on location in Salem, and many of the sites can be seen and photographed today

Frightening sights include haunted houses and ghost tours:

• Eerie Stories on Salem Sound — boat tour
• Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery
• The Lost Museum at Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre
• Salem Night Tour
• Tales at the Witch House

Learn more about this year’s Salem Haunted Happenings. Plan a visit to Salem with Archer Hotel Burlington as your home base, about 20 miles west in Burlington, MA.

And like Aunt Jet Owens, Dianne Wiest’s character in “Practical Magic,” warns, “Be careful what you wish for.” In The Witch City of Salem – and especially at Salem Haunted Happenings in October — you just may get it.

Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again!

Published September 2018 — Updated September 2021